Ann-Marie,
There are different sections to Attitash Mountain Village (our home resort). The Suites at AMV are mostly brand new and are in a different configuration from the units numbered 1-10, some of which are very old. We actually like the older units better, but some consider them somewhat dated. The Suites are gigantic and have all the extras, but the older buildings have a LOT of room as well, even the studios. The numbered units have been upgraded as they need it, and only once in the last four or five visits did we get a unit we thought needed a refresh pretty urgently.
As you have noted, the staff at the desk don't seem to know a lot about the units. I've found that out when I asked the first year if our unit had a washer and dryer and was told no. It actually did.
This year when we returned to our unit we found new carpeting and new A/C units. Last year when we visited (had exchanged to another unit for that visit) they had dug up the walkway to our owned building and were replacing it with a brand new one. Building #6 had a new dormer put on it to increase space and they had plans to put a dormer on another unit (I forget which one). They are constantly improving things and during the summer the place is hopping. If you're traveling with little ones, most of the attractions are closed after labor day except on the weekends, so keep that in mind. In September, Bartlett/Glen/NorthConway get pretty slow, so if you want a low-key visit, the fall is great. But during the summer, things are hopping and there is plenty of fun to be had.
If you're looking for lake swimming, Echo Lake is very close and even during the summer is not extremely crowded -- at least it wasn't when we were there in late June. It's very secluded, clean, and you can watch the rock climbers climbing up the rock face just in front of you as you swim. Bring some binoculars.
My wife, toddler and I love this resort, even though like I said things can look a little dated depending on the unit you get. This year we did notice that the facilities had been given a lot of attention in the offseason though.
We had originally purchased a $1 sale on Ebay for this resort, then loved it so much we re-invested and traded up to three adjoining units in a week that was better for us. We convinced my parents to come with us on a vacation a year ago, and they are now owners themselves. There is just SO much to do within a 30 minute drive, and even more within an hour, and the resort is so cozy, nestled within the evergreens.
I hope you have a fantastic visit, and if I can be of any more help, let me know.
Ah - one note about the River Run Condos. It looks like these are the units for outright sale (not timeshares) at AMV, but I think it's the same thing -- either the numbered buildings, or the Suites. At least this seems to indicate that (posted at the end of June):
http://blog.jtrealty.com/featured-listing/6-reasons-river-run-at-attitash-in-bartlett-nh-rocks/
Perhaps the condos are not upgraded by the resort itself, but are up to the discretion of the individual owners. I'd imagine there are certain minimums though that they must adhere to in order to keep the units in presentable shape.
