Ten luxury hotels worth the splurge: Wentworth by the Sea, NH

Recommended by Copyeditor Carl Unger

The epitome of the classic Victorian seaside resort, Wentworth by the Sea was saved from demolition in the late 90s, and, since restored to its former glory, now boasts a AAA four-diamond award and membership in the Historic Hotels of America. Perched on a rocky outcropping above the Atlantic on the island of New Castle, the gleaming red-roofed resort dates back to 1874 and is best known as the site where Theodore Roosevelt helped devise the treaty that ended the Russo-Japanese War in 1905.

Today, the resort is sought by those looking for a memorable New England getaway and total luxury experience. “The completeness of the experience was outstanding—from the setting to the exterior to the rooms, service, and pool. It was worth the cost to me,” says Copyeditor Carl Unger, who stayed at Wentworth after proposing to his girlfriend Jess this past March. (She said “yes.”)

“The whole hotel is an antique, so to speak,” says Unger. “The design is classic Victorian, with lots of carved wood, plush seating, and vibrant accent colors. The room, like the rest of the hotel, was elegant but not lavish. There were big windows that offered a sweeping view of the water. The bathroom was gorgeous and huge with marble floors and ample amenities.”

Onsite there are three restaurants and an 8,500-square-foot spa and fitness center with an indoor pool. Outside there’s a pool, a 170-slip marina, and the nearby Wentworth by the Sea Country Club. Rates for the resort’s 161 rooms and suites range from $179 to $600 per night.

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