Hotel Snapshot
Once a beloved haunt for icons like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Jackie Kennedy, the Stockton Inn now welcomes travelers in search of a charming escape. Established in 1710, it long served as the town’s cultural hub and later gained notoriety as a Prohibition-era speakeasy frequented by the elite of Philadelphia and New York. Adding to its mystique, it’s even rumored that Margaret Mitchell drafted Gone With the Wind on the property (imagine the conversations the walls have heard). As of 2024, the Stockton Inn is reborn as a haven for those seeking respite from the mundane and the sameness of modern hotels.
Design & Character
The inn embraces the original structure of exposed stone and wood while drawing from European sensibilities–resulting in an effortless, serene destination. Between the original inn and the carriage houses the dark-stained millwork, glowing sconces, and custom wood detailing that seems to do the storytelling of its long detailed past. Outdoors, quiet corners invite guests to linger: fireplaces flicker along stone pathways, a waterfall cascades among lush greenery, and intimate seating beckons guests to pause. Inside, artwork from Winston Wächter Fine Art lines the walls, each piece reflecting the beauty of nature and landscapes, deepening the inn’s dialogue with its surroundings.
The Rooms
With just nine guest rooms spread between the historic inn and its carriage houses, the property feels intimate and thoughtfully considered. Each space comes appointed with king-size beds dressed in plush linens, along with complimentary snacks and drinks for added comfort. In the main inn, rooms lean soft and sophisticated, dressed in airy tones and elegant details. The Carriage House, by contrast, embraces a rustic charm, with deeper hues, raw textures, and a cozier, more enveloping feel.
Amenities
Exploring the outdoors is a way of life here. In this small town, it’s best to leave the car behind and take to the trails by bike, complete with a cooler for snacks and drinks to enjoy during a leisurely pause in nature. Back at the inn, a tucked-away lounge awaits. Intimate and low-lit, it’s the perfect spot to slip in for a midday cocktail or a quiet moment between adventures.
Food & Drink Situation
The hotel offers two showstopping dining experiences, Finch and Dog & Deer Tavern. Finch is the window-lined beauty overlooking the terrace. The menu is an ode to Italian cuisine. Standout staples include a Sorrento Lemon Risotto topped with pistachio, parmigiano, and pink peppercorn and a Parmigiano Panna Cotta served with grilled summer peaches, heirloom tomato, focaccia crisp, and basil. Desserts here are for you to indulge in, a fruity strawberry and rhubarb Pavlova and a chocolate-y Bomboloni, little pillow-y donut bites are the perfect close out to your meal.
Over at Dog & Deer Tavern, classic affairs like East Coast Oysters, Spicy Tuna Tartare, and Crab & Artichoke Dip are perfect starters for the night. Mains include bountiful Steak Frites, hearty D&D Cheeseburger, and a crisp Chicken Milanese. And there’s really nothing more nostalgic than the restaurant’s reiteration of Snickers Ice Cream Bar, but make it gourmet with a peanut ice cream, chocolate shell, bananas, and salted caramel.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
The hotel sits at the crossroads of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, where nature, history, and modernity converge. Just across the street, the sister property Stockton Market serves as a refined neighborhood hub, offering a coffee bar, fresh produce, artisanal pastries, and pantry staples. For those looking to explore further, the inn is less than a 10-minute drive from the vibrant river towns of Lambertville and New Hope, both brimming with galleries, boutiques, and dining, making it an ideal base for a weekend escape.
Fast Facts
Location: Stockton, New Jersey
Vibe: A quaint hotspot seeped in history
Room Count: 9 Rooms
Pricing: $466 per night
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The dining options were so memorable. The flavors, drinks, and ambience work together so well I’m still dreaming about them as I write.
Amenities: Bike rentals, free wi-fi, private guest lounge, complimentary snacks and drinks
Nearby Attractions: Pebbler’s Village is a ten minute drive to spend the day walking in and out of niches storefronts. New Hope and Lambertville are a short drive away as well to gallery hop as well.
Nearest Airport: Newark Airport
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