The World's Most Romantic Hotels: The Northeastern United States
Honeymoons, anniversaries, engagements, make-ups — there are plenty of reasons to be amorous. Find love in all the right places with this list of romantic destinations in the northeast United States.
Jump to: Connecticut | Maine | Massachusetts | New York | Rhode Island | Vermont | Washington, D.C. | Canada
CONNECTICUT
The Mayflower Grace
Washington, Connecticut
What's to Love: Set on 50-plus unspoiled acres in rolling Litchfield Hills, this is the spot to snowshoe, read by the fire, and languish in the hotel's gleaming, serene spa.
Good to Know: Don't miss a meal at their soothing restaurant, which serves hyper-local everything, like upscale cinnamon doughnuts with housemade cinnamon ice cream.
Read more on Fathom: The Hotel Is Great, But You Should See the Spa
MAINE
White Barn Inn
Kennebunk Beach, Maine
What's to Love: : Located in coastal Maine, which is by definition wicked far, the hotel is part of the luxurious yet laid back Relais & Chateaux hotel group. No detail is overlooked, from the names of the private cottages (such as Gull and Loon) to the fireplaces, sumptuous linens, and every imaginable amenity.
Good to Know: Foodies pilgrimage here for chef Jonathan Cartwright's inventive takes on New England cuisine served in a reimagined barn setting, complete with flattering candlelight and impeccable (read: unobtrusive) service. This is one of the most romantic meals you'll likely ever share. And local lobster on fettucine is a must.
MASSACHUSETTS
Blantyre
Lenox
What's to Love: One of a dozen Gilded Age "cottages" left in the Berkshires, the country resort and estate just outside cute-as-can-be Lenox is now under new ownership, but the important things haven't changed. Namely, the beautiful Tudor House is still perfectly appointed, with crystal carafes set out for wine in the lounge, elaborate chandeliers, overstuffed sofas, huge and beautiful rooms with four-poster beds and fireplaces, and an excellent restaurant.
Good to Know: Make sure to meet the in-house historian, David Pupo, who tells great stories about former owners (including filmmaker D.W. Griffith) and the antics the house has seen.
Read More on Fathom: The Gilded Age Fantasy Is Alive and Thriving at Blantyre
Old Inn on the Green
New Marlborough
What's to Love: The pre-Revolutionary restaurant and candlelit inn was a popular stagecoach stop in 1760. The antique decor is streamlined and sophisticated. And incredibly cozy.
Good to Know: There are several intimate dining room nooks with roaring fires and exceptional (local, seasonal) tasting menus.
Red Lion Inn
Stockbridge
What's to Love: The old-fashioned birdcage elevator, a wraparound porch, a tavern that serves hearty stews, and the Lions Den for pints.
Good to Know: Bonus charm: It opened in 1773 as a stagecoach stop and has been welcoming guests ever since.
Wheatleigh Hotel
Lenox
What's to Love: Very romantic year-round, but especially during the winter months when you can make the most of your in-room fireplace. The gardens were designed by Frederick Olmstead, and the restaurant is incredible.
Good to Know: Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, is just down the road. Pack and a picnic and enjoy sonatas under the stars.
Read More on Fathom: See our Berkshires Itinerary for tips on what to do, eat, and see.
NEW YORK
Buttermilk Falls
Milton
What's to Love: Low key but high-end and cool, with a fabulous spa, nice food, and lots private room options. The Pony Pad is a little house with a fireplace.
Good to Know: Take a hike around Minnewaska State Park for views of the Shawgagunk Mountain Ridge and Lake Minnewaska at any time of year (don't forget a thermos of hot chocolate in winter). Revive après-hike at The Village Tearoom.
Read More on Fathom: See our Hudson Valley Itinerary for tips on what to do, eat, and see.
Crosby Street Hotel
New York
What's to Love: The design-driven hotel mixes eclectic art, bold contemporary interiors, and a plethora of daring colors and fabrics that, in a rare occurrence, doesn't detract from its homely charm.
Good to Know: That this is all in the middle of busy SoHo makes it even more charming. The neighborhood is all quiet cobbled streets, artisan shops, street stalls, hidden bars, and amazing eateries that span from high-end restaurants to hole-in-the-wall burger joints. It's definitely a place you can lose yourself.
The Lowell
New York
What's to Love: Evoking everything that's wonderful about old-school, discreet uptown, the intimate boutique hotel feels so timeless that it would be so easy to ignore Central Park and Museum Mile (mere steps away) and lose yourself inside.
Good to Know: Make sure to have a meal there, even though there are many options within a short walk, to make it an extra sumptuous experience. Start with cocktails at Jacques Bar, followed by a Mediterranean-infused French meal at Majorelle. Settle for a nightcap in the deep sofas in the Club Room, then wander upstairs, where the fireplace is roaring at the foot of your bed. Wake up, have room service on the terrace, and do the whole thing all over again.
Glenmere Mansion
Chester
What's to Love: All the Gilded Age trappings needed for a night of romance — grand cortile, marble staircase, garden terraces, and formal gardens for indiscreet canoodling.
Good to Know: All that European elegance (and a full-service spa), just 50 miles from Manhattan.
Ham House
Tivoli
What's to Love: Gorgeous restored mansion on a hill in the perfectly picturesque upstate hamlet of Tivoli. The bridal suite has views of the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains, and the extensive vintage decor was done by a former antiques dealer.
Good to Know: Feels like staying in a palace, and you can take a hike right out your door. Saul Bellow wrote Herzog and Henderson the Rain King while living here. Also, this is a small operation. If the website isn't working, you can always call them: +1-845-757-3424
Read More on Fathom: See our Hudson Valley Itinerary and Catskills Itinerary for tips on what to do, eat, and see.
Inn at Windmill Lane
Amagansett, New York
What's to Love: Classically modern cottages and suites with ridiculously lavish amenities: Duxiana beds, private exercise rooms, rain showers, preferred tee times at Montauk Downs Golf Club.
Good to Know: Prices go way down off-season, and it's very quiet and cozy.
Kayak Camping
Saranac Lake
What's to Love: Not a hotel but rather an experience. Each of the dozens of tiny islands in the Saranac lake chain has individual campsites you can rent. Like having your own private island for $15. The only way to get to the islands is by boat, so you rent a kayak to get there.
Good to Know: Don't forget firewood, a cozy tent, lots of wine, and great food. Make a weekend of it. Beyond blissful, and super cheap.
Lafayette House
New York City
What's to Love: A narrow brocade-and-chandelier-filled boarding house conjures fantasties of urban living circa 1880. The place feels like a find — there is no signage, front desk, or hotel lobby.
Good to Know: Rooms vary in size and style. Ground floor suites share a backyard patio.
Read More on Fathom: See our NYC Guide for restaurants, sites, shopping, and nightlife ideas, as well as our list of Most Romantic Restaurants in NYC.
Monteverde at Oldstone Manor
Cortlandt Manor
What's to Love: Two-room inn and new seven-room garden house with gorgeous views of the Hudson River Valley, which doesn't have as many nice hotel options as it should. Great on-site spa and restaurant.
Good to Know: It's the best place to stay when you're making a trip out of dinner at Blue Hill at Stone Barns, a short drive away.
The Pierre
New York City
What's to Love: Old-world glamour and service and location, location, location. All that New York has to offer is steps away and the hotel's perch on Central Park offers some of the best views in the city.
Good to Know: The high tea is delightful, and the hotel's complimentary BMW makes quick junkets to the theater or a downtown restaurant effortless.
Read More on Fathom: Go Big and Opulent at This Old-World Central Park Hotel
The NoMad Hotel
New York City
What's to Love: The Beaux Arts show-stopper designed by Jacques Garcia has a cozy library, swanky drinking dens, and several dining alcoves — meaning there's plenty of places to show off your hot date. The dining atrium is run by the exceptional team from Eleven Madison Park.
Good to Know: Clawfoot bathtubs, Sferra bathrobes, and antique writing desks channel romantic notions of Paris.
RHODE ISLAND
The Chanler
Newport
What's to Love: Imagine Americana wallpapered in luxury and plastered in WASP. The Chanler is the only hotel on Newport's breathtaking, crazy romantic Cliff Walk. It's surrounded by rugged nature, endless ocean, and OMFG mansions — and has an exquisite food program has all the fancy (and wannabe fancy) New Englanders aflutter.
Good to Know: Every room has a jacuzzi which can be filled with rose petals upon request. Yes, really. And with ongoing series like "Scotch & Cigars" and "More Bubbles," it seems that every hour is cocktail o'clock. Here's to that.
The Ocean House
Watch Hill
What's to Love: Gorgeous hotel overlooking the beach and the quaint, picturesque seaside village. Ideal for summertime seaside fun and indulging in pure Americana at its baronial best.
Good to Know: The couple's room at the spa has a private hydro-soaking tub and deluge shower.
Read More on Fathom: A Few Days In: Watch Hill
The Weekapaug Inn
Weekapaug, Rhode Island
What's to Love: The old-school yet updated Relais & Chateaux property sits on scenic Weekapaug Pond and offers a respite from reality: no TVs (unless requested), sumptuous rooms, low-tech games (remember shuffleboard?), as well as sailboats for sunset cruises. Excellent cuisine including local lobster and organic vegetables of sizes/colors you've never seen before.
Good to Know: Guests can use the fantastic facilities at the nearby Ocean House, including the spa, squash courts, and dinner on the porch overlooking the Atlantic.
VERMONT
The Pitcher Inn
Warren
What's to Love: Only eleven rooms, each with its own design theme and decor. Of special note, Mountain and Ski rooms. The restaurant is outstanding, and the downstairs bar/game lounge is great, especially after a day on the slopes.
Good to Know: The country store across the street is just as postcard-perfect — and serves great sandwiches. You're only a short drive from the Sugarbush and Mad River Glen ski areas. American Flatbread, a very special pizza restaurant found in a barn, is also nearby — and an absolute must.
Twin Farms
Barnard
What's to Love: Tastefully appointed everything, smack in the middle of nowhere. Super private, homey, and, even when full, feels like you have the place to yourself. Individual cottages are decorated with the owner's incredible art collection. Hushed, darkened dining room is set up so that all parties face the fireplace and kitchen sticks to local goods even in the depths of winter. Meals are made to order according to a pre-arrival food questionnaire; you never see a menu.
Good to Know: Go here instead of the nearby ski resorts: There are a half dozen downhill trails on the property and the most fun thing ever is that they cart you around the mountain on snowmobiles. Hit the furo (Japanese soaking tub) on a cold snowy night — a car service brings you to and from the tiny shack which is hidden in the woods.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Hotel Tabard Inn
Washington, D.C.
What's to Love: There's little that's truly romantic in the nation's capital. But this quirky inn has so much Americana charm, it almost makes up for the lack everywhere else.
Good to Know: Every room is different and some have shared baths. Room 26 has a grand piano, but book ahead because it's often used for events.
CANADA
Note: Sorry, Canada. We don't have a guide for you yet. But we're working on it!
Clayoquat Wilderness Resort
Tofino, Canada
What's to Love: At the stunning Vancouver Island eco-safari, they craft bespoke expeditions in the remote wilderness of British Columbia, like mountain river kayaking, hot spring hiking, and bear and whale watching, to name a few. When you're in the temperate rainforests of Pacific Rim National Park, you and boo are snug between the covers in one of twenty luxury canvas tents furnished with old-world rugs, antiques, and heirloom china.
Fogo Island Inn
Newfoundland and Labrador
What's to Love: The island is remote and rugged, but the retreat is a hyper-modern salt box with solar panels and steel stilts that rise up from craggy mores and Arctic Ocean ice floats. Every textile and piece of furniture is made locally by hand; the kitchen scours the island for every meal. The characters at the bar (woodworkers, fishermen, foragers) are priceless.
Good to Know: Beyond the rooftop sauna and your personal wood-burning stove, you can get cozy on a skiff as it heads out to the magical offshore Little Fogo Islets.
BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE
The World's Most Romantic Hotels
Contributors: Becca Bergman Bull, Scott Conant, Eric Demby, Kate Donnelly, Christina Ohly Evans, Stephanie March, Erin Murray, Alyssa Shelasky, Beth Silverman, Lockhart Steele, Angela Tribelli, Sheri Warshaw.