Whether fancy, newly renovated, just built, or cherished by many for years, the following hotels, inns, and B&B are our standout picks for a 2026 stay.
Whether you’re seeking a cool trend-forward hotel in an alpine setting, a neoclassical beaut of a renovation in Western PA, want waterfront, slopeside, a city getaway, or a have a deep yearning for connection with fellow travelers of various backgrounds in a famous Civil War torn town, the following list of nine new and renewed hotels will get you started: Not a corporate, standardized, one in the bunch.
9 Unique Hotels and Inns in Northeast USA To Visit in 2026
Where to Stay in Massachusetts
Palmer House Inn, Falmouth MA
In a field of contenders, the Gothic-Victorian “shingle-style” Palmer House Inn, in Falmouth MA is a standout. Sure, it’s that Classic comfy, cozy, low-key, rocking-chair on the porch, weathered Cape Cod home that you imagine in your New England fantasies. But this one, with incredibly friendly and accommodating owners, is on the Select Registry. So, expect an upscale and happy experience. In town, the Palmer House Inn stands next door to the Falmouth Historical Society’s Museums and is a quick drive to the beach.
Why Go in 2026? Yes, the Palmer House Inn has been around awhile. But if you yearn for an inn that has stood the test of time (rather than seek something new and splashy), and are looking for an authentic Cape Cod experience, the Palmer House is like a warm blanket on a cold night. Especially in winter.
Where to Stay in New Hampshire
Glen House Hotel, Gorham NH
It’s not so much what’s inside the Glen House Hotel in Gorham NH as what’s outside. But what’s inside is pretty nifty, too. At the entrance to the Mount Washington Auto Road, and surrounded by exceptional beauty, Glen House – now in its 5th iteration (as the previous four were located across the street and have burned down) has been drawing vacationers since 1858.
The Glen House Hotel, according to Architectural Digest, has the Most Beautifully Designed Bar in New Hampshire. No kidding. The bar/lounge takes up most of the hotel lobby and is the first thing – boom! – that strikes you as you enter the place. That’s because its floor to ceiling wall of windows provides an immediate introduction to the mountains that loom in the hotel’s backyard. This is why you book a room here.
Why Go in 2026? This new, cool-luxe version of the Glen House Hotel is the closest lodging to the Mount Washington Auto Road, with a lively bar, good food, and fantastic hiking right outside the door. Oh – and it’s far from crowds as well.
Mill Falls at the Lake Resort Collection, Meridith NH
Mill Falls at the Lake – The Resort Collection – is a group of buildings that house a variety of guest rooms: many, right on the banks of Lake Winnipesaukee. For optimal romance, choose a room that faces the lake. There are no bad vistas.
Why Go in 2026? Widely admired for its setting, and adorded by couples and families since its inception in the 1980’s, Mill Falls at the Lake was revitalized several years ago. Out went the original, slightly stuffy traditional ’80’s furnishings, and in their place a lighter, more modern aesthetic. So, if you haven’t been here in a while, it’s worth a re-look.
Where to Stay in Vermont
Sun Lodge, Peru VT
First built in 1975 as a typical ski lodge, what was once simply known as the Lodge At Bromley is now the brightly named Sun Lodge. In Peru VT, this 50-room hotel sits at the base of Bromley Mountain. The name change came with a total transformation in December 2024, and it’s as sunny and hot (ambience-wise) as its name. Owned by the Migis Hotel Group – the hotel is practically unrecognizable from its former iteration. It’s light, artsy, fun, cool, and comfy as hell. Plus – it’s a ski-in-ski out accommodation in winter, and a stone’s throw amble over to Bromley’s Adventure Mountain in warmer seasons.
Why go in 2026? A recent gut renovation has turned this former decent but basic ski lodge into a cool boutique hotel, with year round sports and activities right outside the door.
Where to Stay in New York
Sofitel, Manhattan NYC
Part of the AccorHotels Group, Sofitel NY, with more than 200 hotels worldwide, built its New York City property in 2000. It marked its 25th anniversary in 2025: high time for a redo. So, as befits a lodging of its caliber, Sofitel New York has refurbished with aplomb, although it still exudes an old-world graciousness. The doorman still chirps, “bonjour” as he welcomes guests into the marble-floored lobby of this France-flagged luxury hotel. Close to everything in midtown NY – but on a quiet street (W 44th between 5th and 6th Aves), Sofitel has proven popular with corporate suits during the week, and international and domestic leisure travelers on weekends.
Why Go in 2026? The swanky Sofitel NY has just emerged (late 2025) from a multi-million-dollar renovation. Check out its new look.
Where to Stay in Pennsylvania
Swope Manor, Gettysburg
The upscale B&B, Swope Manor, is located in downtown Gettysburg and convenient to several historic sites—as well as a slew of shops and restaurants. This handsome brick home, a “witness building” during the Civil War, feels like just the place to connect with others in a town fraught with the kind of violent history that, disturbingly, seems to be repeating itself lately.
Antique-filled guest rooms and formal common areas bespeak wealth that whispers, as was the case when investor and banker George Swope and his wife, built and decorated their 1836 home. In 1839, they added an identical adjoining townhome for their physician son, Dr. John Swope—who later became a congressman and, like his father, president of Gettysburg Bank.
Why Go in 2026? In these fraught times, it’s important to linger over a glass of (complimentary) wine, with people of different backgrounds and political persuasions, to chat around a fire pit on the back deck. Swope Manor stands about a mile from the bloody Gettysburg Battlefield where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his Gettysburg Address, urging Americans to ensure that “these dead shall not have died in vain… and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
By “the people,” Lincoln meant all the people—not just Conservative or Liberal, Democrat or Republican. Which is why it’s so refreshing to meet others who may have differing views of the world, but are all just fellow travelers, here to learn valuable lessons about the Civil War. Some of which took place in this very home.
Grandeur Estate, Greensburg PA
If you ever want to be fawned over – to feel like royalty – book one of the palatial rooms at the oh-so-romantic Grandeur Estate, a boutique hotel in Greensburg PA. Owners, Tony and Julia Taneja, are people-pleasers to the max. They just want to make guests happy, and that begins with a wave “hello” in the hotel’s parking area for overnight guests. The Grandeur Estate screams “exclusive” with its choice hardware (e.g. golden swan faucets in event room bathrooms) and hushed halls. But this posh property is actually open to anyone who seeks to splurge on an overnight stay or a life-cycle event. Ornate without being gaudy, the Grandeur Estate is heralded as a top getaway outside of Pittsburgh and even throughout the region, blending cool opulence with a warm heart.
Why Go in 2026? Recently opened, the Grandeur Estate’s people-pleasing owners go out of their way to create a unique and romantic guest experience.
Where to Stay in Virginia
Inn at Gristmill Square, Warm Springs VA
While this little remote enclave of buildings – reminiscent of a small 19th-century colonial village – in Warm Springs VA may initially appear to be doll-and doily-cutesy, fear not. Collectively they hide the very upscale accommodations at The Inn at Gristmill Square. Even better, these rooms are located within a few steps of one of the best dining establishments in western Virginia: The Waterwheel Restaurant, housed in a converted gristmill. Selected as one of the top B&B’s in Virginia by Virginia Living Magazine, I have to say, it’s one of those out-of-the-way surprises that I, as a travel writer, always hope to find.
Why Go in 2026? Although the Inn at Gristmill Square has been around for years, under new ownership, it’s been renovated to the highest luxury standards. Because it’s so remote, it gets lost in the hoopla of The Omni Homestead, a ten minute drive away, but for lovers looking for a less congested stay, this tucked away inn can’t be beat.
Hotel Burg, Leesburg VA
New in 2025, the greatly anticipated 39 room boutique, Hotel Burg, has helped prop up tourism in Leesburg VA. The vibe is “Hunting Lodge Chic” – with a dark, atmospheric lounge harking back to decked-out Presidential hunting “camps”, huntsman themed fine dining, a popular rooftop bar and restaurant for guests and members, and classy guestrooms.
Why Go in 2026? New in 2025, creatively designed and decorated, Hotel Burg has turned historic downtown Leesburg into a tourist destination.
