New Hampshire
The oldest hotel in New Hampshire is over 200 years old. How to stay there
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Planning a vacation to New Hampshire?
Whether it’s a top-rated ski resort in the White Mountains or a charming waterfront cabin by the Lakes Region, there are plenty of highly-regarded hotels in the state to choose from.
If you want historical New England vibes, there are also lots of New Hampshire hotels with colonial ties. In fact, the state’s very first hotel opened in Hancock over 200 years ago. Recently reopened under new ownership, The Inn at Hancock was founded in 1789, making it the oldest inn and restaurant in the state.
Here’s everything to know about the history and lodging at New Hampshire’s oldest inn.
History of The Inn at Hancock
Originally called The Hancock Inn, the hotel first opened in 1789 as a stop for travelers on trade routes between Boston and Vermont. The original building had food, drinks and a full ballroom for dancing in addition to guest rooms.
Over the 200 plus years since its opening, the inn has drawn crowds from all over to experience the historic New England charm – including former U.S. President Franklin Pierce.
In 2022, the inn temporarily closed, selling to new owners and undergoing major renovations. Rebranded as The Inn at Hancock, the historic hotel reopened with two new restaurants, a re-finished black exterior and an eccentric pink main door. Construction is currently ongoing in the guest rooms.
How to stay at The Inn at Hancock
Unfortunately, The Inn at Hancock is not currently open for lodging, as construction work is ongoing in the guest rooms. While the inn has not shared a specific re-opening date for the rooms, the Monadnock Ledger-Transcript reports a projected opening date in late March or April.
In the meantime, The Inn at Hancock is open for dining at its two new restaurants – The Hunt Bar and Scullery, a casual tavern with light fare and live piano jazz, and Pinks Lounge, a lush dining room overlooking the back patio with an a la carte menu and raw bar. Reservations for both spaces can be made online.