Top 15 Iconic Hotels and Getaways in New Hampshire (Currently Open)

Where to Stay in New Hampshire if You Want History, Views, and Pure Escape

Looking for the best places to stay in New Hampshire right now? Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend in the mountains, a family vacation on the lake, or a quiet coastal getaway, New Hampshire is loaded with iconic hotels, legendary grand resorts, historic inns, wellness retreats, and waterfront escapes that feel worlds away — but are still completely driveable.

This guide highlights 15 iconic hotels and getaways in New Hampshire that are currently open, trusted, loved, and known for one-of-a-kind experiences. Some are elegant and old-world with chandeliers and marble staircases. Some are rustic-chic with fireplaces and lake views. Others are spa-forward, chef-driven, or built around outdoor adventure.

You’ll see names like Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, Wentworth by the Sea in New Castle, and Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa in Whitefield, which are considered some of the most historic grand hotels in New England and are recognized by travel organizations for their cultural and hospitality legacy. These hotels are still operating as full-service properties with dining, spas, and signature experiences. Omni Hotels & Resorts Historic Hotels Opal Collection Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa

We’ll also feature boutique inns, romantic lake lodges, and beloved getaways like Church Landing at Mill Falls at the Lake in Meredith, a luxury waterfront stay on Lake Winnipesaukee, where guests get lake access, spa services, and Adirondack-lodge style interiors. millfalls.com millfalls.com expedia

Let’s explore the most iconic overnight experiences in New Hampshire — places worth bookmarking, sharing, and actually visiting.

1. Omni Mount Washington Resort – Bretton Woods Royalty in the White Mountains

If you’re making a list of the most iconic hotels in New Hampshire, you start here: the Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods.

This is the classic “grand hotel in New Hampshire.” Built in the early 1900s, this property has hosted presidents, dignitaries, and world leaders. In 1944, it became the site of the historic Bretton Woods Conference, which led to the creation of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Wikipedia

Why travelers love it today:

• Location: Set in the shadow of Mount Washington, surrounded by the White Mountains.

• Experiences: Year-round outdoor adventure, from skiing and scenic gondola rides to golf on a Donald Ross–designed course. Omni Hotels & Resorts Historic Hotels

• Atmosphere: Gilded-era glamour — high ceilings, long porches, chandeliers, and mountain views from almost everywhere.

Who it’s for:

• Couples who want “romantic New Hampshire getaway with a view.”

• Families who want everything in one place: dining, activities, pool, spa, calm.

• History lovers who want to say they stayed somewhere that literally helped shape global finance. Wikipedia

Insider feel:
The Omni Mount Washington Resort is not just a hotel. It’s New Hampshire’s answer to “old-world luxury in the mountains,” with a massive footprint, grand public spaces, and a reputation that goes back more than 100 years. Historic Hotels

2. Wentworth by the Sea – Coastal Grandeur in New Castle

On the Seacoast near Portsmouth, you’ll find Wentworth by the Sea, a historic New Hampshire resort that opened in the 1870s and has hosted presidents, diplomats, and elite guests drawn to the Atlantic air. Opal Collection

Why it’s iconic:

• Heritage: The hotel famously hosted dignitaries connected to the Treaty of Portsmouth in 1905, which helped end the Russo-Japanese War, cementing its place in both regional and international history. Opal Collection

• Setting: It sits on the island community of New Castle, surrounded by harbor, salt air, and classic New England coastal scenery.

• Experience: High-touch hospitality, an on-site spa, seasonal dining events, and holiday brunches that attract both locals and travelers. Opal Collection

Who it’s for:

• Guests looking for luxury coastal getaways in New Hampshire.

• Couples’ weekends (anniversaries, proposals, “just the two of us” escapes).

• Anyone who wants elegance by the water without going all the way to Cape Cod or Maine.

The vibe:
Think “Gilded Age seaside grand hotel meets modern resort comforts.” Condé Nast Traveler readers continue to rank Wentworth by the Sea as one of the top hotels in the Northeast, which says a lot about its staying power. Opal Collection

3. Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa – Whitefield, Classic White Mountains Escape

Tucked in the northern White Mountains, Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa is another of New Hampshire’s legendary grand hotels. It traces its origins back to the 19th century, starting as a farmhouse stay for travelers, and evolving into a sprawling, all-season resort. Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa New Hampshire Magazine

Why it stands out:

• Setting: Surrounded by 1,700 acres and endless mountain views. Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa

• Spa culture: The on-site spa is a major draw for relaxation, romantic weekends, and weddings.

• Family-friendly: This is not just a “quiet luxury” property. It’s known for approachable dining, outdoor activities, and kid-friendly experiences, making it a strong pick for multigenerational trips. Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa

Who it’s for:

• Families who want resort amenities but also want real New Hampshire mountain scenery.

• Couples who want to sit on a porch, watch the light hit the peaks, and just breathe.

• Anyone chasing the “grand hotel in the White Mountains” experience without the larger scale of Bretton Woods.

One more thing:
This property leans into that storybook New England aesthetic — white clapboard architecture, broad lawns, firepits at night, and that feeling that time slows down when you’re there. Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa

4. Mill Falls at the Lake – Meredith, Lake Winnipesaukee Waterfront Living

When travelers imagine a lakefront getaway in New Hampshire, they’re usually picturing something like Mill Falls at the Lake in Meredith. This is not just one hotel — it’s a full resort collection spread along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire’s largest lake. millfalls.com expedia

What makes it special:

• Four distinct stays: Guests can choose from multiple properties, including Church Landing (luxury waterfront lodge feel), Bay Point (perched over Meredith Bay), and additional inns and lodges with their own moods. millfalls.com millfalls.com

• Resort energy: On-site dining, spa services, bonfires and s’mores, indoor/outdoor pools, shops, and direct lake access for kayaking, paddling, and lounging by the water. millfalls.com expedia millfalls.com

• Walkability: You can stroll right into Meredith’s village — cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and that “New England by the water” feeling that’s cozy in winter and alive in summer.

Who it’s for:

• Couples seeking a romantic lakefront inn with fireplaces, exposed beams, and spa tubs (especially at Church Landing, the flagship romantic property). millfalls.com Vogue

• Families who want pools, casual dining, and easy entertainment options.

• Anyone craving lake views from their room instead of “just another highway hotel.”

Insider tip:
In colder weather, Mill Falls at the Lake becomes all about fireplaces, soaking tubs, and slow mornings. In summer, it’s kayaks, docks, sun, and bare feet. That four-season flexibility is a huge reason it remains one of the most talked-about lake resorts in New Hampshire. expedia

5. Church Landing at Mill Falls – Rustic Luxury Right on the Water

Technically part of Mill Falls, Church Landing in Meredith is iconic enough to deserve its own spotlight. It’s often described as one of the most romantic getaways in the state thanks to its direct lakefront setting, private-feeling lawns and gardens, and timber-and-stone interiors that echo an upscale Adirondack lodge. millfalls.com Tripadvisor Vogue

Why couples adore it:

• Many rooms offer fireplaces, soaking tubs, and water views.

• The design leans into warm wood beams, plush furniture, and that “curl up and stay in” mood.

• The hotel sits steps from the lake, so sunrise and sunset hit differently here.

Why this matters:
If you’re searching for romantic hotels in New Hampshire or “best places for a couples’ getaway on Lake Winnipesaukee,” this name comes up again and again. millfalls.com Vogue

Good for:

• Anniversaries

• Proposal weekends

• Fire-in-the-hearth middle-of-winter escapes

6. The Hanover Inn – Ivy League Elegance in Hanover

The Hanover Inn sits right on the Dartmouth College Green in Hanover, offering a refined, college-town New England stay with a sense of prestige and culture. It’s recognized among New Hampshire’s historic hotels and is frequently included in roundups of “favorite historic hotels in New Hampshire.” newengland.com

Why it stands out:

• Location: Steps from Dartmouth College, museums, theaters, and classic brick-and-ivy architecture.

• Atmosphere: Polished, intellectual, and walkable. You’re not in the woods here — you’re in a smart little cultural hub.

• Dining and access: Guests can explore Hanover’s restaurants, bookstores, and cafés without ever needing to drive.

Perfect for:

• Parents visiting Dartmouth students.

• Travelers who want boutique New England city energy instead of wilderness.

• Guests who love history and walkability over full resort amenities.

Why it earns “iconic” status:
Because “iconic” in New Hampshire doesn’t always mean “mountain lodge” — sometimes it means crisp white linens, framed historical photos, and a view of a century-old college green.

7. The Wentworth Inn – Jackson, Storybook White Mountains Retreat

In the mountain village of Jackson, The Wentworth Inn blends classic New England inn romance with resort-style perks. It’s often cited alongside the state’s notable historic hotels, with roots that reach back to the 1800s in the White Mountains. newengland.com New Hampshire Magazine

What guests love:

• Charming rooms and suites, many with fireplaces or whirlpool tubs.

• European-style dining and cocktails in a refined but cozy setting.

• Proximity to skiing, hiking, waterfalls, covered bridges, and mountain drives.

Who it’s for:

• Couples who want a White Mountains getaway that feels personal, not mass-market.

• Travelers who like the idea of walking from the inn to a covered bridge and hearing the river as backdrop.

• Winter romantics and fall foliage chasers.

The mood:
Soft lighting, quiet porches, mountain air. The Wentworth Inn feels like stepping into a slower pace of life without giving up comfort.

8. The Inn at Thorn Hill & Spa – Jackson’s Romantic Hideaway

Frequently listed among New Hampshire’s most beloved historic or romantic inns, The Inn at Thorn Hill & Spa in Jackson is intimate, upscale, and built for people who want to linger over wine, long dinners, and slow mornings. Tripadvisor

Why it’s iconic for couples:

• Many rooms and cottages come with luxury touches like fireplaces and soaking tubs.

• There’s an on-site spa for massage and relaxation.

• Adults often choose it for special occasions versus family trips.

Who it’s perfect for:

• Honeymoons

• Anniversary trips

• Leaf-peeping weekends that revolve around fireplaces, not ski lifts

Why it belongs on this list:
Because “iconic hotels in New Hampshire” absolutely includes those quiet, high-touch inns that feel like they were designed for just the two of you.

9. The Hotel Portsmouth – Walkable Coastal Boutique

In the charming Seacoast city of Portsmouth, The Hotel Portsmouth offers a boutique, historic-home feel that’s ideal if you want walkable coastal New Hampshire without going full resort. It’s consistently called out in lists of standout historic hotels in the state. Tripadvisor

What makes it special:

• A beautifully maintained historic property turned stylish small hotel.

• Easy walking distance to Portsmouth’s restaurants, coffee shops, galleries, theaters, and waterfront.

• A more personal, small-scale alternative to large coastal resorts.

Best for:

• Couples’ weekend getaways with great dining and nightlife.

• Friends’ trips where you want to explore the city on foot.

• Travelers who prefer charm, not corporate.

This is the move if you’re searching for “Portsmouth boutique hotels” or “cool places to stay on the New Hampshire Seacoast.”

10. Ashworth by the Sea – Classic Beachfront Stay at Hampton Beach

If your version of a getaway is “sleep where you can hear the ocean,” head to Ashworth by the Sea on Hampton Beach. This long-running coastal hotel puts you right on the water and keeps you close to boardwalk energy, seafood shacks, arcades, summer concerts, and that nostalgic Atlantic beach-town feel.

Why it’s iconic:

• It’s part of Hampton Beach culture — generations have stayed here for beach weeks, family vacations, and seaside long weekends.

• It delivers direct access to the New Hampshire coast, which is surprisingly short (only about 18 miles of shoreline), so waterfront rooms are always in demand.

• It’s an easy drive from Boston and southern New Hampshire, making it very popular in summer.

Why you book it:
You want simple: sun, salt air, and the boardwalk at your doorstep. You’re not chasing a spa weekend — you’re chasing waves, fried seafood, live music, and sunsets over the Atlantic.

11. Steele Hill Resorts – Lakes Region Views Without the Crowds

If you love the idea of the Lakes Region but want more space, Steele Hill Resorts (near Lake Winnisquam and Winnipesaukee) is built for families and groups who want pools, views, and condo-style comfort.

Why families and groups choose it:

• Suites with kitchens or kitchenettes make it easy to travel with kids.

• Indoor and outdoor pools, game areas, and seasonal activities keep everyone busy.

• Mountain-meets-lake panoramas offer that “New Hampshire getaway” feel even if you never leave the property.

This is a strong pick for:

• Multi-family trips

• School vacation weeks

• People who want to explore the Lakes Region and White Mountains from one home base

Steele Hill feels like the friend who says, “Bring the kids. Bring grandma. There’s room for everyone.”

12. Lake Opechee Inn & Spa – Relaxed, Grown-Up Waterfront Calm

Set near Lake Opechee, this inn blends lakeside calm with boutique style and on-site spa services. It’s a favorite for travelers who want something quieter than Winnipesaukee in peak summer, but still want water views, fireplaces, and that “we’re away from the world” feeling.

Why it’s special:

• Many rooms are individually styled and feel more like a curated guesthouse than a standardized hotel.

• The inn leans toward adult relaxation: deep soaking tubs, gas fireplaces, balcony views.

• It’s perfect for off-season escapes, shoulder season travel, and midweek mini-moons.

Who it’s for:
Couples who want to slow down, sip something nice, book a massage, and watch the light change over the lake.

13. The Centennial Hotel – Boutique Stay in the Capital City

In Concord, The Centennial Hotel pairs boutique style with access to New Hampshire’s capital. It’s often mentioned in “best boutique hotels in New Hampshire” lists alongside Portsmouth and Hanover, and it gives you a totally different vibe from the mountains or the lakes.

Why it earns a spot:

• Turn-of-the-century architecture updated with modern comforts.

• A polished on-site dining experience, so you don’t have to go far.

• Easy access to downtown Concord for history, galleries, statehouse tours, cafés, and performing arts.

Perfect for:

• Business travelers who still want personality.

• Weekend explorers who like local restaurants, bookstores, and walkable downtowns.

• Travelers who want to be centrally located for day trips north, south, and to the Seacoast.

Why it matters to this list:
Because “iconic” isn’t only grand resorts. Sometimes it’s the stylish, quietly confident hotel in the heart of the state.

14. The Glen House – Modern Mountain Base at the Foot of Mt. Washington

Down at the base of Mt. Washington’s Auto Road, The Glen House is a newer boutique mountain hotel but already feels essential to the “White Mountains experience.” It’s not a 19th-century grand dame; instead it’s clean-lined, outdoors-focused, and built for people who come to the mountains to actually be in the mountains.

Why adventurers love it:

• You’re minutes from trailheads, scenic driving, and serious hiking.

• The style is warm-modern: big windows, fireplaces, mountain views.

• After a day outside, you can sit by the fire with something local to sip and watch the clouds move over the Presidential Range.

Who it’s for:
Hikers, leaf-peepers, winter explorers, and travelers who prefer “national park lodge energy” over chandeliers and ballrooms.

Why it’s iconic in a modern way:
Because New Hampshire’s identity isn’t only historic; it’s also about active, year-round outdoor culture. The Glen House captures that new-school mountain lodge personality.

15. Pickering House Inn – Boutique Luxury in Downtown Wolfeboro

In Wolfeboro — often called one of the oldest summer resort towns in America — Pickering House Inn is a meticulously restored historic property that blends small-town walkability with high-end, design-forward hospitality. (Wolfeboro sits on Lake Winnipesaukee’s eastern side, and is known for boating, summer leisure, and classic lake-house culture.)

Why it belongs on the list:

• Gorgeous architectural restoration that honors local history.

• Chef-driven breakfasts and thoughtful culinary experiences.

• Steps from Wolfeboro’s shops, docks, and restaurants, so you can park once and live like a local boater for the weekend.

Who it’s for:

• Couples who want Small Town Luxury.

• Travelers who prefer “beautifully curated and personal” to “big and busy.”

• Anyone who wants to claim a little slice of Winnipesaukee life without staying in a mega-resort.

The vibe:
Intimate. Polished. Instagrammable without trying too hard.

How to Choose the Right New Hampshire Getaway for You

With so many iconic hotels in New Hampshire, here’s how to narrow it down:

Choose by vibe:

• Grand & Historic: Omni Mount Washington Resort (Bretton Woods), Wentworth by the Sea (New Castle), Mountain View Grand (Whitefield). Omni Hotels & Resorts Opal Collection Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa

• Romantic & Intimate: Church Landing (Meredith), Inn at Thorn Hill (Jackson), Pickering House Inn (Wolfeboro). millfalls.com Tripadvisor Vogue

• Waterfront & Summer: Mill Falls at the Lake (Meredith), Ashworth by the Sea (Hampton Beach), Lake Opechee Inn & Spa.

• Mountains & Adventure: The Glen House (Mount Washington area), The Wentworth Inn (Jackson), Steele Hill Resorts (Lakes Region mountain views). New Hampshire Magazine

• Walkable Town Energy: The Hanover Inn (Hanover), The Hotel Portsmouth (Portsmouth), The Centennial Hotel (Concord). newengland.com Tripadvisor

Choose by who’s coming:

• Couples: Wentworth by the Sea for ocean elegance, Church Landing for lakefront romance, Inn at Thorn Hill for spa-plus-fireplace intimacy. Opal Collection millfalls.com Tripadvisor

• Families: Mountain View Grand (activities and space), Mill Falls at the Lake (pools, shops, lake fun), Steele Hill Resorts (condo-style comfort).

• Friend Groups: Ashworth by the Sea (beach & nightlife), The Hotel Portsmouth (walk to dinner and drinks), The Centennial (central base for exploring).

Choose by season:

• Fall foliage: Omni Mount Washington Resort, The Wentworth Inn, The Glen House.

• Summer on the water: Mill Falls at the Lake, Church Landing, Ashworth by the Sea.

• Winter cozy: Inn at Thorn Hill & Spa, Mountain View Grand, Pickering House Inn.

Planning Tips Before You Book

Before you reserve your stay at one of these iconic hotels in New Hampshire, keep these tips in mind:

• Reserve early for peak seasons. Lakefront rooms in July/August and foliage weekends in late September–October go fast in places like Meredith, Bretton Woods, and Jackson. millfalls.com millfalls.com

• Ask about resort fees and inclusions. Some resorts (for example, lakefront collections like Mill Falls at the Lake) bundle amenities like kayak access, bonfires, or discounts at on-site shops. millfalls.com millfalls.com

• Consider on-site dining. At grand hotels like Omni Mount Washington Resort or Wentworth by the Sea, part of the experience is never having to leave the property for a great meal, cocktail, or brunch. Omni Hotels & Resorts Opal Collection

• Think “walk vs. drive.” If you want to park once and explore on foot, pick downtown-style stays like The Hotel Portsmouth, The Hanover Inn, Pickering House Inn in Wolfeboro, or The Centennial in Concord.

• Match the vibe to your purpose. Proposal weekend? Church Landing or Inn at Thorn Hill. Multi-kid vacation? Steele Hill or Mountain View Grand. Girls’ trip by the ocean? Ashworth by the Sea or Wentworth by the Sea.

Conclusion: Your New Hampshire Escape Is Waiting

New Hampshire isn’t just mountains and lakes. It’s also grand hotels with world-changing history, boutique inns with fireplaces and wine lists, lakefront resorts with dock access, and seaside icons with salt air and boardwalk energy.

From Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, where world finance history was literally shaped, to Wentworth by the Sea in New Castle, where coastal elegance has attracted presidents and dignitaries since the 19th century, to Mill Falls at the Lake in Meredith, where you can wake up right on Lake Winnipesaukee with a coffee in hand — this state delivers unforgettable stays.