Shea's Riverside Inn & Motel
Call now
Call now
Website
Call
We offer unbeatable accommodations in Essex, MA and welcome both business and leisure travelers from around the world. Shea's Riverside Inn & Motel is home to 20 rooms in two distinct buildings - The Inn and The Motel. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide any dog-friendly rooms for the 2021/2022 season.

The Inn is an 18th century colonial that was recently renovated and given a new life as the most luxurious place to stay in Essex. This 6 room Inn has retained all of its original charm. From hardwood floors to inviting sitting areas, each room is perfect for visitors in the area for business or leisure travel.
Services
Shea's Riverside Inn & Motel has provided comfortable accommodations in Essex, MA for over 30 years! Like anything, we have changed and grown over the last three decades. One change we are very proud of is certainly the renovation of the large house at the front of our property. The renovation converted the single family Colonial into a 6 room Inn.
The Inn is an 18th century colonial that underwent a complete remodel in the summer of 2015. Whether you are joining us for a romantic getaway or business travel your stay will be an incredible experience. If you are looking for classic accommodations with all of today's conveniences, join us at The Motel.
When luxury, comfort and romance are a priority, The Inn at Shea's Riverside is the perfect fit. Built in 1760, this unique building is now home to 6 private, custom designed rooms. Each room is warm and inviting with hand-selected antiques, dream inducing beds and high end finishes. All rooms include private entrances, fully remodeled bathrooms with walk-in showers and ample lighting.
When you are looking for quintessential New England accommodations, The Motel at Shea's Riverside is the perfect fit. Each room offers a private outside entrance, unique decor, comfortable beds and private bathrooms. All motel rooms include individual climate controls, free WiFi, on-site parking and access to our beautiful riverside grounds.
A comfortable place to rest your head is a huge part of any vacation experience but for many of us, what we eat is equally as important. As a Shea's Riverside Inn & Motel guest we invite you to join us at our sister property, Shea's Riverside Restaurant & Bar for a bite to eat or a toast to your getaway.
Reviews (12)
Robert Port
Robert Port
Nov 28, 2021
Report
Quite comfortable. Reasonably priced. Check in protocal.. awesome. Tom Shea catered our wedding 36 years ago. My best friend was married in the restaurant 37 years ago... I've been taken out of Essex. But Essex will ever be taken out of me. Love you all!💞💝😍
Kim L.
Kim L.
Aug 31, 2021
Report
My wife and I stayed at Shea's Riverside Inn 3 nights by the end of July 2021 as we visited Gloucester. We chose this place after finding the hotels in Gloucester expensive while this place was located right by a scenic river and also only about 15 minutes away from Gloucester. Barry at the front desk was very friendly, caring and professional. He called us before our arrival to remind us how to check in should we have arrived after hours. And on our arrival he gave us all the information about the area.. . Our room was very clean and actually looked like it had been totally renovated lately. There
Douglas Rigby
Douglas Rigby
Aug 16, 2021
Report
Great place to stay right on river great views , beautiful sunsets . We had the small cottage felt like we were all by ourselves . Located near everything you would like to visit.
Barb Borden
Barb Borden
Jul 22, 2021
Report
This is the 2nd year in a row we have been there. First year we stayed in the Inn which is absolutely gorgeous!
This year we stayed in hotel part. Rooms are nice but got spoiled having stayed in Inn. Unfortunately this year's stay we had a bad storm which caused us to lose power. Since it was very hot, Gayle offered to refund us our last night if we chose to leave. Still waiting on the refund which I hope will come thru in the next day or so. Will definitely go back!!
Diane MacDonald
Diane MacDonald
Jun 19, 2021
Report
Such a gem! Everything freshly painted, clean and comfy! The manager, Gayle, was very friendly snd helpful. Restaurants and antique shops right next door! And sitting in the Adirondack chairs on the Essex River, sipping wine and watching the sun set, topped off our stay. Great value. Highly recommend.
KDHeathen
KDHeathen
Jun 13, 2021
Report
Great spot, tucked away. Super clean. Staff and other guest were very nice.
Kendra
Kendra
Dec 25, 2020
Report
Beautiful location. The rooms were extremely clean and sanitary. And the beds were so comfortable!
Freddie Mixell
Freddie Mixell
Oct 01, 2020
Report
I loved staying here and would recommend to anyone! The room had just the right modern amenities mixed with vintage accents. Plenty of restaurants on the street and a brewery. Also, Dunkin’ is right across the street what more could you ask for!
Eric M.
Eric M.
Aug 03, 2017
Report
Very quaint, clean motel. Essex is a great village to explore with a few good restaurants. Some nice beaches nearby
Anne W.
Anne W.
Jul 14, 2017
Report
The inn part of Shea's Riverside is a typical New England clapboard Victorian house, while the motel part is a typical long row of rooms with parking spaces in front. What's not typical is the glorious Essex River ebbing and flowing right next to the buildings. (There's a lovely old willow at the river's edge where the innkeepers have placed a cluster of Adirondack chairs. You can sit in the shade and soak up the peace.)

We stayed in an elegant king room (H4, $330/night in July 2017) on the second floor of the inn, up a steep, narrow staircase. Our spacious deck gave us a
Kathy C.
Kathy C.
Jun 01, 2017
Report
Our room at this recently redecorated inn was terrific. The room was perfectly appointed with beautiful antique furniture that looked great and was comfortable too. But don't think that you'll get antique plumbing because the bathroom is huge, gorgeous and completely new. Our hosts were friendly and accommodating. Definitely coming here again.
Dj B.
Dj B.
Dec 31, 2016
Report
I stayed here in September and it was the worst experience. Whoever was working in the office was rude and unprofessional. The rooms smelt like mold and the towels were not clean.