See inside New Hampshire’s historic Portsmouth Hotel

Travel to New England

“We are thrilled to unveil this new take on a quintessential New England hotel.”

A historic Portsmouth, New Hampshire hotel, just steps from bustling Market Square, has just reopened after a complete overhaul.

The Portsmouth Hotel is a 32-room hotel built in 1881 by wealthy ship merchant and businessman John E. Sise. The Queen Anne Victorian, formerly the Sise Inn, was one of the city’s first independent accommodation establishments and was acquired by Lark Hotels in 2014. Its recent redesign was led by boutique design firm Elder & Ash.

The Getaway’s new look “combines modern sophistication with the warmth of traditional New England charm,” according to the design team.

“From the original moldings and functional fireplaces to the meticulous woodwork around its central staircase, we have always been impressed by the architectural charm of the Portsmouth Hotel,” said Rob Blood, founder and president of Lark Hotels and principal of Elder & Ash , in a press release. . “This new look pays homage to the building’s innate beauty and celebrates the rich culture of the city and region in an unexpected way.” We are excited to unveil this new take on a quintessential New England hotel.

The hotel offers a variety of room types, from a small king-size bed to a double loft suite to an expansive penthouse suite. There are also ADA accessible and pet-friendly rooms.

The designers took inspiration from the surrounding city.

“We find Portsmouth’s arts and culture scene unique,” ​​Megan Kennedy, creative director of Lark Hotels and principal of Elder & Ash, said in a statement. “Historic monuments like the Strawbery Banke Museum are
encountered more contemporary counterparts, such as 3S Art Space. Venues like Jimmy’s Jazz Club, the Seacoast Repertory Theater and the Music Hall, to name a few, provide our guests with an unprecedented opportunity to enjoy a cultural experience in this small town. We wanted the Portsmouth Hotel to emulate and
add to this experience. Instead of just a place to stay, we wanted it to tell a visual story of its deep New England roots, both past and present.

The Getaway’s interior is dominated by reds and blues with American motifs, geometric shapes and touches of maritime history. The work of American photographer Slim Aarons is featured on the walls alongside contemporary street art, original historical landscapes and portraits.

“The bold, layered approach to design is how we express Americana as a technique rather than a visual image,” Kennedy said in a statement. “Modern American design for this project was about more than stars, stripes and patchwork quilts (although many of those still exist), it was about noticing how the multiple patterns, textures and colors in come to resemble Americana. Tribal mudcloths work harmoniously with key Greek motifs, and while some would argue the heritage, we saw an opportunity to emulate the Crucible.

Bathrooms are equipped with bathtubs and walk-in showers, and guests use Lather bath products.

Common spaces “combine small-town American charm with one-of-a-kind furnishings,” according to the team.

Lucy & John’s is a bar area with a pool table and group seating. The hotel now has a full liquor license, so travelers can enjoy batch cocktails, canned beer and wine, and light snacks.

Guests can shop in the gift shop behind the front desk, which features vintage designer clothing, modern American home decor, and locally made items.

Travelers enjoy curated breakfast bites, 24-hour concierge service, and multiple indoor and outdoor gathering spaces.

Families traveling with children can request a children’s welcome basket, including toys and snacks. Other types of baskets you can order include breakfast baskets and a New England beer tasting basket.

Room rates start at $200 per night, depending on room type and dates of stay.