It’s the little things that really make a stay comfortable-an attentive staff who doesn’t forget to dust in the corners, fresh-brewed gourmet coffee with a complimentary breakfast, and friendly innkeepers who are quick to recommend area restaurants and attractions. While the Lamplighter is an older motel-and definitely showing its age-this Lake Sunapee area motor lodge punches above its weight with a pleasing attention to detail.

The motel contains 14 single and double rooms, which are large by motel standards (though bathrooms are small). Four of them have kitchenettes. It is a 10-minute drive from Lake Sunapee and just down the street from the New London Barn & Playhouse, which shows summer stock theater, including family-friendly musicals and a special children’s theater program.