Inspector Picks: 11 Festive Places to Stay in New England During the Holidays
Updated: April 19, 2023
Kendall Tavern Inn Bed & Breakfast
Freeport, Maine
AAA Inspector 87: I love their LL Bean tote bags that store your bath towels - ingenious!This 1832 early-Victorian farmhouse is truly lovely with cloud-like bedding and a full 3-course breakfast of homemade baked goods and tasty entrées. Early evening refreshments is a delightful treat. Book Now
Bedford Village Inn and The Grand at Bedford Village Inn
Bedford, New Hampshire
AAA Inspector 87: The plush guest rooms and luxurious amenities are a delight, but I love the Luxe Salon & Spa for a treatment or two. It's perfectly relaxing.These two exceptional inns, the original inn and now The Grand, are located on expansive grounds. Guests check in at the property where they are staying. The historic inn, which is a converted dairy barn dating from 1810, has 14 elegant rooms with up-to-date amenities and a romantic ambience. The Grand, the newest addition, has plush, modern rooms that are beautifully designed to maximize guest comfort. The common areas, restaurants and relaxing gardens throughout are lovely spots to unwind.Book Now
Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection
Washington, Connecticut
AAA Inspector 46: As I enter this exquisite spa, there is a sense of calm and serenity that surrounds me. I just can't wait for the pampering to begin.Tucked away in a secluded wooded location on 58 acres of rolling hills, stately maples, streams and formal gardens, this posh property offers spacious and impeccably appointed rooms and suites. The sumptuous feather beds are covered with 300 thread count linens. The award-winning spa features a mosaic, domed hot tub and a 'thermal sanctuary' that uses light and scents along with steam to enrich the senses.Book Now
Ocean House
Watch Hill, Rhode Island
AAA Inspector 46: My nirvana resides at the ocean view relaxation room located within the state's largest spa comprising 12,000-square-feet. Both are hard to beat.The Victorian-era seaside resort was completely rebuilt with modern amenities and repurposed artifacts. Ocean-inspired rooms offer luxurious touches such as 400 thread count custom Matouk linens. Bathrooms are graced with deep soaking tubs, a large shower with a floor of river rocks, and TVs. Numerous activities abound including a championship croquet lawn, an onsite movie theater, and cabanas at the beach with full-time professional attendants.Book Now
The Charlotte Inn
Edgartown, Massachusetts
AAA Inspector 46: Rooms are set in a series of buildings connected by brick paths meandering through meticulous ivy gardens and fountains. Every inch is perfection.This stately 1864 Edwardian-era inn is home to the finest getaway on the island. Staff members cater to guests' whims while top of the line Frette bedding, Bvlgari amenities and Hermes soaps await. Museum-quality antiques and original oil paintings from the early 19th century are tastefully placed throughout the inn. A full cooked-to-order breakfast is available for an additional charge in the glass-paneled conservatory. Complimentary bottled water and afternoon beverage and repast is served every afternoon on the outdoor porch in summer or fireside in the winter. Summer offerings typically include ice tea or lemonade on the porch. The inn's parking lot is located down the street, approximately a four minute walk away.Book Now
Harbor View Hotel
Edgartown, Massachusetts
AAA Inspector 46: The view of Edgartown lighthouse from the wrap around porch never gets old. I could spend hours rocking in one of their chairs and sipping lemonade.The breathtaking view overlooking Nantucket Sound coupled with breezy coastal décor and comfy surroundings tend to provide for a lovely stay. Well-appointed guest rooms sumptuous Frette bedding, and Molton Brown bath amenities. The hotel is within walking distance to numerous shops and is across the street from the Edgartown Lighthouse and public beach. A stone-decked swimming pool surrounded by a spacious lawn and flower gardens are lovely spots to relax. Guests have several lodging options on the property. They range between the historic main building and scattering of duplex or triplex-style cottages. Golf cart service to the beach and downtown is included in your stay. Guests are also encouraged to borrow a bicycle or Mercedes loaner car to explore the island.Book Now
Omni Mount Washington Resort
Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
AAA Inspector 615: Surrounded by the Presidential Mountain Range, grand views are guaranteed throughout the property.Built in 1902 and on the National Register of Historic Places, this expansive hotel features manicured grounds and breathtaking mountain views. The impressive interiors include Tiffany stained glass. Combined with its upscale services and amenities, you may feel as if you've returned to the grandeur of a bygone era.Book Now
White Barn Inn, Auberge Resorts Collection
Kennebunk, Maine
AAA Inspector 87: Amid woodland beauty, this private and peaceful inn offers many cottages and suites with soaking tubs, gas fireplaces and double walk-in showers.This handsome 19th-century inn features elegant sitting areas and luxurious accommodations. Guests are welcomed with fresh flowers and bottled water. Turn-down service includes a guest amenity. Plush spa robes and curated bath amenities are in every guest room. If you're heading to the beach, towels and chairs are provided for your convenience and a "Picnic Hamper" may be ordered in advance for the ultimate beach experience. Tablets also are available on request. A bowl filled with complimentary fresh fruit, brandy and port wine is offered in the sitting room.Book Now
Winvian Farm
Morris, Connecticut
AAA Inspector 46: Being here fulfills my childhood fantasy of sleeping in a treehouse, a helicopter, a lighthouse or one of many whimsical themed cottages in the woods.This 113-acre country estate property borders a wildlife sanctuary within the Litchfield Hills. Inspired architects designed each of the elegant, individual themed cottages, creating a whimsical look. Extravagant rooms range from the plush and refined to the amazing. The Helicopter cottage features a fully restored 1968 Sikorsky U.S. Coast Guard helicopter in the center of the room stocked with a bar and entertainment center inside; the Tree House cottage, which indeed is a cottage, has been lifted 33 feet off the ground and is suspended from the trees. Other cottages inspire guests to be creative, such as the Music cottage that's filled with musical instruments for guests to play or the Artist cottage that's complete with an artist’s studio that is stocked with an easel and canvas for guests to begin painting the minute they arrive. No matter what cottage you choose, standard amenities including wood-burning fireplaces, 300 thread count Egyptian cotton linen sheets and soft down duvets on king beds, extra large whirlpool tubs, walk-in steam showers, Amazon rain shower heads and additional massage shower heads, double vanity sinks, radiant bathroom floor heating, and state-of-the-art technology, including Bose systems. Most units have a flat-panel plasma HDTV that pops out of a handcrafted piece of furniture or a rock wall at the touch of a button; it's sure to delight. Numerous activities abound that take place and are arranged at the hotel for a small fee which include cooking classes, ax throwing, and horseback riding. Outdoor movies and bonfires with complimentary s’mores are held on certain evenings. The resort has a number of dog friendly cottages that must be reserved ahead of time with special treats provided for your pup.Book Nowx:182824
Woodstock Inn & Resort
Woodstock, Vermont
AAA Inspector 87: I'm in love with the seating nooks at this gorgeous New England inn. Some are elegant, some casual, yet all have a different design and style.Combining New England history and charm, this inn is close to boutiques and restaurants. Room highlights include luxurious bedding, handcrafted furniture, a marble vanity counter and a makeup mirror. Some rooms feature a wood-burning fireplace, a parlor, multiple bathrooms, a closed-in sun room and/or porch. Be sure to inquire about the spa, introductory falconry lessons and kids-play-free-golf room packages. After a day of activities, unwind in the enormous game room, rejuvenate at the full-service spa or sit in one of the Adirondack chairs positioned throughout the entire landscaped property. You simply cannot avoid having fun here.Book Now
The Jackson House Inn
Woodstock, Vermont
AAA Inspector 24: I love the view from the breakfast room! You can see over the vast lawn to the trout pond.This idyllic destination is geared toward adults seeking a peaceful getaway. Guests will enjoy the elegant furnishings, luxurious bedding, and gourmet breakfasts. Some rooms feature a balcony or patio and/or a gas fireplace. The meticulously manicured grounds feature a freshwater pond and a mountain-fed brook. Also, the inn is not far from boutiques, galleries, cafés and restaurants.Book Now