Incorporated in 1722, Rochester's main economy was lumbering as the trunks of the white pines surrounding the area were used for the Royal Navy. As more settlers arrived, they began farming in the rich soil to add to the economy and to provide food for themselves. Mail service began in 1768, but it wasn't until 1812 that the first post office became established.
Once the Industrial Revolution began, the area around Rochester filled with textile mills as well as shoe manufacturing companies. These industries provided jobs for thousands of people and the town rapidly grew. Today, high-tech companies, as well as manufacturing, drive the economy of Rochester. Visitors flock to the area for the scenic beauty, the small-town charm, and to learn about the rich history of the area.
No matter your reason for visiting Rochester or how long you plan on staying, there are plenty of lodging options to fit your budget and needs.
When Is the Best Time Of Year To Visit Rochester, NH?
Rochester has four distinct seasons. Summer is the best time of year to visit as the weather is warm. Families on summer vacation enjoy visiting Rochester to engage in outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, paddling, and hiking in the beautiful countryside. Summer is when you'll see the highest rates with limited availability, so book your hotel in advance.
Winters see an abundance of snow with freezing temperatures. Winter is also a busy time of year for those who enjoy playing in the snow. You can go skiing or snowboarding at the nearby ski resorts. The holidays are quite festive in Rochester with the town and businesses decorating for Christmas. If you plan on visiting for the holidays, book your room early.
Early fall is a gorgeous time to visit. The humidity levels have dropped, the tourists have gone home, and it's a great time to go fishing. The area gets quite busy when the leaves change colors in the nearby forests. If you come to Rochester to view the leaves, check the local guides for peak times and book your room early to get a good deal.
Spring is the low season with plenty of rain and lingering snow and you shouldn't have trouble finding a room at a reasonable rate from mid-March to mid-May.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Rochester, NH:
Rochester, NH: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. price trends by star rating class in Rochester, NH. Browse these line graphs to evaluate the most cost effective dates to book a room in Rochester for your upcoming travels.
What Are the Top Hotels in Rochester, NH?
When you want a bit more luxury and amenities, The Silver Fountain Inn and Tea Parlor offer guests a lovely experience. Built in 1871, this Victorian-style inn has Italian carved plaster ceilings, hand-painted wallpaper, marble baseboards, Belgian light fixtures, and much more. Sleep well on plush bedding, and watch cable programs on the flat-screen TV. Upload your vacation photos using free Wi-Fi, and enjoy amenities such as a microwave and mini fridge in your room. In the morning, savor the delicious home-cooked hot breakfast before heading out to explore the Rochester area. Be sure to make reservations in the tea room for an elegant experience.
Another nice hotel with added amenities is the Hampton Inn Dover, just a few miles from downtown Rochester. Start your day with the free hot breakfast and surf the internet with free Wi-Fi. Stay in shape using the fitness center, or swim laps in the heated indoor pool. After a busy day, rest comfortably on premium bedding or relax watching your favorite programs on the 42-inch HDTV. Keep your beverages cold in the mini fridge and heat snacks in the microwave. Take advantage of the complimentary shuttle that takes you to the local area.
Can I Find Budget Hotels in Rochester, NH?
3 Star Average Prices: £135.74
When you're looking for a budget-friendly hotel near Rochester, the Anchorage Inn is a nice choice. Every room has a microwave, mini fridge, and in-room coffee maker for your snacking convenience. Relax on comfortable bedding and enjoy watching expanded cable on a flat-screen TV. It's easy to stay connected with free Wi-Fi in your room. The Anchorage Inn offers fun amenities such as board games, a fireplace in the lobby, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, picnic tables, and gas grills to enjoy dining outside. The hotel is pet-friendly and you can walk them around the beautifully landscaped grounds.
A few miles from Rochester's town center is the Days Inn by Wyndham Dover. This basic hotel offers comfortable bedding and you can keep up on your social media accounts with free Wi-Fi or watch cable programs on the flat-screen TV. Start your day with a free light breakfast after doing laps in the indoor swimming pool. If you're traveling for business, take advantage of the small business center.
2 Star Average Prices: £117.18
Can I Find Hotels With Discounts Near Rochester, NH?
It's always nice to save a little money while on vacation and you can when you stay at hotels that offer discounts. The Comfort Inn & Suites Dover Portsmouth offers discounts to AAA/CAA and AARP members, seniors, government employees, and military personnel. Get a good night's sleep on comfortable bedding or sit back and relax watching cable, HBO or the Sports Channel on the 32-inch flat-screen TV. All rooms have a coffee maker and select rooms have a microwave and mini fridge. Enjoy a free hot breakfast while checking emails with free Wi-Fi. Keep up on your exercise routine working out in the fitness center or take a dip in the year-round, heated indoor pool.
The Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Rochester offers discounts to AAA/CAA members, seniors, government employees, and military personnel. Help yourself to the free hot breakfast buffet to fuel you up before heading out to explore the area. Workout in the fitness center or do laps in the heated indoor pool. At the end of the day, relax on premium bedding and watch cable programs on the 32-inch flat-screen television, or catch up on your social media accounts with free Wi-Fi.
What Hotels Offer Value Options in Rochester, NH?
Why not stay in a hotel that offers you a bit of extra value while visiting Rochester? Homewood Suites by Hilton Dover is a nice mid-range hotel that offers free hot breakfast, and on select days, enjoy the complimentary social hour where you can sip on a beverage while mingling with other guests. If you're traveling for business, the business center offers printers, fax machines, and office supplies. All the rooms/suites come with a fully equipped kitchen so you can prepare your own meals if you choose. Use the dining table to eat on or as an extra workspace. Sleep on premium bedding and use the blackout curtains to ensure a good night's rest or watch premium cable programs on the large flat-screen TV. Take a dip in the heated indoor pool or stay in shape at the fitness center.
The Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dover is another great value-oriented hotel near Rochester, especially if you're traveling as a group. The hotel offers special rates on blocks of rooms to accommodate your group. Sleep peacefully on DreamWell bedding, and wake up refreshed and ready to enjoy your day. Watch cable programs on the flat-screen television and surf the internet with free Wi-Fi. Have a light free breakfast after working out in the fitness center. There are laundry facilities on site-site or you can use the hotel's laundry and dry cleaning services.
What Are the Best Things To Do In Rochester, NH?
One of Rochester's biggest attractions is it's proximity to the White Mountains, the numerous lakes, rivers, and lush forests. During the warmer months, visit Pickering Ponds where you can walk through pristine wilderness with two miles of trails that wind along the banks of the Cocheco River.
Strap on your hiking boots and stroll around the Gonic Trails and up to Isinglass Falls to watch water tumbling over the rocks. This is a beautiful hiking area right outside of town.
Be sure to schedule time to visit the historic Rochester Opera House. The opera house sits on the third and fourth floor of the City Hall built in 1878. The venue featured live performances to entertain the people living in town. Today, the opera house features classical music performances, seasonal performances, comedy acts, and more. The inside of the building is gorgeous with Victorian-style architecture.
Take the kids to the Children's Museum with fun interactive exhibits, lectures, camps, classes, and workshops the kids are sure to enjoy. Or, visit the Rochester Museum of Fine Art to view contemporary art made by artists from around the world. Check their website frequently as many of their exhibits change.
There are lots of restaurants that offer mouth-watering foods, both regional and international. A favorite restaurant that the locals frequent often, is the Windjammer Seafood Restaurant with delectable treats from the ocean.
Whatever brings you to Rochester, know that you'll find just the right hotel room to fit your budget and lifestyle.
FAQs about hotels in Rochester