There is something so magical about New England. The salty air, crisp mornings, lush forested landscapes and sounds of the sea echoing through the quaint, small towns. The people you meet are charming and proud, and the food is so fresh it was living an hour ago. If you’re craving a getaway from the hustle and bustle of your busy life, head to New England and stay at one of these world-renowned, quiet and cozy bed-and-breakfasts.
Each of these beautiful inns is known for classic New England hospitality, comfortable and cozy rooms and unique history and architecture. Not only this, but the food is five-star quality. Just be warned, once you check in, you may never want to leave the comfort of your room!
Berry Manor Inn, Rockland, Maine
The stunning, four diamond award-winning Berry Manor Inn, situated in the small seaside town of Rockland, Maine, was rated one of the top 10 B&Bs in the country for 2011-2012 by Bedandbreakfast.com. One glance at the photos, and it’s not hard to see why. The rooms are opulently decorated in luxurious and rich color schemes, like golds, reds, creams and blues. The decor is sophisticated antiques, with antique sleigh and metal beds and tapestries. Almost all of the rooms have private baths with Jacuzzi tubs and working fireplaces for those cold New England nights.
In addition, the staff provides chocolates, corkscrews for the local wine and turn-down service every night. You won’t find any continental breakfast here; every morning, they serve dishes like raspberry stuffed French toast or baked eggs with tomatoes and new potatoes with dill. In addition, you can also get a late night piece of pie, made that morning, if the craving hits before bedtime. Rooms start at $135 a night.
Rabbit Hill Inn, Lower Waterford, Vermont
Rabbit Hill isn’t just a favorite among the locals. This cozy inn was rated one of the top B&Bs in New England by Travel Channel and one of the top hotels in the country by Travel & Leisure. This stunning 19-room B&B has been around since 1795 and once served as a private residence for the wealthy elite. The outside has an almost Southern plantation look to it, with all white brick and an upstairs wraparound porch. Each of the rooms has a private bath, with the eight luxury rooms containing a huge bathroom with a spa tub for two. No matter which room you are in, you’ll be pampered with four-poster beds, plush bedding and stunning antique decor pieces, like armoires, and wood-burning fireplaces.
The farm-to-table food is nothing short of spectacular, starting with an elegant breakfast of homemade granola, apple cheddar crepes and roasted red pepper eggs Napoleon drizzled with sundried tomato anglaise. The multicourse dinners are held by candlelight, and you can expect to find dishes like pork belly tarts and locally raised braised chicken. After you’ve eaten, indulge in an in-room massage or take a stroll through the gardens or 10 acres of walking trails. Rooms start at $265 a night.
Hydrangea House, Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is one of the most popular towns in New England with white sand beaches, a festive and quaint downtown waterfront and majestic mansions sitting by the city’s famous Cliff Walk. When in Newport, stay at the renowned Hydrangea House. The location is unbeatable, just one step out of the inn and you are in Newport’s Old Quarter. Another top 10 pick by Travel Channel, this B&B has just 10 rooms, so the inn feels more like a personal vacation home than a bustling hotel. Each of the rooms is decorated to a theme, like the French Country Suite that is outfitted in yellow and blue furniture or the Carrie in Paris suite that has an in-room fireplace and two-person spa tub.
The staff at Hydrangea House takes breakfast very seriously. It’s a grand formal affair that is served in the fancy dining room, which is decorated with rich colors, like reds, golds and brown and has a magnificent crystal chandelier. On the menu is the freshly ground Hydrangea House coffee, home-baked breads (like flaky croissants) and granola, and their incredibly fluffy raspberry pancakes and well-seasoned scrambled eggs. Rooms start at $295.
More New England travel tips
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Historic and heritage travel in New England
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