8 Best Hotels in Lakes Region, New Hampshire

The hospitable innkeepers at this comfortable and informal B&B a short distance from Squam Lake make every possible effort to accommodate their guests—many of whom are repeat clients—from providing them with hiking trail maps to using rhubarb grown on property to make the jam served during the delicious country breakfasts. The spacious rooms have hardwood floors, braided rugs, desks, comfortable reading chairs, and country-quilt bedspreads and curtains.

This gracious red Victorian farmhouse, built as a summer getaway for the Pillsbury family of baking fame, has a peaceful setting on Lake Winnisquam and is a good general base for the western side of Lake Winnipesaukee. The inn contains nine impeccably decorated guest rooms and an abundance of inviting common spaces, including a 60-foot-long veranda and a gazebo by the water's edge—a pleasant place to lounge and listen for loons.

Graceful Victorian furnishings fill this peaceful farmhouse inn a short stroll from Squam Lake, each of its 10 rooms richly outfitted with comfortable beds, organic toiletries, and soft bathrobes. Rates include a full country breakfast and daily tea with afternoon desserts. The Inn Kitchen + Bar serves delicious modern American comfort fare, from buttermilk-fried chicken to lamb burgers and pan-seared salmon, Wednesday through Sunday. Private boat tours on the lake can be arranged.

This contemporary boutique hotel on a pretty stretch of lakefront with a private beach provides a handy, comfortable base for exploring the north end of Lake Winnipesaukee—it's on a quiet cove, about 5 miles from Meredith. In addition to the myriad recreational activities—kayak and SUP rentals, a swimming float, a hot tub, and a gym—there's a dock and moorings offering space for guests who bring their own boats. 

Squam Lake is just a short drive from this romantic inn that comprises a beautifully restored 1890s Queen Anne–style Victorian and, next door, a handsome 1920s carriage house. Expect the best in B&B comforts: plush beds, flat-screen TVs, complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres, and excellent service. All but one of the 12 rooms have fireplaces, and the six suites have double-whirlpool tubs.

A small vintage motel across from a lovely beach on Newfound has been stylishly transformed into a hip rustic-chic hideaway, complete with cheerfully decorated Insta-worthy rooms, a welcoming café serving great coffee, and access to a private beach. Check-in is by keyless entry, and the young family that owns the Kelby is happy to dispense helpful recommendations on what to see and do in the area. Some units have upstairs sleeping lofts that are great fun for kids. 

Slightly removed from, but within a short drive of, the crowds of Weirs Beach, this boutique spa hotel set in a converted mill is a great place to chill out, enjoy a shiatsu massage or cranberry facial, and savor dinner and cocktails on a patio overlooking the lake. In addition to being near the beaches of Winnipesaukee, the inn is close to a few smaller beaches on Lakes Opechee and Winnisquam.

Choose from four lodgings at this rambling resort: relaxing Church Landing and Bay Point are both on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee; convivial Mill Falls—with a pool—and Chase House are across the street, next to a 19th-century mill that houses shops and restaurants. Which to choose? Bay Point has waterfront rooms with private balconies, and Chase House has fireplace rooms, but the real star of the show is Church Landing, an Adirondack-style lodge whose lush rooms have dramatic water views.