Choosing a New England Experience: Which Types of Lodging Match Your Travel Style?

Inns and hotels and resorts, oh my! We’ve got a smorgasbord of options and each one can have its own influence on your experience. If you're looking for the ultimate quaint and quiet escape, your getaway is destined for the doors of a bed and breakfast. If you love having an array of amenities to indulge in, you'd enjoy unpacking your bags at a hotel. The beauty of New England lodging is much like the beauty of our seasons: they each have something fantastic to offer (and they aren't afraid to break the rules every now and then). To help you select the perfect travel match, we'll start by defining what you can typically expect from each of the four major types of lodging in New England.

Intimate and Friendly: B&Bs and Inns

Bed and Breakfasts

If you prefer feeling like a guest in someone’s home, you can’t get much closer than a New England B&B. Small and typically family-run, this type of lodging creates a cozy and intimate atmosphere. That’s no exaggeration because outside of your bedroom you should expect (and enjoy) bumping into other guests and mingling in shared common areas. It’s the perfect lodging option for social butterflies who don’t mind giving up hotel amenities in exchange for a more personalized experience. As the name suggests, it’s also a delicious decision for breakfast lovers who want to scrap that continental buffet experience. For your other daily meals, make sure you set aside time in the vacation itinerary to explore local eateries.

Inns

If you’ve never stayed in a B&B before and aren’t sure the super intimate route is right for you, an inn is a good starting point. Though they can range in size, inns are typically larger than B&Bs and offer a similar experience. They still strive to create a personalized atmosphere and usually have shared common areas, but their larger size takes some strain off of guests who are more comfortable keeping to themselves than making small talk. With more mouths to feed under the roof, you can also expect dining options to grow here. If doubling up on the meal plan earns points on your travel checklist, an inn could serve the ideal experience for your trip.

Relaxing and Luxurious: Hotels and Resorts

Hotels

Think of hotels like a hospitality buffet that covers your basic needs and comforts with a well-rounded selection of amenities. The aesthetics can range from casual and rustic to luxurious and beachy, depending on the type of getaway you’re seeking. It’s an important factor to consider because this style will likely be reflected in your hotel room. Instead of the individually decorated guest room feeling, your hotel room will include the basics alongside amenities like TVs, phones, or kitchenettes. With the added convenience of on-site fitness rooms, pools, and dining options, a hotel is a great choice if you’re looking for a comfy homebase during vacation.

Resorts

Of all the types of lodging out there, going the resort route falls on the extreme end of the scale. While hotels are a logical option for short-term stays, the expansive nature of resorts makes them more appealing for vacationers on lengthy trips. With larger buildings and property sizes, resorts can include anything from golf courses to tennis courts, spas, or private beaches (or all of the above!). If you plan to spend the bulk of your getaway on the property, a resort is the luxury of choice for you.

Are you more of a B&B traveler, a resort vacationer, or do multiple types of lodging appeal to you? While these breakdowns generalize the different lodging options as a whole, the best way to find your perfect travel match is to get to know our New England Inns & Resorts member properties. Pick the state, region, or town you want to visit to see which lodging options are waiting to welcome you.

View types of lodging by state:
Connecticut
Vermont
Massachusetts
Rhode Island
Maine
New Hampshire

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