Finding a place to crash in the Seacoast region can be a headache. You’ve got high-end boutiques in Portsmouth that cost a month’s rent and "budget" spots that feel like a set from a horror movie. Honestly, Microtel Inn & Suites Dover NH sits in that weird middle ground. People often write it off as just another cookie-cutter highway stop.
They’re wrong.
It’s actually a surprisingly strategic basecamp for exploring New Hampshire. If you're looking for white-glove service and a marble lobby, keep driving. But if you want a clean bed, a weirdly high-tech pancake machine, and a location that puts you twenty minutes from the ocean, this place makes a lot of sense.
The Reality of Staying at Microtel Inn & Suites Dover NH
Location is everything. This spot is tucked right off the Spaulding Turnpike at 31 Webb Place. It’s basically the gateway to the Seacoast.
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You’re close to the University of New Hampshire (UNH). That means during graduation weekend or big hockey games, this place is a zoo. Plan accordingly. If you're just passing through, you’ll appreciate the proximity to the Dover Bowl Family Fun Center or the short hop over to the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire.
The vibe? It's functional.
What the Rooms Are Really Like
The rooms aren't massive. It's a Microtel—the clue is in the name. They are designed to maximize every square inch. You get a built-in window seat which is actually pretty cozy for reading or staring at the parking lot while you drink lukewarm coffee.
- Pillowtop beds: Surprisingly decent for a budget tier.
- WiFi: They claim 25+ Mbps. In my experience, it’s fast enough for Netflix but maybe not for competitive gaming.
- The Suite Upgrade: If you can swing the extra twenty bucks, get the suite. You get a microwave and a mini-fridge. Without the suite, you’re hiking to the lobby for every snack.
- Climate Control: Each room has its own unit. It’s loud, but it works.
One thing that catches people off guard is the "Micro-size." If you’re traveling with three kids and two dogs, a standard queen room will feel like a submarine. Go for the suites or the double queen options.
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The Breakfast Situation and Other Perks
Let’s talk about the pancakes.
Most budget hotels give you a stale bagel and a prayer. Microtel Inn & Suites Dover NH has an automated pancake machine. You press a button, a blob of batter hits a conveyor belt, and a hot pancake pops out a minute later. It’s basically magic for kids (and tired adults).
They call it a "to-go" breakfast these days, but it's basically a continental spread with waffles, fruit, and yogurt. It’s not a five-course brunch at a bistro, but it’s free.
The Pet Policy (Read Carefully)
The Dover NH location is generally pet-friendly, unlike its cousin in Delaware. They usually allow up to two pets (dogs or cats) for about $30 per pet, per night. Don't just show up with a Great Dane. You need to call ahead. They have specific rooms designated for pet owners to keep the allergens down in the rest of the building.
Why This Spot Beats Portsmouth Hotels
Price is the big one.
Portsmouth is barely 15 minutes away. If you stay in downtown Portsmouth, you're paying for the zip code. By staying at the Microtel Inn & Suites Dover NH, you save enough cash to actually afford a lobster dinner at the Oar House or a shopping spree at the Kittery Outlets.
It’s a smart play.
You also get free parking. Good luck finding that in downtown Portsmouth without a fight or a $40 valet fee. Here, you just pull up and walk in.
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Local Secrets Nearby
Since you're right there, skip the hotel vending machine.
- Strafford Farms: It’s right around the corner. Go there for real ice cream and actual food.
- Garrison Hill Tower: A tiny drive away. You can climb the 76-foot observatory tower and see all the way to the White Mountains on a clear day.
- The Riverwalk: Head into downtown Dover (about 2 miles away) and walk along the Cochecho River. It’s quiet, historic, and feels way more "New Hampshire" than a highway exit.
Navigating the Downsides
It’s not all sunshine and pancakes.
The building has some age on it. You might see some wear and tear in the hallways. Some guests have complained about noise because the walls aren't exactly soundproof bunkers. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room on the top floor (the 3rd floor) away from the elevator.
Also, watch out for the "damage deposit" and fees. They often hold $100 on your card at check-in. It’s standard practice, but if you’re traveling on a tight budget, it can be an annoying surprise.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you're booking here, do these three things to make the trip better:
- Request the 3rd floor: It’s significantly quieter than the ground floor where people are constantly dragging suitcases past your door.
- Check the UNH schedule: If there’s a home game or a parents' weekend, prices double and the lobby gets hectic.
- Bring your own HDMI cable: The 42-inch TVs are decent, and you can usually hook up your own laptop if you want to skip the basic cable options.
Microtel Inn & Suites Dover NH is exactly what it needs to be: a reliable, affordable, and strategically placed hub for the Seacoast. It won't change your life, but it won't break your bank account either.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the local weather—the Seacoast gets windy and damp even in the summer.
- Reserve your room at least two weeks out if you're visiting during leaf-peeping season (October).
- Map out your route to Hampton Beach or York, Maine, both of which are within a 20-30 minute drive from the hotel lobby.