Northeast Getaways: From Luxury to Affordable
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Inn at Stonington - Stonington, Connecticut
Little Stonington, a Colonial fishing village facing the frothy Atlantic Ocean (the rest of the Connecticut's coast, to the west, fringes milder Long Island Sound), is refreshingly free of crass commercialism or chain shops. Until the tony Inn at Stonington opened in the early '00s, there were no accommodations here either. But this 18-room property comprising two neighboring buildings has been a great success. Within steps of four excellent restaurants, a charming town beach, and a small history museum installed inside an old lighthouse, the property looks superficially like one of Stonington's well-preserved 18th-century fishing captain's mansions. Inside, however, rooms reflect a more contemporary style, from the deep two-person whirlpool tubs to gas fireplaces and central air-conditioning. Furnishings differ in each unit, but all have original artwork, beautiful custom-made wooden beds, and plush linens.

Inn at Sunrise Point - Camden, Maine
Occupying one of coastal Maine's classic shingle-style mansions - what wealthy summer folks referred to as "cottages" a century ago - this vintage inn anchors a 4-acre oceanfront estate on Penobscot Bay and contains three gorgeously furnished rooms. Each has a fireplace, VCR/DVD, and oversized tub and shower. Additionally, four posh cottages sit alongside the water - these are more secluded and romantic, with decks and two-person whirlpool tubs. Accommodations are named for famed Maine residents, including painter Winslow Homer and poet (and lesbian) May Sarton. A lavish breakfast is presented each morning in a sunny conservatory. A short drive away, the village of Camden, which buzzes with restaurants and shops, overlooks a yacht-filled harbor.

The Affordable Inns

The Taylor House B&B, Boston, Massachusetts
Boston has among the highest lodging rates in North America, so finding a romantic, gorgeously furnished inn with rates for doubles starting around $160 is no small accomplishment. Sure, there are even cheaper inns and chain motels in the area, but this Italianate Victorian bed-and-breakfast oozes charm and character. The inn, run by partners Dave Elliott and Daryl Bichel (along with two very friendly golden retrievers), is on a quiet side street in the lesbian-chic Jamaica Plain neighborhood; it's just steps from several funky cafes and shops, and an easy bus or subway ride from the rest of Boston. The 1855 structure is one of the great old mansions of Jamaica Plain's heyday - one room has a decorative fireplace, and all have queen-size sleigh beds and TVs with VCRs.
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