You know that specific feeling when a town revolves entirely around a single institution? That’s Hanover. It is Dartmouth College’s world; we’re all just visiting. If you’re heading up to the Upper Valley, you basically have two choices for staying in the thick of it. You’ve got the Hanover Inn, which is the grand, traditional pillar of the Green, or you’ve got Six South St Hotel Hanover New Hampshire.
Honestly? Six South St feels like the younger, cooler sibling that actually knows how to use a smartphone.
While the Inn leans into that "Old New England" leather-and-wood aesthetic, Six South St is unashamedly a boutique operation. It’s tucked just off the main drag of Main Street. You aren't going to find sprawling gardens here, but you are going to find a valet who actually remembers your name and a lobby that smells like high-end citrus instead of mothballs and history. It's a vibe.
The Reality of the Location
People obsess over being "on the Green." I get it. But Hanover is tiny. Like, "blink and you missed the post office" tiny. Six South St Hotel Hanover New Hampshire is literally a sixty-second walk from the corner of Main and South. You’re right next to the Nugget Theaters. You’re steps from Lou’s Restaurant—which, fair warning, will have a line out the door on Sunday mornings for cruller French toast.
Being half a block removed from the literal center of campus actually has its perks. It's quieter. You don't have the constant foot traffic of students trekking to the library right under your window at 2:00 AM.
The hotel occupies a footprint that used to be a gas station decades ago. It’s a clever bit of urban infill. Because it was built from the ground up as a modern hotel, the layout makes sense. No "charming" slanted floors or radiators that hiss in the night. It’s tight, efficient, and intentional.
Inside the Rooms: Not Your Typical New England B&B
Let’s talk about the rooms because that’s where most people get tripped up. If you’re expecting a four-poster bed and floral wallpaper, you’re in the wrong place.
The rooms at Six South St are sleek.
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Think greys, whites, and dark woods. The bathrooms are usually the highlight for most guests—huge walk-in showers with glass doors and actual water pressure. It’s the kind of bathroom that makes you realize your own house needs a renovation. They use Gilchrist & Soames toiletries, which is a nice touch that keeps things feeling premium without being pretentious.
One thing to watch out for: the "Standard" rooms can feel a bit snug if you're traveling with three suitcases and a giant dog. They offer King and Double Queen configurations. If you’re here for a college graduation or a big Homecoming weekend, book the corner rooms. The extra windows let in that crisp New Hampshire light and make the space feel twice as big.
- Pro Tip: Ask for a room on a higher floor facing South Street if you want to people-watch.
- The Bed Situation: They use Serta mattresses that are firm but have that plush topper feel. It’s basically a 10/10 for sleep quality.
- The Wi-Fi actually works. In some of the older buildings in town, the thick brick walls act like a Faraday cage. Not here.
The Food and Drink Scene at Six Central
The on-site restaurant, Six Central, is kinda the local's secret for a quiet drink. While the undergraduates are busy crowding into Murphy’s or Salt Hill Pub, the hotel bar stays relatively sophisticated.
It’s an American bistro setup.
The menu isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. You’ll find a solid burger, some seasonal salads, and usually a decent piece of salmon. The real draw is the cocktail list. They do a great job with classic drinks, and it’s arguably the best spot in town to sit with a laptop and a glass of bourbon without feeling out of place.
Is it the best meal in the Upper Valley? Probably not—Pine at the Hanover Inn or some of the spots over the river in Norwich might take that crown—but for convenience and a "grown-up" atmosphere, it’s hard to beat.
What Most People Get Wrong About Booking Here
The biggest mistake? Waiting.
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Six South St Hotel Hanover New Hampshire is small. We’re talking under 70 rooms. When Dartmouth has an event—be it a football game, a board of trustees meeting, or graduation—this place sells out months, sometimes a year, in advance.
And the prices reflect that.
During a random Tuesday in November, you might snag a room for a reasonable rate. During Commencement? Expect to pay a premium that would make a New Yorker wince. That’s just the reality of the Hanover market. There is a finite amount of luxury pillows in this town, and the demand is infinite.
Also, don't forget the valet situation. Street parking in Hanover is a nightmare regulated by parking officers who seem to have supernatural senses. The hotel offers valet parking, and honestly, just pay for it. Trying to feed a meter every two hours or hunting for a spot behind the Co-op is a waste of your vacation.
Navigating the Competition
Why choose this over the Hanover Inn or an Airbnb in Lebanon?
It comes down to modern consistency. The Hanover Inn is beautiful, but it’s large and can feel a bit "corporate" despite its history. Airbnbs in the area are hit or miss; you might end up in a gorgeous farmhouse, or you might end up in someone’s basement with a damp smell.
Six South St occupies that middle ground of "I want a modern, clean, predictable luxury experience where I can walk to my dinner reservation."
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It’s also surprisingly pet-friendly. They have a specific policy for dogs, and while there’s usually a fee involved, they don't treat you like a criminal for bringing your Golden Retriever along for a hike on the Appalachian Trail, which passes right through the center of town.
The Little Details That Matter
There is no pool.
If you have kids who absolutely need to swim to burn off energy, keep that in mind. There is, however, a decent fitness center. It’s small, but it has the essentials: a few cardio machines, some free weights, and enough space to stretch without hitting your head on a treadmill.
The staff here is really the secret sauce. Because it’s a smaller boutique property, the turnover seems lower than the big chains. You see the same faces. They know which coffee shops are actually open early and which trails are too muddy after a spring rain.
Essential Things to Do Within 5 Minutes of the Front Door:
- The Hood Museum of Art: It’s a world-class museum right on campus. The architecture alone is worth the walk.
- The Dartmouth Greenhouse: A hidden gem. It’s free and open to the public, filled with tropical plants that feel like a miracle during a New Hampshire winter.
- Still North Books & Bar: A bookstore that serves beer and great toast. It’s the peak Hanover experience.
- Main Street Shopping: Check out the Dartmouth Co-op for the gear, but hit up Simon Pearce for the glass.
Making the Most of Your Stay
If you are coming up for a campus visit, use the hotel's proximity to your advantage. You can walk to the admissions office in five minutes. If you’re here for fall foliage, you’re a short drive from some of the best views in the Northeast, like the Giles Mountain fire tower just over the border in Vermont.
One thing to note about Six South St Hotel Hanover New Hampshire is that it doesn't feel like a "chain." Even though it has professional management, it feels connected to the town. The art in the hallways, the local tips from the front desk—it feels like a part of the community.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Book directly on their website: Sometimes they offer "Local Resident" rates or specific packages that don't show up on the big travel sites.
- Check the Dartmouth Calendar: Before you lock in your dates, look at the Dartmouth College master calendar. If it’s "Green Key" weekend or "Family Weekend," the town will be packed and the hotel will be at capacity.
- Request a High Floor: To avoid any street noise from the late-night pizza crowd, the third and fourth floors are your best bet.
- Download the "ParkMobile" App: Even if you use the hotel valet, you’ll want this for when you inevitably drive three minutes to a trailhead or a nearby shop.
- Walk to the River: Take the walk down West Wheelock Street to the Connecticut River. It’s about 15 minutes and offers a totally different perspective of the area.
Ultimately, staying at Six South St is about choosing modern comfort over traditional pomp. It’s for the traveler who wants to be in the center of a historic ivy-league town without feeling like they’re sleeping in a museum. It's clean, it's sharp, and it's arguably the most "hassle-free" stay in the Upper Valley.