Rest Your Head at North of Boston Properties That Put a New Twist on Hospitality 

There’s no place more synonymous with historic stays than New England, but properties in these parts are far from stuck in the past. You’ll love checking in at these eight North Shore inns and hotels that welcome you with a suite of on-trend amenities and bespoke experiences.

Essex Street Inn, Newburyport

You don’t have to choose between an atmospheric stay and accumulating hotel points. The three Victorian-era homes that make up Essex Street Inn have stood proudly on a narrow street, steps from Newburyport’s shops, restaurants, and waterfront, since the 19th century. Yet, like any Ascend Hotel Collection by Choice Hotels member property, the rooms here are contemporary and comfortable, and your visit earns you Choice Privileges Rewards. Even more satisfying on a brisk day: complimentary soup on arrival.

Blue – Inn on the Beach, Newbury

There’s a new take on mornings at this contemporary Plum Island inn: breakfast in a basket. Brought to guests’ doors by 8 a.m. with piping-hot brewed coffee and juice, the delivery can include scones or croissants, chia pudding or overnight oats, deviled eggs, fruit, and other sweets and savories.

Addison Choate, Rockport

Blending classic New England charm with custom-designed experiences, innkeepers Courtney and Marshall Tulley learn about their guests’ interests in advance, then curate outings, recommending local gems befitting their lifestyles. “Whether they’re into art, the outdoors, shopping, or they are foodies, we help guide them to the best spots on Cape Ann,” says the couple.

Emerson Inn, Rockport

This historic inn plays up Cape Ann’s Hollywood ties with a newly renovated art deco–style lounge featuring an 85-inch screen showing movies filmed in the area. Enjoy flicks like The Perfect Storm, Manchester by the Sea, The Proposal, The Love Letter, and CODA in style.

Beauport Hotel, Gloucester

This 94-room hotel’s unique partnership with Rockport Music’s Shalin Liu Performance Center rewards performance attendees with special room rates. The intimate oceanview concert hall lures top talent from Grammy- and Oscar-winning vocalists to classical ensembles, who perform on a stage with a glass wall that shows off the rolling waves.

Hawthorne Hotel, Salem

This century-old landmark hotel’s Girls’ Getaway experience comes with a greeting of libations, a list of lovely locations for memorable pics, and a morning delivery of mimosas and muffins—perfect sustenance for exploring Witch City.

The Merchant, Salem

George Washington famously slept here, only the first president didn’t have the luxury of cutting-edge technology to engage with his hosts before and during his stay. Lucky for you, tech-savvy staff are always a text, email, or WhatsApp message away, and they’ll reply instantly with personalized suggestions for things to see, experience, and savor around town.

The Bell Inn and Tavern, Peabody

Plenty of Massachusetts inns tout their historic past. But minutemen gathering on your site during the American Revolution? Now, that gives you serious bragging rights. Don’t miss the inn’s trendy speakeasy. It’s in a cellar from the 1780s, and ghost hunters say its most “regular” guest is the spirit of a man named Frank. Sip on a Pour One Out for Frank cocktail paired with snacks from the late-night menu and try not to get spooked.

Image credits: Courtesy of Blue Inn on the Beach (c) RareBrick; Courtesy of Addison Choate; Emerson Inn by NBCVB

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This blog is an excerpt from our digital guide “250 Ways to Explore, Discover, and Celebrate North of Boston”. To view the full guide, click here.