Hotel Northampton Review: A Charming Stay in the Heart of Northampton MA
After my special weekend with Andrew, it was Harry’s turn. We headed west to my old college stomping grounds and checked into Hotel Northampton, a historic and centrally located hotel that makes it easy to explore everything downtown Northampton has to offer.
The Hotel Northampton
Hotel Northampton is one of the most iconic places to stay in the Pioneer Valley. Built in 1927 in a colonial revival style, the hotel blends historic charm with modern comfort. From the moment you arrive, it feels like stepping back in time in the best possible way.
One of my favorite spaces in Hotel Northampton is the bright and airy atrium. This sunlit room is filled with tropical plants and cheerful yellow cushions, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a morning coffee or relax in the afternoon.
We passed through the elegant lobby, decorated with antiques and historic details. Harry was fascinated by the old phone booths, which led to one of those classic “when I was a kid” conversations.
Check-in at Hotel Northampton was quick and easy, and we headed up to our room on the third floor. We had booked a balcony king room, but what we didn’t expect was just how incredible the balcony would be.
When we walked in the door of room 317, my jaw hit the floor. We were laughed because Harry requested one bed for maximum cuddle time (yes, he is the cutest). What I didn’t know was that our balcony would be bigger than our hotel room!
When we opened the French doors, we were greeted by a massive private outdoor space overlooking downtown Northampton. It was larger than some hotel rooms I have stayed in. There was a table and chairs where we could sit and take in the view. It was such a unique feature and easily one of the highlights of our stay at Hotel Northampton.
Inside, the room was spacious and comfortable. Harry immediately set up at the desk to work on his LEGO creations, while I sank into the plush bed piled high with pillows. It was the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring.
One of the best things about staying at Hotel Northampton is the location. You can walk right out the front door and be in the heart of downtown. We spent time browsing some of the local shops, including A2Z Science & Learning Toy Store, which is right across the street and one of the best toy stores in the area.
We also explored Thornes Marketplace, a unique indoor shopping space filled with small boutiques. Harry’s favorite stop, of course, was Captain Candy.
One of the biggest highlights of our trip was a surprise visit to East Heaven Spa. If you are traveling with kids who love water, this is such a fun and unexpected activity. You can rent private hot tubs by the hour, and each one has a different setting.
I booked the tea house pavilion without telling Harry what we were doing. When we walked in and he realized it was a hot tub, his face lit up instantly. It ended up being one of the most memorable moments of our trip.
Update: East Heaven Spa was damaged in a fire in 2021 and is currently rebuilding at a new location in Easthampton.
My biggest surprise for Harry was yet to come. See, whenever there is a pool at a hotel, most kids run and jump in. Harry, on the other hand, is my hot tub buddy. He and I head straight to the hot tub and sink it with a collective Ahhhhhhhh.
At the East Heaven Spa in Northampton, you can rent a hot tub by the hour. And not just any hot tub. There are nine unique tubs to choose from. You can sit on the roof in the winter and watch the snow come down or you can rent an outdoor tub with a covered pavilion.
I chose the tea house pavilion. Harry had no idea what we were doing. Our bathing suits were hidden in my bag. I told him we were going to feed fish, because, well, it’s all I could come up with.
We were led out to our room and when we walked into this huge cedar tub, he just looked inside, confused. He couldn’t see any fish. When I told him it was a hot tub, a huge smile came across his face and he spared no time jumping in. It was a really fun surprise and a highlight of our trip.
Update: East Heaven suffered extensive damage in a fire in 2021. They have just begun construction on a new location at 150 Northampton Street in Easthampton, MA.
Dining options at the Hotel Northampton
Dining at Hotel Northampton is convenient, with on-site options including the Coolidge Park Café, which is open for lunch and dinner. The Wiggins Tavern, known for its cozy atmosphere and popular brunch, was closed during our visit.
For dinner, we walked to Fitzwilly’s, which is just a short stroll from Hotel Northampton. Between the food and a very competitive game of hangman, it was one of those simple moments that still makes us laugh.
Harry gave me a four letter word, _oo_. The clue was how I feel when I leave the toy store. “Easy! Poor!”
Harry laughed so hard he spit chocolate milk across the table. The answer was good.
Staying at Hotel Northampton was more than just a hotel stay. It was a chance to slow down and spend meaningful one-on-one time together. Traveling solo with each of my kids has become something I truly value. Without siblings around, the dynamic shifts completely. We talked more, laughed more, and connected in a different way.
Hotel Northampton is truly one of the best places to stay in the Pioneer Valley. With its historic charm, unbeatable location, and spacious rooms, it is a wonderful choice for families visiting Northampton, Massachusetts. From notable guests like the Dalai Lama and Bob Dylan to families like ours, Hotel Northampton continues to be a memorable place to stay.
Keep exploring
New England Travel Guides
Looking for more travel inspiration? Explore our in-depth destination guide, where we highlight the best hotels, must-visit destinations, and exciting activities across New England. From charming coastal towns to scenic mountain retreats, we’ve covered all the top spots to stay, play, and explore.
Pin for later-
