There is one more good thing about winter, and this one is not bitter or sarcastic. Winter hotel rates in Massachusetts are a bargain. The lousier the weather, the cheaper the hotel room. Hotels are all about supply and demand, and there is little demand to visit a region experiencing record cold temperatures.
That means you now have your pick of some of the coziest hotel rooms in the state at a reduced rate. You can enjoy a hotel room that comes with its own fireplace and fireplace butler. Or perhaps defrost with a dip in a heated pool.
Beauport Hotel Gloucester
The bad news: The rooftop pool and bar at the Beauport Hotel are not open off-season. The good news: It doesn’t matter because you can sit by the fire in your maritime-chic room and stare at the sea, or sit by the fireplace in the lobby with a good book. In the summer, you’ll pay up to $500 a night to stay here. During the off-season, it’s a steal at $249 a night.
55 Commercial St., Gloucester. 978-282-0008, www.beauporthotel.com
Newbury Boston
Hey big spenders and splurgers, the Newbury has 42 suites with fireplaces, and one of the coziest jewel-tone bars in Boston, which also has a fireplace. The hotel, which underwent a complete renovation during the pandemic, feels deliciously opulent. Perhaps that’s why you’ll pay upward of $1,000 a night to stay in one of the fireplace suites. Bear in mind, these are very large rooms that come with a fireplace butler. Nothing sparks jealousy among friends like the words “fireplace butler.”
1 Newbury St, Boston. 617-536-5700, www.thenewburyboston.com
Inn on Boltwood
This Amherst gem has been around since 1926, when it opened as the Lord Jeffrey Inn. Despite its advanced age, the 100-year-old inn has been meticulously updated and has an innovative upscale restaurant (30 Boltwood). Several rooms have gas fireplaces, but even without a fire, the inn feels classically cozy. Better yet, it’s a bargain. Rooms here run just north of $200 a night.
30 Boltwood Ave., Amherst. 413-256-8200, www.innonboltwood.com
XV Beacon
No matter how low the temperature drops, XV Beacon always feels particularly warm. Each of the 63 hotel rooms has a gas fireplace, a cashmere throw blanket, and Frette linens and bathrobes. I advise booking a room with a whirlpool tub or a jacuzzi tub for maximum winter escapism. There’s a reason why the hotel always lands on best-of lists. Winter rooms range between $450 and $500.
5 Beacon St., Boston. 617-670-1500, xvbeacon.com
White Porch Inn Art Hotel Provincetown
Cape Cod is a different place altogether in the winter, and that’s most evident in Provincetown, where the glitter and short-shorts have been (mostly) packed away for the winter. Enjoy the silence at the White Porch Inn Art Hotel, which occupies an 1840s house. Its rooms are all unique. About half have fireplaces. What’s consistent is the blend of Cape architecture with modern decor and art. While some old inns brag, “George Washington slept here,” the White Porch brags, “Cher slept here.” You can find a room for under $200 a night in the winter. During the summer, you’ll easily pay over $600.
7 Johnson St., Provincetown. 508-364-2549, www.whiteporchinn.com
Inn at Hastings Park
Last week, the Inn at Hastings Park was awarded four stars by the Forbes Travel Guide, and with good reason. The staff here are some of the most attentive folks you’ll find at any hotel in the Boston area. The property offers a historic nod to Lexington while featuring 22 rooms spread across three restored buildings, modern amenities, and, most importantly, fireplaces. Check the inn’s website before booking to ensure you’ve landed a plum fireplace room.
2027 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington. 781-301-6660, www.innathastingspark.com
Nantasket Beach Resort
This 107-room sprawling hotel, located in Hull, remains one of the Boston area’s great, unsung beachfront bargains. Its location makes it ideal for summer, but it’s also a convenient winter escape. Nearly every room has a fireplace, and as a bonus, there’s also a heated indoor pool and hot tub with ocean views. This is not a Forbes five-star kind of property, but with winter rates well under $200 a night, it’s a wonderful spot to defrost by the fire while watching the waves.
45 Hull Shore Drive, Hull. 888-641-4175, www.nantasketbeachresort.com
Christopher Muther can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @Chris_Muther and Instagram @chris_muther.
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