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The Inn By The Bandstand
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  • Inn Details

    The award-winning Inn by the Bandstand is the premier lodging establishment in Exeter, New Hampshire. This wonderful inn is an 1809 historic home located in the heart of downtown Exeter. Only two blocks from the prestigious Phillips Exeter Academy, eight miles to the seacoast and beaches, and 20 minutes from Portsmouth, this charming inn offers nine antique furnished guest rooms, all with private baths and a delicious full breakfast. We have all the modern conveniences with a touch of the past including wireless internet!

    Innkeeper Information

    The innkeepers speak:

    • English


    Number of Dogs: 1

    Other Pets: Gizmo

    Features

    Type:

    • Other

    • Bed and Breakfast

    • Historic Inn

    Property Noted For:

    • Family reunions

    • Meeting space for up to 20 people

    • Small weddings/functions up to 50 people

    • Steps away from Phillips Exeter Academy

    • Antiques/decor

    • Business travel

    • Excellent views

    • Family Travel

    • Fitness

    • Gay / Lesbian Travel

    • Group events

    • Honeymoons

    • Luxury

    • Nature

    • Peaceful getaway

    • Romantic escape

    • Weddings

    Amenities

    Guest Room:

    • Air conditioning

    • Alarm clock

    • Bath robes

    • CD player

    • In-room internet

    • Desk

    • Fireplace

    • Fridge

    • Hairdryer

    • Hot tub/whirlpool tub

    • Internet Service

    • Ironing Board

    • Microwave

    • Radio

    • Satellite/Cable TV

    • TV

    • Telephone

    • Wi-Fi

    On Site:

    • Amenities Basket

    • Board games

    • Conference Rooms

    • Copier

    • Fax Machine

    • Library

    • VCR

    • Videos

    • Wedding Facilities

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  • Cambridge

    Suite maximum capacity: 3

    • Beds

      2 Twin

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Bathtub

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $139/$159

    Decorated in black & white toille, this room is a favorite for the solo traveler or for two people who prefer separate beds (twins). Located on the first floor it is also preferred by guests who would rather not climb stairs. Private bath and chaise lounge.

    Somerset Cottage

    Suite maximum capacity: 3

    • Beds

      1 Queen

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Bathtub

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $169/$189

    Decorated as an English cottage this cozy room is located on the 3rd floor. 200 year old exposed beams and original wide pine floors add to it's charm. Queen size bed, private bath, and fireplace. On chilly winter evenings light the fire and escape to another world!

    Windsor Suite

    Suite maximum capacity: 4

    • Beds

      1 King

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Bathtub

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $209/$229

    Romance is in the air in this Honeymoon Suite! On the second floor with views of downtown Exeter, this room features a massive king-sized 4 post bed, fireplace, and private bath with a 2 person jacuzzi tub.

    Williamsburg Family Suite

    Suite maximum capacity: 6

    • Beds

      1 Queen

      2 Twin

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Bathtub

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $209/$229

    Located on the second floor, this family suite offers a queen sized bed in one room and two twin beds in another. A fireplace, sitting area with a sleeper-sofa, and a private bath makes this Colonial style suite perfect for groups of up to 6 people!

    Sheffield Family Suite

    Suite maximum capacity: 6

    • Beds

      1 Queen

      2 Twin

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Bathtub

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $209/$229

    Located on the first floor this is a room Hemingway would adore. Decorated in rich hues of brown and gold with a queen sized bed in one room and two twins in another, it is perfect for a family of 4 or 6! Private bath, sleeper-sofa, sitting area, and original kitchen fireplace make this a real gem.

    Devonshire

    Suite maximum capacity: 4

    • Beds

      1 Queen

      1 Double

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Bathtub

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $179/$199

    This tester canopy queen decorated in yellow and red is warm and inviting. Private bath with a one person jacuzzi tub, fireplace, and sleeper-sofa makes this an extra special retreat. Has lovely views of the bandstand and downtown.

    Kensington

    Suite maximum capacity: 3

    • Beds

      1 Queen

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Bathtub

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $139/$159

    Red and white toille highlight this second floor room. This room includes a queen sized bed with tester canopy, and private bath.

    Lakeheath Lodge

    Suite maximum capacity: 3

    • Beds

      1 Queen

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Bathtub

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $169/$189

    Decorated as an Adirondack cabin, this 3rd floor room even has antlers! A rustic retreat with an exposed beam ceiling, wide pine floors, queen size bed, sitting area, private bath, and fireplace! A great place to get away from it all with perfect views of downtown Exeter!

    Edinburgh

    Suite maximum capacity: 3

    • Beds

      1 Queen

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $139/$159

    A masculine second floor room with a tester canopy queen sized bed and golden walls. A smaller room with a fireplace and private bath - it's a relaxing space to curl up and read a good book.

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    Policy

    Reservation Policy

    • Check in: 4-8:30PM    Check out: 11AM

    • Minimum stay: Some Weekends May - October & Holidays

    • Deposit amount required: One night's stay

    • Cancellations: 14 days prior to the date of arrival (30 days for holidays and premium weekends) you will receive a full refund less a $25 cancellation fee. If cancellation notice is less than 14 days (30 days for holidays and premium weekends), you will be responsible for the entire canceled reservation dates...although we will make every effort to rebook the room. All cancellations MUST be in writing.

    • Open all year round: Y

    General Policies

    • Smoking allowed: No

    • Guest pets allowed: Limited

    • Drinking allowed: Yes

    • Drinking description: Complimentary port wine in your room, coffee and tea bar

    • Drinks available: Y

    • Children allowed: But we are not "childproof"

    • Suitable for children: Yes

    • Childcare provided: Yes : Arrangments can be made with advanced notice

  • Breakfast

    • Type: Full

    • Time Served: Weekdays 8:30AM, Weekends 9AM

    • Serving location: In-room service is available for an extra charge., Dining Room

    Signature Dish

    Stuffed French Toast
    French bread stuffed with cream cheese served with a hot raspberry sauce.

    Special meal options

    • Low fat

    • Restrictive

    • Vegetarian

    • Available upon

    • request.

    Additional food services

    • Complimentary sherry in room.

    • Self service tea and coffee bar.

    Recipes

    Breakfast-Brunch

    Egg & Cheese Souffle
    Serves: 4
    Prep time: 30 minutes

    Stuffed French Toast
    Serves: 20
    Prep time: 40 minutes

    Best Ever Waffle Recipie
    Serves: 3
    Prep time: 15 minutes

    Dessert

    Inn by the Bandstand Cookies
    Serves: 24
    Prep time: 15 minutes

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  • Location Type

    • Just 6 miles from Beach

    • Only 2 blocks from Phillips Exeter Academy

    • Downtown

    • Small town

    • Village

    City

    • Boston

    • Distance to city: 60 miles

    • Directions to property:
      Take I-95N to Rte 101W toward Exeter (Exit 2). After the $.75 toll, bear right onto Rte 101 and travel to exit 11. At end of ramp take a left. Follow for about 2 miles. At T-junction take a right onto High Street. Go over the dam and around bend into center of town. Bandstand will be on your left. We are across the street from the bandstand.

    Airport

    • Manchester, NH (MHT) 35 miles

    • Directions to property:
      Take Rte 101 East to exit 9 - (see signs for Independence Museum)Take right off exit ramp and follow for about 5 miles. This takes you to the center of town - The Bandstand will be on your right. We are directly across the street - Yellow Federal style house.

    Area Attractions

    • Amusement Park

    • Antique Shopping

    • Art Galleries

    • Beach

    • Concert venue

    • Gourmet/Fine Dining

    • Historical interests

    • Live Music

    • Movie Theater

    • Museum

    • National/State parks

    • Nature area

    • Ocean

    • New England Dragway

    • Fresh Seafood Restaurants

    • Portsmouth Harbor

    • University of New Hampshire

    • American Independence Museum

    • Phillips Exeter Academy

    • Outlet Stores

    • Performing Theater

    • Picnic area

    • Religious Services

    • River

    • Ski area

    • Vineyard

    • Winery

    • Bicycle riding trails

    • Canoeing

    • Cross-country ski trails

    • Fishing

    • Golfing

    • Hiking trails

    • Horseback riding

    • Kayaking

    • Mountain Bike trails

    • Sailing

    • Shopping

    • Sight-seeing

    • Snow shoe trails

    • Swimming

    • Tennis courts

    Visit B&B Site
    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    Write a review

    Exeter Parents

    About the reviewer

    • Between 45-55 years old

    • Frequently stays at B&Bs

    • Typically stays in premium lodging

    • Was travelling for an event

    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    During the four years that my son was at Exeter, I tried to go up and spend one week-end every semester with him, usually late in the semester, so that he could have a restful atmosphere to get some work done and maybe catch up on his sleep. By now, we have stayed in almost every room in the Inn by the Bandstand. And had many, many wonderful breakfasts along the way! The Inn is cozy, peaceful and beautifully decorated and the innkeepers are friendly, helpful and really good cooks! The Inn was a wonderful feature of my son's years at Exeter. For his graduation, we reserved many of the rooms (well in advance!) and, when we found ourselves a month away with no dinner plans for over 20 people on the night before graduation, they catered an absolutely wonderful dinner right at the Inn for us. Despite the unbelievably short notice, they put on a fabulous gourmet meal for a big crowd. It could not have been more wonderful. We loved every minute at the Inn! Thank you.

    Wish We Could Have Stayed All Week

    About the reviewer

    • Between 18-25 years old

    • Almost never stays at B&Bs

    • Typically stays in moderate lodging

    • Was travelling for a weekend getaway

    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    My husband and I have been looking for a place like this for a long time. It was a treat to find a lovely B&B with sumptuous rooms that included both a fireplace and a jacuzzi. We stayed in the Windsor Suite, and decided we wouldn't want to stay in any other room (though the entire house is beautiful!). Jim is a very friendly, accommodating innkeeper who is attentive to details. We enjoyed the complimentary port wine in the rooms, as well as the coffee bar downstairs. And who wouldn't like a plate of freshly baked cookies available to them every night? Also, from the perspective of a former B&B housekeeper, I was very pleased by the cleanliness of the entire inn, our room especially. We're already thinking about the next time we plan to stay at the Inn!

    Cute inn, great value in Exeter, NH

    About the reviewer

    • Between 26-35 years old

    • Stays at B&Bs once a year

    • Typically stays in moderate lodging

    • Was travelling for a weekend getaway

    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    We took a trip to Exeter, NH to get away and relax for a weekend. The inn's website attracted us, and we were pleased to see that things in reality were just as they were presented. Jim, the innkeeper, does a fantastic job of being available without being pushy. We really enjoyed getting to know him during our stay. The complimentary port, cookies (fresh from the oven!), coffee, and tea were a nice touch. Breakfast was very good both mornings - an egg/hash brown casserole one morning and blueberry pancakes the next, served with fresh fruit and yogurt both times. The house was built in the very early 1800s, so there is plenty of character to keep it interesting. Quite a bit of the inn is still original (floors, rafters, etc.). By 1800s standards, the rooms are quite large; compared to a modern hotel, they are average in size. It seemed as though the rooms had the right amount of furniture for the space, allowing us to sit around comfortably and also place our belongings around the room without it feeling suddenly cluttered. The gas fireplace was wonderful, providing plenty of warmth and ambiance. Given the age of the building, the floors do sag in the middle of the rooms, but they were less creaky than I would have expected. The room was also very quiet, especially considering that it's on one of the main corners of downtown Exeter. When you stay at this inn, you feel like you've become a part of the community. Discounts are offered at numerous locations around town when you show your room key, and Jim has partnered with several organizations to create attractive packages that you can add to the stay. We had the opportunity to tour several of the rooms, and they all have something unique to offer that will appeal to different people. All in all, we had a great time and will definitely stay here again when returning to Exeter.

    Old New England, Welcoming, Charming, and Fun

    About the reviewer

    • 55+ years old

    • Stays at B&Bs once a year

    • Typically stays in moderate lodging

    • Was travelling to visit family

    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    We, and my sister and brother in-law from D.C., visited one night and early morning --the staff was welcoming and gracious. My daughter, who lives in Greenland, visited us in the lovely breakfast room, and they welcomed the extra person with no complaint and we shared the lovely very nice breakfast. The Inn is superbly located for visiting Phillips-Exeter and seeing the pretty town of Exeter. The rooms are comfortable, clean, decorated with considerable thought and style. Thank you very much for a lovely, although brief, stay. They have a very good and user friendly website. We hope to visit again. Ann

    Innkeeper Response
    You all were a delight to have here! I wish you could have stayed longer. It was fun having you here for breakfast and chatting with you. The next time you come up, please stay a few days and take in the great shopping and dining in historic Exeter. After chatting, I've surmised that you would really enjoy both the Exeter Historic Society Museum and the American Independence Museum, both located downtown. There's lots to see and do, so come back!!!

    - Jim (Owner)

    romantic, friendly and beautiful

    About the reviewer

    • Between 36-45 years old

    • Stays at B&Bs once a year

    • Typically stays in moderate lodging

    • Was travelling for a weekend getaway

    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    we stayed at the somerset room, we booked the romantic package, which included all kinds of wonderful extras like a gift certificate at a fine restaurant, a bottle of wine, and roses. The Inn is beautiful, the staff is really friendly and helpful. little details that made it special: a decanter with port in the room, fluffy bathrobes, fireplace, coffee/tea and fresh baked cookies in the lobby, and right in the center of everything!

    Innkeeper Response
    You're so right! It's the little things we do that the chain hotels don't do that set us a part. Warm cozy fireplaces, fabulous furnishings, fluffy robes and a delicious decanter of port are among the many amenities you'll find here... all right in the center of Exeter! I'm so glad you enjoyed your stay with us and look forward to your return soon!

    - Jim (Owner)

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