The White Mountains is such a stunningly beautiful area of New Hampshire, and if you’ve found this post, that hopefully means you’re planning a visit. Spanning several towns, the area is actually bigger than a lot of people realize, and if you’re wondering where to stay in the White Mountains, you’ve come to the right place 😉
I’ve spent a lot of time in the White Mountains, and it’s one of my favorite places to be in the fall season. I’ve been to all the towns, experienced a lot of the hotels, and I’m thrilled to be able to point you in the right direction. This post is my breakdown of the best towns to stay in to help you decide which is perfect for you, my top hotel recommendations, and some really cozy cabin options, too.
Ready to start planning? Let’s go!
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Short on time? I’ve got you covered!
Here are my top recommendations for the White Mountains:
✓ Best Luxury Resort: Omni Mount Washington in Bretton Woods
✓ Best Hotel For Everyone: RiverWalk at Loon Mountain
✓ Coziest Inn: Sugar Hill Inn or Christmas Farm Inn
Best Area In The White Mountains To Stay In: East or West?
There are over 15 towns in the White Mountains region, and some of them even have their own distinct villages. If you’re not familiar with the area, it’s a bit overwhelming trying to decide where to stay, and I was the same way when I planned my first trip! So, let me break it all down for you 😊
I find it helpful to look at the White Mountains in two sections: East and West, and they’re connected by two major routes: Route 112, and Route 302.
One helpful way to decide what area to stay in is to pick which side it would be most beneficial for you to use as a home base. While it doesn’t take too long to drive either route from one side to the other, if you’re short on time, or are planning to visit a lot more things in one area over the other, it may make sense for you to plan your trip this way.
For example, popular attractions like Franconia Notch State Park, the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, and Flume Gorge are all located on the Western side of the White Mountains. Popular attractions like The Cog, Crawford Notch State Park, and the Conway Scenic Railway are all located in the Eastern side. Depending on what you have planned for your itinerary, it may be a good idea to base yourself on one side, and just plan a day trip to the other.
The drive between each region takes a scenic route through either the heart of the White Mountains National Forest along Route 112, known as the famous Kancamagus Highway, or Route 302 through Crawford Notch State Park. Both these drives take about 1 hour minimum, depending on where you’re starting and ending (and traffic!). They’re both wonderful drives that are worthy of your time, and offer fun stops to make along the way. So really, the drives themselves are destinations all on their own!
However, if time isn’t a concern, and your priority is the best town to suit your needs, let’s get into that in the next section 😉
Best Towns In The White Mountains To Stay In
My top favorite towns to stay in the White Mountains are:
→ Littleton
→ Lincoln
→ North Conway
→ Woodstock
→ Sugar Hill
→ Jackson
→ Bretton Woods
Each of these towns has its own vibe, and will honestly suit just about any traveler, whether you’re traveling as a couple, with kids, solo, or as a group of friends. However, let me share what each town is like to let you decide which is perfect for your own stay.
Littleton – Most Charming Town
Littleton is one of the cutest towns in the Western side, and a great choice if you’re looking to stay in a charming, quaint town with lots of character and lovely scenery. Sitting along a river with a scenic covered bridge, and a Main Street that has been named the best in the U.S., it offers perfect small-town vibes, and just enough to do without feeling overwhelming. If you stay right in town, everything is very walkable, too.
It’s also home to Chutters, which is home to the world’s longest candy counter, and it’s super fun for kids (and adults, too!) to see. For couples and adults, Schilling Brewery is a really cool place to hang out on the river with great beer, and Tim-Bir Alley Restaurant is perfect for a romantic night out.
The only downside to Littleton is that there aren’t a lot of really amazing hotel options, so if the hotel experience is more important to you, this may not be the best choice for your itinerary.
Where To Stay In Littleton:
✓ Thayer Inn: A historic inn right on Main Street and walkable to town. This is a wonderful choice when staying in Littleton, but it’s not for everyone. Because it’s a historic building, they’re unable to make a lot of updates, so it’s a bit like stepping back in time during your visit. Some will love it, and others may not. I’ve stayed here and enjoyed it, but I always like to point out that it’s not for everyone.
✓ Hampton Inn Littleton: Located a short drive from the historic part of town (where most everything is), this is a very clean and comfortable option.
Lincoln – Best Budget Option or For A Winter Ski Trip
Lincoln is the start of the Kancamagus Highway on the Western side of the White Mountains, and is a fabulous town to stay in if you’re on a budget, as you can often find some inexpensive motels and such here. But that said, there are some nicer places to stay, too!
Lincoln is also a centrally-located destination, and is close to a lot of attractions and other towns. Most of it runs along the main road, so it’s not exactly super walkable, but you will find some restaurants and shops in the area, as well as mountain views from Main Street.
Lincoln is also home to Loon Mountain, making it a great place to stay in the fall for awesome foliage rides on the gondola, or in the winter for skiing.
Where To Stay In Lincoln:
✓ RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain: The best place to stay in Lincoln overall, and has pools, a winery inside the resort, and on-site dining options. If you stay here in the winter, they turn their pool into an ice rink, and also offer a free shuttle to Loon Mountain for skiers.
✓ Private Treetop Luxury Escape: An amazing cabin built in 2021 in the trees, this private oasis is perfect if you want to be close to everything, but feel far away.
✓ Lincoln Log Cabins: A small grouping of cabins with mini kitchens, and a very cozy mountain vibe.
✓ White Mountain Motel & Cottages: Best budget option. I’ve stayed here for shorter trips when my focus was being outside and hiking all day, and enjoyed my stay here a lot!
North Conway – Great Overall Town To Stay & Perfect For Kids
North Conway is really great for just about anyone. Located in on Eastern side, it has a very cute little downtown area that’s very walkable with fun shops, and one of my all-time favorite general stores – Zeb’s. The Conway Scenic Railroad is also located downtown, and there are some wonderful places to eat, as well as great coffee places.
If you’re traveling with kids, this is an easy town to stay in, too, because not only do you have the downtown area mentioned above, there’s a more commercial side to North Conway, where you’ll find chain restaurants and stores, as well as an outlet mall. So, you’ll have lots of options with your kiddos 😊
Where To Stay In North Conway:
✓ Eastern Slope Inn Resort: Right in the heart of North Conway’s downtown, you can walk to a lot from here, and they also have an awesome pizza place on-site.
✓ Adventure Suites: GREAT place to stay with kids, as each room has a very different theme and design.
✓ Villa Hygge Scandinavian Hotel: Perfect for a bit of pampering during your stay, as the hotel has a Nordic Spa, and each modern/minimalist room is a full suite.
Woodstock – Perfect For Adults
Woodstock on the Eastern side is often overlooked by a lot of people, and therefore, it’s a great town to stay in if you’re hoping to avoid popular places like Lincoln, Jackson, or North Conway. Woodstock has a small, walkable Main Street and with great dining and a few shops. It’s also home to some breweries, the beautiful Cascade Park, and the Lost River Gorge.
I like to suggest it for a couple’s stay because of the breweries, of course 😉, as well as the more casual, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere. There also aren’t a lot of kid-friendly hotels and accommodations in Woodstock, making it an even more ideal for adults.
Because of the breweries and the park, it will definitely attract some tourists, but it doesn’t typically get as crowded as place like North Conway or Jackson. It’s also in a great location that’s accessible to Lincoln, The Kanc, and Littleton.
In the winter, Woodstock hosts the very cool Ice Castles event, so you’ll definitely want to consider staying here in the winter for easy access.
Where To Stay In Woodstock:
✓ Woodstock Inn & Brewery: Yep, it’s both a brewery and a hotel, and has a very cool, laid-back vibe!
✓ Lumen Nature Retreat: This link is for their HYGGE-EBBE cabin, but they have lots of other options for a very cool, but modern, glamping experience.
Sugar Hill – Best For Couples or A Quiet Retreat
Sugar Hill on the Western side is such a beautiful town to stay in. I think it’s best suited for couples (or a solo traveler looking for a cozy place to stay) because the accommodation options here are all cozy and romantic inns.
Sugar Hill doesn’t have a walkable downtown, and is more secluded. It’s surrounded by beautiful country roads and mountainous beauty, but there are a few fun things to do in town like Polly’s Pancake Parlor, and Harman’s Cheese & Country Store. Overall, it’s a great and underrated place to stay if you’re looking for a quiet retreat away from the crowds.
It’s also not far from Littleton, Franconia, and Lincoln.
Where To Stay In Sugar Hill:
✓ Sugar Hill Inn: One of the best places to stay in the entire region!
✓ Sunset Hill House: A beautiful, historic hotel that’s right by New Hampshire’s oldest golf course with mountain views. There’s also on-site dining, and the rooms are updated, but cozy.
Jackson – Best For Most Everyone & Winter Stays
Jackson on the Eastern side of the White Mountains is another town that’s really great for just about anyone. It’s also not far from North Conway, so if you’re torn between the two, you can really stay in either, and just pick which hotel you like the best.
Jackson is more spread out and isn’t entirely walkable, but there are clusters of shops and restaurants around the village that you can kind of walk around. I also think it has the most options when it comes to great hotels to choose from, and like to stay here for that reason.
Jackson is home to a few villages, including Bartlett and Intervale, as well as some pretty waterfalls to visit. It’s also a great place to stay in the winter because Nestlenook Farms is nearby, and they offer fun sleigh rides and outdoor ice skating on their picturesque property.
Lastly, Jackson is a great place to stay with kids because Story Land park is a short drive away.
This is another one of my personal favorite towns to stay in when I visit the region.
Where To Stay In Jackson:
✓ Christmas Farm Inn & Spa: Perfect for a romantic getaway, they have on-site dining and of course … a spa! Plus, the rooms are very cozy, and they also have cabin and cottage rental options.
✓ The Wentworth: Many of the rooms have recently been renovated and are modern but cozy, and there’s also a seasonal pool.
✓ Alpine Garden Camping & Winery: Yep, you read that right – camping and wine! But it’s more like glamping 😉
Jackson has so many great hotel options, and I also really enjoy the Inn At Thorn Hill and the Inn at Jackson, if you’re looking for a couple more recommendations 😉
Bretton Woods – Best For A Luxurious Resort Stay For All Travelers
Bretton Woods is a pretty small town that doesn’t have too much to do, but there are a couple of really good reasons to book a stay here. One, it’s home to the best resort in the region, the Omni Mount Washington. Two, it’s the closest area to The Cog, which is the mountain train that takes you to the top of Mount Washington, the highest peak in New England.
If you’re looking for the absolute best resort to stay at during your visit, Bretton Woods is where to go. I’ll go more into the actual resort in a bit, but it has all the amenities, plus gorgeous mountain views everywhere.
And if The Cog is a big priority during your visit, most of the other towns are quite a drive from the attraction, but Bretton Woods is only about 15 minutes away.
This is also a great option for a winter visit because you’re so close to the Bretton Woods ski area.
Where To Stay In Bretton Woods:
✓ Omni Mount Washington Resort: I’ll go into why in the next section below 😉
Best Luxury Resort In The White Mountains: Omni Mount Washington
As mentioned, the Omni Mount Washington Resort is where to stay in the White Mountains for a luxury resort experience. In fact, it’s the only luxury resort in the entire region. The entire property just really transports you away from every day life, and even when you begin the drive down the long, winding road to the entrance of the hotel, it just feels … exciting!
Surrounding the resort are beautiful mountain views, which are especially amazing in the fall when the color of the leaves have changed. But because of all the amenities, it’s truly great year-round.
Some key features of the Omni Mount Washington:
✓ Breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains from many points around the property, as well as a more secluded atmosphere.
✓ Multiple on-site dining options, and a full-service spa.
✓ Great activities on-site, like golfing, indoor and outdoor pools, year-round ziplining, skiing, Christmas activities, tennis courts, and tons more.
✓ Short drive to The Cog, as Bretton Woods is the closest town to this attraction.
→ Click here to check rates & availability for the Omni Mount Washington Resort
Round Up Of The Best Hotels In The White Mountains
If you’re looking to pick where you stay based on the actual hotel for a memorable vacation, here are my top picks for the best hotels in the White Mountains region. Keep in mind there are tons of great options beyond this list, but for the the absolute best places in the region, these are my selections:
Best Cozy & Romantic Hotel (West Side): Sugar Hill Inn
Voted as the top B&B in all of New Hampshire, this is a really great choice when it comes to a cozy, romantic getaway if you want to stay on the Western side of the White Mountains. As mentioned, Sugar Hill is more secluded and relaxing overall, and Sugar Hill Inn has done an amazing job making each room feel like a home away from home.
Some key features of the Sugar Hill Inn:
✓ Fantastic, cooked-to-order breakfast included with your stay.
✓ Wonderful 5-star dining on-site, serving lunch, and dinner, including a cozy tavern option.
✓ Massage services on-site.
✓ Select rooms come with a choice of whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, or private decks.
✓ Partnerships with local experts for specialized tours, like wildlife photography and helicopter excursions.
→ Click here to check rates & availability at Sugar Hill Inn
Best Cozy & Romantic Hotel (East Side): Christmas Farm Inn & Spa
For an equally as cozy and wonderful stay on the Eastern side of the White Mountains, the Christmas Farm Inn & Spa gets my vote. Located in Jackson, you’re close to a lot of things to do, dining, and some shopping. The grounds here are also so inviting and relaxing.
And don’t worry! If you’re visiting outside of the holiday season, this inn is not Christmas themed! But you will find the rooms named lovingly after some famous Christmas characters 😉
Some key features of the Christmas Farm Inn & Spa:
✓ Tons of different room options, including the main lodge, cottages, cabins, and suites.
✓ Many of the cottages and suites come with fireplaces.
✓ Pub and spa on-site (and the pub serves great seasonal cocktails and food!).
✓ Heated indoor pool.
→ Click here to check rates & availability for the Christmas Farm Inn & Spa
Best Glamping: Lumen Nature Retreat
If you’re looking to get in touch with nature during your visit, you’ll want to book a stay at Lumen Nature Retreat in Woodstock. This is a newer addition to the White Mountains region, so all the accommodations and facilities are completely modern for a luxurious stay, but nestled into nature, and surrounded by water and mountains.
Some key features of Lumen Nature Retreat:
✓ Choice of cabins, A-frame tents, and safari tents for your stay.
✓ Each accommodation option comes with luxury bed and bath linens, and a smokeless fire pit.
✓ Completely modern and upscale bath facility.
✓ Private barrel saunas on-site.
✓ Complimentary tea and coffee.
→ Click here to check rates & availability at Lumen Nature Retreat
Best Place To Stay With Kids: Adventure Suites
For a fun and kind of whimsical, and also a bit kitschy (in a good way!), place to stay in the White Mountains, Adventure Suites is such a great choice with kids (or without! it’s actually pretty great for everyone 😉). Each room is uniquely designed to a specific theme, like deserted island, jungle, or haunted castle – plus some other ones that are definitely more suited to adults.
But hey, don’t take my word for how cool it is – it was voted one of the top theme hotels in the world!
Some key features of Adventure Suites:
✓ “The Backyard” where they offer food delivery service, fire pits, s’mores, playgrounds, yard games, and a hammock.
✓ In the winter, they install an igloo and snow luge in The Backyard!
✓ On-site pub and spa.
✓ Affordable add-ons like guaranteed early check-in, or late check-out, balloon bouquets, and other cool options.
→ Click here to check rates & availability for Adventure Suites
Best Overall Stay For Everyone: RiverWalk At Loon Mountain
The RiverWalk At Loon Mountain is a resort that truly works for just about anyone, and is an awesome choice when staying in the area. As mentioned, Lincoln is centrally-located, making it easy to see a lot when staying here, and the best place to stay in town is at Riverwalk.
Key features of the RiverWalk at Loon Mountain:
✓ Minutes from the start of The Kancamagus Highway scenic drive, and Loon Mountain.
✓ Within walking distance to a few shops and restaurants.
✓ Restaurant, spa, and winery on-site.
✓ They also have a game room on-site for the kids (and young at heart!).
✓ Seasonal activities like yard games, movie nights, a pool, holiday celebrations, and an outdoor ice rink in the winter.
✓ Free shuttle to Loon Mountain during ski season, and storage for ski equipment.
✓ Lots of options for rooms, including studios to 3-bedroom suites.
→ Click here to check rates & availability at RiverWalk at Loon Mountain
Best Unique Place To Stay: Private Treetop Luxury Escape
Finally, this Private Treetop Luxury Escape vacation rental is most definitely one of the best places to stay in the White Mountains if you’re looking for something more unique. This treetop cabin is located at the end of a dead-end road, so you have lots of privacy and tranquility, but you’re minutes away from everything in Lincoln.
Key features of the Private Treetop Luxury Escape:
✓ Expertly crafted and designed, with modern and upscale amenities, but a true “cabin” feel.
✓ Furnished outdoor deck spaces to enjoy nature and your morning cup of coffee.
✓ Sleeps 4, so it’s perfect for a romantic couples getaway, or for a family with children.
✓ King sized bed in the main sleeping area, plus a separate twin and double bed in the other sleeping area.
✓ Washer and dryer.
✓ Fully stocked kitchen.
✓ Smart TV, wifi, linens, and A/C.
→ Click here to check rates & availability for this Treetop Luxury Escape
Where To Stay In The White Mountains FAQ
Where To Stay In The White Mountains For Hiking
There’s so much hiking readily accessible from pretty much any town in the White Mountains, that you don’t really need to plan your stay around it too much! However, if a lot of hikes around Franconia Notch State Park and Crawford Notch State Park are on your list, you can definitely stay close by, and here are my suggestions:
Lincoln and Littleton are closest to Franconia Notch State Park, and Bretton Woods and Jackson are closest to Crawford Notch State Park.
Where To Stay In The White Mountains In The Winter
Most of the towns listed above are really lovely in the winter, but there are some stand outs.
→ If you want to be close to Ice Castles, you’ll want to stay in Woodstock.
→ For skiing, Lincoln, Jackson, and Bretton Woods have the easiest access to the ski resorts in the area. Lincoln is home to Loon Mountain, and is also close to Cannon Mountain inside Franconia Notch State Park. Jackson is close to Attitash Ski Resort, and Bretton Woods is where you’ll find the Bretton Woods ski area.
→ Littleton is a fun place to stay in the winter if you’re not big on outdoor spots, but are looking for a cute and cozy place to escape to because there are great shops and restaurants. Schilling Brewery also has outdoor seating with heat lamps and blankets in the winter.
→ Jackson deserves its own mention for a winter stay, as it has the beautiful Nestlenook Farms for ice skating and sleigh rides, as well as a cross-country ski area.
How Far In Advance Should You Book Hotels?
This really depends on the season. High season for the White Mountains is October for fall foliage and December-March for winter sports. If you’re planning to visit during these months, hotels will book out far in advance, and you’ll also want to book your stay as soon as you can so that you have as many room options as possible. I usually recommend you book at least 6 months out during high season, but earlier is even better.
If you’re visiting the rest of the year, it’s pretty easy to get hotel rooms, and you don’t need to worry about booking so far in advance.
How To Get To The White Mountains – Do You Need A Car?
The best way to get to the White Mountains is to drive, and yes, you’ll absolutely need a car. It’s very hard to explore without one, as public transport and group tours are hard to come by.
The closest major airport for international flights is Boston Logan, which is about 2.3-3 hours, depending on where in the White Mountains you’re staying. This airport will offer the most choices for flights, and the cheapest prices. There are some smaller airports in New Hampshire you can also fly into to cut down on your driving time, which are Portsmouth International Airport, and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.
Here are my guides on some of the towns in the White Mountains:
- Best Things To Do In Lincoln, NH
- Best Things To Do In Franconia, NH
- Best Things To Do In Littleton, NH
Here are some more posts you may find helpful while you plan your trip:
- Fall In New Hampshire: Best Foliage Spots & Things To Do
- Where To Stay In New Hampshire In The Fall
- Is Flume Gorge In New Hampshire Worth Visiting?
- Things To Know Before Visiting The Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway
- Winter In New Hampshire: Where To Go & Fun Things To Do
- Gorgeous New Hampshire Covered Bridges To Visit
That’s A Wrap On Where To Stay In The White Mountains
And there you have it! Now that you’ve got the inside scoop on where to stay in the White Mountains, you’re ready to plan a memorable trip. At the end of the day, most towns are reasonably close to one another, so there’s isn’t really a bad location to stay in, but hopefully this post has helped you pick the town (and hotel!) that’s absolutely perfect for your trip. Happy planning!
