Rye Motor Inn & Swim Shop
Retro boho beach — mid-century motor inn aesthetic with thoughtful apartment upgrades. Think vintage Smeg appliances, 50s surf decor, and deliberately quiet vibes.
Book directly at ryemotorinn.com to get free parking — third-party bookings charge $29/night for the lot
Why It Matters
Michelin/Tablet Hotels listed boutique aparthotel that has transformed a roadside 1950s motel into a genuinely stylish self-catered retreat. The combination of full-kitchen apartments, an on-site curated Swim Shop, and a newly heated pool at this price point is rare on the New Hampshire coast. Part of Doug Palardy's Seacoast Apart-Hotels portfolio, which also includes Great Island Inn and The Inn Downtown.
A 1950s oceanfront motor inn that proprietor Doug Palardy has converted into 12 self-catered apartment-style units — every room gets a full kitchen with a Smeg fridge, proper linens, Malin+Goetz bath products, and a HEPA air purifier. It's adults-only (18+), low-touch by design, and sits directly across from the Atlantic Ocean on New Hampshire's short 18-mile coastline. The on-site Swim Shop stocks premium beach gear, and a freshly renovated heated pool rounds out the micro-resort package.
Where You'll Stay
3 room types available
1BR Bungalow House Apartment
Two of these sit in the separate poolside Bungalow House — the most coveted units at the property. At 750 square feet they're the largest option, with a proper bedroom (king bed), a living room with twin sofa bed, and a semi-private patio with direct ocean views (Isle of Shoals visible on clear days). Full kitchen features a Big Chill refrigerator (not Smeg), oven/range, and dishwasher. Private bathroom with shower. 50" HDTV, HEPA air purifier, complimentary parking for two vehicles. Dog-friendly (1 dog max, $50/night).
King + Twin Sofa Bed · 70 sqm
Deluxe King Studio
The compact option. A 300-square-foot studio in the motel building with a king bed, fully equipped kitchenette (compact oven/range, full-size Smeg fridge, mini bar), walk-in shower (no tub), 40" HDTV with 100+ channels, HEPA air purifier, and a patio or balcony. Tight bathroom, but well organized. Maximum 2 adult guests.
King · 28 sqm
Deluxe King Suite
The most flexible unit in the motel building. At 650 square feet, there's room to spread out — king bed, a queen-size sofa bed in the living area, full kitchen with oven/range, Smeg fridge, dishwasher, and mini bar. Tub/shower combo in the bathroom. 50" HDTV, HEPA air purifier, iron and ironing board included. Dog-friendly (up to 2 dogs, $50/dog/night). Maximum 4 adult guests.
King + Queen Sofa Bed · 60 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The Route 1A coastal corridor is prime cycling territory. Guests frequently bike to nearby Newcastle for scenic views. Bicycle rental information available through the property's concierge.
The historic 1960s pool recently underwent a full cosmetic renovation with expanded pool decking. First time in over 60 years it has heated water. Open seasonally June 13 to October 1, 8AM–9PM daily. Pool umbrellas, lounge chairs, and a privacy fence surround the deck, which overlooks the ocean.
The property sits directly across Ocean Boulevard from the Atlantic Ocean. The immediate shoreline is rocky with steep boulders — accessible at low tide for tide-pooling but not ideal for swimming. Wallis Sands State Beach (ADA accessible, sandy, good for swimming) is 1 mile north. Jenness Beach is 5 miles south. Both are short drives.
A 330-acre coastal state park just a 5-minute walk north of the property. Features rocky shoreline, sandy beach areas, saltmarshes, woodlands, and the Seacoast Science Center with live animal exhibits. Free entry to the park; small fee for the Science Center.
Property offers on-call personal concierge for guests throughout their stay. Can arrange local restaurant recommendations, bicycle rental info, day trip suggestions to Portland, Boston, or Newburyport, and other area guidance. Reached by phone during the stay.
The New Hampshire Seacoast offers surfing, paddle boarding, and fishing nearby. Specific outfitters and rentals can be arranged via the property's concierge. Rye Harbor State Park is a nearby boat launch point.
A petite on-site boutique stocking premium beach and swim essentials for men and women — sunscreen, swimwear, sunglasses, and beach accessories. Open 9AM–5PM, 7 days a week. Run under the separate brand The Swim Shop (theswimshop.co). Useful if you've forgotten anything or want to upgrade your beach kit without driving to town.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Complimentary in-room wireless internet access in all units.
No front desk. Guests receive an email within 24 hours of arrival with check-in instructions and key retrieval information via a private entrance. Check-in begins at 4PM; check-out at 11AM. Early check-in at 1PM available for a $100 fee, subject to availability.
No daily housekeeping — units are self-service. Basic supplies are provided in-room. Additional amenities (extra shampoo, towels, etc.) can be requested from the personal concierge.
Each unit has its own dedicated AC and heating system. No shared air between apartments.
Pillowtop mattresses with premium and hypoallergenic bedding available on request.
Blackout curtains in all rooms.
Premium Malin+Goetz bath products supplied in all units.
Every unit includes a fully equipped kitchen with oven/range, full-size refrigerator (Smeg or Big Chill depending on unit type), mini bar, and most units have a dishwasher. Designed for self-catered stays.
Dedicated HEPA air purifier in each guest unit. No shared air systems between apartments.
Outdoor fireplace for guest use in the common areas.
On-site barbecue grills and outdoor picnic area available for guests.
Complimentary parking for one vehicle per reservation when booked directly through the hotel website. Third-party bookings (Booking.com, Expedia, etc.) are charged $29/night. Bungalow apartments include parking for two vehicles.
All guests must be 18 years or older. No children permitted. Guests seeking family-friendly alternatives are directed to the owner's other properties: Great Island Inn or The Inn Downtown.
Expanded pool deck, heated water (the first time in over 60 years), pool umbrellas. Open June 13–October 1, 8AM–9PM daily.
Petite boutique selling premium beach and swim essentials for men and women. Open 9AM–5PM, 7 days a week.
BUILD YOUR RYE MOTOR INN & SWIM SHOP PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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