I will be travelling from Albany NY to Portsmouth NH and want to spend the night somewhere in between. I would like to find a really nice hotel or inn - not your usual days in kind of place. Something a little special and comfortable. Any suggestions?

hmmm.

How about the Deerfield Inn in Deerfield Mass? Probably too close to Albany for you though...

We stayed in a nice B&B in Concord once -- I'll see if I can figure out up the name of it.

I haven't personally been, but I've been told that the Lenox Inn/Spa is top notch.

The Beechwood Inn in Worcester is very nice and very close to Shrewsbury St which has great little restaurants. In Sturbridge, there is always the Publick House. Lots of things to do (cute little shops, etc.) and nice places to eat in Sturbridge as well. Sturbridge and Worcester are about 2.5 hours from Albany.

Or how about a charming B&B on Cape Ann (Rockport or Gloucester), with ocean views?

It is a little out of your way, but I don't think there is much to choose from on the direct route.

The Concord Inn (in Concord, of course) and Longfellow's Wayside Inn near Sudbudy both provide a different kind of lodging. The Wayside Inn also has a small museum showing what the inn was like in colonial times, and the American-style dining room is excellent. The inn is out in the country and near a working grain mill, which you can visit.

I wholeheartedly second the Deerfield Inn. we found it amazing and the restaurant is great as well.

We ended up at the Beechwood Inn, thanks to paulaulu. It was very pleasant and served our needs well, although not much character.

I think the inn people are referring to in Concord is the Colonial Inn.

I always stay at the Beechwood when in Worcester visiting friends. I am a VERY picky innkeeper, and it always meets my standards.

If you want really nice (and pricey) try Canyon Ranch Spa in Lenox. Great food, beautiful grounds, friendly staff and lots of spa services.