Spring is upon us, which means it’s time to make plans to tour campus, visit your student at Phillips Exeter Academy, attend graduation, and even plan for future student drop-off and visitation dates in the fall. If you’re looking for the best lodging near Phillips Exeter Academy, look no further than the Inn by the Bandstand, one of the leading Exeter, NH Hotels. We book up quickly for all dates surrounding the terms at the academy, and we’d love to serve as your home away from home.
Unlike other Exeter, NH Hotels, the Inn by the Bandstand offers unmatched, understated sophistication in our guest experience. Our historic Inn is located across the street from Exeter’s famed Bandstand, right in the heart of downtown. From here, walking to town to enjoy shopping, great restaurants, wine bars, scenic trails, and so much more is easy. We’re the only AAA four-diamond property in the area, too, which speaks to our elevated guest experience better than any words we can write.
Perhaps most importantly, our Exeter, NH hotel caters to various guests—from solo explorers and couples to families and groups. Beyond offering exceptional lodging, we proudly host Ambrose, one of the town’s most celebrated restaurants, and the beloved Otis Restaurant, co-located on our property. This convenient access to these exceptional restaurants is another reason we’re one of the best Exeter, NH hotels for your stay near Phillips Exeter Academy.
Whatever your reason for visiting Exeter, the Seacoast’s captivating charm is within easy reach. From invigorating outdoor pursuits to fantastic shopping, rich history, and enlightening museums, we think you’ll love every second of your time in our quaint town. You can expect nothing less than unparalleled hospitality, a perfect blend of luxury, outstanding (and handy!) dining options, and so much more. Reserve your room at one of the best Exeter, NH Hotels today.
Exeter NH Hotels Near Philips Exeter Academy
There’s a reason the Inn by the Bandstand is considered one of the best Exeter, NH Hotels – especially for the discerning traveler looking for a distinctive and elevated getaway without the pretentious ambiance that can sometimes accompany sophisticated accommodations. Our hotel, located near the Phillips Exeter Academy, is like nothing you’ve ever experienced. The warm welcome starts the second you walk through our door. You’ll be greeted by our Innkeeper and probably our friendly dogs and given an overview of what to expect during your stay.
As we show you to your room, we hope you’ll take the time to admire the beautiful, curated surroundings throughout our Exeter hotel. From our front foyer, grand staircase, and sitting room to our elegantly appointed guest rooms, you’ll find a range of high-quality antique decor alongside plenty of modern and elevated touches. Unlike some historic Inns, there is nothing stuffy or outdated here. Everything is tasteful and elegant, with thoughtful attention to detail that you will surely appreciate.
Unlike some Exeter, NH Hotels and Boutique Inns like ours, we cater to a diverse array of guests, including families. We know many of you are coming to stay with us because of our proximity to Phillips Exeter Academy and are coming to tour campus, visit a student, attend business, or celebrate as a family. Eschew the mundane offerings of typical Exeter, NH Hotels, and instead, immerse yourself in our refined ambiance.
We offer a range of accommodations depending on your needs. Our main floor houses an accessible guest room at the rear, accommodating up to six people. This is also our dog-friendly room. The remaining seven guest rooms are on the upper floors, each uniquely adorned with lavish furnishings, fine art, antiques, and the sumptuous comforts essential for an extraordinary stay.
As we wake up each morning at our Exeter hotel, we invite you to our beautiful dining room at Ambrose for an optional, gourmet a la carte breakfast. Our menu features a range of selections, from a simple but deliciously modest bowl of yogurt and housemade granola to something more delectable, like a French-rolled omelet or Frangelico French toast. For an additional fee, we offer the luxury of in-room breakfast service. Alternatively, a quaint coffee shop and bakery next door provides a simpler breakfast option. In the evening, please join us for a fantastic meal of shared plates at our renowned Exeter, NH restaurant, Ambrose – a dining experience that’s unsurpassed in town!
As a distinguished Four Diamond, AAA-rated destination, it’s easy to see why we’re among the best Exeter, NH Hotels near Phillips Exeter Academy. We are committed to not just meeting but surpassing your expectations, ensuring an experience you’ll want to enjoy every time you come to town.
Dine at the Best Exeter, NH Restaurant
The fantastic accommodations and homey environment are reason enough to consider the Inn by the Bandstand your preferred hotel every time you come to town—but great lodging isn’t all we offer. Though there are some really wonderful restaurants in Exeter—especially for a town this size—none of them compare to the sensational dining experience at Ambrose.
Ambrose Restaurant offers a tapas-style dining experience that is truly second to none. From the moment we opened our doors, we quickly established ourselves as a standout in Exeter’s culinary landscape. Chef Stanley Arnoldo Orantes, renowned for his work in prestigious Boston eateries like Ostra, Cultivar, and Ecco, orchestrates a menu that perfectly combines the flavors and ingredients of his homeland into shareable plates that feel familiar yet elevated. Each dish focuses on utilizing fresh and seasonal ingredients, ensuring you have a different dining experience every time you visit.
Ambrose is a small restaurant in the front dining room of our Exeter Hotel. It features just six tables inside and another grouping of tables on our gorgeous garden patio, which is open seasonally. The ambiance of Ambrose is intimate and elevated, just like the accommodations. If you plan to be in town for a while, we encourage you to enjoy at least one or two meals with us at Ambrose. However, our neighbor, Otis Restaurant, is another fantastic choice.
Otis actually shares space within the Inn by the Bandstand property, occupying the historic space of the former Otis Sleeper Jewelry Store. Chef Lee Frank, the visionary behind Otis, offers a contemporary American menu that reflects a commitment to creativity, seasonality, and quality. The dining experience here is personal and relaxed, with dinner available from Thursday to Saturday, featuring two seatings each evening. Guests can choose between a scenic view of the Bandstand or an intimate seat at the chef’s counter.
Easy access to these fantastic restaurants, not to mention all the other great things to do in downtown Exeter, really are part of the reason we’re so highly rated among Exeter, NH Hotels. Our location is near everything you want during your getaway, including easy access to the Phillips Exeter Academy, but the hospitality is second to none. For an all-encompassing lodging experience that is exactly what you’re looking for, it’s time to reserve your room at our top-rated hotel in Exeter!