New Bedford Harbor Hotel

Welcome to New Bedford Harbor Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection, a chic and contemporary hotel situated at 222 Union St, New Bedford, MA 02740, USA. As a key listing within the "Hotels Near Of Me" platform category, this hotel provides an upgraded lodging experience for local users and visitors exploring the rich history and vibrant culture of New Bedford. You can reach the hotel directly at (508) 999-1292 or +1 508-999-1292.

The New Bedford Harbor Hotel is a boutique property located in the heart of historic downtown New Bedford, a city renowned for its whaling history and artistic community. The hotel occupies a beautifully renovated historic building, originally built in 1863, providing a unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities. The conversion project, completed in mid-July 2018, transformed an abandoned mixed-use building into a luxurious 70-room hotel, with a complete exterior renovation and full interior build-out. Its strategic location at the corner of Union and Pleasant Streets places guests within steps of landmark attractions, the business district, and a plethora of dining and shopping options.

The hotel features 70 well-appointed guest rooms, including Standard King, Standard Two Queens, King with Harbor View, Corner King, and accessible room types, some even with sofa beds to accommodate up to four guests. Room sizes are typically around 300 sq ft, with suites offering more space at 450 sq ft. The accommodations are designed with a contemporary aesthetic, featuring elements like exposed brick or wood ceilings in some rooms, adding to the ambiance.

Each guest room is equipped with essential amenities for a comfortable stay. These include premium bedding for a restful night, individual climate control (heating and air conditioning), and blackout drapes/curtains. For convenience, all rooms feature a refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, and a full-size iron and ironing board. Entertainment is provided by flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Guests can stay connected with complimentary wireless internet access available throughout the hotel. Private bathrooms are well-appointed with showers (including rainfall showerheads in many rooms), complimentary toiletries, hair dryers, and backlit vanity mirrors. The hotel is 100% non-smoking. While the rooms are generally described as "very nice," some guest feedback suggests that recent use might show some wear, and that walls can be "paper thin," leading to noise from other rooms or the bar.

New Bedford Harbor Hotel, as an Ascend Hotel Collection member, offers a range of services and amenities aimed at enhancing the guest experience. Check-in is at 4:00 PM, and check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Key services and amenities include:

• Complimentary Breakfast: The hotel offers a complimentary "on-the-go" continental breakfast daily, typically served from 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM. While some reviews have mentioned it being "delicious and varied," others have found it "a little disappointing" or affected by equipment issues.
• On-Site Dining and Bar: The hotel features its own restaurant and a lobby lounge and bar. This on-site dining option provides convenient access to meals, light fare, local beer, wine, and craft cocktails. However, guests have noted inconsistencies with bar closing times and potential noise levels from the bar in rooms.
• Fitness Center: A 24-hour fitness center is available for guests to maintain their workout routines.
• Business Services and Meeting Spaces: The hotel is equipped for business travelers, offering a business center and impressive meeting and banquet spaces. The unique banquet space features historic highlights, exposed ceilings, and large windows, making it suitable for various events, from corporate meetings to social gatherings.
• Connectivity: Fast, free, and reliable Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, both in guest rooms and public areas.
• Parking: Free self-parking is available on-site, including wheelchair-accessible parking.
• Guest Services: A 24-hour front desk ensures assistance is always available. Luggage storage is provided, and guests can request changes of bedsheets or towels.
• Accessibility: The hotel is committed to accessibility, with features such as wheelchair-accessible guest rooms, parking, and public areas. Accessible rooms may include roll-in showers, bathroom grab bars, and visual aid devices.
• Housekeeping: Daily housekeeping services are provided, with an option for housekeeping on request. The property follows Choice Hotels' "Commitment to Clean" sanitization guidelines, which include the use of hospital-grade disinfectants and enhanced cleaning protocols.
• No Pets Policy: It's important to note that the New Bedford Harbor Hotel does not allow pets, with the exception of service animals, which are permitted free of charge.
• Other Amenities: Vending machines are available on site for snacks and beverages.

The New Bedford Harbor Hotel's strongest feature is its prime downtown location within a historically significant building. It offers a boutique experience that contrasts with more generic chain hotels. The blend of modern comfort with the building's historical elements, such as exposed brick and original architectural details, creates a distinct atmosphere.

The hotel's affiliation with the Ascend Hotel Collection by Choice Hotels means it aims to provide a unique local experience while upholding certain brand standards. Its proximity to major New Bedford attractions is a significant draw. It is within walking distance of:

• New Bedford Whaling Museum (less than 0.5 miles)
• New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park (less than 0.5 miles)
• New Bedford Art Museum (approximately 0.2 miles)
• Zeiterion Theatre (approximately 0.1 miles)
• Judith Klein Art Gallery
• Seamen's Bethel
• Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum (approximately 0.3 miles)
• The New Bedford Seastreak Ferry Terminal (for easy access to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, approximately 0.5 miles)
• Schwartz Center for the Arts (approximately 0.2 miles)

This makes it an ideal base for tourists exploring the city's rich history and vibrant arts scene, as well as for those planning day trips to the islands. Its closeness to government offices and the business district also makes it a suitable choice for corporate travelers.

However, recent customer reviews highlight some areas where the hotel might not meet all expectations. While some guests praise the "friendly staff," "clean attractive hotel," and "great location," others report significant issues such as "not cleaned" rooms with "hair and wine stains EVERYWHERE." The "paper thin" walls and noise from the first-floor bar also appear to be recurring concerns, impacting sleep quality for some guests. One local reviewer expressed a desire for "some sort of discount for locals" or "rewards," suggesting a perception that the hotel doesn't cater enough to the local community despite being in their backyard. These varied experiences indicate that while the hotel has strong potential and appealing features, consistency in service and maintenance may be a challenge for some visitors.

As part of the Ascend Hotel Collection, the New Bedford Harbor Hotel participates in the Choice Privileges loyalty program, allowing guests to earn and redeem points for stays and enjoy exclusive member benefits.

The hotel actively promotes direct bookings through its official website, offering benefits such as:

• Best Rate Guarantee: If you find a lower published price for the same dates and terms on another qualified online source, the hotel will match it and offer an additional incentive (e.g., a $50 Reward Card for U.S. residents, or the first night free for international guests).
• Website-Only Promotions: Direct bookings may provide special access to promotions like complimentary welcome amenities or upgraded internet service.
• Maximum Reservation Flexibility: Direct booking often offers more flexibility in choosing specific room types and managing reservations without third-party intermediaries.
• Complimentary Breakfast: The free continental breakfast is a consistent promotional highlight, adding value to the stay.
• Special Offers: The hotel may offer various discounts, such as a "Stay Longer and Save" promotion for extended stays, or discounts for AAA/CAA members, seniors, government/military personnel, and groups. It's always advisable to check their official website for the latest deals.

Pricing can vary, with rooms ranging from approximately $90 to $300+ per night depending on the season, room type, and booking platform. February and January are often cited as the cheapest months, with Monday and Tuesday typically offering better rates. Guests are encouraged to check the official website or contact the hotel directly for the most current pricing and special offers, especially for group bookings or extended stays.