The Bow Hotel

Property class: 4
4-star hotel near Market Square

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Bow Hotel

A view of a river with buildings along the shore, a bridge in the foreground, and a clear sky.
A harbor with boats docked, a bridge in the background, and buildings along the waterfront.
A street with a sign for 'Esta' and a sign that reads 'making faces'.
A cozy living room with a brick wall, a leather sofa, a wooden ottoman, a red chair, a floor lamp, and a wall of photographs.
A brick building with a sign reading "Bistro + Wine Bar".

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.)
    ‪11 min drive‬

Room options

Petite Queen

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

Gallery Queen

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

King Studio Suite

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

Gallery King

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(23 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

You may also like

About the neighborhood

Portsmouth

City center stay.A stay at this Downtown hotel places you steps from Warner House and within a 5-minute walk of Market Square. Prescott Park and Portsmouth Love Wall are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • Market Square - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Seacoast Repertory Theatre - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Prescott Park - 3 min walk - 0.2 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

  • ‪Thirsty Moose Tap House - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Popovers on the Square - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪The Works Bakery Cafe - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Surf Restaurant - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Buoy Shack - ‬9 min walk

About this property

The Bow Hotel

4-star hotel near Market Square
As a guest of The Bow Hotel, you'll find concierge services and express check-in. Public spaces have free WiFi.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 4-star Portsmouth hotel.

  • 10 guestrooms or units
  • Built in 1880
  • Express check-in
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Concierge
  • Smoking in designated areas
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.

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

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels

Bedroom

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

Bathroom

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

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
The credit card used to book the reservation must be presented by the cardholder at check-in along with matching photo identification, and other arrangements must be coordinated with the property prior to arrival
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Access code, private entrance

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

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

Property payment types

  • American Express
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • JCB International
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

Important information

Optional extras

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

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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card 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
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments; cash is not accepted
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and outdoor lighting
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, JCB International, Union Pay, Carte Blanche, debit cards, and mobile payments. Cash is not accepted. This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and outdoor lighting in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in 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

Frequently asked questions

How close is The Bow Hotel to the airport?

The Bow Hotel is 4.8 mi (14-min drive) away from the Portsmouth, NH (PSM-Portsmouth Intl.) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of Oct 18, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Bow Hotel on Nov 1, 2026 start from $138, including 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.

Does The Bow Hotel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at The Bow Hotel.

How close is The Bow Hotel to the beach?

This hotel is 16.2 mi (26-min drive) from Hampton Beach and 11.6 mi (20-min drive) from Long Sands Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does The Bow Hotel offer free breakfast?

The Bow Hotel does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at The Bow Hotel?

No, there is no casino at this hotel, but Ocean Gaming Casino (23-min drive) is nearby.

What time is check-in at The Bow Hotel?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

Is there free parking at The Bow Hotel?

Free parking is not available at this hotel.

Does The Bow Hotel have a pool?

The Bow Hotel does not have a pool.

Does The Bow Hotel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is The Bow Hotel to downtown Portsmouth?

The Bow Hotel is 0.6 mi away from Portsmouth.

The Bow Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 329 out of 614 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 167 out of 614 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 67 out of 614 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 26 out of 614 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 25 out of 614 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great quaint little place.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Convenient location Cool accommodations
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great room and very responsive staff. Would definitely stay again
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful place and location. Will stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was well located, very nice and updated room, comfortable temp in very hot temperature when we stayed, great bed and sheets
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The remote checkin seems sketchy at first, but works very well and is very secure. This hotel exceeded my expectations. I plan to stay in again when I return to Portsmouth.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Highly recommend. Clean, comfortable and convenient location.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great spot! Will come back
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We've stayed at The Blind Tiger, one of the boutique hotels in The Lark group before and were so thrilled with our experience. The Bow, however, paled in comparison. I was aware
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Park at hotel and easy walk around city
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean and comfy. Beautifully decorated. Parking cost extra but easy and right across the street. Location is the best!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was fine. A bit of a mixup as the first room was not correct apparently. Staff fixed it. Good location. Overall, fine place to stay but not much in the way of extras.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
No staff, just check in with code. Easy to find. Walk to lots of nearby restaurants
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Parking was easy
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean and the hotel is in a great location. The only downside was the view from our room. The pictures made it seem like the hotel and room view would be waterfront. My window looked out right into another building.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great Location, comfortable beds, spacious rooms.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stay was great and location was perfect!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Super clean and comfortable, quiet, very close to Portsmouth's adorable downtown. No front desk, but easy checkin and the staff was very responsive through the hotels.com app and via text message. Excellent self-serve espresso machine in the lounge -- best hotel coffee I've ever had!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Can’t beat location; so close to all shopping and dining, yet secluded on a quiet street. Rooms have all been upgraded; comfortable, clean, thoughtful details. No staff onsite, but responsive.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very good and convenient place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed our stay here
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024