Where to Stay in Lincoln and Waterville Valley

Lincoln and Waterville Valley sit on either side of the western White Mountains, and between them they hold some of the most useful lodging in northern New Hampshire. Lincoln is the busier of the two, a base for Loon Mountain, the Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch. Waterville Valley is a small, self-contained resort village tucked into a valley of its own. If you are comparing Lincoln NH hotels with a quieter stay over the hills, this guide covers both.

Mid-May is a shoulder season in the mountains. The ski crowds are gone, summer has not quite arrived, and it is a good moment to book ahead for a summer or fall trip or to enjoy a quieter spring weekend.

Why Base Yourself in Lincoln

Lincoln is a small town by population, with 1,631 residents at the 2020 census, but it is huge on the map. It is the second-largest town in New Hampshire by area, and it takes in part of Franconia Notch State Park, Loon Mountain and a stretch of the Appalachian Trail, which crosses the town.

That geography is the reason people stay here. Franconia Notch State Park follows about 8 miles of Interstate 93 through the mountains, and two of its best-known stops, the Flume and Lonesome Lake, are within Lincoln's borders. Heading east, the Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire Route 112, runs 56.39 miles between Bath and Conway, and Lincoln is the natural western starting point for the drive. A few nights in Lincoln puts all of that within easy reach.

Condo Resorts Near Loon Mountain

Most of Lincoln's lodging is built around space: full kitchens, multiple bedrooms and room for a family or a group of friends.

RiverWalk Resort at Loon is the most amenity-rich choice in town. Units range from studios up to three-bedroom penthouses that sleep 12, so it works for anything from a couple's weekend to a multi-family trip. The resort has two restaurants, a spa, a Grand Ballroom for events, and one of the largest lagoon pools in New England. It also has something you will not find at many ski-town hotels: an on-site commercial winery.

Pollard Brook describes itself as New Hampshire's only Five-Star condominium resort. It sits across from Loon Mountain and borders some 750,000 acres of national forest. All 133 suites, from one to three bedrooms, come with kitchens, whirlpool baths and balconies, which makes it a strong pick for longer stays where you want to cook some of your own meals.

Family Resorts and Classic Stays

Indian Head Resort in Lincoln is a good choice if you want a traditional resort with a bit of everything. Lodging ranges from resort rooms to cottages, bungalows and houses. Guests have a heated outdoor pool, a private body of water called Shadow Lake, and an observation tower, and the Profile Room handles dining. The resort also hosts weddings, so it is worth knowing about if you are planning an event in the mountains.

Deer Park Resort in neighboring North Woodstock sits on 65 acres with a private five-acre lake. Accommodations run from studios to one-, two- and three-bedroom condos and townhouses, and the resort is close to Loon. It is a good fit for families who want a self-catering base with some room to roam.

Woodstock Inn Brewery in North Woodstock brings a different feel to the list. It is a working brewery with tours, restaurants and pubs, and lodging spread across several houses. If your idea of a mountain trip includes a pint after a long day on the trail, staying where the beer is brewed is hard to beat. It hosts weddings as well.

Waterville Valley: A Village of Its Own

Waterville Valley is tiny, with 508 residents at the 2020 census, but the village is built for visitors. Surrounded by 4,000-foot mountains, it has shops, a Nordic center, an ice arena and mountain biking all close together. Several lodges offer the Freedom Pass, a guest perk that Black Bear Lodge describes as access to popular resort activities that vary by season, so ask about it when you book.

Silver Fox Inn is the inn option. It includes a complimentary full breakfast, access to the village trolley and the Freedom Pass. It also has eight pet-friendly rooms, which is useful information for anyone traveling with a dog.

Black Bear Lodge is an all-suite condo-hotel with 107 individually owned units that sleep four to six people each. Every guest gets a Freedom Pass, and the suite layout makes it a practical choice for families.

Golden Eagle Lodge brings a grand-hotel look to the village. Choices include one- and two-bedroom suites, lofts and tower suites, all with full kitchens. It also has an Alpine Room for groups, handy if you are organizing a reunion or a team retreat.

Lincoln or Waterville Valley?

Choose Lincoln if you want to be close to the Kancamagus Highway, Franconia Notch and Loon, and if you like having a range of restaurants and resort amenities nearby. The condo resorts here are especially good for groups.

Choose Waterville Valley if you want a walkable village where activities are a short trolley ride away and the pace is slower. It suits families who would rather park the car for the weekend.

Some travelers split a trip between the two, spending a couple of nights in each to see both sides of the mountains.

Booking Tips

Because many units at these resorts are condos, layouts vary, so confirm the number of beds, kitchen setup and parking when you book. If you are traveling with a pet, ask about the specific room before you arrive. And since policies and amenities change by season, check each property's website directly for the latest details.

Explore the Listings

• RiverWalk Resort at Loon
• Pollard Brook
• Indian Head Resort
• Deer Park Resort
• Woodstock Inn Brewery
• Silver Fox Inn
• Black Bear Lodge
• Golden Eagle Lodge

FAQ

What are the best Lincoln NH hotels for families?

Condo-style resorts such as Pollard Brook and RiverWalk Resort at Loon offer multi-bedroom suites with kitchens. Indian Head Resort has cottages and a heated outdoor pool.

Is Lincoln close to Franconia Notch?

Yes. Part of Franconia Notch State Park lies within Lincoln, including the Flume and Lonesome Lake.

Are there pet-friendly rooms in Waterville Valley?

Silver Fox Inn has eight pet-friendly rooms. Confirm availability with the inn when you book.

What is the Freedom Pass?

It is a guest perk offered by several Waterville Valley lodges, including Silver Fox Inn and Black Bear Lodge, that gives access to resort activities, which vary by season. Ask your lodge what it includes.

Sources

• Lincoln, New Hampshire, Wikipedia (2020 population 1,631; second-largest town by area; Franconia Notch, Loon Mountain, Appalachian Trail): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln,_New_Hampshire
• Franconia Notch State Park, Wikipedia (8 miles of I-93; the Flume and Lonesome Lake in Lincoln): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franconia_Notch_State_Park
• Kancamagus Highway, Wikipedia (NH Route 112, 56.39 miles, Bath to Conway): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kancamagus_Highway
• Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, Wikipedia (2020 population 508): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterville_Valley,_New_Hampshire
• RiverWalk Resort at Loon: https://www.riverwalkresortatloon.com/
• Pollard Brook: https://www.innseason.com/pollard-brook-resort
• Indian Head Resort: https://www.indianheadresort.com/
• Deer Park Resort: https://www.deerparkresort.com/
• Woodstock Inn Brewery: https://www.woodstockinnbrewery.com/
• Silver Fox Inn: https://www.silverfoxinn.com/
• Black Bear Lodge: https://www.blackbearlodgenh.com
• Golden Eagle Lodge: https://www.goldeneaglelodge.com