THE AURORA

For travelers seeking a blend of historic charm, modern comfort, and convenient access to the natural splendor of the White Mountains, THE AURORA in Bartlett, New Hampshire, presents an exceptional choice. Featured on platforms like "Hotels Near Of Me," this beautifully restored inn offers a unique and intimate lodging experience, distinguishing itself from larger, more impersonal accommodations. Guests consistently praise its cleanliness, quiet atmosphere, and the kind and helpful staff, making it a highly recommended destination for a memorable getaway.

THE AURORA is gracefully set on 3.5 acres at 1477 US-302, Bartlett, NH, providing a picturesque and serene environment amidst the natural beauty of the White Mountains. The property comprises five distinct buildings, each contributing to its unique character. The main structure, an inn originally built in 1885, exudes vintage charm, while renovated barn rooms, additional guest rooms, and a detached cottage offer diverse settings. The grounds feature an in-ground pool, a barrel sauna, and gas fire pits, all designed for guests to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

The location is strategically advantageous for exploring the region. It borders the Bear Notch trail system, offering easy access to hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling right from the property. Within a short drive, guests can reach major attractions like Attitash Mountain Resort for winter sports (approximately 2.5 miles), Story Land for family fun (around 7.3 miles), and the vibrant town of North Conway for shopping and dining (about 12 miles). The Saco River, a popular spot for tubing in the summer, is also nearby. While situated on a main route, the property maintains a quiet and peaceful ambiance, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the mountain setting.

The inn is nestled in a wooded area, which means guests can expect to be surrounded by nature, including occasional leaves, dust, and pollen in outdoor areas, adding to the authentic mountain experience. The stunning views of Parker Mountain and the surrounding White Mountains are a constant backdrop, enhancing the sense of escape and tranquility.

THE AURORA is renowned for its attentive service and a staff that goes above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay. Kimberly, a staff member often mentioned in reviews, embodies the kind and helpful approach that defines the guest experience. Guests appreciate the ease of upgrading rooms and the overall willingness of the staff to accommodate their needs, such as ensuring feather-free bedding upon request.

The accommodations at THE AURORA are designed with guest comfort in mind. Rooms, whether in the main house, the barn, or the motel-style buildings, are consistently described as very clean and well-maintained. While some rooms in the main inn might not have televisions, ensuring a serene atmosphere, many rooms, particularly those in the renovated motel-style layout, are equipped with Smart TVs. All rooms generally include private bathrooms with great water pressure and temperature, along with complimentary towels, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Many rooms offer air conditioning and free WiFi.

A significant highlight of the guest experience is the availability of well-equipped kitchenettes in many rooms, especially in the larger suites and some motel-style units. These kitchenettes typically include a stovetop, microwave, dining area, and tea/coffee maker, providing guests with the convenience of preparing their own meals. Additionally, some rooms, particularly in the motel-style section, feature gas propane fireplace heating, adding to the cozy ambiance. It's important to note that while some rooms have fireplaces, wood-burning is not allowed due to insurance regulations, but outdoor fire pits are available for guest use.

Common areas at the inn contribute significantly to the guest experience. The cozy living room in the main building features a stunning fireplace (available on a set schedule) and offers seating for up to 18 people, making it an ideal space for socializing or family game nights. A coffee bar is stocked with light continental breakfast options like oatmeal, fresh fruits, protein bars, occasional fresh pastries, and coffee, all available while supplies last. The outdoor amenities, including the seasonal in-ground pool (typically open from spring through fall, with specific hours, for instance, June 12 to July 31 from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM), and the barrel sauna, are highly praised. The barrel sauna, in particular, is noted as one of the best many guests have ever used, providing a perfect spot for unwinding. Guests also appreciate the two fire pits (one propane, one wood-burning) for cozy evenings under the stars, though it's requested that s'mores are only enjoyed at the wood-burning one.

The property offers contactless check-in and check-out, with guests receiving room codes via email. Check-in is typically from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and check-out is from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM. Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in. While pets are allowed on request in specific pet-friendly rooms (with a maximum of 2 dogs per reservation and a $35 fee per dog), they are not permitted in the Main Building Inn or its common areas. Pets must be crated if left unattended in the room, and there are guidelines for waste disposal.

THE AURORA's key features lie in its unique blend of historic architecture with thoughtfully integrated modern amenities and diverse lodging options. The property offers various room types to suit different preferences and group sizes:

• Main Inn Rooms: Located in the beautifully restored 1885 main building, these rooms, such as the Whitaker, offer classic charm, luxurious king-sized beds, and large bathrooms, sometimes with jacuzzi tubs. Some rooms here may not have televisions for a more serene experience.
• Barn Rooms: Converted from a rustic two-story barn, accommodations like the Crawford Suite and Pinkham Room offer more space and overlook the grounds, providing a perfect balance of rustic charm and modern comfort. The Crawford Suite, for example, can be a two-bedroom suite with a door to close off rooms for added privacy, and includes a full-sized bed and a queen-sized bed in separate bedrooms, along with a queen sofa bed in the living room, totaling up to 960 square feet.
• Motel-Style Rooms/Suites: Located in a separate building beyond the pool, rooms like Carrigain, Parker, and Langdon, as well as several other guest suites such as Kearsarge, Willey, Barton, and Tremont, offer a more contemporary feel. These suites often feature gas fireplaces (non-operational for wood-burning), kitchenettes, private baths with rainfall showerheads, and Smart TVs, providing a comfortable and convenient stay. The Kearsarge room is an example of a renovated, pet-friendly motel-style room with a queen bed.
• Detached Guest Cottage: The Saco cottage near the entrance offers a private retreat with its own bath, ideal for those seeking extra seclusion while still having easy access to the property's main features. Some studios and suites can accommodate up to 6 guests with a combination of king, queen, and sofa beds.

Other notable features include:

• Seasonal Outdoor Swimming Pool: A refreshing amenity for warmer months, popular with guests for relaxation.
• Barrel Sauna: A highly praised facility for relaxation and rejuvenation, offering a unique and authentic experience.
• Coffee Bar: Providing a convenient and complimentary start to the day with light continental breakfast items, ensuring guests can grab a quick bite before heading out.
• Common Living Room with Fireplace: An inviting space for guests to gather, relax, and socialize, often equipped with games for family entertainment.
• Pet-Friendly Options: Catering to guests traveling with dogs in designated rooms, with clear policies and a fee.
• Proximity to Recreational Activities: Direct access to hiking trails and a short drive to major ski resorts (Attitash, Cranmore, Wildcat, Bretton Woods) and other attractions, making it an outdoor lover's paradise.

THE AURORA positions itself as the perfect retreat for those looking to explore the natural wonders and recreational opportunities of the White Mountains. Promotional materials emphasize its unique blend of historic elegance and modern amenities, appealing to a broad range of travelers from couples seeking a quiet romantic getaway to families looking for a comfortable base for their adventures.

The inn highlights its prime location near key attractions such as ski mountains for winter sports enthusiasts, and family-friendly destinations like Story Land and Living Shores Aquarium. The ease of access to many restaurants and stores in the area, including options in North Conway, is also a strong selling point. The diverse room types, from the charming main inn rooms to the more spacious barn accommodations and convenient motel-style suites with kitchenettes, are often showcased to attract guests with varying needs and preferences.

Special attention is given to the comfort elements, such as luxurious beds, excellent shower pressure, and the availability of amenities like private fireplaces (where operational) and the popular barrel sauna. The seasonal outdoor pool and inviting common areas with fire pits are promoted as ideal spots for relaxation and unwinding after a day of activities. The commitment to a clean and quiet environment, as frequently noted in guest reviews, reinforces its appeal as a peaceful haven.

Guests are encouraged to experience the attentive service and the welcoming atmosphere that makes visitors feel "very happy" and eager to return. The strong positive feedback regarding staff kindness and helpfulness serves as a powerful testimonial to the overall guest experience at THE AURORA, making it a top consideration for anyone searching for "Hotels Near Of Me" in the Bartlett, NH area. Guests can also expect a refundable damage deposit of $250 upon arrival, collected by credit card and reimbursed within 7 days of check-out.