The Best Hotels to Book Near Story Land, New Hampshire

If you’re a shopper with an eye for a bargain, you’ll love this big chunk of a hotel next to Settlers Green Outlet Village. It’s also just 10mi (16km) from Story Land; however, tearing yourself away from the hotel’s two pools, cinema and many activities won’t be easy. The tranquil, unfussy rooms come with a refrigerator and a microwave for whipping up hot drinks and snacks – cheesy nachos in front of the TV will score double parent points – while you might want to reserve a table for two at the rustic-chic Mountainside Restaurant.

After a day taking in the waterfalls and mountain views of the Black Mountain Ski Area, you can dine on scallop and bacon cakes at this turreted grande dame’s popular Tavern restaurant. When it comes time to catch up on some sleep, choose from relaxing rooms and suites in the main house – most with Mount Washington views – the warmth of a real log fire and nature-themed knick-knacks in the beamed carriage house, or a rustic stand-alone cottage, hugged by a thick forest.

Comfortable and spacious open-plan suites with kitchenettes allow families to eat when it suits them. Some accommodation options have fireplaces, but all come decked out in jolly, colorful decor that’ll perk you up on dark winter evenings. In milder weather, gather in the outdoor picnic area with a grill and a firepit, while a dip in the indoor heated mineral pool after a day on the slopes is pure bliss.

There’s a residential feel to this collection of condos on the border of the White Mountain National Forest, a 20-minute drive from North Conway. Choose from townhouses, suites, one- and two-bedroom units, penthouses and pet-friendly rooms, all with Mount Washington Valley views. The decor is similar across the board, with creamy walls, wooden furniture and kitchenettes kitted out for self-catering. After a day exploring the resort’s 165 acres (67ha) of trails, sit back in the steam room and ease those aching soles.

This resort is next door to scenic Echo Lake State Park and blends cozy comfort with an outdoorsy attitude. Stately, spacious rooms mirror the snow-capped mountains, with all-white walls, dark striped carpets and tartan desk chairs. Elsewhere, kids will love splashing around in the year-round outdoor heated pool and hot tub with forested mountain views. For dinner, tuck into New England seafood specialties, such as the gulf shrimp cocktail and poached salmon, at the Ledges Restaurant’s Friday night seafood fest.

Romantics love this homey, rustic-feeling B&B in the White Mountains, 20 minutes by car from Story Land and about 2mi (4km) from the Attitash ski area. After a day skiing or screaming in the amusement park, kick back on the wraparound porch or in your mountain-view room, with wooden floorboards and folksy furniture. Once the ski boots are off, wander downstairs to the cozy, alpine-style Black Bear Pub for a pint of local, micro-brewed beer.

At this 1869 inn, about 3mi (5km) from Story Land and 9mi (14km) from Cranmore Mountain Resort, rich red and green fabrics add to the period charm of the rooms decked out with king-size beds, gas fireplaces and flat-screen TVs. If you need a bit more space, book one of the contemporary condos, complete with whirlpool tubs and kitchens. Foodies will love the farm-to-table menu on offer at the on-site restaurant, while the seasonal outdoor pool is on hand the following day for a calorie-burning dip.

Eagle Mountain House was built in the late 1800s for travelers passing through the mountains. Today, this hilltop haven attracts guests with its traditional New England furniture and smart but comfortable rooms – even the standards have mountain views. In the morning, fill up on blueberry buttermilk pancakes before walking to the stores on Jackson’s Main Street or taking the 20-minute drive to the Black Mountain Ski Area. Golfers will enjoy the on-site nine-hole golf course.