New England is hiding some of America’s oldest inns and bed-and-breakfasts.
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It’s also home to some of the country’s most charming resorts—ones that showcase that Old World charm that New England is known for. Best of all, these resorts are great to visit no matter what time of year, from the white-powder winters to the flowery summers.
And you can find them far beyond popular hubs like Cape Cod and Kennebunkport. (Don’t worry—I’ll cover a few resorts in both of these spots, too.) In fact, there are way more high-class resorts in New England with Old World charm than you might think.
Here’s where to find the most famous resorts in New England, from actual historic seaside hotels to newer projects that make you feel like you’re traveling into the past. (If you’re looking for family-friendly resorts in New England, start here instead.)
Famous resorts in New England with that Old World charm
Ocean House (Watch Hill, Rhode Island)
This larger-than-life Victorian-style hotel was built in 1868 right on the water. The construction was demolished back in 2005, then rebuilt on the same site in a faithful recreation—all the way down to the iconic yellow siding. It’s such a bougie, historic spot that the 1916 film American Aristocracy was filmed on the grounds.
Chatham Bars Inn (Chatham, Massachusetts)
Built back in 1917 as a hunting retreat for wealthy individuals from Boston, Chatham Bars Inn has since become one of Cape Cod’s most enduring, prestigious resorts. It’s set on 25 private oceanfront acres and comes with its own pool, beach, croquet courts, golf course, tennis courts, and Japanese Zen garden.
Castle Hills Resort and Spa (Proctorsville, Vermont)
Originally opened in 1905, much of the Castle Hills Resort and Spa has been painstakingly preserved over the last century. The resort is a member of the National Registry of Historic Places and the Historic Hotels of America. If you visit, make sure to book a stay in the historic mansion—it’s a feast for the eyes.
Wequassett Resort & Golf Club (East Harwich, Massachusetts)
This resort opened its doors back in 1925. Since then, it’s maintained its appeal as a popular family-friendly resort. There’s a large private beach, outdoor pool, and multiple dining options on-site. Most of the rooms and suites also have private decks, making it ideal for family retreats.
The Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa (Whitefield, New Hampshire)
Opened originally in 1965, this historic resort underwent major renovations in 2002. Like Ocean House, the refurbishments maintained the original architecture and most of the décor. This grand resort is set on 1,700 acres and has a massive, full-service Tower Spa on-site.
The Mansion at Ocean Edge (Brewster, Massachusetts)
This classic seaside resort comes with a golf course, plenty of outdoor activities, and a kids’ club. The actual inn is set in a historic mansion, which has been beautifully preserved. There’s a fine balance of Old World charm with modern amenities, helping put The Mansion at Ocean Edge on par with famous Cape Cod resorts like Chatham Bars Inn.
Woodstock Inn & Resort (Woodstock, Vermont)
Founded in 1969 by a Rockefeller, Woodstock Inn & Resort is one of the most high-class resorts in New England with Old World charm. There’s a full-service spa and golf course, along with a tavern-like setup that gives the on-site fine dining a warm twist.
Eagle Mountain House (Jackson, New Hampshire)
Opened back in 1879, this remote resort is located right in the heart of the White Mountains. That makes it ideal for year-round outdoor adventures, from snowshoeing in winter to hiking in summer. There’s also a nine-hole golf course and a game room on the grounds.
Weekapaug Inn (Westerly, Rhode Island)
Opened back in 1899, this inn is located on the edge of a peninsula with views of the Atlantic Ocean. Today, the Weekapaug Inn is a Relais & Chateaux property, putting it squarely in five-star territory. Though technically an inn, it’s got plenty to do, from naturalist guides to boat trips to family retreats.
Wentworth by the Sea (New Castle, New Hampshire)
Welcome to one of the US’s longest-standing Gilded Age hotels, which first opened its doors in 1874 before undergoing major renovations in the early 2000s. It’s also got a pretty awesome history, having served as the site where Russian and Japanese delegations formally ended the Russo-Japanese War in 1905, at the behest of President Theodore Roosevelt.
Omni Mount Washington Inn (Bretton Woods, New Hampshire)
Opened in 1902, the Omni Mountain Washington Inn is a grand resort that has played a key role in history, just like Wentworth by the Sea. However, the spa is a new edition, having been expanded and re-housed in a new construction back in 2009.
Mohonk Mountain House (New Paltz, New York)
Opened in 1869, Mohonk Mountain House is one of the most accessible resorts in New England with Old World Charm. It’s located next to a 40,000-acre nature preserve and offers tons of outdoor activities, from rock climbing to golf to yoga. The spa is also award-winning.
