Discover the 15 Best Hotel Escapes in New England

New England boasts a rich history of hotels and leisure travel, with some historic taverns and inns dating back before the Declaration of Independence. The Victorian era saw this region become a favorite retreat for industrialists and their workers seeking respite from the bustling cities. Grand seaside resorts emerged along the coast, many still retaining their classic charm, while others have embraced modern designs and luxurious amenities.

In Dinogo’s Hotels We Adore series, we present top getaways beyond major cities that reflect the region’s history and culture: wellness resorts in the Berkshires, elegant hotels along the Rhode Island coastline, glamping spots on the rugged shores of Maine, adventure inns tucked away in the Vermont mountains, and upscale beach resorts on Cape Cod. These 15 hotels, easily accessible from New York, Boston, or Montreal, highlight the best of New England—where you might enjoy lobster rolls by the pool, admire fall foliage from your window, or cozy up by the fireplace after a day on the slopes, depending on the season.

Blair Hill Inn

If you think a Maine getaway only involves lobster rolls by the coast, you're overlooking the stunning interior landscapes. One of only two Relais & Châteaux properties in the state, Blair Hill Inn is nestled in the serene North Woods, three hours north of Portland, offering breathtaking views of Moosehead Lake from its elevated perch on a 20-foot-high fieldstone wall.

This 1891 mansion boasts 10 guest rooms featuring unique design elements typical of a historic inn, yet free from overly ornate decor: some rooms include mahogany dressers and antique armoires, while others offer wood-burning fireplaces and deep soaking tubs. The expansive 79 acres encompass a trout pond and numerous hiking trails leading to picturesque overlooks. The hotel also offers a unique “moose spotting” experience ($375 per couple), where you might encounter bears, beavers, deer, loons, and bald eagles. Don’t miss dining at Slate Restaurant, where the seasonal tasting menu could feature delights like foraged mushroom risotto and balsam fir–cured gravlax. Rates start at $429

Chatham Bars Inn

A legendary landmark on Cape Cod, the historic Chatham Bars Inn first opened its doors in 1914 as an exclusive hunting lodge situated at the 'elbow' of the cape, roughly a two-hour drive from Boston. Today, it features 217 guest rooms divided between the main inn and 30 charming Cape Cod shingle-style cottages, each adorned with a soothing neutral palette and cozy elements like cushioned window seats. In summer, the private quarter-mile sandy beach along Aunt Lydia’s Cove becomes the perfect spot to unwind, complete with cabanas stocked with Yeti coolers and complimentary boat service to North Beach Island.

The retreat's adjacent eight-acre farm yields over 100,000 pounds and 125 varieties of vegetables annually, utilizing methods such as hydroponics and traditional Slovenian beekeeping. This fresh produce supports the inn's five restaurants and is available at a seasonal farm stand open to the public, along with dinners held either in the fields or greenhouse. Throughout the property, look for historical touches, including model clipper ships in the lobby, unique weather vanes (like a codfish and a tennis racket) atop buildings, and even an original Norman Rockwell painting displayed above the mantle in Stars restaurant. Starting at $374

Faraway Martha’s Vineyard

Faraway Martha’s Vineyard is a 58-room boutique hotel that debuted last year in the historic 1742 Kelley House, showcasing a vibrant blend of styles. While its shingled facade reflects classic Georgian architecture from Edgartown’s whaling days, the interiors are influenced by musician Carly Simon, whom the owner fondly recalls watching perform on the island during childhood summers. The lobby features a relaxed SoCal-inspired atmosphere, complete with low gold-hued couches, bohemian decor, floral arrangements, and patterned textiles—the perfect setting for cozying up by the fireplace with an acoustic guitar and dreaming of your next song.

Guest rooms embody a midcentury aesthetic, featuring graphic wooden dividers and bold wallpapers adorned with palm fronds and fish. Families will appreciate the double bunk suite. Outdoors, enjoy ceviche, sashimi, and slushies under fringed umbrellas at the Pelican Club, or visit the inviting Newes from America tavern, where each draft beer purchase earns you a wooden nickel. Collect enough and you can receive a personalized tankard kept behind the bar for your next visit. Rates start at $404

Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection

The quintessential Yankee charm of stone walls, magnificent old barns, and meandering lanes culminates in Connecticut’s Litchfield County, approximately two hours by car north of New York City. Set against this picturesque backdrop is the grand Mayflower Inn & Spa. Originally a boarding school transformed into an inn in 1920 by a former student, this cozy hotel inspired the Independence Inn in Gilmore Girls. In 2018, luxury hotel group Auberge Resorts took over, enlisting Florida-born, Manhattan-based designer Celerie Kemble to enhance Mayflower’s New England character.

While retaining classic elements like four-poster beds, polished wood floors, and chintz, you’ll discover a lively spirit and cleverness in the handcrafted furniture, artwork, and color schemes. Auberge also introduced the Well, a New York spa blending Eastern and Western practices. Don’t miss dining in the country-chic Garden Room, which overlooks the Shakespeare Garden and features a seasonal menu with dishes such as turnips à la bourguignon, kale gnudi, and fried quail. Rates start at $679

Miraval Berkshires

The Berkshires in Western Massachusetts have been a luxury spa hotspot since Canyon Ranch Lenox opened in 1989. In 2020, the arrival of the Miraval Berkshires Resort, a branch of the original Tucson location, provided strong competition. Spanning 380 acres originally crafted by Frederick Law Olmsted, the resort features 121 rooms and suites, including accommodations in the historic Wyndhurst Mansion—named after notable figures like Edith Wharton and Herman Melville—new cottages, and spacious carriage houses designed for group stays. In-room offerings cater to those seeking tranquility with amenities like Tibetan singing bowls, meditation cushions, and spa-like robes and slippers.

The daily agenda is filled with complimentary activities—such as tai chi, hiking, Pilates, farm tours, and pottery—to attract a variety of guests. Visitors can unwind at the swimming pool or indulge in treatments at the Balinese-inspired Life in Balance Spa. While alcoholic drinks are not included, guests can enjoy a rotating selection of chef-prepared meals and snacks crafted from locally sourced seasonal ingredients, some sourced directly from the property’s gardens, beehives, and chicken coops. Rates start at $787

Newport Harbor Island Resort

While Newport is famous for its Gilded Age elegance, the Newport Harbor Island Resort offers a more relaxed coastal retreat, having reopened this spring after a $50 million renovation. Situated on Goat Island at the former site of a torpedo factory, the redesigned hotel boasts 257 rooms and 18 suites, all featuring sleek lines and a soothing color palette of sandy beiges and Atlantic blues, adorned with pieces from local artists and the New England weavers' guilds.

The public areas highlight sustainability with art such as a whale sculpted from reclaimed driftwood and Sarah Swift’s wave-like installation, crafted from upcycled fibers, plastic bags, straws, and nets. While the interiors are stunning, you'll want to embrace the outdoors—whether enjoying fresh oysters at the Pineapple Club, sipping cocktails by the firepits at sunset, or taking a stroll to the 1842 lighthouse at Goat Island's northern tip. Rates start at $459

Ocean House

A true Victorian seaside haven, the original Rhode Island Ocean House opened its doors in 1868 and even served as a backdrop for the Douglas Fairbanks silent film American Aristocracy. However, by the early 2000s, the property—renowned for its vivid yellow exterior—fell into disrepair and was demolished. Yet, its iconic status warranted a revival. It was reconstructed at a staggering cost of $146 million, preserving all 247 windows and incorporating over 5,000 salvaged antiques and furnishings.

Perched on a bluff with stunning views of Block Island Sound and Montauk, the hotel features 49 guest rooms and 20 suites, adorned with early New England artwork, Matouk linens, and goose-down pillows. While exploring this western part of Rhode Island, just an hour's drive from Providence or Newport, guests can enjoy sailing on the French-built yacht Dandy, golfing, fishing, surfing, or sunbathing. However, the highlight is the six-wicket croquet on the impeccably groomed lawn, where guests are encouraged to don traditional croquet attire (white collared shirts and white or khaki bottoms) for complimentary lessons. Rates start at $470

Omni Mount Washington Resort

History enthusiasts will recognize this majestic Spanish renaissance revival hotel as the location of the Bretton Woods Conference in 1944, where the Allies established the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. However, today’s atmosphere is far more relaxed: a country getaway in the shadow of Mount Washington, the Northeast’s highest peak, offers a chance to indulge in seasonal activities like ziplining through hemlock trees, playing on a historic golf course, or horseback riding along scenic trails.

The hotel boasts 269 guest rooms and suites, split between the original structure (which began construction in 1900) and the newer Presidential Wing. Depending on your room choice, you’ll discover elegant design features like striped wingback chairs, floral drapes, and vibrant plaid wallpaper. In winter, the resort serves as an excellent base for alpine and nordic skiing at the nearby Bretton Woods Ski Area. Rates start at $318

Twin Farms

Once the residence of Nobel Prize winner Sinclair Lewis and renowned journalist Dorothy Thompson from the late 1920s to the mid-1950s, Twin Farms, a proud member of Relais & Châteaux, features a series of distinctive cottages and suites that have been meticulously preserved and enhanced, establishing it as one of the premier retreats in the Northeast. Philanthropist Thurston Twigg-Smith, the property's latest owner, opened it to guests in 1993 and enlisted Andy Warhol’s partner, acclaimed designer Jed Johnson, to help transform it into a luxurious resort, showcasing much of his remarkable art collection from artists like David Hockney, Cy Twombly, and Jasper Johns throughout the estate.

In fall 2023, Twin Farms unveiled eight Treehouse accommodations nestled among the thick birch forests. Elevated between 14 and 20 feet above the ground, these 800-square-foot retreats on stilts embrace the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which celebrates nature's imperfections. Featuring rustic materials, floating fireplaces, and expansive floor-to-ceiling glass windows, these spaces are designed to invite nature indoors. Read Dinogo’s in-depth review of Twin Farms. Starting from $2,600

Under Canvas Acadia

Renowned for pioneering glamping experiences in national parks nationwide, Under Canvas made its East Coast debut in 2021. Located along 1,200 feet of coastline on Union River Bay with stunning views of Cadillac Mountain—the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard—Under Canvas Acadia is just a half-hour drive from the park entrance. Open seasonally from May to mid-October, this site features 63 sMytouri-style canvas tents, providing a luxurious take on camping: think West Elm coastal-inspired furnishings, en suite bathrooms with organic bath products, and wood-burning stoves stocked with complimentary firewood. Some suites offer stargazing windows above the beds, while others have separate children's tents outside. Evenings invite guests to embrace their inner campers in the communal area with s’mores, live music, and dinners featuring lobster and other fresh catches. Starting from $299

Wentworth by the Sea

While New Hampshire has only 18 miles of Atlantic coastline, a charming island just off this stretch, located between Massachusetts and Maine, is home to a Gilded Age grande dame celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. As a proud member of Historic Hotels of America, this legendary retreat has welcomed notable guests such as Shirley Temple, Herbert Hoover, and the diplomats who played a role in ending the Russo-Japanese War.

The 161 guest rooms and suites feature calming hues of pale blue, gray, and white, reflecting the stunning maritime views visible from many windows, with select rooms offering cozy fireplaces or rocking chairs on balconies. Guests can enjoy the 18-hole golf course, clay tennis courts, charter boats from the marina, or delight in classic New England seafood, including lobster bisque, stone-oven flatbreads, and handmade pastas at Salt Kitchen + Bar. Starting at $209

White Barn Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection

Located just a three-mile drive from the Bush estate, the White Barn Inn & Spa has recently undergone a significant transformation by New York designer Jenny Wolf. While the aesthetic remains fittingly preppy for this coastal village known for its old-money allure, Wolf's design choices introduce a subtle quirkiness: imagine a zebra-hide rug beneath classic portrait paintings, tiny mounted antlers adorning some of the 23 rooms and four private cottages, a whimsical framed painting of a large eye on the lobby bookshelf, and vibrant colors and patterns that are bolder than one might expect.

At the heart of the hotel is the exquisite fine-dining restaurant housed in the historic 1860s barn, where one tasting menu option is entirely devoted to lobster, featuring dishes such as lobster caviar rolls, tempura lobster, and tandoori lobster. Additionally, the newly opened Little Barn offers a more casual atmosphere, complete with a 60-foot mural by Maine artist Dean Barger that pays homage to 19th-century landscape art. Starting at $382

White Elephant Inn

Initially established in the 1920s as a series of charming seaside cottages by local socialite Elizabeth T. Ludwig, the White Elephant has evolved into the epitome of luxury in Nantucket. Following a multimillion-dollar renovation last year, the property now boasts 54 rooms, suites, and 11 garden cottages, all featuring serene sky-blue ceilings, grass cloth wallpaper, and rattan furnishings—alongside whimsical elephant motifs found in door knockers and needlepoint pillows.

Upon entering the reception area, guests are greeted by a vibrant mural depicting a woman in a rowboat, created by pop artist Orit Fuchs. This artwork sets the tone for the hotel's artist-in-residence program. Throughout the property, visitors will discover pieces by various artists, including Mary Chandler's beautiful watercolors of Nantucket's native plants. Beyond the resort, guests can explore the Nantucket Whaling Museum, Brant Point Lighthouse, and the Lightship Basket Museum to fully immerse themselves in the area's rich maritime heritage. Starting at $325

Winvian

When you choose to stay at Winvian, a Relais & Châteaux wellness retreat nestled in Connecticut’s picturesque Litchfield Hills, you’re greeted with a delightful variety of accommodation options. Each of the 18 cottages and one main suite showcases a distinct design crafted by one of 15 talented architects. For example, the Helicopter cottage is uniquely built around a refurbished 1968 Sikorsky chopper, while the Beaver Lodge cottage features a bed beneath a canopy reminiscent of a dam, created from branches.

If you prefer something more classic, the Hadley Suite, located within a historic family home dating back to 1775, boasts Regency Era decor that echoes the style of Bridgerton. The on-site restaurant, led by chef Chris Eddy, emphasizes seasonal ingredients sourced from the property's gardens and greenhouses. While you can indulge in relaxation—perhaps enjoying a couples massage by a cozy fire—there are also numerous activities available, including stained-glass workshops, fencing lessons, and cooking classes. Rates from $825

Woodstock Inn & Resort

This historic location in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains has been a symbol of hospitality since 1793, when the original tavern first opened its doors. The modern version of Woodstock Inn & Resort was established in 1967 when conservationist and hotelier Laurance Rockefeller replaced the previous Woodstock Inn (constructed in 1892) with a new building.

With 142 rooms and suites, the inn radiates timeless charm, featuring furniture crafted by local artisans, elegant cherry or mahogany bed frames, and whimsical touches such as wind-up alarm clocks and gingham patterns. Guests can enjoy unique experiences like falconry or owl encounters, relax in a Scandinavian cedar sauna at the LEED-certified spa, or play at the Woodstock Country Club's Robert Trent Jones, Sr.–designed golf course. Don’t miss the Kelly Way Gardens, just a mile south of the inn, where master gardener Benjamin Pauly leads guided tours, tastings, gardening classes, and special dinners in the historic red barns. Rates from $320

Additional reporting by Lauren Dana Ellman, Ann Shields, and Greg Sullivan.