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Great Island Inn

Stay at Great Island Inn, a refined 19th-century inn in New Castle, NH. Enjoy ocean views, free Wi-Fi, and LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere steps from the beach.

3 Walbach St, New Castle, NH 03854, United States View on map
9.6/10
Exceptional Based on 94 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free parking Accessible Air-conditioned Pet-friendly
What recent guests emphasize

Outstanding comfort and location with thoughtful amenities

Guests consistently highlight spacious, well-appointed rooms with modern conveniences, alongside a peaceful, scenic setting close to beaches and Portsmouth. Attentive staff and nearby café options enhance the experience, making it an excellent retreat with easy access to local attractions.

Guests often praise

  • Spacious, clean, and well-designed rooms featuring kitchens and in-room laundry facilities
  • Comfortable beds and high-quality bathroom amenities including popular body care products
  • Friendly, responsive staff providing excellent communication and after-hours support
  • Quiet, charming neighborhood with peaceful surroundings and attractive water views
  • Convenient location a short drive or pleasant walk from Portsmouth, beaches, and local attractions

Worth knowing

  • Some rooms have king beds sized closely to space, which can limit ease of movement
  • Noise from the adjacent small restaurant is generally not an issue but may vary by room
  • The inn is housed in a historic building, so layouts may have unique quirks compared to standard hotels
  • Guests appreciate the adjacent Islander Café for convenient access to breakfast and baked goods
  • Parking is available and easy, supporting a comfortable visit to this less urban location

Best for

  • Travelers seeking a boutique, home-like atmosphere with apartment-style accommodations
  • Visitors desiring proximity to beaches, waterfront views, and peaceful, historic neighborhoods
  • LGBTQ+ friendly guests looking for welcoming and inclusive lodging
  • Guests valuing convenient access to Portsmouth and Odiorne Point State Park attractions
  • Those who enjoy staying near cafés and local dining options without sacrificing quiet and comfort
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About this property

Welcome to Great Island Inn

Housed in a warm 19th-century building, Great Island Inn offers refined studio accommodations that blend historic charm with modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi and kitchens in some units. Many rooms provide views of the Piscataqua River and the Atlantic Ocean, enhancing the peaceful and scenic atmosphere of this New Castle property. Guests appreciate thoughtful touches like in-room laundry facilities and well-stocked bathrooms, which contribute to a comfortable stay.

The inn’s location is particularly convenient for visitors seeking proximity to natural and urban attractions. It is a short two-minute walk from the nearest beach and about three miles from Portsmouth, making it easy to explore local shops, restaurants, and the nearby waterfront. Odiorne Point State Park, a popular oceanfront destination, lies just four miles away, providing additional outdoor activities.

Guest reviews frequently highlight the cleanliness and quietness of the inn, as well as the friendly and responsive staff. Several visitors note the benefit of having a café adjacent to the property that serves breakfast and baked goods. The setting in a historic neighborhood with charming narrow streets suits those looking for a peaceful retreat with easy access to both coastal scenery and nearby city amenities.

With its blend of inn, bed & breakfast, and hotel qualities, Great Island Inn is well suited for travelers who appreciate a boutique, home-like environment with practical conveniences. It is also welcoming to LGBTQ+ guests and suitable for those wanting a calm, scenic base not far from cultural and natural points of interest. Some rooms have unique layouts that might not accommodate larger furniture easily, a detail noted in guest feedback.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Accessible
Air-conditioned
Pet-friendly
Kid-friendly
Kitchens in some rooms
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Breakfast
Pool
Restaurant
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

AA
Anthony Allen Apr 20, 2026
10

We LOVED our room; spacious, updated, kitchen (though we didn’t use it) is cool to have, big enough bathroom w/ a tub (and Laundry stack), impressive. IT WAS PERFECT. Service: big shout-out to Milena who answered the phone after hours to clarify/rectify something. THANK YOU:) Location: Just exquisite, a 5 min drive (or 45 min walk) to Portsmouth. Easy.

KM
Kara Murray Apr 10, 2026
10

We loved our three day stay at the Great Island Inn! Our room was large, well designed and decorated with a comfortable King sized mattress and bedding. The room included a kitchen and in-room laundry as well. Also, just downstairs was a cafe that had delicious baked goods, breakfast sandwiches and salads. The island is quiet and peaceful and Portsmouth is about a 10 minute drive away. We would definitely stay here again!

KG
Kate Gemma Apr 02, 2026
10

Beautiful and functional apartment style room with nice touches. Wonderful location in beautiful New Castle walking distance to the beach with view of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse. Perfect for watching the sunrise. Delicious food at the Islander Cafe next door. Highly recommend.

SR
Scott Raymond Mar 30, 2026
10

I cannot recommend Great Island Inn enough; it was fantastic! Everything about it: the communication, the check-in procedure, the cleanliness, the amenities, was perfect! Additionally, the staff was very quick to respond after hours to any inquiries. The surrounding neighborhood is very charming and peaceful and it is very easy to get to Portsmouth/Kittery. As an added bonus, there is a very good cafe right next door. Look no further than the Great Island Inn, you won't regret it!

VV
Virginia Vienneau Feb 25, 2026
10

Truly one of the best places we have ever stayed. I want to be clear about how much we loved this place. First, the scents! Never underestimate the power of good smells. The lobby had one of those capillary incense bottles, and the bathrooms were well stocked with Malin+Goetz hair products, body wash, moisturizer, soaps and we were OBSESSED! I’ve never felt more refreshed and calm after a shower. The location was perfect: nautical theme, view of the water, narrow, cozy streets. The toilet had the water-saving flush mechanism I’ve only seen in Europe, the water pressure in the shower was great. Soft, comfy bed, easy parking, a white noise machine?!? And easy temperature control. Access to the washer and dryer was amazing and the kitchen was very well stocked. I will be here again!!!

TW
Tom W Feb 10, 2026
10

We had a wonderful stay at this charming inn! The staff were incredibly friendly and made us feel right at home from the moment we arrived. Everything was spotless — from the rooms to the common areas — which made for a very comfortable experience. The location couldn’t be better, with shops, restaurants, and attractions all within walking distance. Highly recommend for anyone visiting the area! We will be back!

BM
Bill Me Jan 22, 2026
10

We had a pet friendly room with street access. Super clean and nicely remodeled. The shower was fantastic for person with bad knees :). The only downside is king size bed is too large for available space so getting around the bed was difficult and side tables very small. The room shares a wall with a small restaurant but noise was not an issue and it was super convenient for breakfast. The location is great with lots of sights within walking distance and good access to Portsmouth and Kittery. Smash like and follow if you found this review helpful.

NC
Nicole Casazza Dec 26, 2025
10

This was our second time staying at the great island inn! Our stay was absolutely perfect! If you’re looking for a place that feels like home but offers the charm of a boutique stay, this is it. The apartment was beautifully designed, clean, and full of thoughtful touches, from the fully equipped kitchen to the in room washer & dryer, which was a lifesaver after our daily beach walks (rain or shine!). The location couldn’t be better! It’s tucked away in a quiet, historic neighborhood, yet it’s just minutes from downtown Portsmouth and Kittery, either a quick drive or a gorgeous 20-30 minute walk past historic homes, the waterfront, and over the bridges. The best part? The beach is only two blocks away with stunning lighthouse views! The bed was incredibly comfortable, and the space had so much character and attention to detail. Plus, having Islander cafe right downstairs was such a treat, amazing coffee and delicious breakfast without having to go far. If you’re looking for a peaceful, comfortable, and well-located place to stay, I can’t recommend Great Island Inn enough! We’ll definitely be back. -@nicolecasaz

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Great Island Inn

New Castle, New Hampshire, USA

A 2-minute walk from the nearest beach, this refined inn in a circa-1920 clapboard house offers views of the Piscataqua River and the Atlantic Ocean. It's 3 miles from Portsmouth and 4 miles from the oceanfront Odiorne Point State Park.

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