Lake Winnipesaukee offers an ideal escape. The largest lake in New Hampshire serves as the dramatic centerpiece of its spectacular Lakes Region, while the White Mountains offer a gorgeous backdrop. It also has over 260 islands, small inlets and large bays, with eight towns around its shoreline. For the perfect place to base your stay in the area, consider one of these hotels right along the waterfront.
Wolfeboro Inn
Previously named ‘Best Lakeside Inn’ by Yankee magazine, the historic Wolfeboro Inn dates back to 1812. It’s just a short walk from the center of town and has its own private beach on Lake Winnipesaukee and a replica 19th-century paddleboat offering seasonal daytime cruises. Take advantage of spa services and enjoy dining at Wolfe’s Tavern, the inn’s pub which offers both upscale dishes and comfort food along with an extensive beer list. The elegant rooms come with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi; some have private decks. For a lake or garden view, book one of the suites. rooms feature free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs; some have private decks.
Bay Point at Mill Falls
Located at the tip of Meredith Bay, Bay Point at Mill Falls recently experienced a major renovation, now boasting a nautical theme and lots of updated features. It offers magnificent views of the lake as well as the Belknap and White Mountain ranges in the distance. As Mill Falls has a number of inns, all within a short walking distance, guests can also enjoy full access to all of those facilities as well. Many of the comfortable rooms come with lake views, balconies and a two-person whirlpool.
The Lake House at Ferry Point Inn
The Lake House at Ferry Point Inn is a historic B&B that sits on Lake Winnisquam in the Lake Winnipesaukee area, offering an especially tranquil stay and an impressive number of facilities for its size. Guests can enjoy the beach, a swimming area and loaner kayaks along with a garden and gazebo. There are just nine rooms, ensuring a more intimate, personalized stay. All are en-suite and come with Wi-Fi access, while some provide lake views. Book the bi-level suite housed in an annex and you’ll get a kitchen and a living room with a sofa. A hot, complimentary breakfast is served on the porch or in the dining room.
Church Landing at Mill Falls
Set directly on the shoreline of Lake Winnipesaukee, Church Landing at Mill Falls was built in Adirondack-style and offers a host of amenities, including two indoor/outdoor swimming pools, sandy beaches, a spa, salon and a gym. Kayaks, standup paddleboards and bikes are available to rent, and antique speedboat rides are offered too. There are multiple dining options and a marketplace, while rooms all come with private lakefront balconies and fireplaces. There are a few pet-friendly rooms too, each of which come with complimentary treats, a pet bed, food and water bowls.
Center Harbor Inn
The Center Harbor Inn is especially popular among families who enjoy being right along the beachfront. Guests can relax on the sands of the private beach and soak in the outdoor hot tub. The property also offers boat docking, moors and slips that make it ideal for boaters. Family suites are available and come with a kitchenette, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and DVD players.
The Ballard House Inn
This gorgeously restored 1784 boarding house offers magnificent mountain and lake views from its back porch swing. Enjoy access to scenic trails right from the backyard of The Ballard House Inn and look forward to mornings that start with a delicious home-cooked country breakfast. Rooms feature mountain and park views – all have flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, while some come with balconies or porches and/or fireplaces.
Manor on Golden Pond
Manor on Golden Pond sits just northwest of Lake Winnipesaukee on a hill overlooking famous Squam Lake, the very same Squam Lake that served as the setting for 1981’s Oscar-winning film “On Golden Pond.” Guests enjoy an especially luxurious retreat that includes fine dining at the inn’s Van Horn dining room along with decadent spa treatments and a pool. The sophisticated rooms and suites all come with period furnishings, free Wi-Fi and picturesque views. Some have fireplaces, whirlpool tubs and/or balconies.
Grand View Resort
The Grand View Resort sits within a colonial-style guesthouse with an annex. It overlooks Lake Winnipesaukee and the Ossipee Mountains, providing beautiful views. The main house has a relaxing wraparound porch with rocking chairs, and the property also includes an outdoor pool surrounded with adirondack chairs. Rooms offer balconies with lake and mountain views, free Wi-Fi, microwaves, mini-fridges and TVs. Suites feature separate living rooms, kitchens and private decks, while cozy cottages come with kitchenettes and porches.
Squam Lake Inn
Another great option for those who want to enjoy Squam Lake, the Squam Lake Inn is housed within an 1895 farmhouse, just a short walk from the water. Look forward to made-to-order gourmet breakfasts, served on the deck with a garden view or in the dining room, as well as afternoon tea and dessert. The rooms all come with private baths, and some offer upscale perks like a claw-foot tub or fireplace. The on-site Inn Kitchen + Bar serves a delicious seasonal menu and an enticing selection of craft beers.
Lake Opechee Inn and Spa
The Lake Opechee Inn and Spa is a family-friendly resort that sits on Lake Opechee. Guests can enjoy swimming in the indoor pool, soaking in the hot tub and visits to the onsite spa for a deep-tissue massage, manicure or pedicure. A complimentary continental breakfast is served every morning, including fruit, pastries and cereals. Room service is available and there’s an on-site restaurant too. Rooms are luxuriously furnished, two of which are pet-friendly, and come with free Wi-Fi and fireplaces. Some add a whirlpool tub.
