Where to Stay in the Seacoast Region by Kim Knox Beckius
The Seacoast region is compact, so wherever you choose to stay, the area's attractions are just minutes away. The Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth (250 Market Street, 603-431-2300, www.sheratonportsmouth.com) is one of the larger options with more than 200 rooms, an indoor heated pool, and its own restaurant and Riverwatch Lounge. Another location convenient to the shops and sights of Portsmouth is the Inn at Strawbery Banke (314 Court Street, 603-436-7242 or 800 428-3933, www.innatstrawberybanke.com), an early-1800s home turned B&B that welcomes children ages ten and older.
The bustling Hampton Beach area is your best bet for waterfront lodging. The landmark Ashworth by the Sea (295 Ocean Boulevard, 603-926-6762 or 800-345-6736, www.ashworthhotel.com) has offered lodgings overlooking the Atlantic for more than ninety-five years. Book a two-and-a-half-room suite with its own ocean-view porch at Sea Spiral Suites (449 Ocean Boulevard, 603-926-2222 or 800-303-9933, www.seaspiralsuites.com), where they'll even stock your galley kitchen on request. The Hampton Beach Area Chamber of Commerce will gladly send you a free accommodations guide with dozens of additional choices. Call them at 603-926-8718, or request your guide online at www.hamptonchamber.com.
JUST FOR PARENTS
Couples will find luxury and a quiet haven at D.W.'s Oceanside Inn (365 Ocean Boulevard, Hampton Beach, 603-926-3542 or 866-623-2674, www.oceansideinn.com), an adults-only inn with nine individually furnished guest rooms. Amenities include private, gated parking one block from the inn; a self-service bar on the deck; and inn-wide WiFi. D.W.'s welcomes guests from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend.
If you're seeking historic charm, Three Chimneys Inn (17 Newmarket Road, Durham, 603-868-7800 or 888-399-9777, www.threechimneysinn.com) provides accommodations for adults and well-mannered children within a restored 1649 mansion and carriage house. While you're there, dine beside the 1649 cooking hearth at the ffrost Sawyer Tavern. Or consider Rock Ledge Manor (1413 Ocean Boulevard, Rye, 603-431-1413, www.rockledgemanor.com), a classic gingerbread Victorian that was once part of a resort colony; it's now a B&B with sea views from all guest rooms. Children ages ten and older are welcome.
For a truly extraordinary stay, immerse yourselves in the grandeur of the grand hotel era at Wentworth by the Sea, A Marriott Hotel & Spa (Wentworth Road, New Castle, 603-422-7322 or 866-240 6313, www.wentworth.com). This beautifully restored 1874 hotel has indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, two restaurants, and a full-service spa.
