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Peek inside a new artsy hotel tucked into a historic warehouse in Portsmouth
It is located steps from the seacoast city's downtown.
A New Hampshire hotel perfect for art lovers just opened in a historic warehouse in Portsmouth’s waterfront district.
New England-based boutique hotel company Lark Hotels just debuted The Bow Hotel, formerly the Ale House Inn, located steps from the seacoast city’s downtown shops, cafes, and art galleries. The hotel underwent a full rebrand and modern loft-style redesign from Elder & Ash.
The hotel’s common space features exposed brick and old timber beams that hint at the building’s industrial history. The building was used as a warehouse for the Portsmouth Brewing Company, which was first established in 1871 as the Harris & Mathes Company and closed in 1917 due to Prohibition, according to the team.
Travelers can choose between the petite queen, gallery king, gallery queen, or king studio suite. The 10 airy, loft-like guest rooms now boast a clean, pared-back design, are filled with art and sculptural furniture, and have beds with Serta Presidential Suite Euro Top mattresses.
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All rooms have a mini fridge, smart TVs with streaming service, central air conditioning and windows that open, robes, and free high-speed WiFi. Guests enjoy contact free check-in, but “human connection is never more than a screen tap away,” according to the team.
“Our design complements the industrial aesthetic found in many of Portsmouth’s converted warehouses and former factories, some of which are now home to galleries, artists’ studios, and performance spaces,” said Megan Kennedy, principal at Elder & Ash, in a statement. “The duality of modern design with historical context creates a narrative that reflects the city’s identity, and is a perfect backdrop for art lovers too.”
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Guests can purchase a curated selection of snacks, beverages, and espresso from the hotel’s pantry and have access to the hotel’s fleet of Trek cruiser bicycles for outdoor adventures.
The hotel is above the Seacoast Repertory Theatre.
“With The Seacoast Repertory Theatre located on street level, we hope to connect to Portsmouth’s arts scene, providing a modern accommodation where guests can feel immersed in the creative energy of the city,” said Rob Blood, Lark chairman, in a statement.
Rates range from $209 to $759, based on room type and time of stay.
Founded by Blood in 2012, Lark Hotels are lifestyle properties in high-profile locales. Lark also owns and operates the nearby Hotel Portsmouth, which underwent a full redesign in 2024.
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