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The Bow Hotel

4.0 star property

Photo gallery for The Bow Hotel

City view from property
Interior
Beach
Exterior
Exterior

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View map
121 Bow Street, Portsmouth, NH, 03801
  • Place, Market Square
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Strawbery Banke Museum
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, The Music Hall
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Airport, Portsmouth, NH (PSM-Portsmouth Intl.)
    ‪9 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Petite Queen

Premium bedding, memory-foam beds, desk, iron/ironing board

Petite Queen

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(19 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Gallery Queen

Premium bedding, memory-foam beds, desk, iron/ironing board

Gallery Queen

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(28 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for King Studio Suite

King Studio Suite

King Studio Suite

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(6 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Gallery King

Gallery King

Gallery King

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(12 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Similar properties

Exterior
Hilton Garden Inn Portsmouth Downtown
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
  • Air-conditioning
4.2 out of 5, Very good, 282 reviews
The price is NZ$206
includes taxes & fees
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Hilton Garden Inn Portsmouth Downtown

About the area

Portsmouth

With a stay at The Bow Hotel, you'll be centrally located in Portsmouth, steps from Market Square and Warner House. .This hotel is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Prescott Park and 0.3 mi (0.6 km) from Strawbery Banke Museum.

What's nearby

  • Market Square - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Seacoast Repertory Theatre - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Prescott Park - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Strawbery Banke Museum - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • The Music Hall - 6 min walk - 0.6 km

Getting around

  • Dover Transportation Center - 21 min drive
  • Portsmouth, NH (PSM-Portsmouth Intl.) - 14 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The River House Restaurant - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Surf Restaurant - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Toscana Chophouse - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪The Oar House - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Gas Light Pizza Pub - ‬3 min walk

About this property

The Bow Hotel

The Bow Hotel offers 10 air-conditioned accommodations with bathrobes and designer toiletries. Memory foam beds feature premium bedding. 32-inch flat-screen televisions come with cable channels.

Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is offered on request and hypo-allergenic bedding can be requested.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
Make yourself at home in one of the 10 air-conditioned rooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Your memory foam bed comes with premium bedding. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature designer toiletries and hair dryers.
Take advantage of recreation opportunities such as bicycles to rent, or other amenities including complimentary wireless internet access and concierge services.
Featured amenities include express check-in and luggage storage. Limited parking is available onsite.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Offsite parking available (USD 35 per night)
  • Limited on-site parking (max 1 space per unit)

Things to do

  • Bicycle rentals

Conveniences

  • Luggage storage
  • Virtual front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping on request

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 15 steps to reach entrance
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only

More

  • Built in 1880
  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Memory foam mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Designer toiletries
  • Dressing gowns
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Iron/ironing board

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property
Guests will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and an access code; access will be through a private entrance
A virtual front desk provides assistance to guests
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Access code, private entrance

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Nearby parking fee: USD 35 per night (49 ft away)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

Property is also known as

Ale House Inn Portsmouth
Ale House Inn
Ale House Portsmouth
Ale House Hotel Portsmouth
Ale House Inn
The Bow Hotel Hotel
The Bow Hotel Portsmouth
The Bow Hotel Hotel Portsmouth

The Bow Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 279 out of 515 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 139 out of 515 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 60 out of 515 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 20 out of 515 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 17 out of 515 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

joshua

Room was clean enough, location was amazing!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Michelle

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
Please let patrons know up front that parking is $35/NIGHT. The room was tight, but clean and modern. The mini fridge needs to be pulled out of the bottom of the closet. It was incredibly convenient to be on Bow street to walk anywhere we needed to in town. We saw a show in at The Rep theatre (same building), but we never heard any other shows, so it was lovely and quiet when we were in the room and common area.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Parking was hassle free, perfect!! Room was basic, but very comfortable and lovely. Easy access and close to everything we love about Portsmouth. Great location. The minimal interaction with staff was very friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

D

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very cute industrial chic with attention to detail, but our room was very small and all the furniture was quite low (for seniors). Digital check in, parking and location were all great.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katherine

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room at The Bow was lovely, clean and very quiet. Located in a great spot with easy walking to the shops, restaurants and waterfront. Although the room was a little too warm for us for sleeping, the bed and linens were so comfy!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Perfect
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

4/10 Poor

Tracy

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
No front desk???? Worst expierence I have every had. Clean rooms yes, but the hassle to get into the building was horrible. And the person who was on was so rude. I will never recommend this hotel to anyone.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

4/10 Poor

Sara

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service
The room was nice and the location was convenient however good luck getting anyone to help you. They give you a number to text and call for someone who will just say that they don’t know and hang up on you. You also can’t control the air only the heat which meant that we had to sleep with the windows open. Overall, there are better places to stay at Portsmouth.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

4/10 Poor

Jessica

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
The trash cans had not been emptied. The tv service was terrible- we couldn't find local news stations/CNN/ABC/ESPN etc or college football. Navigating the service was frustrating. The night noise was loud! There was a Louis vibration in the wall as well as exterior cycling of machinery on the ne t rooftop. I couldn't sleep.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Katherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Interesting experience. Place was clean and we loved the decor and the bed was amazing. There was no front desk or attendants on site though, everything was done through your phone, which we weren't expecting. The hotel has a tiny lot for parking though and you have to pay an extra $35 to park there. That was a bit frustrating. Overall ok, great central location, but we would take the parking price into account if we stayed here next time to see if it was worth it.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Katherine

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great experience in a great location in Portsmouth! If you’re looking for a clean, comfortable stay, that embodies a self service model, this is your place. They have a cozy lounge area with games and couches, a self serve coffee station as well as snacks that you can purchase. Very comfortable and our room was spacious. Good communication with staff. Will definitely stay here again in the future.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

4/10 Poor

Donald

Travelled with group
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
Open Key App was a complete failure, but call to the 24hr help line provided pass codes allowing entry. The rest was okay - fair location for walkable downtown activities but view to the roof of the abutting building wasn't exactly the river view I had hoped for and had led to my choice. Several better, more reasonably priced alternatives in the area.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Roni

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The room was just perfect. We had the petite queen and it had everything in it that we could want or need for our two night stay. I had no trouble checking in. If I needed to call and ask a question there was always someone available by phone. The ability to park right opposite was super. The area is so pretty and right on the water. The only thing to mention but it did not bother us was the heaviness of the doors when they opened or shut and the thin walls. However, during the night we heard nothing and that's all we cared about. Will definitely stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Mary

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
Ok parking across street. Need to be careful as it is a curve & locals speed
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Terry

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Check in directions sent via text were not clear. And, I was with other guests all standing outside trying to figure out how the front door opened. the key pix should not be sent first, when it is not the first thing a guest has to deal with. Otherwise, it was a nice place to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Room was very nice. View out the windows was bad, mechanical roof top, no water view.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

John

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

Megan

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Not having staff was weird. Got an email to do a keyless room entry did that and wouldn’t work. Had to call and figure out how to get a key. Again no staff and no direction was a little weird. Room had an odd odor. Overall did not feel comfortable here probably wouldn’t come back.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

JAMES

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Contactless check-in sucks! We never got the code for the entrance, had to wait for a guest to let us in and give us the code. The app to use open door took forever to download and another guest said theirs never worked. The room is small and bare bones, the bathroom about the size of a closet. More like a hostel than a hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anna

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Our stay in Portsmouth was great. Everything is so walkable from the hotel, we enjoyed leaving our car parked across the street for a day. The hotel itself is beautiful and we specifically loved all the amenities, like the pantry, coffee maker and robes - nice touch. Would definitely come back here if I were to visit Portsmouth again.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Shelle

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
There was no staff on site. I didn't receive check in email so didn't have the code to get in front door. When i called to get the code the staff gave me the wrong code. Thankfully an employee from the business downstairs knew the code. When he gave us the code he said lots of people in the last week had been given incorrect codes.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stacey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This property offered great parking. It was very walkable to restaurants and shopping and the whole property was very clean and safe.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

Jeffrey

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
This was difficult to rate. While many would be fine… I am Claustrophobic… the room was very tiny with a small window and was very warm.. I was in the room 5 minutes and had to leave .. we did not spend the nite.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

DOUGLAS, Chambersburg

Travelled with group
Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
?
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025