Where to Stay in North Conway: Inns, Resorts and Motels

North Conway is the busy heart of the Mount Washington Valley. It is the village where hikers, climbers, skiers, leaf peepers and outlet shoppers all end up at the end of the day, and it has one of the widest choices of places to stay in the White Mountains. This guide sorts North Conway lodging by style, from historic inns and full-service resorts to motels, condos and a bed and breakfast, all from our directory. Spring is a smart time to book for summer and fall.

Getting to know North Conway

North Conway is a village and census-designated place within the town of Conway, in eastern Carroll County, with 2,116 residents at the 2020 census. It is a year-round resort area with Mount Washington to the northwest and the White Mountain National Forest to the west and north. Early settlers called the area Pequawket, after the Abenaki village that stretched along the Saco River.

Tourism here goes back a long way. White Mountain art drew visitors in the 19th century, and the railroad arrived in 1872. The village's Victorian depot, built in 1874, is still the starting point for the Conway Scenic Railroad. In 1932, "snow trains" began bringing skiers to what is known as the birthplace of American skiing.

Today, the big draws are Cathedral Ledge and Echo Lake State Park, Cranmore Mountain Resort, hiking in the national forest, and a large number of outlet shops along Route 16.

Historic inns in the village

• Eastern Slope Inn Resort sits right in the village and has deep roots in North Conway's resort history. The property traces back to 1854, and the Music Hall built on the site in 1887 lives on today as the Eastern Slope Inn Playhouse. The resort offers suites with kitchens, an indoor pool and on-site dining, and you can walk to Main Street shops and restaurants.
• Stonehurst Manor is a historic estate just minutes from town, set among the trees. It has an old-world feel, with a Library Lounge for relaxing after a day outdoors. It suits couples and anyone who wants a quieter, more romantic base.

Resorts with mountain views

• Fox Ridge Resort offers rooms with private patios or balconies, landscaped gardens, pools and a whirlpool spa, with views of the Moat Mountain range. Families like the space to spread out, and it is close to the village.
• White Mountain Hotel and Resort is a family-owned resort with a spa and golf, and it also hosts weddings. It is a full-service option for golfers and for anyone who wants everything on site, with the mountains as a backdrop.

Motels close to the action

• Briarcliff Motel is a renovated, family-friendly motel with a heated outdoor pool. It is close to Main Street restaurants and the Settlers Green outlets, making it a practical, convenient base for shoppers and families on the go.

Condos and a B&B in Intervale

Intervale is the quieter area just north of the North Conway village, and it is a good choice if you want more room or a homier stay.

• Cathedral Ledge Resort offers condos and cottages that sleep six to eight, each with a full kitchen, plus a pool, sauna and hot tub. It is a strong option for groups and multi-generation families who want to cook some meals in.
• The Old Field House is an Intervale bed and breakfast on Route 16A, within about five miles of the North Conway town center, with an outdoor pool, hot tub and game room. Breakfast is served in a sunny solarium. It is a comfortable, personal alternative to the bigger resorts.

How to choose

Walk to town or drive in? If you want to stroll to restaurants and shops, pick a village property such as Eastern Slope Inn. If you would rather have quiet, look at Intervale or a property a few minutes out of town.

Room or kitchen? Families and groups often save money and time with a condo or suite with a kitchen. Couples may prefer a manor, B&B or resort with a spa.

Season. North Conway is busy in summer and very busy during fall foliage, when visitors arrive from late September into early October. Winter brings skiers to Cranmore and nearby resorts. Spring is the quietest season, and a good time to reserve for later in the year.

Things to do from your base

• Cathedral Ledge: a 500-foot cliff in Echo Lake State Park, famous with rock climbers. Unlike nearby White Horse Ledge, it has an auto road to the summit, with views over the Saco River Valley.
• Echo Lake State Park: a lake at the foot of the ledges, a classic summer stop.
• Cranmore Mountain Resort: North Conway's own ski area, right next to the village.
• Conway Scenic Railroad: train rides from the historic village station.
• Green Hills Preserve: a low ridge east of Route 16 with Rattlesnake, Middle, Peaked and Black Cap mountains.
• Outlet shopping: North Conway is known for its large number of outlet stores.

Planning tips

• Book foliage early. Fall weekends fill up first, so reserve well ahead.
• Expect traffic on Route 16. The main road through town can back up on busy weekends. Staying in the village lets you walk.
• Ask about policies. Check minimum stays, pet rules and cancellation terms directly with each property.
• Pack layers. Weather changes quickly in the White Mountains, and the higher summits are much colder than the valley.
• Spring mud. In late spring, higher trails can still be wet and icy, so choose lower walks early in the season.

Booking directly

Before you reserve, contact each property directly to confirm room types, bed configurations, accessibility features and what is included in your stay. Ask about parking, check-in times and whether pools and hot tubs are open in the season you are visiting, since outdoor amenities can be seasonal in the mountains. If you are traveling with a dog, confirm pet policies in advance, because rules vary widely from one property to the next.

A sample long weekend

1. Friday: check in, walk the village and have dinner on Main Street.

2. Saturday: drive the Cathedral Ledge road for the view, spend the afternoon at Echo Lake, then relax at the pool or spa.

3. Sunday: ride the Conway Scenic Railroad or browse the outlets before heading home.

FAQ

Where should I stay in North Conway?

For walkability, stay in the village, at a property such as Eastern Slope Inn. For views and amenities, consider Fox Ridge Resort or White Mountain Hotel and Resort. For space, look at condos at Cathedral Ledge Resort in Intervale.

What is the best time to visit North Conway?

Each season has a draw: summer hiking and swimming, fall foliage, and winter skiing. Spring is quieter.

Are there family-friendly places to stay?

Yes. Briarcliff Motel, Fox Ridge Resort and the condos at Cathedral Ledge Resort are good fits for families.

Is there a bed and breakfast near North Conway?

The Old Field House is a bed and breakfast in Intervale, within about five miles of the North Conway town center.

Sources

• North Conway, New Hampshire, Wikipedia (2020 census; history; Cathedral Ledge; Echo Lake; Cranmore; railroad; Green Hills Preserve): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Conway,_New_Hampshire
• Eastern Slope Inn Resort history page: easternslopeinn.com
• Property websites: easternslopeinn.com, stonehurstmanor.com, foxridgeresort.com, whitemountainhotel.com, briarcliffmotel.com, cathedralledgeresort.com, oldfieldhouse.com