Editors’ Choice
The Inn at Castle Hill, Ipswich
Philosophy: The perfect place to relax and unplug. No televisions in the guest rooms, but plenty of peace and quiet!
Standout Quality: Folks who stay at Castle Hill get to enjoy not only a historic and intimate inn but also the grandeur of being in the heart of the beautiful oceanfront Crane Estate, Crane Beach, and Crane Wildlife Refuge.
What’s Unique: Partnerships with their sister property, Appleton Farms. They incorporate produce from the farm into their breakfast menu, and Appleton Farms cheese plates are available per guest request.
Insider Tip: Members of The Trustees of Reservations receive a 10 percent discount off their room rate for all consecutive-night stays. The inn also offers complimentary Crane Beach passes to all guests.
What’s New: Their very own homemade maple pecan granola and chocolate chip cookies! You can purchase them at Appleton Farms, Castle Hill Café, and The Crane Beach Snack Shack, as well as right at the inn.
280 Argilla Rd., Ipswich, 978-412-2555, theinnatcastlehill.com
Readers’ Choice
Blue—Inn on the Beach, Plum Island
Philosophy: About as oceanfront as you can get, this unique Plum Island boutique hotel is set right on the beach. A stone’s throw from charming downtown Newburyport, Blue offers a luxury vacation cottage experience with modern amenities at the edge of the sea.
Standout Qualities: Blue—Inn on the Beach offers the feel of a secluded beach getaway just one hour from Boston and 10 minutes from downtown Newburyport. Offering coastal views and outdoor space with most of its 13 rooms and suites, Blue’s location is the ultimate spot to watch the sunrise or sunset. Each morning, breakfast baskets with house-made baked goods, fresh fruit, overnight oats, yogurt, coffee, and more are delivered to each guest room door, creating the perfect excuse for breakfast in bed.
20 Fordham Way, Plum Island, Newbury, 978-463-6128, blueinn.com