If you’re planning a trip to Plymouth, Massachusetts — whether it’s for the history, the coastal charm, or just a quick family escape — I can’t recommend Hotel 1620 enough. It’s rare to find a hotel that truly works for the whole family, but this one delivered across the board.
We recently partnered with Hotel 1620 for a little summer getaway, and from the moment we arrived, it felt like the perfect home base for exploring one of New England’s most iconic towns. The location, the pool, the space to stretch out as a family — it all made for a trip that was equal parts relaxing and fun.
First Impressions & Check-In
From the moment we pulled into the parking lot, we knew we were in a great spot — right across from the waterfront and just steps from downtown Plymouth. Hotel 1620 has a welcoming, classic New England vibe that immediately made us feel at ease.
The lobby was clean and inviting, with plenty of space to sit and take a breather after the drive. The front desk staff were warm and helpful, offering local tips and making the check-in process quick and smooth — which is always appreciated when you’re traveling with kids who are very ready to hit the pool.
There’s a laid-back charm to the hotel that makes it feel comfortable and family-friendly — not overly fancy or stuffy, just easy and relaxed in the best way.
Room Tour
We stayed in a double queen room overlooking the pool, and the space was exactly what we needed. There was enough room for everyone’s stuff, a desk for snacks and activities, and a cozy little sitting area that gave us space to relax when we weren’t out exploring.
Everything felt fresh and clean, and I love when hotel rooms feel designed with families in mind — like the mini fridge (so helpful), solid water pressure in the bathroom (yes, that matters), and a layout that didn’t feel cramped. The kids made themselves right at home within minutes.
Our highlight? The bathroom. The bathroom appeared recently renovated and the lighting was perfect for all our photo ops (see photo below). The girls liked that the shower was spacious as well.
Location, Location, Location
One of the biggest wins for us? We never had to move our car. Seriously. You’re within walking distance from nearly every major attraction in Plymouth:
- Plymouth Rock
- Mayflower II
- Pilgrim Memorial State Park
- Burial Hill
- Brewster Gardens
- 1749 Court House
- National Monument to the Forefathers
- Waterfront parks and beaches
- Dozens of restaurants, coffee shops, and ice cream stops
- and so much more!
Even with young kids, everything was accessible on foot. We took our time strolling through town, visiting the historical sites, and enjoying a sunset walk along the harbor. We did one full day of touring Plymouth and logged just over 5 miles of walking!
Kid-Friendly Features
Let’s be real — if you’re traveling with kids, a pool can make or break a hotel stay. Hotel 1620’s indoor pool and Mayflower Landing Splash Pad were some of the highlights of this place. It kept our kids entertained for a full hour (minimum) each day. It was a great way to start the morning or wind down after a full day of walking around town. And because it’s all indoors, you don’t have to worry about the weather ruining your plans.
There’s also plenty of seating for parents, and I noticed several families had brought snacks or takeout to enjoy while the kids played.
Non-guests can also purchase day passes to enjoy the hotel’s indoor pool and splash pad — a great local option for families looking to cool off without booking an overnight stay.
Dining & Nearby Eats
Hotel 1620 has a small on-site lounge that’s open on weekends, ideal if you’re looking to unwind with a cocktail or light bite. But with downtown Plymouth just steps away, we found ourselves gravitating toward the many walkable, family-friendly dining options in the area.
We kept things casual and kid-approved during our stay, and Plymouth delivered. Some of our favorites included:
- Family Pizza Plymouth – After two hours of swimming, this was exactly what we needed. We placed an order for takeout and brought it back to the room — the perfect late-night meal after a long day of exploring. Casual, quick, and delicious.
- Pebbles Restaurant – We stopped here for lunch one afternoon, and it totally hit the spot. It’s relaxed, family-friendly, and had plenty of options for both kids and adults.
- B’s Homemade Ice Cream – Located right across the parking lot in The Shoppes at Village Landing, this was our go-to treat spot. Their homemade flavors were amazing, and the convenience couldn’t be beat.
- Ziggy’s Ice Cream – We couldn’t resist trying more than one ice cream stop, and Ziggy’s did not disappoint. A fun, classic spot for soft serve after dinner and an evening stroll.
Whether you’re in the mood for an easy lunch, poolside takeout, or an after-dinner treat, there are so many great local options within walking distance — another reason Hotel 1620 is a great home base for families.
Parent Tips for Booking
As a parent, I’ve learned that a little extra planning can make a huge difference in how smooth (and enjoyable!) a hotel stay feels. If you’re considering a trip to Plymouth and looking to stay at Hotel 1620, here are a few things I’d recommend keeping in mind:
- Request a room near the pool if you plan to use it frequently. It makes transitions so much easier — especially if you’re heading back and forth with little ones or wet towels. If you’re on the ground floor, a pool-facing room can also be super handy for easy access to your room/the pool.
- Bring snacks and drinks. While we had easy access to multiple vending machines close to our room, we were glad we stocked our mini fridge with kid-friendly snacks and drinks for easy access throughout the stay.
- Call ahead to confirm pool hours and lounge/restaurant availability if that’s important to your plans. During our stay (weekdays), the restaurant/lounge was only open on weekends, so having that info ahead of time is helpful. The splash pad also has shorter hours than the pool as well so we planned our days around these hours so we could get the most out of the space while also getting in all the sightseeing we wanted.
- Pack water shoes or flip flops for the pool area. It’s an indoor space, but with the splash pad and wet floors, it helped keep things cleaner and safer for the kids (although we loved that the splash pad floor was pretty slip resistant!).
- Take advantage of the location. We walked everywhere, and it saved us a ton of time and energy. No need to load kids in and out of the car for every little outing — huge win! If you have babies and toddlers, I recommend packing a stroller just in case.
Overall, Hotel 1620 was a great match for our family’s travel style — laid-back, walkable, and full of little conveniences that made the experience easier with kids in tow.
Why It’s Perfect for Families
If you’re traveling with kids, Hotel 1620 checks all the right boxes. Here’s why we found it so family-friendly:
- Spacious, comfortable rooms with a mini fridge and room to spread out
- Indoor pool and splash pad — a total win for both little kids and big kids alike
- Walkable location to restaurants, ice cream shops, and historic attractions (no need to load everyone into the car 10 times a day)
- Friendly staff and easy check-in that helped us feel welcome right away
- Quick access to essentials like takeout, coffee, and convenience shops nearby
- Quiet, laid-back atmosphere where families feel right at home
It’s the kind of place where you can truly enjoy vacation with your kids — not just survive it.
Final Thoughts: Would We Stay Again?
Absolutely! Hotel 1620 was everything we needed for a fun, stress-free family getaway. It offered comfort, convenience, and that unbeatable location — all without the pressure of being overly fancy or formal. It’s the kind of place that feels easy to settle into with kids, where you can come and go freely, make memories, and actually relax on vacation.
With such a short trip, there’s so much we still have left to explore in Plymouth and we’d 100% book Hotel 1620 again on our next trip.
I’d especially recommend this hotel to:
- Families looking for a spacious, low-stress stay within walking distance of everything
- Multi-generational travelers (there’s plenty of room and something for everyone to enjoy)
- Couples or friend groups who want to explore historic Plymouth with easy access to downtown
- Anyone planning a New England road trip who wants a clean, comfortable base on the coast
If you’re headed to Plymouth and want a stay that combines convenience, family-friendly amenities, and a prime location — Hotel 1620 is a great choice.
Planning a Plymouth trip with your family?
Check out Hotel 1620 at hotel1620.com and tell them we sent you!
