GoHotelly
2-star hotel Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 11:00

Whaler Inn and Suites

Relax at Whaler Inn and Suites in New Bedford, MA. Enjoy free parking, a bar, and proximity to Buttonwood Park Zoo and Whaling Museum. Rated 3.4 from 408 reviews.

500 Hathaway Rd, New Bedford, MA 02740, United States View on map
6.8/10
Average Based on 430 recent guest reviews
Free parking Air-conditioned Kid-friendly Restaurant Bar
What recent guests emphasize

Balanced comfort with attentive staff and local convenience

Recent guests highlight friendly and helpful service, clean and spacious rooms, and enjoyable onsite amenities, while noting some inconsistencies in room features and limited hotel amenities.

Guests often praise

  • Friendly and accommodating staff, especially front desk and event team members who go above and beyond
  • Cleanliness and spaciousness of rooms, with some enjoying the Jacuzzi suites and comfortable beds
  • Well-maintained property with a convenient on-site pub and pool hall offering a relaxed atmosphere
  • Good parking availability and a kid-friendly environment
  • Helpful responses during emergency situations and event hosting

Worth knowing

  • Breakfast is not offered on-site, and the hotel lacks a fitness center and airport shuttle
  • Some guests experienced inconsistent room amenities such as lack of phones, minimal artwork, thin comforters, and pillows that lacked comfort
  • Issues with housekeeping timing and occasional front desk unhelpfulness were reported but often addressed by management
  • Pool temperature may be cool for some guests
  • Property is not pet-friendly and may have limited accessibility to higher floors

Best for

  • Visitors seeking affordable, clean lodging with a relaxed atmosphere near local attractions like the Whaling City Golf Course
  • Guests looking to enjoy on-site socializing at a pub/bar with pool tables
  • Families and groups attending events needing attentive event planning and accommodating service
  • Travelers prioritizing helpful staff and a convenient location over extensive hotel amenities
Compare booking partners

Open this hotel on the platform you trust.

GoHotelly doesn't process bookings — we open this property on each partner so you can compare live rates, cancellation rules and loyalty perks side by side.

Some links are affiliate — if you book, GoHotelly may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure.

About this property

Welcome to Whaler Inn and Suites

Situated at 500 Hathaway Rd in New Bedford, MA, Whaler Inn and Suites offers a relaxed atmosphere suitable for visitors looking for straightforward accommodations. Located across from the Whaling City Golf Course and within a short drive to local attractions such as Buttonwood Park Zoo and the New Bedford ferry terminal, it provides convenient access to a variety of regional points of interest.

The hotel features a casual setting with a restaurant and bar that includes pool tables, creating a social spot for guests and locals alike. Complimentary Wi-Fi and free parking add practical convenience, while air conditioning and a smoke-free environment contribute to overall comfort. However, the property does not offer amenities such as breakfast service, airport shuttle, fitness center, or pet accommodations.

Rooms have been described as clean and spacious by guests, with some highlighting the comfort of suites such as those with Jacuzzi tubs. The staff receives mixed feedback, with several reviewers praising helpful and friendly service, particularly during challenging situations. On the other hand, some mention occasional issues with front desk interactions and room maintenance. Accessibility may be limited for higher floors, which could be a consideration for travelers with mobility concerns.

Nearby activities include visits to the acclaimed New Bedford Whaling Museum and the Buttonwood Park Zoo, both offering cultural and family-friendly experiences. Guests aiming for a casual, budget-conscious stay with easy access to local attractions and a lively on-site bar may find Whaler Inn and Suites a fitting choice, while those seeking more extensive hotel facilities might consider other options in the area.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free parking
Air-conditioned
Kid-friendly
Restaurant
Bar
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Breakfast
Pet-friendly
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

SS
Sussuca Ss Mar 24, 2026
10

I know the property is not brand new , but it's good for the price. The hotel team are friendly and helpful. There is a nice snooker bar in the same place. Thanks to Mrs. Tina for her kindness and helping us at the front desk.

RE
Ryan E Mar 22, 2026
10

Honestly, the Jacuzzi suite here is awesome. The room is massive, everything was super clean, and the tub itself is exactly what you need to just zone out and relax. The bed was ridiculously comfortable too. The team always does a great job keeping things running smoothly. Definitely worth booking if you need a solid local getaway.

NC
Nancy Cardoza Mar 03, 2026
10

This hotel helped me out when my building caught fire and we had to place our 21 tenants in rooms. Kendra was so helpful. Rooms were clean and the front staff was so friendly. I would highly recommend.

AR
Anna Rebelo Mar 02, 2026
10

Jenn the event planner was awesome. She made sure all our needs were met from start to finish she kept in touch through the whole process cant thank her enough.Very helpful any issue that came up she solved immediately. The event hall was great she was also our bartendar for the event she was awesome. We had guest come in from out of state and the room they gave was not cleaned they immediately changed rooms once front desk was notified. Very attentive to all our needs for event. I highly recommend for events. Will definitely use again for Events in the future.

MM
Magen Morales Feb 28, 2026
10

Our first time here, we traveled from Maryland for a family function. I'm impressed with the cleanliness of the rooms and how spacious they're. Comfortable, comforters could be a bit thicker.... the swimming pool is a nice size and well comfy. Staff kind friendly and respectful. Only down side isn't really handicap accessible for the higher floors. Property well kept. There's also a pub/ pool hall within for convenience. Well lite, plenty of parking. Would definitely return and refer friends and family... a bit pricey but worth it. As for breakfast with they served bacon eggs and sausage as well.....

A
Atiba Jan 30, 2026
10

Got stuck during the 26' 3ft blizzard with no way home and I barely made it to the hotel. Attendant was help full with my predicament and even provided a charger so I can pay with Google Pay. Room was clean and in order. Restaurant was closed due to a travel ban, but there was snacks on site. Thanks you to the staff member that helped me, absolutely outstanding employee!

SC
Storm Cloud Jan 02, 2026
10

The new renovations on this place are amazing! And the staff are phenomenal! Just spent the weekend there with my children and they absolutely adored the place! The little atrium area with the rooms that look like a little village is the greatest thing and the fact that they are directly across from the pool is great to keep an eye on the kids while still relaxing 10 out of 10! Honestly I think it's the greatest hotel in New Bedford!

SW
Shawna Wilson Dec 24, 2025
10

The rooms were decent—clean and comfortable enough for the price—but the hotel could definitely benefit from more amenities. There was no phone in the room, no artwork on the walls, and the comforters were more like sheets. The pillows also weren’t very comfortable. Our experience with the front desk was frustrating. When we walked in to make our reservation, the gentleman who answered was extremely rude. We had trouble understanding him when he was explaining the deposit, and instead of helping, he got frustrated and told us to go somewhere else. It was disappointing. We saw the same gentleman again during breakfast the next morning. While he seemed slightly more pleasant, he was still not helpful. When we asked for extra towels, he refused and told us housekeeping would be in later that day. Unfortunately, we returned that evening to find housekeeping hadn’t come to our room at all. I went to the lobby to speak with the general manager, and she was wonderful. She apologized for the inconvenience, personally gave us fresh towels, and was incredibly kind and understanding. The pool was a bit cold, but overall, the room itself was a good value. Despite the issues, I rated our stay a 5 because of how great the general manager was—she truly went above and beyond. We’ll be back next month and are hopeful for a better experience.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Whaler Inn and Suites

New Bedford, Massachusetts, USA

Set across from Whaling City Golf Course, this laid-back hotel is 3 miles from Buttonwood Park Zoo and 4 miles from New Bedford ferry terminal.

  • Seastreak Ferry Terminal at New Bedford 1 hr 14 Walk
  • Cuttyhunk Ferry Pier, New Bedford, MA 1 hr 25 Walk
  • Granite Ave and Rockdale Ave 16 min Walk
  • Boston Logan International Airport 1 hr 1 Car · 3 hr Transit
  • Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport 43 min Car · 5 hr Transit
  • Nantucket Memorial Airport-ACK 3 hr 18 Car · 6 hr 43 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Massachusetts. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

New Bedford Whaling Museum 1,846 reviews

New Bedford Whaling Museum

18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA 02740, United States

4.8 · Museum
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Visitor Center 2,288 reviews

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Visitor Center

33 William St, New Bedford, MA 02740, United States

4.7 · Visitor Center
Buttonwood Park Zoo 3,264 reviews

Buttonwood Park Zoo

425 Hawthorn St, New Bedford, MA 02740, United States

4.5 · Zoo
People also viewed

Similar Hotels in Massachusetts

Hand-picked alternatives with a comparable feel, size and price band.

8300 Craig St, Indianapolis, IN 46250, United States

Days Inn by Wyndham Indianapolis Northeast

Functional hotel in Indianapolis offering free breakfast, fitness room, and LGBTQ+ friendly stay. Close to Castleton Square mall a...

2.7 (800) View
2150 SW Railroad Ave, Hammond, LA 70403, United States

Days Inn by Wyndham Hammond

Stay at Days Inn by Wyndham Hammond with free WiFi, breakfast, parking, and a seasonal pool. Conveniently near Southeastern Louis...

3.8 (424) View
4041 N Ocean Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308, United States

Ocean Beach Palace Hotel and Suites

Stay steps from the beach at Ocean Beach Palace Hotel and Suites in Fort Lauderdale. Features outdoor pool, free WiFi, kitchens, ...

3.7 (1,018) View
3 Stage Coach Way, Lake Placid, NY 12946, United States

The Lake Placid Stagecoach Inn & Restaurant

Stay at The Lake Placid Stagecoach Inn & Restaurant featuring free WiFi, breakfast, parking, and a bar. Located near Whiteface Mo...

4.8 (158) View
1025 S Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118, United States

Silver Beach Club

Stay at Silver Beach Club in Daytona Beach, featuring condos with kitchens, outdoor pool, beach access, free WiFi, and nearby att...

4.1 (509) View
745 Magee Dr, Brookhaven, MS 39601, United States

Quality Inn Brookhaven

Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, pool, and gym at Quality Inn Brookhaven, a LGBTQ+ friendly hotel just 1.9 miles from downtown Brookhav...

3.8 (215) View
2551 Interstate 45 N, Conroe, TX 77304

WoodSpring Suites Conroe

Simple allsuite extendedstay hotel off I45 in Conroe, TX. Features complimentary parking, WiFi, LGBTQ+ friendly, near Heritage...

3.1 (481) View
Share your stay

Stayed at Whaler Inn and Suites? Help the next traveler decide.

Short, honest notes are more useful than long ones. A few sentences about what worked, what surprised you, and who the hotel is best for will go a long way.

Your email is only used to verify the review — it won't be shown publicly.