Last Updated on April 27, 2026
There is a sense of intrigue from the moment you step into this boutique hotel due to the moody design and modern décor. The dark painted walls and ceilings, the tartan plaid wallpaper, the warm wood accents, and fireplace all beckon you – with a book and a glass of some spirit. Accent lighting adds to the ambiance.
The Wentworth Inn shines as a romantic getaway destination; a place to kindle or re-kindle a relationship. Everything about the property is intimate, from the closely arranged seating areas and lounge that encourage quiet conversation to the ground-level, petite table serving as the front desk and concierge area, to the formal dining room, tastefully partitioned into several smaller spaces with white tablecloths and crystal chandeliers.
Throughout the common areas, wooden wall panels are inlaid with beautiful stained-glass windows in deep tones of green and orange. Other artwork includes historic pictures of past guests enjoying the inn and muted, scenic paintings of the area’s mountains, rivers and forests. It is here that you can truly leave the world behind. And that’s exactly what the first visitors to this property were trying to do.
History of the Inn
In the late 19th century, tourism in America was beginning to take shape. People from New York and Boston traveled to the White Mountains of New Hampshire, first by horse and buggy, then by stagecoach and rail, to escape the congestion and heat of the cities. The rugged forests and mountains were the attractions, and grand hotels were constructed in these environments to accommodate wealthy travelers.
Built in 1869, The Wentworth is one of the few historic hotels still in existence in the White Mountains. It consists of a main inn with guest rooms and suites and several cottages and vacation rental condominiums. The inn recently underwent a major renovation incorporating modern flourishes into its historical roots. Now, this special lodging accommodation is an attraction unto itself.
Inn Accommodations
I stayed in one of the spa suites in the main inn. All rooms are located on the upper floors with hallways and rooms decorated in calming neutrals.
The hall entrance leads to a sitting room with a fireplace. French doors open to a generously proportioned bedroom and en suite bathroom. A separate room, directly adjacent to the bathroom, encloses a private hot tub.
The walls and ceiling of the hot tub room are finished in wood shingles and panels creating a sauna-like atmosphere. A window opens to the outside with a privacy screen that can be adjusted as needed, letting in light and providing a view of the mountains in the distance during the day – or the stars at night. To say this is a comforting stay is an understatement.
Dining at the Inn
There are two dining options at The Wentworth. The Alpine lounge boasts the largest selection of specialty bourbons and whiskeys in the Mount Washington Valley. Guests can order a variety of drinks and tavern-style food fare in this relaxing area. I made it my before-dinner cocktail spot and enjoyed briefly conversing with the bartender.
The dining room, 1869, is a more refined affair with sophisticated menu choices. Reservations are a must.
For dinner, I thoroughly enjoyed my grilled aged hanger steak with maple sweet potato purée, tomato chutney, asparagus and veal jus. The sweet and savory palate of the accompaniments were balanced and did not overpower the tasty cut of beef.
Breakfast included a generous selection of self-serve pastries, fruit, yogurt and the chef’s homemade granola. I decided on the Belgian waffle and country ham, both moist and flavorful. The service at both seatings was perfect and attentive but not disruptive.
Exploring the Town
Jackson, New Hampshire is a quaint, north country, New England town. Its idyllic mountain scenery, its waterfalls and covered bridges have a romantic allure that’s hard to resist. Nearby mountains offer plenty of downhill skiing and hiking opportunities. Most tourists come here for life in the slow lane. They cross-country ski, stroll, and bike around the gently rolling hills. They play golf and cool off by taking a dip in the river during the warmer months.
It was early spring 2026 when I visited and I took advantage of the (mildly) warmer weather and the complementary use of e-bikes for The Wentworth guests. I headed out for an after-breakfast peddle though town passing Jackson Falls, Honeymoon Bridge, two country stores, a golf course, several other inns, and a whole lot of beautiful views.
Among all the sights and my desire to keep peddling, Ravenwood Curio Shoppe managed to stop me in my tracks. This unique shop looks like it popped right out of a storybook and is filled with enchantment. Inside, an eclectic mix of artwork, unique gifts and one-of-a-kind items are displayed in abundance on two floors. It was a joy to visit and spend time with the owner, Debbie. I left with a small, whimsical sculpture that reminds me of my son.
Sense of Connection
Upon returning to The Wentworth, I grabbed a cup of complementary coffee and some homemade mango ice cream from the guest pantry. I snuggled up near the small wood stove in the back sitting area and paged through a historical scrapbook about the inn that is available for guests to peruse. Old menus, postcards and letters provided interesting reading. There is a sense of connection and gratitude that overcame me as I flipped through smiling guest pictures and photos of those that worked at the inn in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
People have been coming to this place in the White Mountains for over 150 years, looking to the mountains and this Inn as a distraction and respite from the pressures of everyday life. Here, we are able to leave behind worries, concerns, fears, demands and differences. We are allowed to just be. This wouldn’t be possible without the hospitality industry taking care of our needs. They have always been there for travelers weary in body, mind and soul.
The Wentworth in Jackson, New Hampshire provided a much-needed weekend retreat. I could have easily extended the stay in the warm embrace of that inn and the town it calls home.
