Want to vacation in a piece of history? You may be picturing Jamestown, the first successful English colony in the US, or perhaps St. Augustine, the oldest city in the nation. But there’s a beautiful city in New Hampshire that’s filled with historic attractions and entertainment and comes with its own unique past.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire, dates back to 1623, making it one of the oldest cities in the US. From the Strawbery Banke Museum, which traces the city’s earliest history, to The Music Hall, one of the oldest operating theaters in the nation, there are many ways to step back in time when you visit this charming waterfront city.

Planning a trip to Portsmouth and wondering where to stay? We’ve compiled a list of the best hotels in Portsmouth, from upscale boutique hotels to quaint and comfortable inns. Pick your favorite Portsmouth hotel from this list, and you’re bound to have an incredible stay in this Northeast treasure!

Short on time and don’t want to read the entire article? Check out our top 3 picks:

• Hotel Thaxter
• The Inn Downtown
• The Sailmaker’s House

The 12 Best Hotels in Portsmouth, NH

1. Hotel Thaxter 

Inspired by pioneering nature writer Celia Thaxter, Hotel Thaxter is one of the coolest boutique hotels in Portsmouth, offering you a luxurious stay with an artfully decorated minimalist atmosphere. Though the hotel is fairly new, the building it’s housed in is not. Located in Downtown Portsmouth, it was built in 1860 and was home to the First Congregational Church of Portsmouth before becoming the Salvation Army.

The building underwent extensive renovations that maintained its history but paved the way for a new life within its walls. The elegantly appointed rooms come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and complimentary toiletries. Upgraded rooms include additional amenities like seating areas, sofa beds, minibars, and workstations. Also free to you is parking when you stay at Hotel Thaxter.

The hotel is also home to its own Japanese restaurant, Nichinan, located on the first floor. Though there is not a spa on-site, all guests do get access to 10% off services at Blush Skin & Soul Spa. 

This hotel takes great pride in supporting its local community, so you can enhance your stay with touches from local providers, such as a box of macarons from the local French pastry shop and artisan chocolates from a nearby chocolatier.

2. The Hotel Portsmouth

Set in a Queen Anne mansion dating back to 1881, this historic boutique hotel in Portsmouth is just a six-minute walk from the shopping, dining, and nightlife of Market Square. Other nearby attractions to The Hotel Portsmouth include the Strawbery Banke Museum and Prescott Park.

All rooms include free Wi-Fi, free parking for one vehicle, writing desks, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary toiletries. Upgraded rooms come with additional touches like fireplaces and expanded seating areas, while suites include more amenities like private decks or patios, separate living room areas, and sleeper sofas. The Garden Suite is also dog-friendly with an additional fee.

A light breakfast is available to help you start your day. Then, head out and enjoy the town, or spend some time curled up with a good book or chatting with your fellow hotel guests in the Victorian parlor.

3. AC Hotel by Marriott Portsmouth Downtown/Waterfront

With views of the Old Harbor on the Piscataqua River, the AC Hotel by Marriott Portsmouth Downtown/Waterfront is one of the best hotels in Portsmouth if you’re looking to stay near the water. Here, you’ll be within walking distance of many of the city’s top downtown attractions, like The Music Hall. Spend your days exploring the shopping and dining of Market Square or kayaking or paddleboarding on the water!

Rooms come with thoughtful touches that fit any kind of stay, whether you’re on a business trip or a family vacation. Amenities include air-conditioning, mini-fridges, workstations, coffee makers, complimentary bottled water, free Wi-Fi, adjustable reading lamps, and LCD TVs with cable and premium channels. 

Some rooms come with additional features like sofa beds and harbor views. Suites also come with separate living room areas and extra TVs. Pets are welcome to join you for an added fee.

Kickstart your day with a workout in the fitness center or enjoy breakfast at the AC Kitchen, which features a European-inspired menu with freshly baked croissants, house-made Spanish egg tarts, and more classic breakfast favorites. Later in the day, you can settle in for some tapas and specialty cocktails in the AC Lounge or take in the water views from the Rooftop at the Envio, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant.

4. The Inn Downtown

Located just a short stroll away from the Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden, The Inn Downtown is one of the most unique boutique hotels in Portsmouth, nestled in a stunning 19th-century clapboard house featuring a lovely garden and picnic area. Designed to feel like a home away from home, all units in this hotel are chic and stylish studio apartments. 

Amenities may vary by room, but all apartments are upscale and elegantly designed. All guest rooms come with ultra-quiet and individually controlled heating and air-conditioning, Serta Presidential Suite pillowtop mattresses, premium and hypoallergenic linens, complimentary bath products from Malin+Goetz, workspaces, smart TVs, free Wi-Fi, and free parking for one vehicle.

Apartments either come with kitchenettes or full kitchens and either a private washer and dryer or access to a shared one. Select units are pet-friendly for an added fee.  Whether you’re planning a short weekend trip or a longer stay, these apartments come with everything you need, including a local concierge who can help you see the best of Portsmouth.

5. Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown

Just a 10-minute stroll to the waterfront and 12 minutes from the Strawbery Banke Museum, the Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown is a sleek and cool Portsmouth hotel with modern amenities that will ensure you stay in comfort. This hotel has everything you need for every type of stay, whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure.

Standard guest rooms include HDTVs, free Wi-Fi, ergonomic workstations, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffee makers, and a free weekday newspaper. Some rooms also come with sofa beds, while suites also include wet bars and seating areas. Pets are invited to come along on your stay for an added fee.

Work out in the fitness center or take a dip in the indoor saltwater pool. A hot breakfast is free to you every day, or pick up snacks from the on-site convenience store. The lobby bar also offers the perfect setting to end your day with a cocktail.

6. Residence Inn by Marriott Portsmouth Downtown

Traveling with a large group? The Residence Inn by Marriott Portsmouth Downtown is one of the best Portsmouth hotels for those looking for more space. This all-suite hotel places you near top attractions like The Music Hall and Governor John Langdon House.

You’ll find that this hotel is an exceptionally good choice for those looking for a longer stay. Whip up meals for your family in your full kitchen, complete with a fridge, microwave, dishwasher, stovetop, coffee maker, and dining room area. Or curl up in the living room area and watch cable, premium channels, or streaming platforms on your flat-screen TV. You can also get some work done at your workstation with the help of free Wi-Fi. 

One-bedroom suites also offer a separate living room space. Air-conditioning is also available in every room. Pets are welcome to stay with you for an added fee.

Jumpstart your day with a free hot breakfast. Then, get a workout in at the fitness center. When you’re ready to relax, the heated indoor pool is the perfect way to decompress from your busy day in Portsmouth.

7. The Sailmaker’s House

The Sailmaker’s House, located downtown steps away from the Strawbery Banke Museum, is one of the coolest hotels in Portsmouth. It’s also aptly named as this inn is set in a 19th-century sailmaker’s shop. This Portsmouth boutique hotel is a little piece of history, offering a lot of modern comfort.

Each room is individually decorated with soothing colors and artistic touches. Inside, you’ll find HDTVs with cable, complimentary Nest bath products, free Wi-Fi, in-room climate control, Matouk bed linens and towels, and plush pillows and comforters. Parking is free but not guaranteed as it’s on a first-come, first-served basis.

Keep in mind that, in order to maintain the history of the building, there are narrow stairways and no elevator, making this inn not handicapped accessible. If you require an accessible room, you should book a room on the first floor and talk to the manager when booking to ask about accommodations. 

The inn serves free coffee and tea, as well as filtered water and snacks at all hours of the day. Also on-site is a shared lounge with a communal mini-fridge, as well as a seasonal garden area.

8. Courtyard by Marriott Portsmouth

Located just a short drive from Downtown Portsmouth, the Courtyard by Marriott is one of the best places to stay in Portsmouth for those looking for a contemporary hotel with all the amenities they could need throughout their stay. Though it’s in a less walkable area than many of the other hotels on this list, it makes up for it by providing an excellent place to relax and unwind after your busy day in the city. 

Guest rooms have air-conditioning, soundproof windows, ergonomic workstations, free Wi-Fi, coffee makers, mini-fridges, microwaves, room service, and LCD TVs with cable and premium channels. Some rooms also include sofa beds for added guests, while suites come with an additional living room area.

Start your day with breakfast at the on-site Bistro, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Here is where you’ll also find Starbucks coffee served all day and beer and wine in the evenings. Also on-site is a fitness center and a heated indoor pool.

The hotel also makes it easy to start your Portsmouth adventure by offering a free shuttle on weekends to destinations within one mile of the Courtyard. Or use your own vehicle, which is free to park at the hotel.

9. Hilton Garden Inn Portsmouth Downtown

Just two blocks from the Old Harbour is the Hilton Garden Inn Portsmouth Downtown. When you stay here, you’re in the perfect spot to get to some of the best sites in Portsmouth, like the Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden, which is just steps away.

Rooms offer 250-thread-count sheets, air-conditioning, ergonomic workstations, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffee makers, complimentary Wi-Fi, free bath products, evening room service,  complimentary Stay Fit Kits with equipment to help you work out in your room, and HDTVs with cable and premium channels. 

Some rooms come with additional amenities, like sofa beds and in-room drinks and snacks that are replenished daily. Suites add a separate living room space, and pets can tag along for your stay with an added fee.

Sit down for breakfast or dinner at the on-site Garden Grille & Bar, or simply pick up a snack to go from the 24-hour Pavilion Pantry. Then, work out in the fitness center or take a refreshing dip in the indoor pool.

10. The Davenport Inn

One of the newest hotels in Portsmouth, The Davenport Inn, is already making waves as one of the best Portsmouth boutique hotels. It’s a newly rebuilt and renovated property that’s kept the timeless touches of the city’s historic building while also adding all modern conveniences. 

When you stay here, you’re just steps from the city’s best shopping, dining, and entertainment. You can spend your days walking the cobblestone streets or out on the water on a beautiful harbor cruise. The knowledgeable staff is delighted to help you plan out your day to get the most out of your Portsmouth trip.

Amenities vary by room. Standard rooms come with pillowtop mattresses, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, bathrobes, flat-screen TVs with cable, air-conditioning, coffee makers, and free parking. Some rooms come with additional touches like large showers with two showerheads, rainfall showers, soaking tubs, reading nooks, and vaulted ceilings. 

11. Martin Hill Inn

Located near the North Mill Pond, Martin Hill Inn is a downtown Portsmouth hotel that’s filled with charm. When you stay here, you’ll be able to walk just 10 minutes to the bustling Market Square and then come home to coziness.

Each room is individually decorated with antique furnishings, colorful decor, and modern amenities. Whether you stay in the Main House or Guest House, your standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, workstations, mini-fridges, and sitting areas. Suites add additional features like private entrances and private sun porches.

If you’re looking for more space, you may want to consider the Athens Suite, which comes with two bedrooms, a private patio with a fire pit, and a living room with a gas fireplace, dining table, and coffee bar. It’s a perfect fit if you’re traveling with a large group.

The Martin Hill Inn strives to be a friend to the local community and to the environment. They use local, eco-friendly products throughout their guest rooms and common spaces, including more sustainable boxed water and coffee roasted by a nearby New Hampshire brand.

This inn features a communal lounge and perennial gardens filled with blooming flowers of all kinds. Take in the beauty as you relax by the fire on their patio.

12. Port Inn and Suites Portsmouth, Ascend Hotel Collection

Found just over a mile from Market Square, Port Inn and Suites Portsmouth, Ascend Hotel Collection is one of the best boutique hotels in Portsmouth if you’re looking to stick around for a while. Whether you’re traveling just for fun or on a working vacation, this hotel has everything you need for a restful stay.

Standard rooms include LCD TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, air-conditioning, workstations, coffee makers, and free Wi-Fi. Upgraded rooms also come with either full kitchens or kitchenettes, while suites offer a separate living room space with a sofa bed and extra TV. Pets are invited to join you during your stay for an added nightly fee.

Start your day with a free continental breakfast, which you can take on the go. Then, head out to explore Portsmouth. You’re just minutes away from multiple New Hampshire beaches. Or, if you’d rather skip the ocean, take a dip in the seasonal outdoor pool instead. 

There you have it! The 12 best Portsmouth hotels. Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Portsmouth? Let us know in the comments!

Where to Stay in Portsmouth, NH

If you’re planning a trip to Portsmouth, consider staying near or in the downtown area. Ideally, you should look for hotels that are walkable to Market Square, the economic and commercial center of Portsmouth.

When you stay near Market Square, you’ll find that many of the city’s top attractions are just steps away. Downtown Portsmouth is a highly walkable area. Staying near downtown will allow you to ditch your car and spend your days walking the city’s cobblestone streets instead. 

You may also want to consider staying near the water. When you stay in many hotels in the downtown area, you’ll find that you’re near the Piscataqua River, where you can enjoy a beautiful summer day by getting out on the water. Some hotels even offer views of the water. 

Planning a trip to New Hampshire? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!

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