You will seldom be far from a hotel, motel, inn, or B&B in New England, so making up a route as you go is quite feasible. However, if you want to stay at a particular place, advance reservations are recommended and are particularly important any time in summer, in the fall ‘leaf-peeping’ season, and near popular winter resort areas. During these times, some accommodations raise their rates and have a two-night minimum-stay policy over the weekend.
For listings of B&Bs and guesthouses in New England, check New England Inns and Resorts (www.newenglandinnsandresorts.com). Other useful websites for Boston and Massachusetts include www.boston-bnbagency.com, www.bostonhomestay.org, and www.bnbboston.com. Helpful general websites include www.visitnewengland.com, www.discovernewengland.org, and www.bnbfinder.com.
Price for a double room for one night without breakfast:
$$$$ = over $200
$$$ = $150–200
$$ = $75–150
$ = under $75
Boston (MA)
Boston Harbor Hotel
70 Rowes Wharf; tel: 617-439-7000; www.bhh.com; T-stop: Aquarium; $$$$
Board the airport water shuttle at Logan and, seven minutes later, step into one of the city’s premier waterside hotels. Each of the 230 rooms has either a harbor or a skyline view. Eighteen rooms are designed for the physically disabled. Museum-quality art decorates the public areas, and the Meritage restaurant offers superb dining.
Balcony view from the Boston Harbor Hotel
Nowitz Photography/Apa Publications
Charlesmark Hotel
655 Boylston Street; tel: 617-247–1212; http://charlesmarkhotel.com; T-stop: Copley; $$$
Location-wise, it hardly gets any better in Boston. Across the street from the Boston Public Library in Back Bay, this hotel adds to the value with stylish, albeit occasionally small, rooms spruced up by custom-made oak furniture. The outdoor patio overlooks the finish line of the Boston Marathon.
The Langham
250 Franklin Street; tel: 617-451-1900; www.langhamhotels.com; T-stop: State; $$$$
This luxurious hotel, occupying the former Federal Reserve Bank, has rooms decorated to reflect the building’s opulent history. Its Café Fleuri offers a brasserie-style menu and an elaborate Sunday jazz brunch.
The Langham’s historic Federal Reserve Bank facade
Leonardo
Liberty Hotel
215 Charles Street; tel: 617-224-4000; http://libertyhotel.com; T-stop: Charles/MGH; $$$$
The former Charles Street Jail (built in 1851) has been inventively renovated into this boutique hotel. Original prison catwalks and magnificent soaring windows have been preserved. The prison theme continues in the restaurant Clink and stylish bar Alibi. Also here is the contemporary Italian restaurant Scampo, run by celebrity chef Lydia Shire.
Newbury Guest House
261 Newbury Street; tel: 617-670-6000/1-800-437-7668; www.newburyguesthouse.com; T-stop: Hynes; $$
Three 1880s Victorian homes have been renovated to create this elegant 32-room inn. The rooms retain some of the 19th-century decorative details. There are quieter rooms in the back.
Nine Zero
90 Tremont Street; tel: 617-772-5800; www.ninezero.com; T-stop: Park Street; $$$$
One of Boston’s sleekest boutique hotels, offering high-tech, high-speed, and high-touch amenities, along with personalized service, custom-designed beds, and down comforters. The restaurant, Highball Lounge, serves creative snacks and cocktails.
Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common
10 Avery Street; tel: 617-574-7100/1-800-241-3333; www.ritzcarlton.com; T-stop: Boylston; $$$$
Overlooking the Common, the modern Ritz-Carlton offers contemporary luxury minus the stuffiness that hung over its former property (now the Taj Boston) across from the Public Garden. All the rooms have modern furnishings. High tea is served in the Galleria.
Cambridge (MA)
Charles Hotel
1 Bennett Street; tel: 617-864-1200; www.charleshotel.com; T-stop: Harvard; $$$$
The Charles Hotel offers restrained Shaker-inspired luxury, with incredible antique quilts gracing the walls, and impeccable service. All 294 rooms are well appointed and include high-tech amenities. The Regatta Bar is a great jazz venue, and the Henrietta’s Table restaurant is a mainstay of the city’s gourmet circuit.
Hotel Veritas
1 Remington Street; tel: 617-520-5000; www.thehotelveritas.com; T-stop: Harvard; $$$$
Harvard’s motto inspired the name of this hotel, but its design sense comes more from contemporary schools, with a firm boutique approach to traditional New England design and plush touches, like marble showers, Egyptian cotton linens, and heated bathroom floors.
Kendall Hotel
350 Main Street; tel: 617-577-1300; www.kendallhotel.com; T-stop: Kendall; $$$
Part of the MIT neighborhood, this former fire house turned quirky boutique hotel charms with a mishmash of vintage Americana and eyebrow-raising works by regional artists. Rooms follow suit and are small but homey. The restaurant is a popular lunch spot for workers in the offices nearby.
Mary Prentiss Inn
6 Prentiss Street; tel: 617-661-2929; www.maryprentissinn.com; T-stop: Porter; $$$
This historic Greek Revival building has 20 rooms with exposed beams, shutters, and antiques; some have wood-burning fireplaces and Jacuzzis. Rates include a full breakfast and complimentary afternoon tea. There is a lush outdoor deck, and free parking.
Boston skyline view from the Liberty Hotel
Leonardo
Concord (MA)
Hawthorne Inn
462 Lexington Road; tel: 978-369-5610; www.hawthorneinnconcord.com; $$
Apart from the town’s Colonial Inn (for more information, click here), another highly recommended overnight stay is this 1870s house opposite, which sports delightfully decorated rooms.
Salem and Cape Ann (MA)
The Addison Choate Inn
49 Broadway, Rockport; tel: 1-800-245-7543; www.addisonchoateinn.com; $$
A charming 1850s house that offers modern conveniences. It has six rooms, and there is a separate cottage with two self-catering units.
18 Washington Square West, Salem; tel: 978-744-4080; www.hawthornehotel.com; $$–$$$
This Federal-style red-brick building is situated by the common and handy for all downtown attractions. The rooms are all furnished with 18th-century reproductions. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, lounge, and exercise room.
The Merchant
148 Washington Street, Salem; tel: 978-745-8100; www.themerchantsalem.com; $$$–$$$$
The 18th-century house is special for many reasons: The interior woodwork is by craftsman Samuel McIntire; George Washington once stayed here; and ghosts of tortured ‘witches’ supposedly haunt the halls. All the color now seems to be in the bright, whimsical décor of the boutique hotel.
Yankee Clipper Inn
127 Granite Street, Rockport; tel: 978-546-0001; www.yankeeclipperinn.com; $$$–$$$$
This 1929 Art Deco oceanfront mansion has well-appointed and charmingly decorated guest rooms (six look out to sea) and a saltwater pool.
South Shore and Cape Cod (MA)
Belfry Inn
6 Jarves Street, Sandwich; tel: 508-888–8550/1-800-844–4542; www.belfryinn.com; $$$
Three separate buildings make up this inn, but the star is the deconsecrated church (the Abbey), with six rooms named for the days of the creation. Tuesday features an incredible stained-glass ‘compass’ window right behind the bed.
The Brass Key
The Brass Key
The Brass Key
67 Bradford Street, Provincetown; tel: 508-487-9005/1-800-842-9858; www.brasskey.com; $$$
A stylish guesthouse complex made up of four converted houses surrounding a small pool. There is also a spa, and all rooms have air-conditioning.
Crow’s Nest Resort
496 Shore Road, North Truro; tel: 508-487-9031; http://www.caperesort.com; $$–$$$
This beachfront resort stands out among the roadside motels and motor inns along the route to Provincetown for its private beach, modern facilities, and views of the bay and nearby lighthouses, often from private balconies. All units come with full kitchens.
The Dan’l Webster Inn
149 Main Street, Sandwich; tel: 508-888-3622/1-800-444-3566; www.danlwebsterinn.com; $$$$
Lodgings have been available here for guests for the last 300 years. It is named after the successful Boston lawyer and US senator. There are 48 rooms and suites, gardens, a spa, and an outdoor heated swimming pool.
Provincetown Inn
1 Commercial Street, Provincetown; tel: 508-487-9500; www.provincetowninn.com; $$
This motel-style resort is bounded by water on three sides, with its own pool and direct access to the beach. It’s good value for Provincetown.
Whitfield House
26 North Street, Plymouth; tel: 508-747-6735; www.whitfieldhouse.com; $$
This charming B&B, in a house dating from 1782, offers fireplaces, antique furniture, and canopy beds in two of its three bedrooms.
The Berkshires and Pioneer Valley (MA)
Deerfield Inn
81 Main Street, Deerfield; tel: 413-774-5587; www.deerfieldinn.com; $$$
All of the rooms at this 1884 inn have period wallpaper and furnishings; some have four-poster or canopy beds. The common rooms are filled with antiques, and there’s also Champney’s Restaurant, featuring a contemporary American menu and 101 different Martinis.
Hotel on North
297 North St, Pittsfield; tel: 413-358-4741; http://hotelonnorth.com; $$$
A rare example of a modern boutique style in the area, this upscale hotel in a restored 1880s building in downtown Pittsfield draws its furnishings and accoutrements from the best of New England’s craftsmen today.
The Porches Inn
231 River Street, North Adams; tel: 413-664-0400; www.porches.com; $$$
This stylish inn across the road from MASS MoCA offers 47 imaginatively decorated rooms that pay quirky homage to the town’s former mill workers. There’s also a pool.
Room at the Red Lion Inn
Leonardo
The Red Lion Inn
30 Main Street, Stockbridge; tel: 413-298-5545; www.redlioninn.com; $$–$$$$
It hardly gets more traditional than this historic 108-room inn, dating back to 1773 and immortalized in Norman Rockwell’s painting Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas. Six presidents have stayed here, as well as John Wayne and Bob Dylan. Sit on the front porch and watch the world go by, or dine in its elegant restaurant hung with chandeliers.
Providence (RI)
The Dean
122 Fountain Street; tel: 401-455–3326; http://thedeanhotel.com; $$$
Formerly a strip club, this boutique hotel now caters to the hip and trendy with a minimalist, masculine vibe; sexy cocktail den; and karaoke. Rooms are on the small side, but impressively designed, with original artwork and signature black bathrooms.
Hotel Providence
311 Westminster Street; tel: 401-861-8000/1-800-861-8990; www.thehotelprovidence.com; $$$
On trendy Westminster Street is this boutique 80-room property, which has benefited from the design skills of a Rhode Island School of Design professor.
Providence Biltmore
11 Dorrance Street; tel: 401-421-0700; www.providencebiltmore.com; $$–$$$
Old World elegance at the heart of downtown Providence has been the Biltmore’s stock in trade for decades. Renovations in 2015 fully restored the grande dame’s glamour.
Newport (RI)
The Chanler
117 Memorial Boulevard; tel: 401-847-1300; www.thechanler.com; $$$$
Although the themed rooms are somewhat gimmicky, this cliffside hotel excels at comfort, romance, and views of Easton Bay, making it a favorite for weddings and honeymoons. The restaurant, Spiced Pear, also brings in locals for fine dining New England style.
The Hotel Viking
1 Bellevue Avenue; tel: 401-847-3300/1-800-556-7126; www.hotelviking.com; $$$–$$$$
This property on the National Register of Historic Places blends bygone detail with guest comforts. Rooms – particularly suites – are spacious and well equipped. There’s a pool, hot tub, sauna, restaurant, and rooftop bar.
The Ivy Lodge
12 Clay Street; tel: 401-849-6865; www.ivylodge.com; $$–$$$
This Victorian ‘cottage’ in the mansion district features a 33ft (10m) high Gothic paneled oak entrance and a three-story turned-baluster stairway. Guest rooms have private baths, period furnishings, brass or iron beds, and fireplaces. Hearty buffet-style breakfasts are included.
Connecticut Coast
36 Main Street, Essex; tel: 860-767-1776; www.griswoldinn.com; $$–$$$
Dating back to 1776, this is one of the oldest inns in the US. All rooms have private baths and period furnishings, and some have fireplaces. There is an atmospheric taproom (bar), and a restaurant that serves classic New England fare; Sunday brunch is a tradition.
Steamboat Inn
73 Steamboat Wharf, Mystic; tel: 860-536-8300; www.steamboatinnmystic.com; $$$–$$$$
This renovated riverfront warehouse is a good choice for luxurious accommodations. Big rooms have been beautifully decorated and have whirlpool baths; some of them feature wet bars and fireplaces.
Study at Yale
1157 Chapel Street, New Haven; tel: 203-503-3900; www.studyhotels.com; $$$–$$$$
A lovely, designer boutique hotel, steps away from the heart of the campus. Spacious rooms are decorated in calming colors and a tasteful mix of contemporary and traditional furnishing, including leather reading chairs.
Whalers’ Inn
20 East Main Street, Mystic; tel: 860-536-1506; www.whalersinnmystic.com; $$–$$$
Located one block from the Mystic River, this complex includes a small hotel with Victorian furnishings and reproduction four-poster beds, and the fancy Italian restaurant Bravo Bravo.
The Green Mountains (VT)
630 Main Street, Weston; tel: 802-824-6789; www.innweston.com; $$–$$$$
The original inn at this three-building complex dates from 1848. Accommodations are luxurious, with fresh-cut flowers, wood-burning fireplaces, and whirlpool tubs for two. Contemporary regional cuisine is served in the candlelit dining room.
50 Main Street, Brattleboro; tel: 802-275-5109; www.latchishotel.com; $$
Occupying part of a handsome 1938 Art Deco building, which also includes a beautifully preserved cinema of the era, is this great-value hotel run under the stewardship of the Brattleboro Arts Initiative – hence the work by local artists displayed in each room.
The Pitcher Inn
275 Main Street, Warren; tel: 802-496–6350; www.pitcherinn.com; $$$$
One of the best hotels in the state, the Pitcher impresses with both its splendid location along Mad River, under the peaks of Sugarbush ski resort, and fun, whimsical ski-lodge design. Endless outdoor activities are steps from the front door.
Twin Farms
452 Royalton Turnpike, Barnard; tel: 802-234-9999; www.twinfarms.com; $$$$
Few hotel experiences in the world can match a stay at this ultra-exclusive resort set among three hundred acres of rolling hills. The 1795 farmhouse at the center was the home of Nobel Prize-winning writer Sinclair Lewis. Similar pedigree is found in the cottages, including artwork by Jasper Johns. The spa is also second to none, as are the prices.
14 The Green, Woodstock; tel: 802-332-6853/1-888-338-2745; www.woodstockinn.com; $$$–$$$$
An elegant, historic inn has spacious guest rooms with colonial furnishings and occasional porches and/or fireplaces. Amenities include a fine restaurant, tavern, swimming pool, and nearby golf course.
Burlington and Lake Champlain Valley (VT)
Basin Harbor Club
4800 Basin Harbor Road, Vergennes; tel: 802-475-2311/1-800-622-4000; www.basinharbor.com; $$$–$$$$
This gracious lakefront resort, situated on 700 acres (283ha), has fine views across Lake Champlain and offers comfortable accommodations in cottages or in rooms and suites in lodges. Activities on offer include an 18-hole golf course, boating on the lake, children’s programs, and tennis. The restaurant serves classic American cuisine; collared shirts are requested at dinner and ties and jackets preferred. Closed mid-Oct–mid-May.
Lakeside at the Basin Harbor Club
Leonardo
The Chipman Inn
Route 125, Ripton; tel: 802-388-2390; www.chipmaninn.com; $–$$
In a tranquil spot within the Green Mountains National Forest, and close by the nature walk to poet Robert Frost’s cabin, is this charming, simple inn with a private bar and spacious, country-style rooms.
Hotel Vermont
41 Cherry Street, Burlington; tel: 802-651–0080; http://hotelvt.com; $$$$
Burlington’s best hotel wins effusive praise for its clever, boutique design and character that applies a 21st-century vision on classic Vermont elements, smoky black granite walls, reclaimed oak floors, and local artwork. The restaurant, Juniper, is local hangout, with some of the best cocktails in town.
1611 Harbor Road, Shelburne; tel: 802-985-8498; www.shelburnefarms.org; $$$–$$$$
The grand 1899 Webb family mansion, on the grounds of a working farm and National Historic Landmark, offers 24 luxurious, period-decorated guest rooms, an excellent library, spectacular views of Lake Champlain, and some of Vermont’s finest dining. Closed mid-Oct–mid-May.
Made INN Vermont
204 South Willard Street; tel: 802-399-2788; www.madeinnvermont.com; $$$$
Few bed and breakfasts in the world pack as much quirk as this one inside a gorgeous Victorian house, starting with the record players and vinyl collection in each room, guitars and amps in the hallways, and endless shelves of artsy curiosities. The view of Lake Champlain from the widow’s walk is unmatched anywhere in town.
The Middlebury Inn
Leonardo
The Middlebury Inn
14 Court Square, Middlebury; tel: 802-388-4961; www.middleburyinn.com; $$–$$$$
A rambling and creaking brick inn from 1827, with well-restored and appointed rooms in the main inn and the Victorian-era Porter House Mansion, as well as accommodations in the attached contemporary motel. Afternoon tea, included in the rates, is served daily 2.30–5.30pm.
The Lakes Region (NH)
Mill Falls at the Lake
312 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith; 844-745-2931; http://millfalls.com; $$$$
The inviting waters of Lake Winnipesaukee are right outside the door of this resort divided into four lodgings, each with its own flavor and character, including a 40-foot waterfall running alongside. The spa is one of the best in New Hampshire.
The Wolfeboro Inn
90 North Main Street, Wolfeboro; tel: 603-569-3016; www.wolfeboroinn.com; $$$–$$$$
There are lake views from the balconies of some of the recently renovated rooms at this attractive property with a private beach beside the water. Its Wolfe’s Tavern, hung with pewter mugs, is a convivial place for a relaxed meal or drink.
The White Mountains (NH)
Adair Country Inn
80 Guider Lane, Bethlehem; tel: 603-444-2600; www.adairinn.com; $$$
This luxurious Georgian Revival mansion, set in 200 acres (80ha) overlooking the Presidential Mountain range, offers 11 antiques-decorated guest rooms. The restaurant (Thu–Mon) is open to outside guests for dinner.
Adventure Suites
3440 White Mountain Highway, North Conway; tel: 603-356-9744; www.adventuresuites.com; $–$$$
Your kids (and the child inside you) will be in raptures if you check into this whacky theme hotel. All rooms are different and they include ones designed as a tree house, a log cabin, and a cave with stalactites and a waterfall shower.
AMC Highland Center
Route 302, Crawfold Notch; tel: 603-278-4453; www.outdoors.org; $
Ideal for hikers, this place offers simple shared and private accommodations and an environmental learning center. Meals are available from a self-serve canteen.
AMC Pinkham Notch Camp and Huts
Route 16, Pinkham Notch (reservations: Box 298, Gorham); tel: 603-466-2727; www.outdoors.org; $
These accommodations at the base of Mount Washington include bunk, private, and family rooms, all with shared bath. Three meals are served daily, and there’s a living room with a fireplace.
Mount Washington Hotel
Shutterstock
Route 302, Bretton Woods; tel: 603-278-1000/1-800-809-6664; www.omnihotels.com; $$$$
This grande dame of the White Mountains opened in 1902 and is still going strong. It offers a wide variety of accommodations, plus activities including golf, skiing, and a state-of-the-art spa. Men are requested to wear collared shirts and pressed slacks or more to dine in the formal dining room in the evening. A lovely, quieter place to stay is the resort’s elegant Bretton Arms Inn.
Portsmouth (NH)
Ale House Inn
121 Bow Street; tel: 603-431-7760; www.alehouseinn.com; $$–$$$$
This recently renovated hotel occupies the second floor of an old brick brewery (hence the name). Some of the contemporary design rooms provide glimpses of the river. No food is served, but there are plenty of places to eat nearby.
The Hotel Portsmouth
40 Court Street; tel: 603-433-1200; www.thehotelportsmouth.com; $$–$$$$
Set in a Queen Anne townhouse (and modern addition) in the city’s most historic district. New ownership and renovations have endowed the property with a contemporary boutique spirit with a vintage, mid-century flavor.
Wentworth by the Sea
588 Wentworth Road, New Castle; tel: 603-422–7322/866-384–0709; www.wentworth.com; $$$$
This colossal grand dame of the Victorian age overlooks the sea and a mini archipelago of forested islands just three miles east of Portsmouth. All rooms come with ocean or harbor views, while large sunny suites with gas fireplaces occupy the newer building next to the marina. A pool and spa add more to the pampering.
Portland and Midcoast Maine
Camden Harbour Inn
83 Bayview Street, Camden; tel: 866-626-1504/1-800-236-4266; www.camdenharbourinn.com; $$$$
Enjoy lovely views, king-size feather beds, and contemporary boutique furnishings in dramatic colors at this super-stylish hotel. Also drop by for its award-winning restaurant, Natalie’s (www.nataliesrestaurant.com; daily 5.30–8.30pm, Nov–May closed Sun).
Camden Maine Stay
22 High Street, Camden; tel: 207-236-9636; www.camdenmainestay.com; $$–$$$$
This 200-year-old colonial inn has eight comfortable, air-conditioned, eclectically decorated rooms, and two parlors with wood-burning fireplaces. Full breakfast can be taken on the porch overlooking the garden.
Morrill Mansion Bed and Breakfast
249 Vaughan Street, Portland; tel: 207-774-6900/1-888-5667-7455; http://morrillmansion.com; $$–$$$
This charming 19th-century townhouse in Portland’s historic West End has been beautifully restored. The seven rooms benefit from modern amenities and spa tubs.
Portland Harbor Hotel
468 Fore Street, Portland; tel: 207-775-9090/1-888-798-9090; www.portlandharborhotel.com; $$$$
In the heart of the city’s Old Port District, this fine hotel offers bags of character and all the amenities you could need. Some rooms open out directly onto the lovely courtyard garden.
The Press Hotel
119 Exchange Street; tel: 207-573-2425; www.thepresshotel.com; $$$–$$$$
This former newspaper building now houses a boutique hotel that pays tribute its past with rooms taking inspiration from 1920s’ writer’s offices, with clever typography and printing themes running throughout but all the modern bells and whistles. Maine artists and designers are well represented in the furnishings and gallery space.
Down East Maine
The Bass Cottage Inn
14 The Field, Bar Harbor; tel: 207-288-1234; www.basscottage.com; $$$$
A baby grand piano in the spacious lounge sets the tone at this gracious guesthouse, which holds back on the heritage decor that features prominently in many other Bar Harbor abodes.
The Castine Inn
33 Main Street, Castine; tel: 207-326-4365; www.castineinn.com; $–$$
Opened in 1898 and located near the harbor, the gracious Castine Inn offers spacious accommodations. Guests can enjoy the sauna, a wraparound porch, and a common room with a fireplace. The award-winning chef/owner also conducts cooking classes here.
Oceanside Meadows Inn
202 Corea Road, Prospect Harbor; 207-963-5557; www.oceaninn.com; $$$–$$$$
The décor follows the traditional New England style, with antique furniture, flowery wallpaper, and clapboard façades, but outside the door are 200 acres (81ha) of wilderness preserve teaming with moose, eagles, and more, not to mention a private sandy beach.