There are plenty of hotels in Exeter, NH but nobody offers the same family-friendly experience as the Inn by the Bandstand, one of New Hampshire’s best bed and breakfasts. Our history of excellent ratings, tastefully adorned rooms, prime location in the city and award-winning restaurants, ensures that our accommodations and staff will offer you a superb stay while visiting one of the top twenty-four most charming towns of New England.
The Inn by the Bandstand has a storied history with families of the Phillips Exeter Academy. Our staff have served hundreds of visiting families and understand how to create a welcoming, comfortable environment you can call home during your stay. We do recommend that families book one of our suites in order to accomodate the group in comfort. Each suite can house several family members and includes a kitchenette for your convenience. Our breakfast menu includes something for everyone – from the picky tot to the growing teenager, our chefs are prepared to serve your family a satisfying first meal of the day before you embark on your adventures.
Our hotel in Exeter, NH is centrally located among plenty of activities the entire family can enjoy in any stage of life. Whether you’re here to experience the crisp, snowy days outdoors, to absorb the history of our community, or simply seeking some quality time with your loved ones, this iconic city has plenty of things to do for your family this winter. Book your stay today!
View Our Rooms
View Our Specials
Make A Reservation

Stay at the Best Hotel in Exeter, NH
The Inn by the Bandstand is and award-winning boutique hotel de Charge and rated one of the best hotels in Exeter, NH. Located in the heart of historic downtown Exeter, New Hampshire, it is one of the premier places to stay in the New Hampshire Seacoast. Housed in an historic 1809 Federal-style mansion, it is only two blocks from the prestigious Phillips Exeter Academy, eight miles from the seacoast, 20 minutes from Portsmouth and Manchester’s airport is 30 minutes away.
For over 200 years, the Sullivan-Sleeper House has been the ‘grande dame’ of downtown historic Exeter. The house changed hands several times after Sullivan passed away in 1838. By 1970, the building was purchased by the Exeter Historical Society and repurposed into apartments. Today the Sullivan-Sleeper house is a home away from home called “Inn by the Bandstand” welcoming visitors from near and far to our historic town.
With eight beautifully furnished rooms to choose from, your room will be an elegant, comfortable home during your visit. Each room features precious antiques and works of art, all with private baths, top of the line linens and seven with working fireplaces, the perfect place to land after enjoying the day with your loved ones.
For parents visiting their student at the Philips Exeter Academy who are looking to enjoy a romantic weekend away, we suggest the Phillips suite, located on the second floor overlooking the Bandstand and the historic downtown. With the original crown molding and fireplace mantle, along with the imposing king size four poster mahogany rice bed and other precious antiques, Phillips impresses and is extremely popular with couples! We recommend you set aside some time to connect over dinner and cocktails at Otis. Restaurant.
If you’re here with the whole family, we recommend one of two large suites, such as the Exeter suite, with a king bed and two twin beds in a separate room or one of our junior suites with king beds, such as the Adams suite. For your family’s convenience, we also offer roll-out beds upon request and rooms with kitchenettes. Unwind at the end of the day with dessert from our creative chefs at Ambrose Restaurant and enjoy our fine selection of wine that will pair perfectly with whatever you choose from our contemporary menu.
We look forward to greeting the whole family this Winter when you book your stay at one of the best hotels in Exeter, NH: The Inn by the Bandstand.
View Our Rooms
View Our Specials
Make A Reservation

Best Things to do in Exeter, NH this Winter
Surrounding the best hotels in Exeter, NH are some of the most memorable family activities for your winter excursions. New Hampshire is home to rich American history, thrilling outdoor experiences and plenty of excellent dining options for all. The Inn by the Bandstand is proud to recommend our very own acclaimed Ambrose Restaurant with contemporary options and Otis Restaurant featuring a modern farm-to-table menu.
Begin planning your trip to Exeter here or upon arrival when one of our staff members can assist at the Inn by the Bandstand.
- Brush up on your national history at the American Independence Museum.
- Learn to skate or get a family hockey game going at the Rinks at Exeter.
- Take ski lessons or try the terrain park at Bradford Ski Area.
- Coordinate your stay with the performing arts calendar at Phillips Exeter Academy.
- Bundle up and try this easy, 2.5 mile hike at Little River Conservation Area
- Look for wildlife, hike or watch the waves at the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
- For performing art lovers, check out what’s happening at the Word Barn.
- Ski, snowboard or snow tube at McIntyre Ski Area.
- Cheer on Big Red at one of the sporting events at Phillips Exeter Academy.
- Enjoy one of Exeter’s many community events.
Exeter is known for stunning Victorian architecture and memorable art galleries, so even just a stroll down the sidewalk can be an enjoyable family affair. You’ll be sure to return from your trip with plenty of noteworthy stories and sights no matter how you spend your time! You can also find more things to do in Exeter, NH here.