Travelers find a peaceful escape at this welcoming motel, where they can relax by the outdoor pool or venture out to explore the surrounding natural landscapes.
Located near Sugar Hill Sampler, the Gale River Motel offers a refreshing getaway with family-friendly amenities including a playground for children and a spa tub for adults. Guests can grab coffee or tea in the lobby and take advantage of the extended on-site parking.
Located in Franconia, Gale River Motel is in the mountains. Cannon Mountain Ski Area and Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway are worth visiting if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Gale River and Franconia Notch State Park. Sugar Hill Sampler and White Mountain National Forest are two other places to visit that come recommended. Explore all the area has to offer with hiking/biking trails and mountain climbing. Visit our Franconia travel guide
Located close to Sugar Hill Sampler, Gale River Motel provides a garden. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Other perks include:
A seasonal outdoor pool
Free self-parking
Coffee/tea in reception, outdoor furniture and smoke-free property
Guest reviews speak highly of the helpful staff
Room features
All guest rooms at Gale River Motel feature comforts, such as laptop-friendly workspaces and air conditioning, as well as amenities, such as free WiFi and desk chairs.
Other amenities include:
Bathrooms with shower/bath combinations and free toiletries
32-inch LCD TVs with cable channels
Wardrobes/cupboards, coffee/tea makers and heating
In-room WiFi speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices)
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Free uncovered self parking on site
Limited on-site self parking
Food and drink
Coffee and tea in common areas
Things to do
Seasonal outdoor pool
Family friendly
Pool gate
Seasonal outdoor pool
Conveniences
Guidebooks
Virtual front desk
Outdoors
Garden
In the mountains
Outdoor furniture
Accessibility
No lift
More
Smoke-free property
Room amenities
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Blackout drapes
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Shower/bathtub combination
Towels provided
Entertainment
32-inch LCD TV with cable channels
Food and drink
Coffee/tea maker
Restaurant dining guides
More
Access via exterior corridors
Air conditioning
Desk
Desk chair
Heating
Laptop workspace
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime
Minimum check-in age - 21
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
There is no front desk at this property
Guests can access their accommodation through a private entrance
A virtual front desk provides assistance to guests
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Access methods
Access code, private entrance
Pets
Pets are allowed for an extra charge of USD 20 per pet, per night
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
1 total pets
Specific rooms only; pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property on the number on the booking confirmation
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Cots (infant beds) are not available
Payment types at the property
Important information
Fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:
Deposit: USD 25 per accommodation, per night
We have included all charges provided to us by the property.
Optional extras
Pet fee: USD 20 per pet, per night
Service animals are exempt from fees
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector, a security system and a first aid kit
Property Registration Number 39-3302354
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
The seasonal pool will be open from 01 June to 01 October
Property is also known as
Gale River Motel Motel
Gale River Motel Franconia
Gale River Motel Motel Franconia
Frequently asked questions
Does Gale River Motel have a pool?
Yes, this property has a seasonal outdoor pool.
Is Gale River Motel pet-friendly?
Yes, this motel allows dogs (limit 1 total). There's a fee of USD 20 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.
How much is parking at Gale River Motel?
Self-parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at Gale River Motel?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime.
What time is check-out at Gale River Motel?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Gale River Motel located?
Situated in the mountains, this motel is steps from Gale River and 1.7 mi (2.8 km) from Sugar Hill Sampler. Franconia Notch State Park and White Mountain National Forest are also within 6 mi (10 km).
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Reviews
Gale River Motel Reviews
8.0
Very good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
8.6
Cleanliness
7.2
Amenities
8.2
Staff & service
7.6
Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 96 out of 203 reviews
10 - Excellent
96
Rating 8 - Good. 52 out of 203 reviews
8 - Good
52
Rating 6 - Okay. 26 out of 203 reviews
6 - Okay
26
Rating 4 - Poor. 17 out of 203 reviews
4 - Poor
17
Rating 2 - Terrible. 12 out of 203 reviews
2 - Terrible
12
Reviews
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Daniel
16 Dec, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great price, beds very comfortable
Daniel
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Patricia
17 Dec, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Good room for the price
Patricia
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified
6/10 Okay
Ken
5 Mar, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities
Don't expect more than basic accommodations. It was clean, the linens and bedding were adequate, there was heat, fresh soap, a small closet, coffee maker & packaged coffee/creamers. There's a small cube fridge & tv, no microwave. The toilet fill valve ran continuously so we had to manually turn off water once the water closet filled. Hot water was slow to arrive. The decor and finishes are very dated but not dilapidated. The clothes dresser drawers do not have glides so they do not open/close smoothly. The room was quiet. The rooms do have a mountain view.
Beautiful views. Extremely responsive when we needed blankets (abrupt weather change when we were there); walking distance of delicious cafes
Patricia
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified
8/10 Good
Seth
1 Dec, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Room was clean
Seth
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Cynthia
12 Oct, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The building is older but has large rooms and was exceptionally clean. Very peaceful and bed was very comfortable. We felt it was a great deal for the price. We’ll stay here again if we’re back in the area. It’s clean basic lodging for a great price!
This property is an old school, but well kept motel. The bathroom is reminiscent of a 50/60s home bathroom but everything was clean and in working order. The view was beautiful, and the started double room was spacious enough for a small round table and chair. Heat kicked on fast, quickly warming up two cold skiers. Beds were comfortable enough and TV worked fine. This quaint stop had everything you need to rest and recharge, and this area of Franconia is beautiful.
My only complaint is the check-in process was a little confusing, since there is no staff on site. I booked through Expedia, but the current hotel owner is using a different web host for check in and I was unable to access the link for this through Expedia messaging. The owner was very quick to respond and call me directly to explain the process, which was a life saver.
My understanding is this motel is about to go through major upgrades and renovations, so it’ll be interesting to see what it becomes.
They don't lock the doors so seems likely to have issues with homeless or other damage that presumably the motel would try to blame me for?
But as for the actual motel. It is a barebones motel. We spent less than 12 hours there. But, the heat came on nice and warm. We watched a movie and used the fridge. Everything worked fine.
We had a welcome sign in our window when we arrived. Room was ready for us well ahead of bormal check-in time. I love the old, vintage touches!! Super conveniently located to spend the day @ Franconia Notch SP. Pool was still open & hot tub was really warm.
The cabin was very well appointed and clean. It is just getting over mud season so the grounds were not in spring condition yet but very neat. Staff was pleasant and helpful. Would stay there again.
We had a fantastic stay and would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone visiting White mountain area. Quiet place with easy access to food places. Room was very clean and comfortable. The Manager Mr. Raynor was incredibly helpful, special thanks to him!