Where to Stay Around Laconia and Gilford: A Lodging Roundup

Laconia sits in the middle of New Hampshire's Lakes Region, and that location is the main reason to stay here. From one base you can reach the beaches and boardwalk of Weirs Beach, the shops and restaurants downtown, Gunstock Mountain in neighboring Gilford, and the rest of the Lake Winnipesaukee shoreline. This roundup covers Laconia NH hotels, inns and cottage resorts from our directory, along with a few Gilford options just across the town line, and explains how to choose between them.

Laconia and Gilford at a glance

Laconia is the county seat of Belknap County. The 2020 census counted 16,871 residents. The city sits between Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Winnisquam, and all or part of four bodies of water lie within its limits: Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam, Opechee Bay and Paugus Bay. It includes the villages of Lakeport and Weirs Beach.

The geography matters when you book a room. Downtown Laconia sits at the southern end of the city along the Winnipesaukee River, between Opechee Bay and Lake Winnisquam. Lakeport is near the center of the city, between Opechee Bay and Paugus Bay. Weirs Beach lies at the northern edge, around the channel that connects Paugus Bay with Lake Winnipesaukee.

Gilford, Laconia's neighbor on the lake, had 7,699 residents in the 2020 census. It sits on Lake Winnipesaukee and is home to Ellacoya State Beach, Belknap Mountain State Forest, Gunstock Mountain Resort and the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion, a seasonal outdoor concert venue. Many visitors treat the two communities as one destination, and the lodging below reflects that.

Choosing where to base yourself

Before you look at individual properties, decide which part of the area fits your trip.

• Weirs Beach is the busiest corner of Laconia in summer, with the beach, arcades and boardwalk-style attractions close together. It suits families and anyone who wants to walk to the action.
• Downtown and Opechee Bay put you near Laconia's restaurants and city services, with quieter water nearby.
• Gilford works well for people who want quick access to Gunstock, the concert pavilion, or the lake's quieter eastern shore.

Season matters too. Laconia Motorcycle Week, one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the country, takes place in Laconia each June. The rally began as a motorcycle gypsy tour in 1916 and traditionally runs for nine days. If you are not coming for the rally, check your dates against it before you book, because the area fills up. If you are coming for the rally, book early.

Inns and resorts in Laconia

Lake Opechee Inn and Spa

Lake Opechee Inn and Spa describes itself as a boutique hotel on the shore of Lake Opechee in Laconia. The inn has 34 individually decorated guest rooms. According to its website, rooms have sitting areas with gas fireplaces, and many have whirlpool tubs, cathedral ceilings and balconies that look out at the lake. The property includes a full-service day spa and lakeview dining at O Steaks and Seafood, and it offers dog-friendly rooms. It is a good choice for a couples' getaway or a spa weekend, and its central location makes it an easy base in any season.

The Margate on Winnipesaukee

The Margate on Winnipesaukee is a lakeside resort in Laconia near Weirs Beach. Its website lists 17 different room types across several buildings, including a lakefront building, and notes recently renovated beachfront rooms. The resort also hosts weddings and group events and has an on-site salon. For families or groups who want a room by the water with resort amenities on the property, it is one of the larger options in the city.

The NASWA Resort

The NASWA Resort has welcomed guests on Lake Winnipesaukee for more than 90 years, according to its own history. The resort has two places to eat and drink on site, the Blue Bistro and the NazBar and Grill, and it describes itself as dog-friendly. NASWA is closely tied to the summer scene at the lake and to Motorcycle Week, so it suits travelers who want to be in the middle of things rather than tucked away.

Motels and cottages near Weirs Beach

1848 Inn

The 1848 Inn is a family-owned motel in Laconia with motel rooms, private cottages, efficiencies and an apartment. Its website says it is a short walk from Weirs Beach and directly across from Kellerhaus, which the inn calls the area's iconic ice cream and candy shop. Guests have a large outdoor pool, picnic and barbecue areas, a fire pit and a game room. Some cottages have kitchenettes and porches. The inn markets itself as a convenient base for concerts at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion and for Motorcycle Week, and it also lists winter accommodations.

Motels and cottage colonies like this one are a Lakes Region tradition. They tend to be simple, close to the water and good value, which makes them a sensible pick for families who plan to spend most of the day outside.

Lodging in Gilford

Ames Farm Inn

Ames Farm Inn in Gilford is one of the most distinctive places to stay on the lake. According to its website, it was established in 1890 on land that has been in the Ames family since 1777. The property covers 135 acres with a quarter mile of sandy lakefront, and much of it is undeveloped. Accommodations include lakeside cottages, rooms and apartments. There are boat slips and boat launches, a summer restaurant serving breakfast and lunch, a small store with local artisan goods and ice cream, and a large field for lawn games. If you want a classic lake vacation with a beach out the front door, this is the type of place to look for.

Fireside Inn and Suites

Fireside Inn and Suites is a Gilford hotel near Lake Winnipesaukee. Its website notes a 24-hour front desk and says second-floor rooms on the south side have views of Gunstock Mountain. It is a practical base for skiers heading to Gunstock in winter and for concertgoers and lake visitors in summer.

Lodging by season

Summer is peak season around Laconia and Gilford. Lakefront rooms and cottages book early, and June brings Motorcycle Week. Reserve as far ahead as you can, and confirm minimum-stay rules, which many lake properties use in high season.

Fall is quieter. The crowds thin after Labor Day, and the hills around the lake turn color. Some seasonal properties and restaurants close or cut back, so check before you go, but year-round hotels and inns are a good value.

Winter brings skiers to Gunstock in Gilford. Properties with fireplaces, a spa or easy mountain access, such as Lake Opechee Inn and Spa and Fireside Inn and Suites, make sense this time of year.

Spring is the slowest season. It is a good time for a quiet spa weekend, with lower demand at year-round properties.

Tips for booking a stay

• Decide on water access. Some properties sit directly on the lake, while others are a short walk or drive away. If a beach out the door matters, confirm it before you book.
• Ask about pets. Several properties in this guide describe themselves as dog-friendly, but policies vary by room type.
• Check the calendar. Motorcycle Week, pavilion concerts and holiday weekends all affect availability.
• Confirm what is seasonal. On-site restaurants, pools and beach services at lake properties may only run in summer.
• Book direct when you can. Calling a property directly is the best way to get accurate answers about rooms, views and policies.

FAQ

What part of Laconia is best to stay in?

It depends on your trip. Weirs Beach puts you close to the beach and summer attractions, downtown is near restaurants and services, and nearby Gilford is convenient for Gunstock Mountain and the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion.

When is Laconia busiest?

Summer is the peak season, and Laconia Motorcycle Week each June is one of the busiest stretches of the year.

Are there lakefront hotels in Laconia NH?

Yes. Lake Opechee Inn and Spa sits on Lake Opechee, and The Margate on Winnipesaukee offers lakefront rooms. In Gilford, Ames Farm Inn has a quarter mile of sandy lakefront.

Is Laconia worth visiting in the off-season?

Yes, especially in fall, when crowds thin and the foliage around the lake is at its best. Winter visitors often pair a stay with skiing at Gunstock.

How far is Gilford from Laconia?

The two are neighboring communities on Lake Winnipesaukee, so moving between them is a short drive.

Sources

• Laconia, New Hampshire, Wikipedia (2020 census, geography, villages, Motorcycle Week): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laconia,_New_Hampshire
• Gilford, New Hampshire, Wikipedia (2020 census, Gunstock, Ellacoya, Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilford,_New_Hampshire
• Laconia Motorcycle Week, Wikipedia (1916 origin, nine-day June rally): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laconia_Motorcycle_Week
• Lake Opechee Inn and Spa: https://www.opecheeinn.com/
• The Margate on Winnipesaukee: https://www.themargate.com/
• The NASWA Resort: https://www.naswa.com/
• 1848 Inn: https://1848inn.com/
• Ames Farm Inn: https://www.amesfarminn.com/
• Fireside Inn and Suites: https://www.firesideinngilford.com/