The Bow Hotel

4.0 star property
Hotel in Portsmouth, steps from Market Square

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Bow Hotel

Beach
Exterior
King Studio Suite | Premium bedding, memory foam beds, desk, iron/ironing board
City view from property
Exterior

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
121 Bow Street, Portsmouth, NH, 03801
  • Place, Market Square
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Strawbery Banke Museum
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, The Music Hall
    ‪5 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)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

King Studio Suite

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

Gallery King

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(11 reviews)
  • 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
  • Warner House - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Prescott Park - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Strawbery Banke Museum - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • The Music Hall - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles

Getting around

  • Dover Transportation Center - 18 min drive
  • Portsmouth, NH (PSM-Portsmouth Intl.) - 14 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The River House Restaurant - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Surf Restaurant - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Cup Of Joe - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Gas Light Pizza Pub - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Kaffee Vonsolln - ‬3 min walk

About this property

The Bow Hotel

Hotel in Portsmouth, steps from Market Square
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

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 Prescott Park. 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 Nov 18, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Bow Hotel on Dec 19, 2025 start from $135.52, 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.

Is The Bow Hotel a good place to stay for couples?

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

Does The Bow Hotel have a hot tub?

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.

Does The Bow Hotel have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

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 6.2 mi away (14 minutes by car). Another top airport is Sanford, ME (SFM-Sanford Seacoast Regional), which is located 29 mi away (35-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies 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. 268 out of 497 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 134 out of 497 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 58 out of 497 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 20 out of 497 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 17 out of 497 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

Bobbi

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Francesca

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
On the plus side, the location is good and you can walk everywhere. Decor was nice. The rest wasn't great for us. The room had a window at most 10-11 inches across and maybe 3 feet high, up toward the ceiling like in a movie prison cell. It was dark and depressing. The towels and floor had long brown hairs on them, with clumps of it under the desk, so no kudos on the cleaning. The room was freezing and no way to control the AC. Staff was responsive by text, but they are offsite so you never see a person. No lobby, no grounds. All in all a weird experience, and we stayed out of the room as much as possible. If refundable, would have looked for another option.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Rusty

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Disliked: Staff & service
They contacted me on multiple occasions to see if there was anything I needed. Each time, I told them the internet was out, and the television did not work. Each time, they promised get back to me. They never got back to me even to say it could not be fixed. However, they continued to send automated messages asking if there was anything I needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Debra

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

michael

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
It was super convenient to everything in town and very comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Amanda

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Ty

Not really full service hotel but great location.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nancy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Johnathan

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My wife and I loved our stay here at the Bow. We enjoyed the location and its proximity to all the shopping and restaurants near by. The room is spacious with beautiful decor. The only thing to be aware of is that noise travels very easily in this establishment, other than that I would recommend staying here.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

justin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Miriam

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Cinderella Musical Show.

It was a very convenient hotel, close to restaurants, shopping, Theatre and much more.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Joerg

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great location and everything you need.

Excellent location; very small window without view - but a window to open!! No breakfast, but who wants a lame hotel breakfast when you have the entire town right in your front yard with countless phantastic options.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tristan, Charleston

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Nice Hotel - Great Location - Pros and Cons

The Bow Hotel has a fantastic location, right in the middle of Portsmouth!! There are pros and cons. The parking and self check-in was a problem only because there was no communication and little information. I needed to download and app to gain entry and was forced to call several times. However, the location could not have been better, comfortable beds, good coffee, reasonable price. I would definitely recommend it, but I prefer a hotel with a front desk and basic services as opposed to a DIY process. Good stay but could have been a little better due to minor inconveniences.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Daniella Nadinne, Scottsdale

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
TV was constantly refreshing. 100% not functional.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael, Maple Plain

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely place to stay. Thank you!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

annemarie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gretchen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fun solo trip!

Adorable hotel close to downtown. Called ahead to reserve a parking spot and they were very helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Brian

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Mickey

Bad check in

Never got check in text message so had to call a couple different numbers until I got someone to walk me through check in ( no staff on site). Once we finally checked in we left to go to dinner and talked w another guest staying at the bow who told us they also had problems checking in and were first given the wrong room ( which happened to be the room we were staying in ) we found his toothbrush in the bathroom after coming back. Hotel wasn’t bad itself just very unorganized check in.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Kenneth

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025