Please select your travel dates to see rates and availability
Check In
Check Out
1 room2 guests1 room, 2 guests
Info
Summary of reviewsThe Bow Hotel in Portsmouth offers a standout experience with its exceptional location, cozy accommodations, and friendly staff. Situated in the heart of downtown, the hotel provides guests with easy access to vibrant shops, restaurants, and nightlife, enhancing the overall travel experience by allowing convenient exploration of the town's attractions. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between the bustling city life and a peaceful retreat, catering to travelers eager to immerse themselves in Portsmouth's charm.
Guests have mixed opinions about the breakfast offering, but the availability of a breakfast bar with coffee, tea, and snacks like granola bars is appreciated, particularly the quality of the coffee. For those seeking comfort in their rooms, The Bow Hotel delivers with its clean and charming accommodations. Although the rooms are small, they are cozy and well-maintained, providing a comfortable stay. Notably, the beds receive high praise for their comfort, enhancing guests' relaxation.
The hotel's staff consistently earns accolades for their friendliness and helpfulness, with guests highlighting the efficient communication and service provided by team members such as Aidan. This warm and accommodating approach significantly elevates the overall guest experience. While parking at the hotel comes with additional costs and limited spaces, the availability of complimentary bikes offers a delightful alternative for exploring nearby areas.
In summary, The Bow Hotel offers an appealing blend of location, comfort, and service. With its prime downtown position, inviting accommodations, and attentive staff, it remains a favored choice for travelers looking to fully experience the vibrant offerings of Portsmouth. Show more
Read review summaries for all categories
Categories
Small Inn
This inn offers an intimate and cozy setting. Its location within Rockingham provides easy access to local attractions.
Inn near Nightlife Spots
Inn with Parking
Room Types
Deluxe Queen RoomThis spacious room comes with a flat-screen cable TV.
Queen RoomThis room comes with a flat-screen cable TV.
Deluxe King RoomFeaturing a seating area, this spacious room comes with a flat-screen cable TV.
King RoomProviding free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The air-conditioned double room provides a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a seating area, a carpeted floor, heating as well as city views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
8.0
Very Good
Location
The Bow Hotel boasts an exceptional location, making it an ideal choice for visitors eager to explore Portsmouth. Nestled right in the heart of downtown, the hotel places guests within easy walking distance of all the vibrant shops, delectable restaurants, and lively nightlife that Market Street and the surrounding area have to offer. This prime spot allows travelers to immerse themselves in the bustling city life without the need for transportation, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Guests appreciate the convenience of being close to the water, restaurants, and town square, while also enjoying the connection to a theater. It's a wonderful, cozy, and quiet setting that complements Portsmouth's reputation as a great walking city. The location strikes the perfect balance between being centrally located and offering a peaceful retreat, making it an outstanding choice for those eager to experience everything the town has to offer.
Breakfast
Guests of The Bow Hotel have shared varied opinions regarding the breakfast experience. While the majority highlight the absence of a formal breakfast, others note the presence of a breakfast bar offering coffee, tea, and snacks such as granola bars. The availability of coffee on tap is particularly praised, with guests consistently commending its quality. Iced coffee and the setup of a coffee and tea lounge contribute to a more enjoyable stay. Additionally, the hotel offers a small concierge room equipped with essentials, including extra toothbrushes, which adds to the overall convenience for guests.
Rooms
The Bow Hotel offers charming rooms that are consistently praised for their cleanliness and comfort. Guests frequently describe the accommodations as cozy, with well-maintained spaces that provide a pleasant backdrop for their stay. Despite being notably small, the rooms manage to offer a snug and inviting atmosphere that visitors appreciate. The beds are particularly highlighted for their comfort, adding an extra layer of relaxation to the experience.
Many reviews mention the limited window size and view, but this seems to be a minor issue for most, as time is often spent enjoying the local area and attractions rather than staying indoors. The rooms, while minimalistic and slightly tight, serve their purpose well, catering to travelers who prioritize exploring outside rather than ample indoor space. While certain areas of maintenance, such as bathroom conditions, occasionally need attention, the overall impression remains positive, with guests valuing the clean and cozy environment provided by The Bow Hotel.
Beds
Guests of The Bow Hotel have largely praised the comfort of the beds, with several visitors describing them as among the most comfortable they've ever experienced. Positive comments frequently highlight the superb quality of both the mattresses and the bedding. Linens have also been specifically noted for adding to the overall comfort. However, not everyone shared this sentiment. A few guests expressed dissatisfaction, pointing out issues with bed firmness and the quality of the mattresses, which some found uncomfortable and in need of improvement. Despite these mixed reviews, the attention to bed comfort seems to be a standout feature for this hotel.
Cleanliness
Visitors to The Bow Hotel generally appreciate the cleanliness and comfort of the accommodations. Many guests highlight the clean and comfortable rooms, with some noting their satisfaction with the beds and pillows. The hotel's attention to cleanliness extends to well-maintained bathrooms and fluffy towels, contributing to a pleasant stay. Despite some feedback indicating occasional issues like dusty carpets and small room sizes, overall impressions remain positive, with guests feeling assured by the hotel's safe environment. The hotel's prime location, close to restaurants and shopping in Portsmouth, coupled with friendly and helpful staff, enhances its appeal, even if some rooms are compact with limited views.
Staff
The Bow Hotel boasts a team of staff that consistently earns high praise from guests for their friendliness and helpfulness. Visitors frequently remark on the accommodating and professional nature of the staff, highlighting their ability to communicate effectively and provide valuable tips for local dining and entertainment. Both in-person and electronic communication with the staff is notably efficient, contributing to a seamless registration process for many guests and offering a sense of immediate support. Particularly commendable is Aidan, whose efforts to ensure guests feel welcomed and assisted have been appreciated by several reviewers. Despite some suggestions for improvement in communication regarding hotel changes, the overall sentiment towards the staff remains positive, emphasizing their warmth and responsiveness which significantly enhances the guest experience at The Bow Hotel.
Parking
The Bow Hotel offers the convenience of parking, but travelers should be prepared for additional costs. Parking spaces are limited to just seven spots, and guests often find the charge to be quite high, typically around $30-$35 per day. However, some guests appreciate the easy access to a location across the street where this parking is available, suggesting that it might be a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize proximity and convenience. Despite the expense, there are alternatives, as street parking nearby can be found at a lower rate. Additionally, guests who prefer not to use a car can avail themselves of complimentary bikes provided by the hotel, making it an enjoyable option to explore nearby areas like Kittery Point. While the parking situation at The Bow Hotel might require some planning and budgeting, the location and amenities offer compensating factors for the discerning traveler.
No, The Bow Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Bow Hotel.
No, The Bow Hotel doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at The Bow Hotel.