Four Beautiful New Hotels for 2014 in New England

May we have the honor? Allow us to introduce four stunning new hotels in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont who have just opened their doors in 2014 (or will soon). Each draws from their signature locale, polishing and emphasizing the things that make their piece of New England stand out, from Nantucket to Vermont. This is your chance to be a trailblazer, a savvy traveler, one of the first guests of what could become a happy history of 150+ years of glorious getaways (hey, it’s not uncommon among our historic New England hotels). Summer’s here, and it’s hard not to crave the easy-going, salt-soaked lifestyle of a beach bum. But we’ll let you in on a secret: you can get all the beach, without the bum, at The Break in Narragansett, RI, opening June 25, 2014. The stylish rooms would scream retro-surf-chic, if they weren’t so laid back, man. The Break embraces the under-the-radar beach town, glamorizing the surf culture of the '60s with colorful modern-meets-nostalgic furnishings. But the really exciting part: the rooftop ocean-view cocktail lounge. Dry martini, please. As The Break has the beach in its heart, the 506 on the River Inn has Vermont in its soul. Set on the banks of the Ottauquechee River near the lovely Woodstock, VT, 506 on the River opened in March 2014. The owner grew up playing lacrosse in a parallel field, and the newly-built inn keeps up its close ties to Vermont — you might rest your coffee on an antique milk crate while glancing over a Woodstock newspaper from 1820 on the wall. Rustic farmhouse touches (a wall of antique mail boxes, weathered lanterns) mingle with clean, modern fabrics and tranquil river views. Make sure to take advantage of their country breakfast, served with maple syrup from the family farm. Celebrating a history of its own, the Inn at Hastings Park in Lexington, MA, opened in February 2014 as a modern boutique inn in three masterfully restored historic buildings. Its past is not far beneath the stylish surface, and peeks through in fireplace surrounds and antique bookshelves. Newer design elements, built by regional craftsmen, and bright colors blend comfortably with the historic elements. Guests can see explore the town via bicycle, and return for a meal of house-made and local ingredients at the Inn’s restaurant, Artistry on the Green. Tucked into a historic neighborhood of its own, 21 Broad looks like the Nantucket home we secretly all wish we had. (Oh, you didn’t know you wanted one? Keep reading.) In fact, the bright and breezy hotel claims to offer just that — luxuries you wouldn’t have requested, but now must have, like vitamin C showers for neutralizing chlorine, iPod docks that emit white noise, a spa and a breakfast juice bar. Set to open in July 2014, the guest rooms mix cool white fabrics with vivid colors and island accents for an unmistakably twisted urban look. Mix in a guest lounge with vinyl turntables, an outdoor courtyard and a happening Nantucket neighborhood, and its a safe bet that you’ll have some stiff competition if you want to be the one to stay there first. Photos: The Break, credit Rare Brick; 506 on the River Inn; Inn at Hastings Park, credit Michael J. Lee; 21 Broad, credit Rare Brick.