Winnisquam Lake Inn

Positioned within the "Hotels Near Of Me" category, Winnisquam Lake Inn, located at 788 Laconia Rd, Tilton, NH 03276, USA, offers a motel-style lodging option with direct access to Lake Winnisquam. This inn presents itself as a straightforward and budget-friendly choice for travelers exploring the New Hampshire Lakes Region, providing a base for various activities and access to local attractions. Its appeal lies in its lakeside location and basic amenities, aiming to cater to guests seeking an economical stay.

Winnisquam Lake Inn's primary draw is its immediate proximity to Lake Winnisquam, one of New Hampshire's scenic lakes. The inn boasts a private beach area, allowing guests direct access to the water for relaxation or activities. The natural environment offers lake views from many of its rooms and terraces. Situated on Laconia Road (US Route 3), the inn benefits from easy access to the surrounding Lakes Region. While directly on the lake, it's also relatively close to various attractions in Tilton and beyond. For shopping enthusiasts, Tanger Outlets Tilton is a short drive away. Other regional points of interest, such as the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion at Meadowbrook, Gunstock Mountain Resort for skiing, and Highland Mountain Bike Park, are all within a reasonable driving distance, making it a convenient stop for a range of seasonal activities. The location allows for exploration of both the lake environment and the wider New Hampshire landscape.

Winnisquam Lake Inn primarily offers standard motel-style rooms across its 28 units, spread over three floors. Room types vary, including Queen Rooms, King Rooms with Lake View, and Queen Rooms with Two Queen Beds, some of which are accessible. There are also Studio Suites with kitchenettes, which include a refrigerator, microwave, and basic kitchenware, offering more extended stay convenience. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs (some with cable channels), private bathrooms with showers, complimentary toiletries, and hairdryers. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and in all rooms. Pillowtop beds with premium bedding are standard, and some rooms feature fireplaces and private balconies or patios with lake views. Window screens are typically present to allow for natural ventilation.

The inn provides a range of amenities and services, though some may be basic in nature, reflecting its budget-friendly positioning. Key features include:

• Complimentary Breakfast: A continental "on-the-go" breakfast is offered daily from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM. This typically includes items like coffee, tea, cereal, milk, yogurt, waffles, bread, bagels, and juices.
• Private Beach Access: Guests have direct access to a private beach area on Lake Winnisquam, complete with sun loungers and beach umbrellas, offering opportunities for swimming, relaxation, and direct lake enjoyment. Canoeing and kayaking are often available nearby.
• Parking: Free self-parking is available on-site, including parking for RVs, buses, and trucks, which is a convenient amenity for travelers with larger vehicles. Wheelchair-accessible parking is also provided.
• Guest Services: The front desk operates during limited hours, typically from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Guests should note that this property does not offer after-hours check-in, and check-in instructions are usually emailed 24 hours prior to arrival. Laundry facilities are available on-site for guest use.
• Outdoor Amenities: Beyond the private beach, the inn offers a sun terrace, picnic area with outdoor furniture, and barbecue grills, particularly useful during warmer months. There's also a fire pit for evening gatherings.
• Additional Conveniences: A library and a television in common areas provide spaces for relaxation. Ski storage is available, catering to winter sports enthusiasts. The inn also provides coffee/tea in a common area and a vending machine.
• Pet Policy: Pets are allowed on request, though charges may apply (service animals are exempt).

Winnisquam Lake Inn typically promotes itself as an affordable and accessible option for a lakeside getaway in the Lakes Region. Its private beach access and the inclusion of complimentary breakfast and free parking are often highlighted as key value propositions. The inn appeals to travelers who prioritize location and budget over luxury, seeking a simple and convenient base for exploring the area's natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Promotions may emphasize its proximity to local attractions like Tanger Outlets for shopping, or nearby ski resorts for winter sports. Its pet-friendly policy also makes it attractive to travelers with furry companions. Direct bookings are often encouraged, although specific promotional offers like discounts for extended stays or seasonal packages are not consistently advertised online but may be available upon inquiry. The overall messaging focuses on a no-frills, comfortable stay by the lake.

Customer reviews for Winnisquam Lake Inn present a highly mixed and often polarized picture, with a significant number of guests expressing severe dissatisfaction, particularly regarding cleanliness and overall property condition. While some positive reviews mention the convenience of the location, particularly the lake access, and friendly staff, these are often overshadowed by widespread complaints.

Common negative feedback includes:

• Cleanliness Issues: Numerous reviews explicitly mention problems with cleanliness, including rooms smelling of urine, soiled or stained sheets, dirty surfaces, mildewed shower curtains, and general grime. Some guests reported finding bugs or rodents.
• Maintenance and Condition: Many guests describe the rooms and facilities as "filthy," "nasty," "beat up," "outdated," or "falling apart." Specific issues include broken mattresses, non-functional televisions, broken or falling-apart bathroom fixtures (sinks, toilet paper holders), and showers spraying water onto the floor.
• Lack of Amenities/Stocking: Complaints about missing basic amenities like toilet paper, shampoo, or towels upon check-in are frequent. The complimentary breakfast, while advertised, has been criticized for being poorly stocked or missing items (e.g., no milk for cereal, no coffee/sugar).
• Staff and Service: While some reviews praise friendly staff, others report rude, unhelpful, or absent staff members, particularly during check-in or when addressing complaints. Issues with delayed check-ins and unreadied rooms have also been noted.
• Value for Money: Many guests feel that the price charged is not commensurate with the quality of the accommodations and service received, advising others to "spend the extra 40 dollars and go somewhere else."

On the positive side, some guests have found the rooms comfortable and clean enough for an overnight stay, especially when considering the price point. The lake views from some rooms and the convenience of the private beach are appreciated. However, the prevalence of negative feedback, particularly regarding fundamental aspects like cleanliness and basic room functionality, indicates a significant inconsistency in guest experience. Prospective guests should approach Winnisquam Lake Inn with very low expectations regarding luxury or consistent quality and be prepared for potential issues. It is advisable to thoroughly inspect the room upon arrival and communicate any concerns immediately with the front desk, although past reviews suggest this may not always lead to a satisfactory resolution. For those seeking an absolute budget option and prioritizing a lakeside location above all else, and who are willing to overlook potential significant drawbacks, this inn might be a consideration. However, given the nature of the complaints, it appears to be a high-risk booking for many travelers.

The contact number for Winnisquam Lake Inn is (603) 524-6897 or +1 603-524-6897.