Harris Sea Ranch Beach Hotel

Patrick gave us great service even before check-in. He showed us to the room, explained how to use the main door after hours, pointed out the first-floor coffee bar for when the office was closed, and helped carry our things in. The hotel is close to restaurants that stay open in the off season, and the balcony view was great. It’s right in the middle of things, though, so don’t expect a quiet stay. We could faintly hear people in the hall and adjoining rooms, plus street noise, and I imagine peak season gets louder. We stayed at the end of October to attend a concert down the street. The hotel had been empty for a few years until last year, and it was originally built in the 70s. The bathroom still has original pink wall tile and pink and gray floor tile. Given its age and how much use hotels get, it was in surprisingly good shape. The sink leaked a little and the fixtures needed replacing, both minor issues for a room over 50 years old. The bathroom was immaculate, grout and all, and the main room was very clean with what looked like fresh paint. The king size bed had a very comfortable mattress. They were already working on more renovations, and I hope to return and see what they do next.

The boardwalk has everything you need, and Bernie’s is right next door, so we loved the free live music. It was a perfect getaway for my daughter and me. The staff were friendly and accommodating, the location was superb, and parking was easy.

Patrick treated us like family and refused to take any money for his help, gas, or tolls. After our car’s alternator died just after check-in on the way to the parking area, he came right away, even though we were blocks away. We were headed to UNH for our son’s music concert and thought we’d miss it. Patrick helped us reach a rental car company and drove us there himself, a 30-minute trip, so we could arrive before closing. With an Uber we wouldn’t have made it. We got the car just as they were closing and reached UNH with three minutes to spare. The place has a great location, all the amenities we needed, and staff who make you feel like family. We’ll stay here again when we return to Hampton Beach.

We had nowhere to stay after they refused to refund us. We’d reserved a room and were told to check in by 5pm, but when we arrived at 3pm, a note on the door said, “returning at 2:15.” We called the number on the door and left several messages, but nobody called back. FIND ANYWHERE ELSE TO STAY.