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New England has always been a historic region of the United States, with its earliest settlers arriving in the 1600s.
From the Plimoth Patuxet Museums to the Freedom Trail in Boston, New England is full of sites that showcase the region’s important role in the nation’s history.
Whether you’re a history buff or just someone who wants a dose of US’s past, New England will be worth the visit.
And to make the most out of your experience, why not stay in one of the historic hotels in New England?
Most of these accommodations were built more than a hundred years ago and offer guests a chance to step back in time and discover their historic and unique stories to tell.
Also included in this guide are some of the historic inns in New England that also boast a rich history.
You may also like our guide to haunted hotels in New England!
Historic Hotels in New England by State
Historic Hotels in New Hampshire
If you’re looking for a little slice of history during your next vacation, be sure to check out one of New Hampshire’s fabulous historic hotels.
Most of these properties date back to the 1800s and offer a unique glimpse into the past.
You also want to check our guide to where to stay in New Hampshire in the fall.
Stonehurst Manor
Stonehurst Manor (3351 White Mountain Highway, North Conway) was originally built in 1871 as the summer home of the weaving machine inventor, Erastus Bigelow.
A temporary British Embassy was also housed here in 1901 until it was converted to an upscale country inn in 1941.
Now, the 33-acre boutique hotel continues to accept guests and comes with many room options that include a queen, king, or one or two double beds.
The old hotel in New Hampshire has an outdoor pool, a tennis court, daily breakfast, and an on-site restaurant and lounge.
Nearby activities include skiing and hiking.
The Hotel Portsmouth
One of the many historic hotels of New England is The Hotel Portsmouth (40 Court Street, Portsmouth) which was built in 1881 as the residence of the Sise family.
Now over 135 years old, the Victorian-themed hotel in New England still accommodates guests with room options including 200 sq ft queen rooms, 750 sq ft deluxe king suites, and some in-between options.
The property offers free Wi-Fi, a continental breakfast, and free parking, and is only ten minutes from the waterfront.
New Hampshire’s Historic Inns
Eastern Slope Inn Resort
Another one of New England’s historic inns is the Eastern Slope Inn Resort (2760 White Mountain Highway, North Conway).
The inn opened in 1937 and sits on 40 acres in the White Mountains, where you can cross country ski, pick apples, golf, or float on the river.
The rooms range from standard rooms with two queen beds to 600 sq ft studio suites with a kitchen.
The Wentworth
The Wentworth (1 Carter Notch Road, Jackson) is one of the historic inns of New England.
Constructed in 1869, the house was a wedding present from Joshua Trickey to his daughter and her future spouse, General Marshall Wentworth.
Today, the property is a great lodging option and a popular wedding venue in the Mount Washington Valley.
The hotel features European decor with 200 sq ft queen rooms or 400 sq ft king rooms options, air conditioning, a private bathroom, and other amenities.
There is a lot to do around this place, including an 18-hole golf course, a tennis court, a heated outdoor pool, cross-country skiing, and an on-site restaurant.
Historic Hotels in Vermont
There are tons of historic places to explore in Vermont, from charming villages to impressive structures like its covered bridges.
If you’re looking for a historic place to stay in Vermont, check out the following hotels listed below or the lovely inns in the next section.
Hotel Coolidge
Hotel Coolidge (39 South Main Street, White River Junction) was built in the 1800s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Located just south of Dartmouth College and a quick walk from the New England Transportation Museum, the historic hotel offers comfortable lodging.
The rooms have air conditioning, TVs, and seating areas, and there are many options like the budget room with a double bed, standard king and queen rooms, and the large family suite, which sleeps four.
The hotel also has free parking, a shared kitchen, and free Wi-Fi.
Trapp Family Lodge
The historic Trapp Family Lodge (700 Trapp Hill Road, Stowe) was owned by the Trapp family that inspired the movie The Sound of Music.
Probably one of the best hotels in New England, there is a lot to do here, including wine and beer tastings, on-site hiking and cross-country skiing trails, and plenty more to explore in Stowe.
Rooms at the lodge range from the 350 sq ft deluxe room with a king bed for two people to the largest 830 sq ft two bedroom suite, which sleeps six in two king beds.
Guests can also enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools and a spa at this property.
Vermont’s Historic Inns
This list will discuss Vermont’s historic inns featuring more than 100 years of history and that has even been visited by former US presidents and other renowned personalities.
Green Mountain Inn
Green Mountain Inn (18 Main Street, Stowe) was originally built in 1833 and was visited by famous personalities like former US presidents Chester Arthur and Gerald Ford.
The inn has a year-round outdoor pool and sauna, a coffee area, and a state-of-the-art gym.
You can venture out to the Ben & Jerry’s Factory (1281 Waterbury-Stowe Rd Route 100), the ski trails on Mount Mansfield, or local areas for fishing and kayaking.
As for rooms, you can choose rooms ranging from 144 to 270 sq ft and have two double beds, one queen, or one king-size bed.
The Norwich Inn
The Norwich Inn (325 Main Street, Norwich) was built in 1779 and was visited by former US President James Monroe in 1887.
Located just across the river from Dartmouth College in the centuries-old town of Norwich, VT, this historic inn boasts rooms that are cozy, with some rooms having a fireplace or a sofa.
Rooms measure from 275 sq ft to 375 sq ft.
Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, served at the inn and there is also a microbrewery on-site that serves wine and beer.
Historic Hotels in Maine
Maine is a state full of historic places to visit- from lighthouses to forts, there are many places in the state that have been around for centuries and are worth exploring.
On your visit, you can stay at one of the historic hotels below.
Union Bluff Hotel
Union Bluff Hotel (8 Beach Street, York Beach) was rebuilt in 1887 after a fire destroyed the original structure which was constructed in 1868.
The 5-story hotel has great views of the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the best places to stay in New England if you want on-site dining and a beach just a few steps away.
There are a lot of rooms to choose from, ranging from 240 to 620 sq ft and sleeping anywhere from two to six people- some of the rooms have ocean views from the private balcony or patio.
There is also a four-bedroom house you can book that sleeps ten people.
The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection
The Press Hotel (119 Exchange Street, Portland) is in historic downtown Portland.
Though this opened as a hotel in 2015, the original structure was built in 1923 and was home to the Portland Press Herald until 2010.
All rooms at this hotel have views of downtown Portland, and you can choose between a 325 sq ft two queen bed or a 250 to 427 sq ft king room.
There is an airport shuttle, and an on-site restaurant at the hotel – and is in close proximity to all the attractions in Portland.
Looking for more places to stay in Portland? Visit this guide.
Maine’s Historic Inns
The following historic inns in Maine were built in the late 1800s and are either located conveniently near famous attractions or around the bustling downtown area.
Inn at St John Portland In-Town
The Inn at St John Portland In-Town (939 Congress Street, Portland) is a Victorian Inn that is so old it does not have an elevator.
Built in 1897, it is one of Portland’s oldest operating inns.
Many restaurants and sites like the Portland Stadium and the Arts District are within walking distance from the inn.
Rooms range from 108 sq ft to 310 sq ft. with most rooms having private bathrooms.
Smaller rooms are only 96 sq ft to 140 sq ft and have shared bathrooms.
Bar Harbor Inn and Spa
Built in 1887, the Bar Harbor Inn and Spa (7 Newport Drive, Bar Harbor) is one of the unique New England hotels since this was originally built as a clubhouse and converted to an inn in 1950.
You have everything you could need at the inn with a spa, an outdoor pool, a hot tub, two on-site restaurants, and a continental breakfast.
Rooms range from 320 sq ft to 340 sq ft with either a king bed or two queens.
The inn is located less than six miles from Acadia National Park- which is included in our list of beautiful natural parks on the East Coast.
Historic Hotels in Massachusetts
Maine has a good list of iconic and historic places to visit- from the Maine State House built in 1832 to the Freedom Trail that showcases more than 250 years of Boston’s history.
So, if you’re looking for an escape that’s both comfortable and educational, be sure to book a room at one of the historic hotels listed below.
You may also like our guide to Massachusetts in fall.
Fairmont Copley Plaza
The 1912 Fairmont Copley Plaza (138 Saint James Avenue, Boston) is one of the best historic grand hotels in New England.
Built on the former site of Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts (465 Huntington Ave), the hotel boasts rich history from being Boston’s first ever air-conditioned hotel to hosting famous personalities like Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.
The hotel is pet-friendly and is close to many historic buildings and attractions in downtown Boston.
Each room has a TV and a minibar and range in size from 260 sq ft for a queen room to 960 sq ft for the one-bedroom king suite.
Boston Park Plaza
Boston Park Plaza (50 Park Plaza) was built in 1927 and was formerly known as the ‘’Statler Hotel’’.
This historic hotel hosted notable personalities like US President Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Judy Garland, and more
Today, you may opt to stay at the hotel’s largest room which is the four-person suite with a terrace at 1400 sq ft, or a standard two-person room starting at 150 sq ft.
The rooms have a TV, a fridge, and black-out curtains.
Multiple on-site restaurants and cafes can be found at the hotel.
You are also within walking distance of many popular Boston attractions like the Boston Public Garden and Emerson College.
Massachusetts’ Historic Inns
The following list of historic inns in Massachusetts boasts more than 200 years of history and features great amenities to make your stay pleasant.
Seven Hills Inn
Seven Hills Inn (40 Plunkett St, Lenox) was once a small farmhouse built in the 1700s.
Today, the inn is a great accommodation featuring lots of amenities like a garden, a terrace, continental breakfast, free parking, and free Wi-Fi.
Room options include a 250 sq ft room with a king bed, a 300 sq ft room with two double beds, or a queen bed- with some rooms having a patio.
You are near a golf course and Tanglewood, which has restaurants and a music center.
Publick House Historic Inn and Country Motor Lodge
Publick House Historic Inn and Country Motor Lodge (277 Main Street, Route 131, Sturbridge) was founded in 1771 and is a part of Historic Hotels of America.
The hotel offers a relaxing place to stay and comes with a patio and an on-site restaurant.
Some rooms have a balcony, and you can choose between a 150 sq ft queen room, a 320 sq ft two queen room or king room, or the 550 sq ft king suite.
Attractions like the Wells State Park and the Stageloft Repertory Theatre are nearby.
Historic Hotels in Connecticut
Soak up the old-world atmosphere by visiting Connecticut’s historic sites while enjoying your stay at the following list of historic hotels in the state that feature all the modern amenities.
You may also like our guide to Connecticut in fall.
The Goodwin
The Goodwin (1 Haynes Street, Hartford) opened in 1881 as a prestigious apartment building until it was later converted to a hotel.
Rooms have a seating area and a TV and range in size from 230 sq ft for a queen room to the largest 876 sq ft two-bedroom apartment.
An on-site Italian restaurant is found at the hotel.
Attractions in Hartford like the XL Center (1 Civic Center Plaza) and the Hartford Stage Company (50 Church St) are located near the hotel.
Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale
Omni New Haven Hotel (155 Temple Street, New Haven)is another historic hotel located right by Yale University, museums, shopping, and art galleries.
There are three restaurants on-site and free WIFI.
The rooms either have a king bed or one or two queen beds and range in size from 336 to 752 sq ft.
Connecticut’s Historic Inns
The following list explores historic inns in Connecticut that feature more than a century of rich history.
Riverwind Inn Bed and Breakfast
Riverwind Inn Bed and Breakfast (209 Main Street, Deep River) was built in 1854 and has operated as an inn since 1987.
The historic 19th-century inn boasts antique furnishings with rooms ranging from 200 sq ft to 400 sq ft and includes either a queen bed or two doubles.
There is a full breakfast every day for guests and snacks in the afternoon.
Nearby are the Goodspeed Opera House (6 Main S6 Main St), Chester Creek Marina, and a restaurant.
The Whaler’s Inn
The Whaler’s Inn (20 East Main Street, Mystic) was constructed in 1818 with the purpose of turning the town of Mystic into a popular summer destination.
Though the inn was destroyed by fire in 1858 and 1975, renovations made it possible to turn the inn into a great place to stay.
There are 200 sq ft queen rooms, 300 sq ft king and two queen rooms, and 400 sq ft deluxe queen rooms at this property.
Guests are also treated to the great views of the Mystic River as well as an on-site restaurant.
Attractions like the Mystic Seaport Museum (75 Greenmanville Ave) are nearby and within walking distance are shopping areas and restaurants.
Historic Hotels in Rhode Island
From the historic Fort Adams in Newport to the Old State House in Providence, Rhode Island has a good list of historic places you can visit.
And on your stay, consider the following list of the state’s historic hotels.
Hotel Viking
Hotel Viking (1 Bellevue Avenue, Newport) is a 1926 hotel with a spa, an indoor swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Nearby is the Cliff Walk, a beach, a marina, and Fort Adams State Park.
The rooms range from a 150 sq ft queen room up to the largest 600 sq ft suite.
Hotel Providence
The Hotel Providence (139 Mathewson Street, Providence) is a prominent landmark in Providence and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
This boutique hotel in New England features art, antiques, and guidebooks to teach you about the hotel’s history.
You are close to all the attractions in downtown Providence like the Providence Performing Arts Center, The Riverwalk, and many restaurants.
Room options include king or queen rooms at 300 sq ft or the presidential suite at 750 sq ft- with each room having seating, a desk, and robes.
Rhode Island’s Historic Inns
Listed below are some of Rhode Island’s historic inns that were built more than 100 years ago- with one even listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
America’s Cup Inn Newport
Built in the late 1800s, America’s Cup Inn Newport (6 Mary Street, Newport) is in a historic neighborhood that’s near restaurants, nightlife, and King Park Beach.
The inn has a library and a rooftop with room options ranging from 300 sq ft standard rooms to 1000 sq ft apartments.
Edgewood Manor Inn Bed and Breakfast
The Edgewood Manor Inn Bed and Breakfast (232 Norwood Avenue, Providence) was built in 1905 featuring Greek Revival architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Lodging includes 180 sq ft queen rooms, 220 sq ft king rooms, and 250 sq ft suites.
Some rooms may include a spa bath or a fireplace- plus guests can enjoy the daily breakfast, a library, and free Wi-Fi offered at the inn.
The inn is near Brown University and the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center ( Roger Williams Park Botanical Center).
Final Thoughts
Ever stayed at one of these historic hotels and inns in New England? Feel free to share your experience in the comments.
If you want to explore more places in New England, check out our following guides below.