During the early 1900s, Cape Ann, including Gloucester, became home to several grand hotels that catered to affluent vacationers seeking both luxury and a peaceful coastal retreat. These hotels were designed to offer high-end accommodations and a wide range of amenities, often set in picturesque locations with views of the ocean.
These hotels often embodied the ideal of “summering” on Cape Ann, offering a refined environment with luxurious accommodations, gourmet meals, and organized activities for visitors looking to escape city life. The arrival of automobiles and railroads made these hotels more accessible, contributing to the region’s growth as a popular tourist destination throughout the early 20th century.
However, by mid-century, many of these grand hotels began to decline due to economic shifts, changing vacation habits, and the advent of more modern accommodations, although their legacy remains a part of Cape Ann’s rich history.
The Good Harbor Beach Inn was first established in 1910 by Edward C. McIntyre, a Massachusetts Legislator and lifelong Gloucester resident. The handsome beachfront hotel was a striking example of the hotel architecture at the time of construction. Unfortunately, the original Inn was victim to a fire in 1935 and burned down. Subsequently, Mr. McIntyre also acquired and remodeled the Briar Hotel, directly across the road and renamed it “The Lodge”. Upon his death in 1941, the business was passed down to George V. Fuller, who had long been associated with the management of the Inn.
In 1957, Gloucester experienced a number of suspicious off season fires that damaged and destroyed many seaside hotels, inns and homes. Sadly, once again the Inn was burned. Colonel George V. Fuller, the current owner, undertook a two year building program, rebuilding the Inn with two structures. The Inn would continue to operate with much the same facility and amenities for the next sixty three years, changing ownership a number of times thereafter. In 2022, Martignetti Hospitality acquired the Good Harbor Beach Inn and after some minor updates, spent two seasons operating the Inn, getting to know its many guests and understanding their interests while planning for an ambitious reinvigoration of the facilities and stay experience.
The Inn temporarily closed in 2024 as it began an ambitious and complete renovation plan that included a partial tear down of facilities in order to meet the modern building code and climate resiliency standards. In the midst of construction it was discovered that much of the Inn to remain would also not comply with those standards and as such, the Inn is completely new, providing a commitment to future generations of Inn guests for the highest quality of standard in facility and hospitality experience.
The Inn consists of two structures with a central courtyard for gathering, dining and relaxation. The ADA accessible lobby is your first stop before stepping out to soak in the incredible beach and ocean views. Step onto your balcony or deck and marvel at your immediate proximity to the beach. Head down the courtyard stairs (or the ramp) and you are on the beach. While all rooms offer ample air conditioning and heating for year round comfort, you are able to enjoy the sound and salt air with fully operable oversized windows in every room. Learn more about room accomodations here.
Looking for a home-like experience on the beach? Reserve “The Suite”. This second level suite provides sweeping beach and ocean views from its panaramic windows, slider and french doors. The interior is setup as a full living space with dining table, full kitchen with 10 foot island and massive 14 foot vaulted ceilings. The room features twin size bunk beds and multiple queen accommodations. Bring the outdoors in with an exclusive 900 square foot deck! Wrapping the corner of the property, this deck and outdoor cooking line can accommodate all your dining, seating and sun lounging needs with ease. Book a number of rooms with family and friends and use The Suite to host your entertaining space throughout your stay.
