Accommodations in the Mt. Washington Valley are among the most extensive in skidom if you like romantic, tiny country inns and bed-and-breakfast establishments. You won’t find high-rises, but great old historic inns accommodate those who prefer the atmosphere of a large resort hotel. The Valley also has moderately priced motels suitable for families.

For condominiums, chalets and motel suites, call Top Notch Vacation Rentals (800-762-6636; 383-4133; $–$$$$), which works with properties all up and down the valley. Luxury Mountain Getaways (800-472-5207; 383-9101; $$–$$$$) has everything from one-bedroom condos to luxury villas. Attitash Mountain Village (800-862-2600; 374-6500; $–$$$$), across the road from the area, has inexpensive motel packages to upscale three-bedroom condos.

For lodging information (but no reservations), call the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce at (800) 367-3364 or visit its website. Lodgings are listed by region:

Bartlett (Attitash/Bear Peak Resort)
Right at the base of Bear Peak, the ski-in/ski-out Grand Summit Resort Hotel (800-223-7669; 364-1900; $$–$$$$; above) provides all amenities for skiers from saunas and hot tubs to fitness rooms and restaurants.

Active folks who don't need fancy digs will appreciate the warmth, homeyness and friendliness of The Bartlett Inn (800-292-2353; 374-2353; $–$$$). Choose from shared-bath rooms in the main inn or cottages with private baths, some with fireplaces and kitchenettes. When lodging in the same room with two adults, kids younger than 12 stay free, teenagers stay for $19. Cross-country trails are out the back door.

Despite the youthfulness of its owners, a visit to the Covered Bridge House (800-232-9109; 383-9109; $$–$$$) resembles a visit to grandma's—if your grandmother's home is warm and welcoming and not at all stuffy. Quilts cover the beds, and braided rugs and stenciling characterize the decor. A family suite is available, and rates include breakfast and use of the outdoor hot tub.

Gorham (Wildcat)
If you are skiing at Wildcat, this town, just to the north of The Valley is where to stay.

The modern Royalty Inn (800-437-3529; 466-3312; $–$$) has 90 rooms of varying sizes that are all very spacious and well kept. Kitchenettes are available, but have a stovetop without an oven. The family-owned Town & Country Motor Inn (800-325-4386; 466-3315; $) is a bit older and simpler, with 70s decor and smaller rooms. Families will want to stay in the same building that houses the pool, video games, sauna and hot tub. Children age 15 and younger stay free. The inn also has dorm-style accommodations starting at $15 per person.

Pinkham Notch (Wildcat)
To be really close to Wildcat or to get a head start if you’re climbing, skiing, or using Mt. Washington’s cross-country trails, there’s the Joe Dodge Lodge (466-2727; $) at Pinkham Notch, run by the Appalachian Mountain Club, with room for 104. The two-, four- and five-bunk rooms are simple, and rates include either one or two meals. Three public rooms have fireplaces; one has a well-used piano, another is stocked with games and activities for children and the third has a library.

Jackson Village
This town is the home to a collection of old-time mansions, hotels, farms and houses that have grown into upscale B&Bs. Most ooze country touches, are filled with antiques and charm and offer dining on premises.

Luxury Mountain Getaways/Nestlenook Farm on the River (383-9443; $$$–$$$$) is an elegant Victorian fantasyland, with pastel colors and gingerbread trim. A full breakfast and snacks mean you never go hungry. The extensive grounds are peppered with ornate bridges and fanciful gazebos. Ask about add-on fees—they’re steep.

The Inn at Thorn Hill (800-289-8990; 383-4242; $$$–$$$$), with views of Mt. Washington, is rebuilt in the style of Stanford White following a devastating fire. Now offering spa services, the inn gets top ratings from both travel and dining publications. Rates include breakfast and a three-course dinner.

Practically next door is a more affordable choice, The Inn at Jackson (800-289-8600; 383-4321; $–$$), an architectural gem designed also by Stanford White, with gleaming woodwork and comfortable public rooms. It’s an easy walk to Jackson’s restaurants and shops.

The Ellis River House (800-233-8309; 383-9339; $$–$$$$) is an elegant, country retreat furnished with period antiques; many rooms have fireplaces and jetted tubs. Unlike many B&Bs, each room has TV and phone. A hearty breakfast is included.

The Wentworth Resort Hotel (800-637-0013; 383-9700; $$$–$$$$) is a historic hotel and one of the area's best values. It has spacious rooms with big hot tubs as well as a top-notch dining room and a nice lounge. Rates include a full breakfast and a multicourse dinner.

At the Snowflake Inn (888-383-1020; 383-8259; $$$), in the heart of Jackson Village, all rooms have king beds, two-person jetted tubs, Internet access and flat screen TVs with DVDs. Afternoon refreshments and a continental breakfast are included in the rate. The Eagle Mountain House (888-383-1020; 383-9111; $–$$$) is a restored, rambling 19th-century resort hotel that welcomes families. Children age 15 and younger stay free if sleeping in existing beds.

The Christmas Farm Inn (800-443-5837; 383-4313; $$–$$$; above left), a cluster of New England-quaint buildings around a larger house, added a full-service spa in 2004. All rates include breakfast and dinner. A 15-percent service charge and taxes will be added to your bill. The inn’s sister property, Whitneys’ Inn (800-677-5737; 383-8916; $$–$$$), is a restored, 1840s farmhouse that sits at the base of Black Mountain, allowing Alpine and cross-country skiing from the door. Children may eat early at the kid’s table with supervised activities following, allowing the adults the opportunity to enjoy their meal and relax.

Intervale
The 1785 Inn (800-421-1785; 356-9025; $–$$$) is a country inn with what has been called the best view of the valley. It also boasts an excellent dining room that is open to the public for dinner, and one of the most extensive wine lists in New England.

You can cross-country ski or snowshoe right out the back door of The Forest Inn (800-448-3534; 356-9772; $$), a cozy B&B also located on 16A, and The New England Inn (800-826-3466; 356-5541; $$–$$$$), also in the same vicinity, has everything from inn rooms to romantic cabins and its new deluxe lodge.

North Conway
With a few exceptions, North Conway’s lodging is more motels and hotels with national chains being recently added to the lodging mix.

Stonehurst Manor (800-525-9100; 356-3113; $$–$$$), created from a turn-of-the-century mansion that belonged to the Bigelow family of carpet fame, is still manorial. The setting, rooms and restaurant are pure elegance. Breakfast and dinner meal plans are optional.

In a quiet location less than a 10-minute walk to downtown is The Victorian Harvest Inn (800-642-0749; $$–$$$$). Ammenities include in-room hot tubs, fireplaces, TV and connecting rooms that are ideal for families with older children. A full breakfast is included.

The Wildflowers Inn (866-945-3357; 356-7567; $–$$$$) is a Victorian showplace. It boasts to-die-for views of Mt. Washington and the Presidential Range, comfy public rooms and spacious guest rooms and suites, all with fireplace. Only suites have private hot tubs, but there’s a communal one on the deck. Rates include a full country breakfast.

The Buttonwood Inn (800-258-2625; 356-2625; $$–$$$) is tucked in the woods with cross-country skiing from the back door. Ask about the family suites. Rates include a full breakfast and afternoon snacks. The Eastman Inn (800-626-5855; 356-6707; $–$$; above right) delivers warm hospitality with a Southern accent. Breakfast with waffle irons almost at your table is superb.

White Mountain Hotel and Resort (800-533-6301; 356-7100; $–$$) is at the foot of Whitehorse Ledge (the enormous, sculptured, granite cliffs you see from all North Conway). The views back across the Valley toward Cranmore are unmatched. Don’t miss the lavish Friday seafood buffet. The Eastern Slope Inn Resort (800-862-1600; 356-6321; $$), in the heart of North Conway, is a classic New England inn with an indoor pool.

The Green Granite Inn (800-468-3666; 356-6901; $–$$; right) is on Rte. 16 on the mile-and-a-half shopping strip. It has an indoor pool and a hot tub, and evening movies and children’s programs are offered during weekends and vacation periods.

Mt. Washington Valley Motor Lodge (800-634-2382; 356-5486; $$) is a pleasant surprise for families, with clean basic rooms and a swimming pool.

Red Jacket Mountain View (800-752-2538; 356-5411; $$–$$$$), is a rambling building and some loft rooms and townhouses, both good for families. It has a panoramic view of the Moat Range and an indoor pool and hot tub. The Briarcliff (800-338-4291; 356-5584; $–$$), updated from a classic 1950s motel, is affordable and convenient.

For rock-bottom prices, head to Hostelling International-White Mountains in Conway (447-1001; $).

Accommodations Legend: (double room) $$$$–$200+; $$$–$141–$200; $$–$81–$140; $–$80 and less

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