Boutique incentives in your pick of New England port towns
Up and down the coastline of New England, you’ll find historic port towns, where visitors go to enjoy the fresh sea breeze coupled with small town charm and rich history. Take three new and renovated hotels, three of these charismatic towns, and find yourself putting together the perfect New England boutique incentive experience you and your lucky attendees have longed for.
Americana Charm
The Hotel Portsmouth has debuted a full redesign led by award-winning boutique design firm Elder & Ash. The hotel, an emblem of Queen Anne Victorian architecture, first opened in 1881 as one of Portsmouth, New Hampshire’s first independent lodging establishments. In 2014, it was acquired by Lark Hotels as its flagship property. This new redesign centers the property’s storied history and traditional New England charm while incorporating modern sophistication.
The new look aims to emphasize the building’s innate beauty, telling the story of its New England roots, through nods to maritime history and quintessential Americana patterns and foundational rich reds and blues. Additional elements capture the area’s modern, unique arts and culture scene. All 32 guest rooms are decorated with photographs by American photograph Slim Aarons as well as contemporary street art, historic original landscapes and portrait paintings. Together, these elements create a layering of design that evokes a sense of familiarity while maintaining a polished feel.
Guest rooms range from a petite king to a dual-level loft suite and even a penthouse suite accommodating up to four guests. In addition to a complimentary, curated breakfast spread. Guests can enjoy subterranean bar area, Lucy & John’s, complete with a billiards table and intimate group seating options. With 24-hour concierge services and multiple indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, The Hotel Portsmouth offers a laid-back, nostalgic, yet refined New England port town incentive option.
Read More: Behind the Scenes of Incentive Travel
Poet’s Paradise
Portland, Maine welcomes brand new boutique hotel, Longfellow Hotel, to its community. Operated by Maine-based, family-owned hospitality group Uncommon Hospitality, the property is the first independent full-service hotel in the city in over two decades.
The design, developed in partnership with award-winning design studio Post Company, draws inspiration from Maine’s rugged, timeless charm. The hotel takes its name from Portland native and celebrated New England poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, whose poetry in and of itself transports readers to the untamed beauty of the New England coast. With interior design elements such as traditional moldings, ceiling medallions and wide-plank, hardwood floors, the space offers a residential feel that celebrates the West End neighborhood’s distinctive architecture.
48 guest rooms feature natural wood paneling and monochromatically painted trim, crown and baseboard moldings, accented by high-contrast doors, neutral layers of textiles, velvet upholstered beds and custom armchairs. The lobby acts as an all-day lounge, cafe and bar. Dining options include counter-service style breakfast and lunch space Twinflower Café and European-influenced lobby bar Five of Clubs. The first-of-its-kind wellness spa Astraea focuses on full body and mind health. The property is committed to a holistic travel approach with programming such as complimentary bicycles and partnerships with local organizations. With options for meetings ranging from executive retreats to full buyouts, Longfellow Hotel is a prime option for a distinct boutique business gathering.
Arrive on the Island
In the heart of Nantucket, Massachusetts comes a newly reimagined intimate guesthouse, The Martin, operated by Nantucket B&B, inn and boutique hotel group Greydon Hotel Group. Originally constructed in 1803 for Nathaniel Sherman and his wife, Hepsabeth, the 15-room property began operating as a guesthouse in the 1920s. This new redesign, led by local interior design firm Nantucket Looms, celebrates Nantucket’s natural beauty with a sophisticated coastal design.
Varied hues of blues, greens and grays resemble the island’s sea, sky and moors for a perfect blend of cozy and contemporary. Understated nautical design elements, such as brass-and-rope mirrors, white linen lampshades and pillows with Seigaiha-inspired wave patterns, create a serene sense of place as well as a feel of sophistication.
With a location on Nantucket’s Centre Street, The Martin is steps away from the island’s sought-after shops, beaches restaurants and historic landmarks, moments from its ferry docks and a 10-minute drive from the Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK).
This intimate guesthouse experience, coupled with personalized boutique hospitality service, makes for an incentive or small meeting attendees will not soon forget.
Read More: Falling for New England
