The Emerson Inn is a classic Massachusetts oceanfront hotel, perfectly situated between panoramic Halibut Point and charming Bearskin Neck, in Rockport. With over 150 years of history, our Rockport hotel has welcomed travelers from near and far seeking rest and relaxation on scenic Pigeon Cove in a relaxing, natural oceanfront setting.
Beautifully restored to offer our guests modern amenities and conveniences while maintaining the charm & grace of yesteryear, the inn is a perfect getaway for North Shore family vacations, romantic getaways on Cape Ann, or solo travelers seeking rest & respite along the ruggedly beautiful Cape Ann coastline.
Beautifully restored to offer our guests modern amenities and conveniences while maintaining the charm & grace of yesteryear, the inn is a perfect getaway for North Shore family vacations, romantic getaways on Cape Ann, or solo travelers seeking rest & respite along the ruggedly beautiful Cape Ann coastline.
Services
The Emerson Inn has a storied history that dates back the 1850's, when what is now The Emerson Inn served as a drinking establishment. In 1856, Hannah Jumper famously launched a raid destroying all alcoholic spirits in Rockport, putting the owner of the building out of business.
At this time the summer tourism industry was just beginning to discover scenic Rockport, and the "Pigeon Cove House" was opening to serve as an inn for tourists and the carriage trade of the day.As one of Rockport's first hotels, the inn attracted the New England elite and many other notable authors and artists, including Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.
At this time the summer tourism industry was just beginning to discover scenic Rockport, and the "Pigeon Cove House" was opening to serve as an inn for tourists and the carriage trade of the day.As one of Rockport's first hotels, the inn attracted the New England elite and many other notable authors and artists, including Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.
The Emerson Inn's accommodations feature a range of unique rooms that can fit anyone's particular needs, from families to single travelers. For those special occassions, we have well-appointed ocean view rooms with enclosed balconies, spa tubs, and two-bedroom suites that offer two seperate sleeping areas for families and groups.
Stunning ocean view rooms featuring a king bed and spa tub. These rooms are ideal for romantic getaways or travelers that want to enjoy the spaciousness of our largest rooms. Due to the historic nature of the property, individual rooms may vary in size and layout. Please contact the hotel directly for specific requests.
Guests of The Emerson Inn enjoy a unique combination of thoughtful amenities and genuine hospitality. From our historic parlor to our stunning ocean view pool, The Emerson Inn is characterized by its blend of bygone charm and modern amenities travelers seek today.
With many welcoming spaces and comfortable guest rooms, the inn invites relaxation, while providing superb scenery from which to watch stunning sunrises and soak in the peace and tranquility of our lovely Rockport hotel.The Parlor Bar offers a ragtime jazz era, with comfortable seating, and local art adorning the walls.
With many welcoming spaces and comfortable guest rooms, the inn invites relaxation, while providing superb scenery from which to watch stunning sunrises and soak in the peace and tranquility of our lovely Rockport hotel.The Parlor Bar offers a ragtime jazz era, with comfortable seating, and local art adorning the walls.
Rockport, Massachusetts is most famous as an art colony and oceanfront retreat, having welcomed famous philosophers like Ralph Waldo Emerson (of whom the Inn is named after) and David Thoreau. Today, vacationers sunbathe on the rocks and beaches, take walks through the woods or along the shore, stroll through historic Bearskin Neck, or watch the whales from boats out of Rockport or Gloucester.
Reviews (19)
R. B.
Aug 05, 2021
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Sarah M.
Aug 31, 2020
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Lorraine D.
Aug 03, 2020
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I came to this beautiful inn for a long weekend once restrictions started to lift in the Northeast. I was very impressed with how well they handled all of the Covid protocols. I felt extremely safe. Literally everyone in the hotel, as well as the town of Rockport in general, wore masks essentially any time but eating and swimming. My room, while small, was beautiful, clean, and the view was unbeatable. I left the shades up so that I woke up every morning to watch a beautiful sunrise. My room included a $100 voucher towards The Pigeon Cove Tavern, which is the on-site restaurant. I had the best
Carol T.
Jul 14, 2020
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There are no elevators as this is an old Inn, not a modern remake of an old inn, its the real deal. I have balance and leg weakness issues and the stairs were well worth the view. Also the staff is more than willing to help with luggage.
I had a single room with a queen sized bed that couldn't have been more comfortable. The room itself was spotlessly clean. I have been in 4 and 5 star modern hotels that were not as clean. The view was the star though, a panoramic view of the ocean, no other decoration needed.
The staff could not have been more responsive or accommodating. Everyone was
I had a single room with a queen sized bed that couldn't have been more comfortable. The room itself was spotlessly clean. I have been in 4 and 5 star modern hotels that were not as clean. The view was the star though, a panoramic view of the ocean, no other decoration needed.
The staff could not have been more responsive or accommodating. Everyone was
Frank T.
Feb 28, 2020
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We woke up with water dripping through the ceiling. The first night was very dark no lights in the parking lot or on the porch with tables and chairs. Until we finally went to the front desk and asked about lights on the front porch so we could sit outside and play cards. Staying two nights not enough shampoo to wash one person's hair. When we asked the front desk for an extra towel we got a snooty remark from a girl about how we each needed an extra towel.
Mary Ann C.
Sep 11, 2019
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Ona K.
Aug 18, 2019
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This gorgeous oceanfront inn site is fabulous. Our bed was comfy and bathroom adorable. Clean facilities and friendly staff were much appreciated. Front porch rockers and dinner on the tavern end of the seaside porch were absolutely delightful.
This would have been a 5 star review but for two issues.
One, the kitchen seemed to have trouble keeping up with a generous supply of hot coffee, milk, fruit, eggs etc. at breakfast which, disappointingly, operates only from 8-9:30am. On weekends especially it would be nice to extend breakfast to 10am.
Two, the gardens and potted plants throughout
This would have been a 5 star review but for two issues.
One, the kitchen seemed to have trouble keeping up with a generous supply of hot coffee, milk, fruit, eggs etc. at breakfast which, disappointingly, operates only from 8-9:30am. On weekends especially it would be nice to extend breakfast to 10am.
Two, the gardens and potted plants throughout
Neil J.
Jun 05, 2019
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I was only here for one night but I really liked this place. Beautiful view of the ocean, some nice walking paths nearby to get closer to the ocean. Cool front porch with rocking chairs. I didn't have food here so can't weigh in on that. Staff was nice in a refreshingly non-corporate way -- bellhop was a nice local kid working there for summer. You can't easily walk into town from here which is too bad, but it's a short drive. The room didn't have a digital alarm clock which I disliked but I guess we all have phones now so that's nitpicking
Annie W.
May 13, 2019
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We had our wedding at the Emerson Inn at the end of April and were so happy with the experience. Candice, the Events Manager, and Emily, the Guest Services Manager, were both incredible throughout the whole process of booking the Inn, rooms, and putting together our wedding. Candice is so detail oriented and thinks of the small things that will make the experience better for you and your guests.
The rooms are lovely, clean, and very comfortable (the beds are awesome). The food from the Pigeon Cove Tavern was great-we did a buffet and all the food was delicious-and breakfast was yummy as well
The rooms are lovely, clean, and very comfortable (the beds are awesome). The food from the Pigeon Cove Tavern was great-we did a buffet and all the food was delicious-and breakfast was yummy as well
Jim L.
Sep 28, 2018
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I am not one to write reviews often but I read on this location before booking and there was a commonality of staff being rude. I have to say most seem to not care about anything while they are working which is disappointing. And get off your phone at work when your behind the desk, Facebook can wait kids.
Meg H.
Jul 19, 2018
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If you are looking for a quiet, relaxing stay in Rockport, this is an excellent choice. The facility is top-notch, beautifully maintained, and comfortably appointed.
Be aware that the amenities of the village are not within walking distance, however, nor do the rooms offer fridges or coffeemakers. Thus, if you are a coffee addict as I am, you must rely on the friendly dining room staff to set up coffee early each morning in the grand, lovely lobby overlooking the sea. This worked out well on two of the three days we were here. On the third day, oops, not so much. I guess someone overslept that
Be aware that the amenities of the village are not within walking distance, however, nor do the rooms offer fridges or coffeemakers. Thus, if you are a coffee addict as I am, you must rely on the friendly dining room staff to set up coffee early each morning in the grand, lovely lobby overlooking the sea. This worked out well on two of the three days we were here. On the third day, oops, not so much. I guess someone overslept that
Ray V.
Aug 15, 2017
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So we just took an Uber all the way to the Inn since they advertised music this evening... and, just in case, had even confirmed that was the case by phone this afternoon..... well NO music and no one knows why the two people that confirmed it was a go when we called didn't know.. clueless!
If your going to run an Inn, someone that answers the phone should know what the hell is going on..
Very disappointed having wasted the time and expense of trekking both ways from down town Gloucester.
Lesson to others... don't trust what they tell you in their ads or on the phone it seems.
If your going to run an Inn, someone that answers the phone should know what the hell is going on..
Very disappointed having wasted the time and expense of trekking both ways from down town Gloucester.
Lesson to others... don't trust what they tell you in their ads or on the phone it seems.
Dan W.
Jul 21, 2017
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A very pleasant place for a reasonable price, which includes a good old fashioned American buffet breakfast (Pancakes, eggs, bacon, home fries, bagels, fruit, etc.). The main dining room has a relatively ambitious dinner menu which does not quite reach the expected level of culinary excellence. Lettuce wrapped pork bellies, for example, sounded great and actually tasted pretty good- but the pork bellies were tough and chewy- the opposite of what you would expect. They do need to get an espresso machine no later than next week. Please.
Staff is young and unusually well-trained. Very friendly
Staff is young and unusually well-trained. Very friendly
A. T.
Nov 26, 2016
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I very much enjoyed my overnight stay at the Inn. I'd defintely return here.
I was pleasantly surprised as I was upgraded for free to a two-room suite from a single room. The suite was very clean with a Queen-size bed. The bathroom was bright with a bathtub/shower. The room was on the fourth (the top) floor and while there was no elevator, I enjoyed the exercise. (The front desk informed us that someone was available to carry our bags, but we did not need the help.) It was a cold day in late November and the room's heating was excellent. The WiFi worked perfectly and was free.
I was pleasantly surprised as I was upgraded for free to a two-room suite from a single room. The suite was very clean with a Queen-size bed. The bathroom was bright with a bathtub/shower. The room was on the fourth (the top) floor and while there was no elevator, I enjoyed the exercise. (The front desk informed us that someone was available to carry our bags, but we did not need the help.) It was a cold day in late November and the room's heating was excellent. The WiFi worked perfectly and was free.
Jill M.
May 31, 2016
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The new Emerson Inn dining room/ pub is a bit disappointing. The food is good and well presented, but the atmosphere is odd! Everything charming about the old inn is gone. The new owners cleaned up the look, but it still looks like a dining room ... before the tables are set.
The biggest disappointment is the porch! For me, dining on the screened porch was the draw. Now there are no screens and just a few cocktail tables.
I really don't care what the inn wants to call the dining room, just cover those tables and put the screens back in!
The biggest disappointment is the porch! For me, dining on the screened porch was the draw. Now there are no screens and just a few cocktail tables.
I really don't care what the inn wants to call the dining room, just cover those tables and put the screens back in!
Matthew A.
Oct 25, 2015
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My coworkers and I attended a daytime leadership retreat here this past summer in August.
Spectacular views and location!
We set up in the downstairs meeting area and had a sea view. It was hard to pay attention to the workshop as we all were dreaming of the sea and the view.
The buffet lunch was very very good and nicely presented.
Parking was tight, but we all found a spot on the lot or nearby street.
I want to come back!!
Spectacular views and location!
We set up in the downstairs meeting area and had a sea view. It was hard to pay attention to the workshop as we all were dreaming of the sea and the view.
The buffet lunch was very very good and nicely presented.
Parking was tight, but we all found a spot on the lot or nearby street.
I want to come back!!
Courtney R.
Sep 25, 2014
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To begin: Emerson Inn by the Sea is the ultimate choice for a traveler looking for a petite, charming and elegant historic inn. The decor in the Lobby and landings along the Grand Staircase is a delightful hodgepodge of Victorian, Edwardian and maybe a little Art Deco along the way. Expect glass book cases with old volumes of classics and wonderful photos that remind one that this location was a favorite of Ralph Waldo Emerson himself. The exterior of the Inn has a "Grand Dame" feel, slightly weathered but perfectly endearing. There are plenty of large rocking chairs to sit upon on and
Tracy F.
Apr 17, 2013
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My husband and I came here right after we were married in 2009, ever since we come back as this is one of the nicest places to stay in Rockport by far! This is a unique bed and breakfast with a lot of history.
The service, bar, and food is amazing. There is a piano player at night outside of the dinning room which is really nice to hear after a long day. The pool is heated, its nice to take a dip after dinner while the sun is setting.
The views are breathtaking and in an odd way it feels as if you are secluded...amazing.
The service, bar, and food is amazing. There is a piano player at night outside of the dinning room which is really nice to hear after a long day. The pool is heated, its nice to take a dip after dinner while the sun is setting.
The views are breathtaking and in an odd way it feels as if you are secluded...amazing.
Liz R.
Oct 10, 2012
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This has all the pros of an old, quaint inn, but none of the cons. By that I mean the ridiculous stuffiness and "preciousness" that many old inns and B&Bs have (and strive for!) this place is cozy and even child friendly. The outdoor pool is lovely. The breakfast is delicious and plentiful and just right. We just spent 3 wonderful days at the inn and I'm already planning my next visit.
I would have given a five star rating if only the Grand Cafe had more than one vegetarian dinner option.
Overall, a real treat!
I would have given a five star rating if only the Grand Cafe had more than one vegetarian dinner option.
Overall, a real treat!
