Traveling Solo? Portsmouth, NH Welcomes You with Open Arms

Traveling on your own can be one of life’s great pleasures—an invitation to slow down, follow your own pace, and experience a place fully on your own terms. If you’re planning a solo getaway, Portsmouth, New Hampshire is the perfect destination, and our hotel is ready to welcome you with the kind of hospitality that makes you feel right at home, whether you're here for a weekend or for a longer stay.

Simple, Seamless Check-In for Solo Travelers
At our hotel, check-in is a breeze. With thoughtful, contactless options and warm, personalized service just a phone call away, you can arrive and settle in without a fuss. Many of our solo travelers tell us how much they appreciate the quiet charm of our rooms—perfect for curling up with a book or enjoying a peaceful evening after a day of exploring. Sink into a plush, comfortable bed dressed in high-quality linens that invite you to relax, unwind, and enjoy a restful night’s sleep.

A Safe and Supportive Place for Solo Women Travelers
If you’re a woman traveling on your own, safety is likely top of mind—and rightly so. One of the reasons solo travelers, especially women, feel comfortable in Portsmouth is the town’s welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community.

Portsmouth is a walkable, well-lit city with a lively but relaxed energy. Locals are friendly, the streets are active day and night (especially around Market Square), and it’s common to see solo visitors dining, shopping, or strolling the waterfront with confidence and ease.

Restaurants and cafés are accommodating to solo guests, and the small size of the city makes it easy to navigate without a car. Whether you're walking back from a show at The Music Hall or enjoying dinner on an outdoor patio, you’re never far from home base—and rarely without others around.

Need a quick question answered or a recommendation? Shopkeepers, baristas, and staff around town are approachable and happy to help. Our hotel is also staffed and monitored with your comfort and security in mind, and we’re always just a phone call or text away if you need anything once we’re off duty from the front desk.

Dining on Your Terms
Portsmouth is a food lover’s town, and dining solo here is easy and enjoyable. Cozy up to the bar at Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café for oysters and a glass of wine, or grab a seat at the bar at Cure or Massimo’s and enjoy a great meal and drinks  in a warm and convivial space. Prefer a low-key meal? Order fresh sushi or other Japanese specialties through room service from Nichinan and enjoy dining in your own space—no need to dress up or make a reservation.

Coffee, Cafés, and Morning Wanders
Start your day with a quiet walk to Maison Navarre, Elephantine Bakery or Cup of Joe, where the smell of freshly brewed coffee and pastries lingers in the air. Bring a book, sit by the window, and watch the town wake up around you—or take your drink to go and stroll along the water.

Solo Adventures Await
Portsmouth is the kind of town that invites you to meander. Spend a few hours immersed in history at Strawbery Banke Museum, where centuries-old homes and costumed interpreters bring the past to life. Take a guided walking tour by the Historical Society around Market Square to learn the secrets behind the city’s brick facades and hidden alleys.

Love to browse? You’ll find a mix of independent shops, local bookstores, and curated boutiques that reward slow wandering. Looking for a little self-care? Treat yourself to a massage or facial at one of the nearby day spas—we’re happy to recommend a few favorites.

Evenings, Your Way
Evenings in Portsmouth are just as special. During the summer, you might take in a concert or performance at Prescott Park, where the salty air, flowers, and stage lights create pure coastal magic. The Music Hall, the Music Hall Lounge and Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues Club, all around the corner from Hotel Thaxter, provide a variety of shows and films almost every night of the week. Or simply pour a glass of wine, cue up your favorite playlist, and enjoy the peace of your private room.

You Belong Here
Whether you’re adventuring solo by design or simply treating yourself to some much-needed alone time, Portsmouth has all the ingredients for a perfect stay: history, charm, great food, and the gentle rhythm of a town that invites you to slow down and savor.

We’ll be here when you’re ready—and when you are, we’ll make sure your solo escape is restful, enjoyable, and entirely your own.