Lark Hotels, the lifestyle hotel company with boutique properties in destinations throughout the U.S., has reopened flagship Portsmouth, NH property, The Hotel Portsmouth. Originally built in 1881 by ship merchant and businessman John E. Sise, the hotel is a classic example of Queen Anne Victorian architecture and served as one of the port city’s first independent lodging establishments.
Initially acquired by Lark Hotels in 2014, this complete reinvention breathes new life into a storied property with a mix of modern elements and classic Americana motifs.
“From original crown moldings and working fireplaces to meticulous woodwork around its central staircase, we have always been in awe of The Hotel Portsmouth’s architectural charm,” said Rob Blood, founder/president, Lark Hotels and principal, Elder & Ash. “This new look honors the building’s innate beauty and celebrates the rich culture of the city and region in an unexpected way. We’re thrilled to unveil this new take on a quintessentially New England hotel.”
“We find the arts and culture scene of Portsmouth to be unique,” added Megan Kennedy, creative director, Lark Hotels and principal, Elder & Ash. “Historic landmarks like the Strawbery Banke Museum are met with more contemporary counterparts, like 3S Art Space. Venues like Jimmy’s Jazz Club, the Seacoast Repertory Theater and The Music Hall, just to name a few, give our guests an unparalleled opportunity for a cultural experience in this small city. We wanted The Hotel Portsmouth to emulate and add to this experience. Instead of just a place to stay, we aimed for it to tell a visual story of its deeply New England roots, both past and present.”
Led by boutique design firm Elder & Ash, The Hotel Portsmouth’s redesign combines modern sophistication with the warmth of traditional New England charm. Rich reds and blues form the foundational colors of the interiors, complimented by quintessential Americana patterns, lively geometrics and overt nods to maritime history. A myriad of patterns working together create a rich, layered experience that is comfortable yet spirited and feels collected while remaining polished, a design philosophy that evokes and a sense of familiarity. All 32 guestrooms also highlight photographs by American photographer Slim Aarons, alongside contemporary street art, historic original landscapes, and portrait paintings.
“The bold and layered approach to the design is how we’re expressing Americana as a technique more so than as a visual picture. Modern Americana design for this project was much more than stars, stripes and patchwork quilts (while there are still many of those), it was about noticing how multiple patterns and textures and colors come to feel like ‘Americana’. Tribal mud cloths work harmoniously with Greek key motifs, and while some would argue about heritage—we saw it as an opportunity to emulate the melting pot,” said Kennedy.
A subterranean bar area, Lucy & John’s, will be coming soon on The Hotel Portsmouth’s base level and will offer guests and locals a cozy and inviting entertainment space. Outfitted with a billiards table and multiple intimate seating groupings, it serves as the perfect place to gather to end the day. New to the hotel is a full liquor license, allowing for batched cocktails and canned beer and wine alongside light bites.
Additional common spaces continue the pull of nostalgia by blending small-town American charm with one-of-a-kind furnishings. Behind the reception desk, a gift boutique offers a selection of designer vintage clothing, modern American home decor and locally made curios.
Photography: Read McKendree and Lark Hotels
