The Bow Hotel

4.0 star property

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City view from property
Interior
Exterior
Exterior
Beach

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a 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

Petite Queen

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(17 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Gallery Queen

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

King Studio Suite

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

Gallery King

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

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About the neighborhood

Portsmouth

Located in Downtown, The Bow Hotel is next to popular attractions like Market Square and Warner House. This 10-room, 4-star hotel welcomes guests with conveniences like free in-room WiFi, concierge services, and express check-in.

What's nearby

  • Market Square - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Seacoast Repertory Theatre - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Warner House - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Strawbery Banke Museum - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • The Music Hall - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles

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 features free WiFi in public areas and express check-in. Limited parking is available. Staff members are on hand to provide concierge services and luggage storage.
Guests can expect free WiFi and 32-inch flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and designer toiletries, and memory foam beds with premium bedding ensure a restful night. Ironing boards and desks are also standard. Housekeeping is available on request.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Offsite parking available (USD 35 per night)
  • Limited onsite 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

  • Bathrobes
  • Designer toiletries
  • 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

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

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

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM—-anytime
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
Driving? This property offers limited parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • 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

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do within easy reach of The Bow Hotel?

This hotel is situated in Downtown, just steps from Market Square and Seacoast Repertory Theatre, and within a short walk of Portsmouth Harbor Trail. You'll also find Strawbery Banke Museum and The Music Hall less than a mile away.

How much does it cost to stay at The Bow Hotel?

As of Feb 17, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Bow Hotel on Feb 22, 2026 start from $98.6, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Will I be able to park at The Bow Hotel?

Yes, though there is a max of 1 space per unit.

Does The Bow Hotel include a casino?

No, The Bow Hotel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at The Bow Hotel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at The Bow Hotel?

Couples staying at this hotel will appreciate amenities like a memory foam mattress and bathrobes as well as concierge services.

Are there hot tubs at The Bow Hotel?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does The Bow Hotel have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

No, The Bow Hotel doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will The Bow Hotel allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Bow Hotel.

Are there connecting rooms at The Bow Hotel?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

What is the closest airport to The Bow Hotel?

The closest major airport to The Bow Hotel is Portsmouth, NH (PSM-Portsmouth Intl.), which is 4.8 mi away (14 minutes by car). Another top airport is Sanford, ME (SFM-Sanford Seacoast Regional), which is located 29.1 mi away (35-minute drive).

Can I book a room with a balcony at The Bow Hotel?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at The Bow Hotel.

The Bow Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 275 out of 508 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 137 out of 508 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 59 out of 508 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 20 out of 508 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 17 out of 508 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie

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

4/10 Poor

Tracy

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

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

8/10 Good

Lisa

Disliked: Staff & service
We are an older couple and this property doesn’t have people on site for anything. You have to download an app to get in, all questions are via text. Having said that, we did have a few glitches but we were able to solve most of them through this method. The TV didn’t really work. It kept “freezing” and tiling…. Too hard to actually watch. The hotel is in a premium location. We were able to walk everywhere …that was great as parking is a premium here. Overall, our stay was good, but we were a little stressed when we found out it was all virtual. If they told us when we booked, I sure missed it. Maybe this is the style of the future. I hope not. Book for the location, but be ready to use your smartphone.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Perfect location, right next to the water and downtown. Our rom was really comfortable and clearly updated with new furniture and textiles. I wish they had mentioned there was no elevator to the main floor from the street and that we had to pay for parking. I thought it was included due to the wording they used.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Kelly

Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Sam

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Neil

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

6/10 Okay

Timothy

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
Did not like check in procedure. Requires internet connection which is not guaranteed. Downloading the app took more than 15 mins without WiFi.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025