Where to Stay
Lodgings in the White Mountains quite literally come in every size, shape, and variety. Availability is the only potential problem during the peak fall foliage season and busy summer weekends, when you should definitely make reservations well in advance. In the Great North Woods, lodgings are sparser, and hunting lodges and cabins are predominant.
Grand Hotels
Relive the days of the Great North Woods and White Mountains grand hotels at one of the turn-of-the-century landmarks that remain. You will find these historic, amenity-laden properties surprisingly family-friendly.
The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel
Route 26, Dixville Notch
800-255-0600
This four-season paradise is a destination all by itself. The 15,000 acre resort dates to 1866 and has skiing, ice skating, golf, tennis, and a private lake within its confines. The Balsams is known for its fine dining, and breakfast and dinner are included with most vacation packages. A day-long children's program for ages five through ten is available seven days a week in the summertime.
Eagle Mountain House
Carter Notch Road, Jackson
800-966-5779
Built in 1879, this ninety-three-room grand hotel is one of the best choices for family vacationers seeking a yesteryear atmosphere. Children will get a kick out of operating the manual doors on the hotel's 1920s-era elevator, and they'll enjoy the array of recreational facilities including an outdoor pool, game room, nine-hole golf course and cross-country ski trails. Children under eighteen stay free when they share a room or suite with adults.
The Mount Washington Resort at Bretton Woods
Route 302, Bretton Woods
800-314-1752
The incredibly picturesque Mount Washington Hotel still treats guests to the same lavish hospitality afforded visitors who arrived in 1902. Winston Churchill, Thomas Edison, Babe Ruth, and three U.S. presidents have stayed here. You may never want to check out once you discover the resort's indoor and outdoor pools, adventure center, eighteen- and nine-hole golf courses, clay tennis courts, horseback riding trails, downhill and cross-country ski trails, and children's programs. In addition to the grand hotel, the resort also offers more casual and affordable lodging options, including the nearby Lodge at Bretton Woods, which has its own indoor pool and pizzeria. Stay at any of the resort's properties, and you'll have full access to all resort amenities.
Family Resorts
Amusement parks, outdoor sports, and natural wonders aren't the only things that lure vacationers to northern New Hampshire. The region's resorts know how to make families feel at home, and they offer plenty to keep all ages entertained right on-site. That makes them particularly good choices for extended stays.
Adventure Suites
3440 White Mountain Highway, North Conway
888-NCONWAY
Your kids might not care if you ever leave the room when you book one of the sixteen themed suites at this unique lodging property. Which will you choose? The Cave, with its tunnel, cavern, dino bones, waterfall shower, fireplace, and video game console? Show Time, with its own movie theater and commercial popcorn machine? The two-story authentic Tree House, with a climbing wall, a two-person Jacuzzi, a remote-controlled moon, and tents for the kids? Or leave the little ones with a sitter and book the Love Shack.
Highland Center at Crawford Notch
Route 302, Bretton Woods
603-278-HIKE
The Appalachian Mountain Club's Highland Center offers year-round hostel and lodge accommodations for families who want to immerse themselves in outdoor adventure. Guests have access to daily activities such as guided hikes, naturalist talks, bird-watching outings, and educational programs, and they enjoy complimentary use of L.L. Bean gear. A buffet breakfast and family-style dinner are included with lodge accommodations.
Indian Head Resort
664 U.S. Route 3, Lincoln
800-343-8000
The prices are modest at this 180-acre resort where kids twelve and under stay and eat breakfast and dinner free when adults choose the Modified American Plan (MAP) dining package. Lodging options range from lakeside or lake-view motel rooms to cottages and bungalows, and resort amenities include indoor and outdoor pools; a game room; cross-country skiing and snowmobiling trails; a private lake for fishing, skating, and paddleboating; and supervised children's activities nightly throughout the summer and weekends during ski season.
Red Jacket Mountain View
Route 16, North Conway
800-RJACKET
With its central location, variety of accommodations, lovely views, and superb on-site facilities, this forty-acre resort is an ideal choice for families. While children splash in the outdoor pool, parents can sip frozen drinks at the poolside bar; and while the kids participate in the supervised summer children's program, Mom and Dad can sneak off to the full-service spa or one of the resort's two restaurants for some quiet time. You'll all enjoy the indoor pool, family barbecue nights, and horse-drawn sleigh or wagon rides.
Waterville Valley
1 Ski Area Road, Waterville Valley
800-GO-VALLEY
Don't just think of Waterville Valley for your winter ski vacation. In the summer, this multifaceted resort village becomes a recreational paradise for active families. You'll be able to choose from a variety of accommodations — condos, hotels, lodges — and enjoy all of the resort's facilities, shops, restaurants, and special events.
TRAVEL TIP
For an array of accommodations options in the Mount Washington Valley, call Luxury Mountain Getaways (603-383-9101 or 877-LMG-STAY,
The White Mountain Hotel and Resort
2660 West Side Road, North Conway
800-533-6301
This charming and warm resort hotel has many amenities that appeal to families including a year-round outdoor heated pool and Jacuzzi, a fitness center, a nine-hole golf course, outdoor tennis courts, a game room, hiking trails, and two restaurants.
Budget-Friendly Hotels and Motels
From chain hotels to small, family-run motels, there are dozens of lodging properties that make a White Mountains vacation affordable for families. Because of its central and easily accessible location, North Conway is one of the best places to base your stay. The town has many budget-friendly accommodations choices. The Colonial Motel (2431 White Mountain Highway/Route 16, 603-356-5178,
The Green Granite Inn & Conference Center (Route 16, 603-356-6901 or 800-468-3666,
There are also many affordable places to stay near Santa's Village. At the Lantern Resort Motel & Campground (Route 2, Jefferson, 603 586-7151,
Outdoor enthusiasts will feel at home at Tall Timber Lodge (609 Beach Road, Pittsburg, 800-83-LODGE,
