You know that feeling when you drive north on Route 3 and the air just starts to smell different? It’s that crisp, piney scent mixed with the dampness of the lake. Honestly, Meredith is usually the first place where it feels like you've actually arrived in the "real" New Hampshire. And right at the center of that vibe is Mill Falls at the Lake Meredith NH.
It isn't just one hotel. People get that confused all the time.
It’s actually a collection of four distinct inns scattered around the northern tip of Lake Winnipesaukee. You’ve got the original Mill Falls—which is the one everyone recognizes with the big waterwheel—plus Bay Point, Church Landing, and Chase House. They’re all owned by the same folks, but the energy in each one is wildly different. If you book the wrong one, you might end up with a totally different vacation than you planned.
The Reality of Staying at Mill Falls at the Lake Meredith NH
Most people see the photos of the waterfall and think they’re going to be sleeping right on top of it. Well, sort of. The original Inn at Mill Falls is actually across the street from the lake. It’s built into an old 19th-century linen mill. It's charming, sure, but it's the "entry-level" experience of the resort.
If you want the high-end, Adirondack-style luxury where you can practically touch the water from your balcony, you’re looking for Church Landing.
Church Landing is the crown jewel. It’s got those massive timber beams, plush rugs, and a spa that actually feels like a spa and not just a converted guest room. It’s pricey. Let’s be real about that. But if you’re up here for a wedding or a big anniversary, it’s basically the only place in Meredith that feels truly "grand."
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The Chase House and Bay Point are the middle ground. Chase House sits right across from the Town Docks. It’s great if you want to be stumbling distance from a bowl of clam chowder at Camp or a beer at the Town Docks restaurant. Bay Point is further out on the point, obviously, and offers some of the best sunset views because of how it’s angled toward the broads of the lake.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Meredith Waterfront
Meredith isn't a sleepy little village anymore. It’s busy. In July and August, the traffic through the main intersection—where Route 3 meets Route 25—is a nightmare. If you’re staying at Mill Falls at the Lake Meredith NH, you basically have to accept that you're in the "hub."
You aren't getting total isolation here.
What you are getting is convenience. You can park your car and not touch it for three days. That’s the secret sauce of this place. You’ve got the Marketplace right there with all those little shops. Ben & Jerry’s is a three-minute walk. The movie theater is right up the hill.
Eating Your Way Through the Resort
Don't feel like you have to eat at the hotel restaurants every night. While Lakehouse at Church Landing has a decent view, it can get incredibly crowded.
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- Local Tip: Walk over to Giuseppe’s in the Mill Falls Marketplace. It’s a bit chaotic, and the live music can be loud, but the pizza is legit.
- The Breakfast Situation: Sunshine & Pa’s is the local legend. It’s a tiny breakfast joint just a short walk away. Go early or you’ll be standing on the sidewalk for an hour.
- The "Fancy" Choice: If you want to escape the resort crowd for a night, head to Lago. It’s technically part of the property but feels a bit more secluded and serves high-end Italian.
The Lake Life Logistics
You're at Lake Winnipesaukee. You have to get on the water. If you don't, you've basically wasted the trip.
Mill Falls at the Lake Meredith NH offers some boat slips, but they are competitive. If you aren't bringing your own boat, you have two main options. You can hop on the M/S Mount Washington, which picks up passengers right at the Meredith town docks. It’s a bit touristy, but seeing the lake from a 230-foot ship is an experience you can't really replicate.
Alternatively, rent a pontoon. There are several rental outfits nearby, like EKAL Lakefront Activities which is right on the resort property.
Be warned: Winnipesaukee is a dangerous lake. It sounds dramatic, but the "Witch" and other rock formations have claimed many a propeller. If you aren't an experienced boater, stick to the guided tours or stay close to the Meredith bay area.
Winter is the Secret Season
Everybody talks about the summer, but Meredith in February is arguably better. The Great Meredith Ice Fishing Derby brings thousands of people onto the frozen lake. It’s a giant party on ice.
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Staying at Mill Falls during the winter means you get to use the indoor/outdoor pool at Church Landing while it’s snowing. There is something fundamentally cool about swimming in 90-degree water while the air is 10 degrees and steam is rising off your head. Plus, you’re only about 20 minutes from Gunstock Mountain if you want to ski.
The Nitty-Gritty Details
Let's talk about the rooms. Since these are historic or "historic-style" buildings, the layouts aren't cookie-cutter.
At the original Inn at Mill Falls, some rooms are quite small. They’re cozy, but if you’re traveling with three kids and a dog, you’re going to feel cramped. Always ask for a room with a lake view, even if it costs an extra $50. Looking out at a parking lot in Meredith feels like a missed opportunity.
Church Landing rooms usually come with fireplaces. This is a game-changer in the shoulder seasons (May and October). New Hampshire weather is famously unpredictable. One day it’s 75, the next day you’re wearing a fleece and wishing you brought gloves.
Why It Still Matters
With all the new Airbnbs and modern hotels popping up, Mill Falls stays relevant because it is Meredith. It’s the anchor of the town. The owners, the Common Man family of restaurants and hotels, have a specific style: lots of wood, lots of plaid, and a very "New England" sense of hospitality.
It isn't corporate. It feels lived-in.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Book the Right Inn: Choose Church Landing for romance, Mill Falls for history/budget, Chase House for being in the middle of the action, or Bay Point for the best lake views.
- Dinner Reservations: If you are visiting between June and Labor Day, book your dinner tables at least two weeks out. The "wait list" at 7:00 PM on a Saturday is often two hours long.
- Explore Beyond the Resort: Take the 15-minute drive to Moultonborough to visit the Old Country Store. It’s one of the oldest in the country and worth it for the penny candy alone.
- The Morning Walk: Every morning, walk the boardwalk that connects the inns. It’s the quietest the lake will be all day.
- Parking Hack: Parking is tough. Use the resort valet if it's offered at your specific inn, or prepare to hunt for spots in the public lot behind the Marketplace.
If you’re looking for a sterile, modern glass-and-steel hotel, stay in Boston. But if you want to understand why people have been flocking to the White Mountains and the Lakes Region for over a hundred years, Mill Falls at the Lake Meredith NH is the place to do it. It’s got the history, the views, and just enough "kinda-fancy" vibes to make it feel like a real escape.