Hotels on Hampton Beach (Portsmouth, Newbury: oceanfront, houses, casino)
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Hi everyone [first post on the forum] , the weekend of June 6th through 9th my girlfriend and i [both 24 years old from CT] are planning to take a trip to Hampton Beach for the first time. After searching on google I'm getting mixed reviews on every hotel I see that's on the beach. My question is for people who, themselves or know people, have stayed at one of these hotels on the beach and what was your/their take on it. I'd like an ocean front view that is walkable to restaurants, bars, etc. I don't know too much about the area but I've wanted to visit New Hampshire for the longest time and this is the way I wanted to do it. And also a side question, doesn't have to be answered, what does the area have to offer for two 24 year old kids ? I know the carnival is at the state park that weekend but how about the nightlife ? Good restaurants ? Fun bars ? etc. Thanks a lot !
Hampton Beach is more about teenagers and for kids than adults. For adult entertainment you would be better of in Portsmouth
Oh, I don't know about that. It really depends on what you're looking for. Should be lots of good bars and clubs for two 24-year olds. You can get into as much trouble as you want, and it can get pretty wild. There will be lots of teenagers acting like teenagers. Lots of people from Mass. I had a great time there from ages 16-22, but not my thing anymore. I prefer York Beach, ME for it's more family atmosphere. I consider Hampton a little more "Jersey Shore". As far as hotels, I haven't spent a lot of time there recently so can't help you out.
Hampton Beach is what it is. Not the first place I'd think about taking my small kids on a weekend evening, but probably a blast for a teenager looking for cheap fun and mischief. Last time I was there on a weekend night, the Hampton Police was showcasing their "paddy wagon", a huge van that I could only assume would transport a bunch of unruly drunk Mass-teenagers to the holding cells. When I saw that, it gave me a good idea of what goes on on summer weekend nights at Hampton Beach.
Back when we wewe in our 20s, we would occasionally stay at motels/lodges on Hampton Beach as so not to be driving impaired-the cost was minimal and everyone stayed safe. Just a few years ago, we went to see George Thorougood at The Casino and booked a room (trying to relive our younger years haha). It was pretty awful-horrible lumpy bed, lots of noise from the street below. We left well before dawn and made the drive home. If you want a "nicer" experience, I would recommend booking at The Ashworth ($$) or another place further up 1A, a little away from the center but still walking distance. I also recommend Portsmouth for the variety of venues you will find there and great restaurants, brew houses, etc. It's not oceanfront but one of NHs best places to spend a weekend, all sorts of places to explore plus Hampton Beach is an easy drive as well. Stop by and let us know what you decided and how the weekend goes!
Hampton Beach is what it is. Not the first place I'd think about taking my small kids on a weekend evening, but probably a blast for a teenager looking for cheap fun and mischief. Last time I was there on a weekend night, the Hampton Police was showcasing their "paddy wagon", a huge van that I could only assume would transport a bunch of unruly drunk Mass-teenagers to the holding cells. When I saw that, it gave me a good idea of what goes on on summer weekend nights at Hampton Beach.
That said, Portsmouth is a good time too.
Been well over a decade or so since I was there, but the 'letter' streets (like L street, M street) etc. were police heaven, as they were called there constantly for rowdy kids blasting music, drinking in the streets... But hey, it is a step up from Salisbury (remember the Tic-Tock club?)
It was humorous to go the Hampton, as you saw the same cars going round-and-round the loop, with teenagers trying to look 'cool'.
Still have friends in New England, and they told me that the Ashworth has changed hands, and it isn't what it used to be. 20 years ago the dining room had linen tablecloths, and it was a decent place (for Hampton). Now I have been told that it is more like a pub, and the service was awful.
Personally, I would go to the South Shore (like Chatham, Cape Cod), and for a few more bucks hit either the Vineyard or Nantucket. All depends what environment you want. Newburyport is nice on a warm summer evening. Gosh, I miss New England.
Still have friends in New England, and they told me that the Ashworth has changed hands, and it isn't what it used to be. 20 years ago the dining room had linen tablecloths, and it was a decent place (for Hampton). Now I have been told that it is more like a pub, and the service was awful.<snip> Newburyport is nice on a warm summer evening. Gosh, I miss New England.
That's a shame to hear--the Ashworth was a very nice place when I was growing up and spending time at Hampton Beach with my family. We rented cottages owned by friends way down on Island Path, way away from the action at the center. Ahhh memories If the OP does decide on Hampton Beach, and one restaurant that is not to be missed is Ron's Landing. It's just to the north of the center, maybe 1/2 to 1 mile north of the Ashworth.
Newburyport has some great places that you can eat, then stay for live music. Most notably for a weekend night would be The Grog just off the main drag in downtown Newburyport. Great food, usually a good blues band playing downstairs. I believe they still have the Sunday night Blues Review--always a great time. Michael's Harborside, or Stripers across the bridge in Salisbury could be a possibility as well. Ahhh I miss my youth
Folks...The OP is 24, not 54. And they are going in EARLY JUNE which is still to the OFF-SEASON. Sure Newburyport and Portsmouth are nice and worth visiting but there's nothing wrong with staying in a seedy hotel and hitting the bars in your early 20's. That's what Hampton is good at.
I can't recommend a hotel. But, a 24-yr-old can tolerate anything for 3-nights (especially when partying).
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperSparkle928
It was humorous to go the Hampton, as you saw the same cars going round-and-round the loop, with teenagers trying to look 'cool'.
I still do this. But, as I go 'round and 'round, I tell my wife and kids I'm not trying to look "cool", I'm just looking for parking. I even try to wash my car beforehand in anticipation. And as soon as I hit Ocean Blvd, my windows go down, the sunroof opens, and the radio gets a little louder. It's still fun and I challenge you "old-timers" open your minds and give it a try this summer. You won't be alone!
Last edited by avlis13013; 03-26-2013 at 12:52 PM..
Folks...The OP is 24, not 54. And they are going in EARLY JUNE which is still to the OFF-SEASON. Sure Newburyport and Portsmouth are nice and worth visiting but there's nothing wrong with staying in a seedy hotel and hitting the bars in your early 20's. That's what Hampton is good at.
I can't recommend a hotel. But, a 24-yr-old can tolerate anything for 3-nights (especially when partying).
I still do this. But, as I go 'round and 'round, I tell my wife and kids I'm not trying to look "cool", I'm just looking for parking. I even try to wash my car beforehand in anticipation. And as soon as I hit Ocean Blvd, my windows go down, the sunroof opens, and the radio gets a little louder. It's still fun and I challenge you "old-timers" open your minds and give it a try this summer. You won't be alone!
Yup. What he said. If you want drunken debauchery, you can get it at Hampton! Go see a show at the Casino Ballroom if there's anyone playing. And as Supersparkle said, it is a step up from Salisbury. Not that the bar is set too high.
My now-deceased uncle was the head chef at the Ashworth about 30 years ago. It was quite a treat when the family went there for dinner. We were treated like royalty and I still remember it.
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