Key Highlights:
- Lark Hotels revolutionized New England hospitality by modernizing the bed-and-breakfast concept.
- Founded in 2012, the brand focuses on comfort, aesthetic appeal, and the repurposing of historic structures.
- Lark Hotels plans to expand significantly, opening locations across the Southeast U.S.
The sun was just beginning its gradual slide toward the horizon as my sister and I sat, glasses of pinot grigio in hand, by the fire pit of the Cliffside Inn, a Lark Hotel in Newport, Rhode Island. Although we arrived later than anticipated and missed the afternoon wine service, the accommodating innkeeper set us up with a drink, sensing our road fatigue. We sank into the cushioned wicker chairs, sipping and conversing until the firelight cast flickering shadows around us, illuminated by a pink crescent moon that highlighted the grand silhouette of the beautifully restored Victorian mansion.
This ambiance of luxury and comfort was challenging to find in New England before Lark Hotels made its debut in 2012. Founder Rob Blood, originally from Massachusetts and a former Nantucket innkeeper, remarks, “This might be too carte blanche, but during our travels to bed-and-breakfasts, they felt a bit dusty, adorned with doilies and porcelain dolls, more for the host’s enjoyment than for ours.”
At just 28 years old, Blood acquired his first hotel property in Kennebunkport, Maine. After experiencing the “ups and downs, the pancakes, the hospital corners,” and learning to treat guests as if they were family, Blood went on to buy three more properties. The Lark brand officially emerged with the launch of the Attwater in Newport.
Currently, Lark is celebrating its 10th anniversary, boasting a portfolio of 26 hotels, including nine chic motor lodges under the sister brand Bluebird by Lark, three nature-focused retreats under the AWOL banner, and 16 independently managed hotels. These properties are strategically located in scenic destinations such as Newport, Rhode Island; Salem, Massachusetts; Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts; Block Island, Rhode Island; Portsmouth, New Hampshire; and Portland, Maine, all showcasing a unique and soulful charm.
Blood, a self-described “historic home nerd” residing in an 1803 Federal-style house on the Massachusetts coast, highlights that one way Lark distinguishes itself is through the restoration of historic structures. As he states, “The architecture and history become an integral part of our story, allowing us to integrate into neighborhoods, which is fundamental to our identity.”
Despite the antique nature of the buildings, the aesthetic of Lark hotels is strikingly modern and often whimsical. Most hotel rooms feature distinct designs, with vibrant colors and patterns. Some accommodations provide luxurious touches; for instance, our room at the Cliffside, known as the Lark Suite, included a gas fireplace, a spacious bathroom with a soaking tub and rainfall showerhead, and a window seat overlooking the garden. The eclectic mix of vintage and contemporary furnishings pays tribute to the property’s historical roots while ensuring a contemporary flair, contributing to a unique sense of place.
Lark prioritizes guest comfort by utilizing linens from Boston Textile and Harbor Linens, Serta Pillow Top mattresses, and organic bath products by California’s Lather brand. Moreover, while many Lark properties feature a 24/7 snack-and-coffee bar, each hotel offers its own take on dining, ranging from gourmet self-serve breakfast to full-service restaurants, garden wine service, or boxes of local pastries delivered directly to guests’ doors.
For guests preferring low-contact interactions, texting their innkeeper for information or local recommendations is encouraged, while those seeking personal connections will find welcoming staff ready to assist without intruding on their conversations.
“Our guests are incredibly diverse,” notes Tania Pereira, who has been the general manager of Summercamp on Martha’s Vineyard for eight years. “I adapt to each person arriving at the front desk or calling in, striving to understand them to offer a curated experience.”
Lark Hotels has expanded sustainably and strategically, according to Blood. Although they ventured outside New England with Tradewinds Carmel in California since 2020, the brand honed its craft locally first. Blood elaborates, “It takes time for people in new regions to build trust. While we’re well-known in the Northeast, outside of it, we’re simply a couple of Yankees trying to spread our hospitality brand.”
To facilitate growth into the Southeastern market, Lark has started a branch focused on managing independent hotels without the Lark branding. With their proven expertise, Lark plans to open eight new locations over the coming year in cities like New Orleans, Austin, and Asheville.
Lark’s achievements have inspired numerous new boutique hotels across the Northeast. Blood views this competition as beneficial. “When we began ten years ago, many thought it was absurd to open small hotels in leisure hotspots with no corporate clientele,” he reflects. “We’ve demonstrated that it is possible to have intimate, meaningful properties that cater to guests, employees, and owners alike. Now, others are following suit, significantly enhancing the opportunities for travelers seeking unique, curated experiences.”
