Portsmouth, NH Getaway: Luxury & Comfort at Residence Inn!
Portsmouth, NH Getaway: Residence Inn - Luxury? Comfort? Well… Let's Unpack This.
Alright, folks, let's talk Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Cobblestone streets, salty air, history practically seeping from every brick… and the Residence Inn. Now, I booked this place expecting a chill weekend, a little luxurious pampering, and, you know, a break from the chaos of life. Did I get it? Well, buckle up, because this review is gonna be a ride.
(Metadata First, Because SEO Matters, Even if I Don't Fully Understand It…)
Keywords: Portsmouth NH, Residence Inn, Hotel Review, Accessible Hotel, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wi-Fi, Spa, Pool, Fitness Center, Cleanliness, Breakfast, Restaurant, Family Friendly, Pet Friendly (kind of…), Air Conditioning, Car Park, Accessibility, Luxury Hotel, Comfort, New Hampshire Getaway, Hotels in Portsmouth, Things to Do Portsmouth, Safety Protocols
Meta Description: A brutally honest review of the Residence Inn in Portsmouth, NH. We delve into the good (the fluffy robes!), the bad (the slightly… aged decor), and the downright chaotic (trying to find decent coffee at 7 am). Get ready for a detailed, and maybe a little messy, breakdown of every aspect of this hotel.
(Now, the REAL Review…)
Okay, so first impressions? The lobby is pretty swanky. Big, bright, and that feeling of, "Oh, this could be nice." They have a 24-hour front desk – score! - and the check-in/out process was easy breezy, which, after a long drive (I hit some serious traffic coming up from, ugh, Massachusetts), was absolutely appreciated. Contactless, even. They definitely know their stuff. And the elevator? Elevator! Crucial for this aging body.
(Accessibility: A Mixed Bag)
Let's tackle the accessibility stuff. YES! Yay for facilities for disabled guests. YES! The hotel is wheelchair accessible. I’m not wheelchair bound, but seeing those ramps and wide doorways gave me a warm feeling of inclusivity. They even have, according to the website, an option for rooms with additional toilets, which is GENIUS. I mean, come on, that's a life hack! However, I didn’t personally experience it, so take that with a grain of salt. Always call ahead and confirm your specific needs, folks. Especially if mobility is an issue.
(Rooms: Fluffy Robes, Mild Disappointment)
The room itself? Okay, it’s… spacious. Which is great. A seating area, a desk (perfect for pretending to work when you’re really watching Netflix), and a kitchenette. They even had a microwave, refrigerator, and a coffee/tea maker. Crucial. The free Wi-Fi? Works like a charm. Speed was great, which I’m grateful for (the world doesn't need my streaming buffering the entire time I'm in there). The bed? Comfortable. BUT… the decor? Let's just say it felt a little… dated. Think, like, "early 2000s hotel chic." Functional, yes. Luxurious? Not quite. The bathrobes though? Oh, the bathrobes! Soft, fluffy, and I practically lived in it. Score another point for the Residence Inn!
(Internet Access & Connectivity)
Free Wi-Fi, check! It's available in EVERY room, not just the public areas. I mean, come on, it's 2024. It BETTER have Wi-Fi. No LAN, as far as I could tell.
(Cleanliness, Safety & The Dreaded "Hygiene Certification")
This is where I felt… uneasy. Let's be honest, the world is a slightly germaphobic place now. The Residence Inn claims to use anti-viral cleaning products, provide daily disinfection in common areas, and sanitize rooms between stays. They even have a "hygiene certification" (whatever that means). They offer room sanitization opt-out, which is great for the eco-conscious. Staff trained in safety? Probably. But I'd be lying if I said I didn’t still sneak a Clorox wipe to my door handle upon arrival. The hand sanitizer stations? Plentiful. But the underlying feeling of "is it really clean?" lingered.
(Breakfast: The Buffet of Existential Dread (Plus Some Wins!)
Breakfast is a HUGE deal to me. I'm a breakfast person. The Residence Inn promised a breakfast buffet. And… they delivered. It had the standard fare: scrambled eggs (questionable consistency), sausages (even more questionable origin), toast, cereal, fruit, and…coffee. The coffee… ugh. I'm a coffee snob. This was not good coffee. It tasted like… well, let's just say it wasn't the perk-me-up I needed at 7 am. However, they did have a breakfast takeaway service, which was a lifesaver (grabbing a bagel and coffee from a nearby shop before the day’s activities). There was a Western breakfast, which was the closest thing to what most Americans would expect.
(Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Mostly On Your Own, Baby)
Okay, so beyond breakfast, the dining options are… limited. There is no on-site restaurant. The hotel has a small snack bar with pre-packaged stuff, and… that’s about it. No poolside bar, no happy hour, no Asian cuisine… It's basically, "grab a snack and go find somewhere else to eat" situation. Which, honestly, wasn't a huge deal since Portsmouth has a ton of amazing restaurants. But if you're hoping for a completely self-contained dining experience, you're out of luck.
(Things To Do: And How to RELAX (or Try To))
Phew! Okay, the main thing is: Portsmouth is amazing! The Residence Inn is walking distance from a bunch of stuff, which is fantastic. (Like, the Portsmouth Brewery practically across the street! Don't miss it.)
Inside the hotel, that's where the relaxation gets a bit… iffy. They do have a fitness center, which I didn't use, because, well, I was on vacation. They don't have a spa, sauna, steamroom, pool with a view etc. This isn't a luxury spa resort. It's a Residence Inn. But the cobblestone streets of Portsmouth? THAT'S where the relaxation happens. Finding a cozy cafe, sipping a coffee, and watching the world go by? That's luxury, baby!
(Services and Conveniences: The Little Extras)
They have it all. Daily housekeeping, laundry service, a convenience store for those last-minute needs, and a 24-hour front desk (mentioned it already? Well, it's worth mentioning again!). Car park [free of charge] that's a massive win in a town like Portsmouth. Luggage storage, so you can explore the city without dragging your bags. Plus, they offer business facilities, like a Xerox/fax in the business center (remember those?!).
(For The Kids: Tolerable. Possibly. It Depends.)
I don’t have kids, but from what I saw, it seemed… okay. Family-friendly, yes, but not exactly a kid-focused paradise. No kids facilities, really. Babysitting service? Probably, upon request. Kids meals? I doubt it. So yeah, family friendly but you may want to factor in more activities.
(Getting Around: Ease and Stress Levels)
Airport transfer? Nah. Taxi service available, though. The car park? Free! Car power charging stations? Who knows! They had places to park, and that’s what mattered. I mostly walked around, which was easy and lovely.
(The Downsides: Minor, but Annoying)
Okay, time for the real, unfiltered truth:
- The Coffee: I've said it before, and I'll say it again: the coffee. Was. Awful.
- The Decor: It's functional, yes. But "inspired"? Not so much.
- The "Luxury" Factor: It doesn't quite live up to the luxury promises. It's a very comfortable hotel. That's the perfect word.
(Final Verdict: A Good Choice, With Caveats)
So, would I recommend the Residence Inn in Portsmouth? Yes, but with a huge asterisk.
It's a great base for exploring Portsmouth. It's clean, comfortable, the staff were extremely friendly, and the location is fantastic. However, if you're expecting a high-end, luxury experience, you might be slightly disappointed. It's more “solid, reliable comfort” than “wow, this is amazing!” Embrace the fluffy robes, get your coffee elsewhere, and enjoy the magic of Portsmouth. You won't regret it. And if you're in town, check out the Portsmouth Brewery. Trust me. You're welcome.
Regina Airport Hotel: Unbeatable Deals & Comfort Await!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your sanitized, perfectly-organized travel brochure. This is the REAL Portsmouth, New Hampshire, seen through the bleary eyes and caffeine-fueled brain of… well, me, chronic over-planner and total sucker for a good lobster roll. Here's my attempt at a Residence Inn Portsmouth adventure, with all the glorious, messy, human-ness I can muster.
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and the Quest for the Perfect Clam Chowder (Spoiler: It's Still Out There)
1:00 PM: Arrival at Residence Inn Portsmouth: Alright, let's be honest. I'm always a little late. Traffic on I-95 from Boston was a delightful clusterf*ck. Managed to finally wrangle the rental car (they always try to upsell you to a bigger, more expensive vehicle – seriously, I just need something to not crash in!), and now I’m at the hotel. The lobby is… fine. Standard Residence Inn fare. Clean, functional, a vaguely corporate smell of air freshener trying to mask who-knows-what. My room? Decent. Kitchenette! Score. Immediate impulse: buy a bunch of snacks (because I'm a human). The Wi-Fi better work, or I’m going to stage a small rebellion in the continental breakfast area.
2:00 PM: Portsmouth Exploration (the Mild Panic Begins): Okay, gotta embrace the "walking distance" aspect of this place. I'm envisioning quaint streets, charming shops, maybe a glimpse of the sea breeze! First stop? Market Square. It's…busy. Like, really busy. And I, in my infinite wisdom, didn't research parking. Minor freakout commencing. Eventually, I find a spot a mile away (okay, maybe half a mile) and start the trek. The Architecture is beautiful, though. All those colonial-era buildings with their brick facades… makes a girl want to be a history student again.
3:00 PM: Chowder Hunt – Round 1 (Failure): The mission: Locate the best clam chowder in Portsmouth. I've read reviews, I've consulted blogs, I've watched YouTube videos that were probably sponsored. I’m a clam chowder aficionado, it's a serious thing. Off to The Black Trumpet based on a recommendation and a photo of a creamy bowl of joy… But wait. Closed on Mondays? Seriously?! Disaster. I almost wept. Okay, regroup. Maybe Row 34 (I'd heard good things)… Closed too! Okay, alright, I'm not going to let a closed business ruin my day.
4:00 PM: More Walking, More Frustration: I need a damn snack. Seriously. The sun is starting to set. I’m hangry. I find a cute little bakery, Lil's Cafe, grab an excellent cup of coffee and a very, very large chocolate chip cookie. (Just because.) Wander the cobblestone streets a bit more, taking in the sights. Portsmouth is full of character. The old brick buildings, the colorful shops, the general sense of history… it's all pretty darn charming, even when I'm a hangry, chowder-less mess.
6:00 PM: Dinner Debacle at the Hotel: My plan: make a quick meal in the room, then hit the hay. Ha! I attempt cooking with some of the groceries I had bought. Let's just say it was a disaster. I'm now ordering takeout (pizza, because I'm nothing if not predictable). And, because my inner critic is always on, I'm secretly judging myself for not being a better traveler. All those Instagram influencers with their perfect vacays… sigh.
Day 2: The Lobster Roll Revelation, and a Deep Dive into History (and a Few Tears)
8:00 AM: The Breakfast Bar Battle: The free continental breakfast! This is the moment I've been waiting for. The usual suspects. Eggs, bacon, and waffles. But, oh god, the coffee is the watered-down version of sadness! I grab a waffle, make a quick stop back at the room to get some actual coffee, and start my day with renewed vigor.
9:30 AM: Portsmouth Historic Site (the good, the bad and the ugly): Okay, time to embrace the history! I decide on visiting the Strawbery Banke Museum. This place is amazing. A whole neighborhood preserved in time, showcasing different eras and communities. Seeing the old houses, wandering through the gardens, hearing the stories… It actually chokes me UP a little. The stories of the people who lived here. The struggles, the joys, the everyday lives. It gives you a fresh perspective on life.
12:00 PM: LUNCH: The Lobster Roll Odyssey: Now. This is it. The real reason I'm in Portsmouth. I've done my research, made my calls. I'm going to The Clam Shell. It’s a bit of drive (I still have to learn the parking rules, even though I parked way too far the other day), but the reviews are glowing. And (drumroll, please!)…it's incredible. Perfectly cooked lobster, lightly dressed in mayo (not one of those mayo-bomb monstrosities!), on a grilled, buttery roll. Pure bliss. I actually closed my eyes and savored every bite. Worth the trip. Worth the potential parking ticket. Worth everything. I might order another one. (I did.)
2:00 PM: Exploring the Prescott Park Arts Festival: What a perfect time of year to be here! Free outdoor music in the afternoon. I'm not sure what exactly the concert is, and it starts at 6:00 PM. So I'll swing by and take in the atmosphere, even if I'm not a fan of the music.
4:00 PM: Shopping Therapy… A Little: Okay, so I may have wandered into a few cute shops. (No, not "may." Definitely did.) Found a beautiful scarf at a local boutique, a book on Portsmouth history (I'm such a history buff!) and a locally made candle that smells like the sea (which, strangely, makes me happy).
6:00 PM: Dinner and a Show… Maybe: I'm torn! I'm so stuffed from the lobster roll, but I also want to check out the Prescott Park Arts Festival. I'll see if I can just bring a blanket and some snacks. Maybe I won't have to endure the music if I go in and sneak out.
9:00 PM: Back to the Room (and a Bit of Melancholy): Exhausted but exhilarated. The hotel room feels… homey-ish. I'm gonna make myself some tea, read my new book, and reflect on the day. I'm not sure, but something about history makes me feel… well, a little sad. Thinking about all the lives lived, the joys and sorrows, it makes you realize how fleeting life is. Okay. Time to stop being a downer. Time to sleep.
Day 3: Departure (and a Vow to Return)
8:00 AM: Breakfast, Again: The hotel coffee is still terrible. I'll stick to the waffle, and get myself a good cup of coffee when I depart.
9:00 AM: One Last Stroll: One last walk around Market Square and the waterfront. One last chance to soak up the atmosphere. I buy a souvenir, just to keep the memory alive.
10:00 AM: Check Out: Easy. No drama.
11:00 AM: Departure: Time to head back to the real world. Traffic will be terrible. I'm already mentally scheduling my return trip. Maybe during the fall foliage season? Yep. Definitely. And this time, I'll find that perfect clam chowder, dammit. And I'll figure out the parking.
So there you have it. A messy, honest, and hopefully entertaining glimpse into my Portsmouth adventure. It wasn't perfect, but it was real. And sometimes, those imperfect moments are the ones you remember the most. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find a lobster roll.
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Portsmouth, NH Getaway: Residence Inn - Your Messy, Honest FAQ
Okay, okay, so you're thinking about Portsmouth, huh? Good choice! And the Residence Inn? Well, let's just say I've got *opinions*. I'm not gonna sugarcoat anything. This isn't some corporate brochure, alright? This is real life. Now, let's dive into this whole "luxury and comfort" thing for this particular Residence Inn, because, let's be honest, "luxury" is relative, especially after a few too many Shipyard IPAs.
So, Is This Place Actually "Luxury"? Or Is That Just Marketing BS?
Alright, let's get real. "Luxury" is doing some *heavy* lifting here. It’s no Four Seasons, folks. Think more... upscale, clean, and *relatively* spacious. The rooms? Fine. Comfortable beds are a must, and the Residence Inn usually delivers that. The bathrooms? Functional. The whole vibe? Generally pleasant, but don't expect gold-plated anything. I once stayed in a "luxury" hotel in Vegas, and I swear, the toilet seat was heated. This place... no heated toilet seats. But hey, that's fine by me, I'm a simple mortal.
The *real* value? The kitchenettes. Ooh, the kitchenettes. Trust me, if you value being able to stumble in at 2 AM from a night of live music at The Music Hall and nuke a leftover lobster roll (Portsmouth staple, btw), the kitchenette is a godsend. They've got all the basics, and that, my friends, is real luxury in my book. Though I've gotta confess... one time, I tried to cook a *fancy* meal and set off the smoke alarm. Let's just say, the "luxury" of the kitchenette was partially ruined by the terror of the fire alarm screeching.
Is the Location Good? Is it Walkable?
Okay, this is where the Residence Inn in Portsmouth *really* shines. It's usually pretty darn walkable! You're not right in the heart of the action, which can be a *good* thing. You avoid the late-night drunken shouting contests (which, let me tell you, can get LOUD). But you're still a manageable walk to Market Square, the shops, the restaurants, the Seacoast Repertory Theatre... all the good stuff!
I'd say, a 10-15 minute walk to the main drag. That's perfect, *especially* if you've had a few too many "smalls" at The Portsmouth Brewery. I am speaking from... experience. Trust me, after a massive plate of their nachos, the walk back is *essential*. And if you're not a walker? Uber/Lyft are readily available. But walk if you can! Portsmouth is gorgeous, even when you have a slight buzz.
Now... one time I *did* get lost. It was late, I swear I thought I was going the right way, and I ended up walking past the *same* parking garage three times. Embarrassing. Learn the street names, folks. They help.
What About the Free Breakfast? Is It Worth Rolling Out of Bed For?
Ah, the free breakfast. This is where you temper your expectations. It's not going to be a Michelin-star brunch experience. It's a standard Residence Inn breakfast. Think: scrambled eggs (sometimes suspiciously yellow), cold cereal, pastries (the muffins are usually dry), fruit (sometimes slightly bruised).
BUT! Here's the thing. It's *free*. And it's convenient. And there’s usually a waffle maker. And waffles are awesome. Especially if you've got a hangover from the "smalls" you had the night before. So, yes, roll out of bed. Load up on carbs. But don't expect miracles. Consider it fuel, not a culinary masterpiece
**Rant time**: I once witnessed a guy load his entire plate with chocolate chip waffles. Like, the *entire* plate. And then... barely touch them. The waste. I tell you, it haunts me. I mean, sure, eat what you want, but come on... the waffle injustice!
Are the Rooms Clean?
Generally, yes. I've never encountered anything truly horrifying. Which is a win! I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so I'm pretty sensitive to that kind of thing. The cleaning staff usually does a good job. Beds made, towels replaced, the basics.
BUT... there’s always a BUT. On one trip, I found a stray popcorn kernel behind the couch. This may seem trivial, but it *represented*… a crack in the perfect facade. It reminded me that even in a nice hotel, it’s still just a hotel, ya know? And after that, I noticed *everything*. A slightly crooked picture frame, a faint water stain on the ceiling... I was *searching*. Don't be like me. Relax. It'll be fine.
Is There a Pool? And Is it worth it?
The thing is... some Residence Inn's do have pool, some don't. And in the particular one I was in recently? No. Not even a jacuzzi. And honestly? I didn't miss it *much*. I'm a New Englander, so I'm more about bundling up in a sweater and *looking* at the ocean than actually swimming in it (unless it's July and the water's unusually pleasant). On a hot day? Sure, a pool would be great. But Portsmouth has a LOT to offer outside of a hotel pool, including the ocean itself! I say, if you're a pool person, double check. If not? You'll survive.
Plus, let's be honest, hotel pools are often crowded, and let's not even *start* on the used chlorine smell. Blech.
Are there any hidden fees I should know about?
I hate hidden fees. Hate them with the white-hot intensity of a thousand suns. Check the fine print *before* you book. Some Residence Inns *might* have a small parking fee. Parking in Portsmouth can be a pain anyway, depending on where you are. Be prepared for that. And definitely check the cancellation policy! Life happens, plans change, and you don't want to be stuck paying for a room you can't use!
I once got nailed with a "resort fee" at a hotel in Vegas... despite there being *nothing* resort-y about it. I was furious. Lesson learned: read everything!
What's the parking situation like?
Again, specific Residence Inn's varyBackpacker Hotel Find
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