Kentville on the Ocean, Hampton

I stayed in the Kentville last summer because I have family in nearby Portsmouth, and wanted to stay on the beach. I will admit that when I was first planning my trip, I was a bit put off by the reviews online. But when I went to the website, and I called to talk to them, they were so friendly and informative that I decided to give it a try. The hotel was just as charming as the woman on the phone. When we were looking for the hotel (located right on Ocean Blvd, Rt1A!), I saw a blue and white cape with bright pink flowers cascading off of every window and every rail. It was gorgeous, and I was glad to find out that this was my hotel! The prime beach parking is assigned and free for guests, and is right next to the hotel. This hotel is family-owned, and it shows: everything from the staff to the furniture in the rooms gives you the feel of a very personal stay. The manager is the owners' daughter, and she works just as hard as any of her employees at keeping the guests happy. She knew most of the customers by name, even though some had only been here once before. They get a high number of repeat guests. The location of the hotel is also wonderful, probably the best on the New Hampshire seacoast. The prices are low ($130) for the average room, and for a spectacular suite on the front of the house, the cost is worth it for the view. From Hampton Beach, the ocean view is completely unimpeded: you can see straight on to England! Even from their front porch (great spot on a summer night), you can see the tankers going by at sea. The hotel is right on the end of the strip, so you are walking distance to everything, but you don't have people constantly walking by on the sidewalk, which means it's quieter. The only downfalls I found to this hotel are that, since it's a small business, the rooms run out fast, and it's not open in the winter (but then, nothing else in Hampton is either, so you don't really need to be there then.) The hotel is also not smoke-free yet, which can potentially cause problems for the next one in the room, if they didn't follow the rules to smoke on the deck. But for this hotel, I'd say it's worth it.

The staff at the Kentville were friendly. Our room was very small for family of four, but we were thankful the a/c was working because it was very hot. It's a tough climb to the third floor, but the view is pretty. I wish we had a room closer to the front of the building. And the balcony isn't private.

The house itself looks beautiful from the outside, but the rooms need some updating. The rugs need to be replaced , the rooms could be better cleaned, the fan in the bathroom was full of dust, the chair in our room was full of stains as well as the bedcover.The whole inside could use a face-lift, I will not return

I really should not write this as this place is the gem at Hampton Beach. It is sort of undiscovered, but I will say it is a wonderful place to stay and enjoy the Beach. By the way, a Hampton Beach Vacation is just like you remember from the 60's..... Enjoy

PLEASE READ BEFORE BOOKING A ROOM !!! There is NO better location on this beach than the Kentville Hotel. Right across from the beach and great views from almost anywhere. Yes prices seem high, but considering the qulaity other area hotels (The ashworth by the sea) are offering at twice the price; this hotel is a STEAL!! Great views, friendly-knowledgeable staff, and pleasant/informed management make KENTVILLE our NEW HOTEL OF CHOICE!! Great Job everyone and dont forget to ask JOE (the manager) for his restaurant recommendation!!

Although I thought the staff was very friendly and accomodating, I wouldn't go back. I made a last minute booking, and a double room with side sea view was quoted as $149 ++. Well, for $149, even during peak season, I expect the room to be immactulately clean, and functioning. Modern decor and 300 thread count sheets I would like, but do not expect. The room was very basic, and while the sheets were clean, the carpet was not vacuumed, the shower curtain rod had broken leaving the shower curtain pooling in the tub, the tub did not drain, and the bathroom exhuast fan was caked with dust. When we realized the tub didn't drain, called down, and was told they would look after it. Of course, next time we go to use shower, same thing. Call down again, and was told it had been fixed. Mind you, housekeeping did come up right away, but were unable to fix anything and we wanted to shower and leave. All in all, a wonderful location, but too expensive for what it was - outdated rooms and burnt coffee.

I grew up spending my summers at Hampton Beach and my mother worked at the Kentville many, many years ago. It has been our pleasure to re-discover the Kentville, over the past couple of years, and we are comforted knowing that there is at least one place on this beautiful beach that you can get away from the nastiness that has taken over so much of the beach. The hotel owner/staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. The accommodations are warm, clean, and quite adequate, including a refrigerator and microwave that come in handy. Each room has it's own little balcony; the lobby is quite welcoming; and the hotel is well maintained and adorned with lovely flowers. Our favorite thing is the porch, with it's rocking chairs. We really enjoy the place ! Ron & Pat

Some of the rooms need a bit of updating. We did end up renting the last room they had so of course was not as great. But the people that work there are wonderful & friendly.

wonderfully located, with old style service and conversation in the lobby. lots of board games for relaxing afternoon on the porch. Thanx Kentville.

We travel up to Hampton Beach almost every year, and for the last several years we have stayed at the Kentville. We just returned from another trip and were very satisfied with our stay. The staff is friendly and helpful. The lobby is welcoming. The rooms are fine. We have graduated to the more expensive rooms, and they are better, but the cheaper rooms are adequate for an inexpensive, basic stay at the beach.