You’ve probably seen it from the bridge. That massive, gleaming white Victorian "Wedding Cake" perched on the edge of New Castle, looking out over the Atlantic like it owns the place. Honestly, it kind of does. The New Hampshire Marriott Wentworth by the Sea—part of the Opal Collection and officially the Wentworth by the Sea, a Marriott Hotel & Spa—isn't just a place to sleep. It’s a survivor. Most of these grand "Grand Dame" hotels from the 1800s burned down or got bulldozed decades ago. This one? It nearly met the same fate. By the 1980s, it was a boarded-up eyesore, a literal ghost of the Gilded Age. But somehow, it clawed its way back to becoming the most prestigious address in the Granite State.
If you’re planning a trip, you need to know that this isn't your standard suburban Marriott. Not even close. It sits on New Castle Island, which is technically the smallest town in New Hampshire and basically feels like a movie set for a story about old money and salty air.
The Peace Treaty and the Ghostly High Society
Let’s get the history out of the way because it actually matters here. In 1905, this hotel was the center of the world. No joke. President Theodore Roosevelt sent Russian and Japanese diplomats here to hammer out the Treaty of Portsmouth, ending the Russo-Japanese War. Roosevelt actually won the Nobel Peace Prize for it, even though he never set foot in the hotel during the negotiations—he stayed in Oyster Bay while the diplomats did the heavy lifting at the Wentworth. You can still feel that weight when you walk through the lobby. It’s got that high-ceilinged, mahogany-heavy vibe that makes you want to straighten your posture.
But history is messy.
By the late 20th century, the hotel was a wreck. It sat vacant for 20 years. Locals fought to save it from the wrecking ball, and thank god they did. When Ocean Properties took over and Marriott slapped its name on the door, they spent millions restoring the hand-painted frescoes and the three iconic towers. Today, it’s a weird, beautiful mix of 1905 grandeur and 2026 tech. You’ve got the original woodwork, but the Wi-Fi actually works in the corners of the ballrooms. That's a rare combo.
What it's Actually Like to Stay There
Rooms vary. A lot. This is one of those quirks of historic hotels that drives some people crazy and makes others fall in love. Because the building is old, the floor plans aren't uniform. You might get a room that feels like a cozy attic nook with a view of the marina, or you might end up in a sprawling suite in the newer wings.
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The "Little Harbor" wing is where you go if you want the modern stuff. But honestly? If you’re coming to the Wentworth, try to stay in the original building. You want the creaky (well, reinforced) floors and the tall windows.
The Food Situation
SALT Kitchen & Bar is the main event here. It’s got this massive circular bar that’s usually packed with locals and guests on Friday nights. They do the "elevated New England" thing—lots of oysters, local catches, and steak. It’s good. Is it the best food in the Portsmouth area? Maybe not. Portsmouth is a massive foodie town, and places like The Franklin or Moxy downtown give it a run for its money. But for a hotel restaurant, SALT holds its own, especially with that view.
There’s also Latitudes. It’s seasonal. It sits right on the water, overlooking the marina. If the weather is even remotely nice, that’s where you want to be. There is something about eating a lobster roll while watching multi-million dollar yachts dock that just feels right.
The "New Castle" Bubble vs. Downtown Portsmouth
One thing people get wrong is the location. The New Hampshire Marriott Wentworth by the Sea is not in downtown Portsmouth. It’s about a 10-minute drive away.
This is a blessing and a curse.
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If you want to walk out of your hotel and be in the middle of a dozen breweries and boutiques, stay at the AC Hotel or the Residence Inn downtown. If you want silence, the smell of salt marsh, and the feeling of being on a private estate, you stay at the Wentworth. The hotel used to run a shuttle, but it’s always worth checking the current schedule or just grabbing an Uber. Most people end up spending their days in Portsmouth—walking through Prescott Park or Strawberry Banke—and then retreating to the island when the crowds get too thick.
Is the Spa Worth the Hype?
Short answer: Yeah, usually.
The Spa at Wentworth by the Sea is one of the few full-service spots in the region. They’ve got the indoor pool, the sauna, and the whole "cucumber water and plush robes" experience. It’s expensive. You’re paying for the brand and the setting. If you’re looking for a quick massage, you can find cheaper spots in town, but for the "I’m on vacation and I want to disappear for four hours" vibe, it delivers. They use high-end product lines, and the therapists actually know what they’re doing. It’s a popular spot for bridal parties, so Saturday mornings can be a bit chaotic.
The Reality of the "Marriott" Label
Here’s the thing. Because it’s a Marriott, people expect a certain level of standardized perfection. But the Wentworth is a "Historic Hotel of America." That means it has character. Character sometimes means a hallway that feels a mile long or a bathroom that’s a slightly awkward shape because they had to fit it into a 19th-century frame.
If you’re a Bonvoy member, you get your points, which is great. But don’t expect a cookie-cutter experience. This is a property that leans heavily into its identity as a coastal landmark.
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Hidden Gems Nearby
Don't just stay in the hotel.
- Great Island Common: Just a short walk or drive from the hotel. It’s a 32-acre park with some of the best views of the Isles of Shoals and the Portsmouth Harbor Light.
- Fort Constitution: It’s right there in New Castle. It’s rugged, historic, and usually way less crowded than the tourist spots in town.
- The Ice Cream Jar: A tiny spot in New Castle for a quick sugar hit.
Debunking the Myths
People say it's haunted. Is it? Well, any building that sat empty and decaying for twenty years is going to have stories. Guests occasionally report "vibes" in the older wings, but it’s more about the atmosphere than anything out of a horror movie.
Another myth: "It’s too formal."
Nah. While it looks fancy, you’ll see people in flip-flops walking through the lobby to get to the pool. It’s New Hampshire. We’re pretty chill. As long as you aren’t walking into SALT in a swimsuit, nobody’s going to give you a second look.
Logistics and the "Best Time to Go"
Summer is the peak. It’s gorgeous, but it’s also crowded and the rates are astronomical. If you can swing it, go in late September or October. The foliage against the white walls of the hotel and the blue of the Atlantic is incredible. Plus, the fire pits outside are actually usable then without melting.
Winter is the sleeper hit. The hotel does a lot of holiday events, and there’s something very The Shining (the cozy version, not the scary one) about being tucked inside that massive building while a Nor'easter blows in off the coast. The rates drop significantly, and you can usually score a room with a fireplace.
Making it Work for Your Trip
If you’re coming here, do it right. Don't just book the cheapest room and spend all your time elsewhere.
- Book a water view. It sounds cliché, but the garden views can be a bit underwhelming compared to the sight of the Piscataqua River meeting the ocean.
- Check the wedding calendar. This is a massive wedding destination. If you want a quiet, romantic getaway, call ahead and see if there are three weddings booked for that weekend. The lobby can get loud when the receptions let out.
- Explore the Marina. Even if you don't own a boat, walking the docks at the Wentworth Marina is a vibe.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Verify the Wing: When booking, call the front desk and ask if your room is in the original 1874 building or the newer wings. Both have pros, but for the "authentic" experience, you want the historic side.
- Reservations are Non-Negotiable: If you want to eat at SALT on a weekend, book it weeks in advance. It’s one of the most popular dining spots for people living in Portsmouth and Rye, not just hotel guests.
- The Walkability Factor: Bring comfortable shoes. New Castle is one of the most walkable (and beautiful) towns in New England. You can walk from the hotel to the lighthouse and back in about an hour, passing some of the oldest homes in the country.
- Parking Insight: They offer valet, but there is self-parking. In the height of summer, the lot fills up fast because of the marina and the restaurant. If you’re arriving late on a Friday, just use the valet and save yourself the headache.
- Check the Tide: If you’re planning on doing any kayaking or paddleboarding from the nearby piers, check the tide charts for the Piscataqua. The current is one of the fastest in the world—it’s no joke.
The New Hampshire Marriott Wentworth by the Sea stands as a testament to the idea that some things are worth saving. It’s a piece of living history that happens to have a really nice spa and a killer cocktail list. Whether you’re there for the Treaty of Portsmouth history or just to watch the boats go by, it remains the definitive coastal New Hampshire experience.