The Hotel Portsmouth - Downtown

Let me start by saying that the staff was very helpful and very pleasant. Never having visited this facility before based on the information. I was assuming it was a quaint Victorian old home. When we arrived we came in the rear entrance, it was like walking into a tunnel. Very cave-like. We went to the first floor to check in and were greeted in a very nice manner, given our key and directed to our room. As we made our way to the second floor, we noticed it was painted black, everywhere and everything. The beautiful woodwork, molding, doors, everything was black. It took all the charm of what I imagine to be a beautiful house, away.It was a very disconcerting feeling. We got into our room and found no place to put our clothing other than four hangers in the closet. The bedside tables were the size of a postage stamp, although they did have chargers next to the bed, which was a nice idea. The bathroom was so dark and so dimly lit. It was impossible to see anything. The bathroom was painted either navy blue or black. It was hard to tell. There were no shelves in the vanity area, although there was plenty of space for one. when we investigated the rest of the hotel. It looked like someone had absolutely no design skills or experience, put everything together. It was a cacophony of prints, colors, styles that did not blend harmoniously or give you a sense of ease. They had a collection of books in the hallway that I found were all glued together! I just wanted to peruse a few books, but that was not to be. The location was fine. It was just a short walk to the center. The breakfast rooms were uncomfortable, the chairs were too low for the tables. The traffic flow in the food area was abysmal. Everyone kept getting in each other‘s way. There was no sense to the space. We found out that it was recently “renovated“. It was like being in a crazy off-kilter space. We will not be returning. But again, let me say that the staff was great!!!!

The Hotel Portsmouth is a special place and was the perfect choice for us to celebrate my daughter’s graduation from UNH. Having just completed a recent remodel mush of the historic building still smelled of fresh paint and new carpet. The character and woodwork were grand and charming. There are many comfortable living rooms to gather and relax and the breakfast room was the perfect place to host a happy hour. The daily breakfast was full of variety and flavor and the coffee bar and accessories were always available and welcome. They are still finishing the remodel with some unhung artwork and finishing touches still to do. Our bathroom door didn’t close but was fixed a day later. The motif of Americana, red, white and blue and denim couches is an interesting choice and was an ongoing topic. I think the novelty will wear off rather quickly as opposed to a classic motif. There’s a lot of really dark paint and bad lighting in the rooms which is a challenge for makeup. Make sure to ask for housekeeping as we learned it is only offered “upon request.” The staff was helpful and friendly. Location wise you are easy walking distance to all downtown shops, restaurants and sights. Plus there’s ample free guest parking around back! We were very happy with our stay and hope to return in the future.

We have stayed at least six times at The Hotel Portsmouth in recent years, enjoying its ambience, wonderful staff, imaginative breakfasts, and great location. But our latest stay, in the wake of a major renovation, was terribly disappointing. The redecorated hotel is, simply, a disaster. Public spaces are dominated by cliched symbols of patriotism: Stars and *****es, bunting over all doors, images of dead Plains Indians. The breakfast room is furnished with low-slung chairs and small tables that are inappropriate for eating, while a giant island makes circulation very difficult. The guest rooms are even worse, dominated by garish, geometric wallpapers that leave one dizzy. Bathrooms are poorly lit and painted black. The overall impression is that the designers had no idea what it is like to stay in an old, Victorian hotel. And there is little in the redesign that speaks to the history and culture of Portsmouth. We are sad to see our go-to hotel debased like this and cannot imagine returning.

Staff was very friendly and helpful. Breakfast was good. Loved the interesting room!

What happened to the “cozy charm” of the 1800’s Victorian inn? The renovations have destroyed the serene ambiance the past furniture, decor, and wallpaper provided and fitted so well with the architectural design of the house. The Ralph Lauren type decor (red,white,and blue) mixed with All Modern type decor (concrete furniture) fails . In addition , why remove a bureau from our room and not replace it? Are bureaus no longer the “trend “ at inns? Also, the light fixture in the sink area does not illuminate sufficient light to see ones face. And lastly, the shower and toilet are so close to one another that I could only extend my arms half way before touching the shower and wall. Forget about securing toilet paper . One needs to be a yoga teacher to get the paper . The staff as always are professional and helpful. Sadly, after staying at The Hotel Portsmouth for several years, we have decided to discontinue being guests at The Hotel Portsmouth.

The Hotel Portsmouth, offering charming and historic lodging in Portsmouth, has sadly been redesigned by a boutique firm with modern updates. We miss the historic beauty that the Hotel Portsmouth once was ~ graceful, sophisticated, a welcome getaway. Service is still outstanding, with easy access to downtown Portsmouth; however, we miss the original 1880's charm which once graced this historical architectural beauty.

Quiet and easy walk to town.

Our stay at the property was enjoyable and easy to get to. Our room was clean as well as the common areas. The property managers were available to us and could not be more helpful.

Quaint property and kind staff