Every hotel stay has the potential to be something to savor, but some hotels have a porch that’s head and shoulders above the rest. For relaxing, cocktail-sipping, and view-admiring, here are our editor-approved picks for the best hotel porch in every New England state.
Need more outdoor travel ideas? Find these picks, plus more than 120 of the best things to do, places to eat, and places to stay that celebrate the great outdoors in The Best of New England: Outdoor Edition.
Rich mahogany floorboards on the full-length front porch are one of many discoveries that new owners have made while refreshing this 1849 inn, located a quick stroll from downtown. Locally baked scones and iced local coffee accent warm-weather breakfasts on the porch.
The scene of many champagne moments, the front porch at this Ocean Avenue resort’s Victorian main building is a favorite spot for overnight and dinner guests alike. Away from the bustle of Kennebunkport’s Dock Square, its white wicker chairs can be turned toward the wind-fluttered American flag flying over the Bush family’s summer compound on Walker’s Point or angled so that almost all you’ll see is wavy ocean and wide sky.
Best Hotel Porch in Massachusetts:
Red Lion Inn, Stockbridge
There isn’t always a pop-up performance or drink special on the front porch at this landmark hotel, which traces its origins to 1773, yet competition for rocking chairs is always fierce. Overlooking one of the Berkshires’ most vibrant crossroads, it’s a threshold that’s been crossed by countless luminaries. A few taps on your smartphone, and you won’t have to imagine Norman Rockwell painting this scene or James Taylor’s voice emanating from the landing.
Taking in the view at the Omni Mount Washington Resort. Photo Credit : Mark Fleming
Built on a palatial scale and on a parallel line with the Presidential Range, the Mount Washington is the rare survivor of the White Mountains’ grand hotel era. Its 903-foot-long wraparound veranda—the longest porch in New England—was quite the place to promenade in 1902. It remains an unparalleled perch for observing resort goings-on, unwinding with drinks, and binge-watching sun-glossed mountain views.
Best Hotel Porch in Rhode Island:
Ocean House, Watch Hill
On the Verandah, with a drink and a plate of glistening local oysters, croquet action below, milky-blue ocean in view, you’ve found the New England hallmarks of perfection. From the little things—like lobster rolls your way, hot or cold—to the monumental elements of historic character, visual splendor, and world-class service, the sweet life is here for even lunch-only visitors.
Add porch-hopping to the list of outdoor pursuits you’ll want to sample during an action-packed Equinox getaway. Snag coffee and a coveted rocking chair on the columned front porch, and watch the village awaken. There’s more Main Street hubbub to observe over lunch on the Marsh Tavern porch. Later, sip a maple syrup–sweetened old-fashioned by the slate fire pit on the porch de résistance: the Mount Equinox–facing Falcon Deck.
Leave your pick for the best New England hotel porch in the comments below.
