Ale House Inn

My husband and I went to Portsmouth to see a show at the Seacoast Rep. The Ale House was exactly what we needed for this stay. The room was clean, they communicated well and there were not a of other people so our stay was quiet. A place for couples and solos

Oh boy…...the marketing and advertising department deserve their salaries a Lark Hotels! I had booked this Inn previously but had to cancel because my plans changed but was hell bent on booking Ale House Inn again, specifically because I was drawn to the pics on their website. I loved the exposed brick interior of the main entrance with it's cozy couch and fireplace (which I believe is decorative) and the availability to borrow the bikes on property to explore Portsmouth as a first timer. So let's start there… the day of our arrival we received an email from the Inn giving us or room number and instructions on how to gain entry to the building as it is mostly managed "off premises" meaning communications are through text, email or phone not in person. Next were the instructions on the parking situation, which is at an additional fee of $35/day to park across the street in a church parking lot (if there is availability) We arrive to the address but were slightly confused as we were looking for a street level building after all, we couldn't wait to walk the bikes out the front door to explore the amazing city of Portsmouth. What the website OMITS is that this Inn is located on the 2nd floor of a building that is shared with the Seacoast Repertory Theatre and another private business. (see photos attached) and had thirteen steps just to get to outer entrance which has a coded door. (they sent us the code in an email the day of arrival) then we still have take an elevator up one floor to the Inn. There was no reception area, more so it was an actual desk in an alcove next to the laundry area. (see photo) When we got into our room there I could see that something was under the chair and when I reached for it, it was a "can of wart remover spray" yuck that was left behind. that prompted me to perform a more thorough inspection to see what else wasn't cleaned….answer? under the bed (see photo) The glass shelf was also missing from the vanity mirror over the sink and you can't control the temperature (A/C) Next, we grab two bikes located on the first floor near the elevator to explore the city. I'm 53 years old and fit however I do have cancer and undergo treatment so getting a bike down 13 steps was not easy and my husband had to get the bike back up for me as it was an epic task! Putting all of that aside, "The Ale House Inn' is listed on Trip Advisor as a Bed & Breakfast, which it is NOT! When I reached out to corporate (Lark Hotel Brands) three times to rectify this file advertising I was never responded to which came as no surprise when I later looked up other reviews in which customer complaints are not addressed, but just given a "cookie cutter" response of Thank you for staying with us, hope to see you again! I guess this is what happens when you have disgruntled employees (and yes two were complaining about their workload in the hallway) and you don't have to look the customer in the face…it's called accountability Lark Hotels!

Air conditioning turned up, all night We had no control.No view of Portsmouth,Peeling shower walls.Somewhat confusing check in( numerous memos, pad key entrance door, app room key which turned into using conventional plastic key).Overworked staff who left at 4PM every day. Did not adjust to a Boutique INN!!! Nice location though, The gentleman behind the desk was excellent although I don t believe he will be there long.

They do not have FREE network TV which is broadcast for FREE in HD with a simple antenna. Missed Monday Night Football. Never have I stayed anywhere overnight without regular FREE network TV. This is a first and never again experience. Can’t believe I have to check that in advance now.

Let me be brief- this place is an utter and complete dump. It's amazing what they can do with photos. It's not hip, not cool; it is a textbook example of how not to run an inn or any place in the hospitality business. The decor is totally cheesy, there is no one managing the place and it badly needed a good cleaning. Don't waste your money or time staying here.

The Ale House Inn is certainly unique. Best part is it’s location. The In. Is actually an upper floor of a converted industrial building. A playhouse is at street level. The one floor, 10 room, inn is the “second” floor. There is a lounge area when you first walk in with on tap nitro coffee either iced or hot and a water tap. Complimentary snacks (chips, granola bars, etc) are also there with a selection of games. Our room was small, outlets not plentiful, but clean. I have a bad back and the bed did not cause issues. There is not someone staffed here all the time so you need to call a sister property across town if you need or want anything. We had an issue with the tub. They tried to fix it, but a professional plumber was most likely needed. While not staffed, they did leave a full selection of towels and toiletries out so you can get what you need in a self serve manner. There are no food services here, but a short walk to many great breakfast to late night options nearby.

Great location, but a strange hotel with seemingly no one in charge after 5:00 pm! No maid service, yet an envelope was left on the table in our room for a maid’s tip! Downstairs is the Repertory theater and a bar. Only 10 rooms in one long corridor on the 2nd floor, condo’s on the 3rd floor. Air conditioning was broken but each room had a portable loud air conditioner with a fat hose looped out of the window. Small bathroom with a shower over the tub; water collected in the tub when one showered. The rooms and bathrooms desperately need updating. We only stayed 2 nights and I was happy to leave.

This is the best place to stay when attending the Seacoast Repertory Theater. It's in the same building, there is parking (for a fee) available across the street, and a short walk to multiple restaurants for pre or post performance. The staff makes appearances, and are always readily available by text. The room was comfortable and clean.

The hotel is close to everything you’d want to do in Portsmouth, a few minute walk to most places in general. The concierge was very helpful and the texting/call option was very convenient and staff were responsive. They had extras like robes, an umbrella, fans. All in all great place to stay !