Emerson Inn by the Sea

Massachusetts, New England

Pigeon Cove Tavern
Pigeon Cove Tavern

The hotel

Cape Ann's only historic grand hotel, this lovely seaside inn features 36 elegantly appointed rooms which have been restored to reflect the quality of yesteryear featuring enclosed balconies offering sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, perfect for watching the sunrise. The Pigeon Cove Tavern opened in May 2016 and is one of the north Shore's most spectacular ocean-side settings with a diverse menu of dishes, great for a relaxing breakfast or candlelit dinner on the veranda.

Amenities

  • Swimming Pool
  • Free Parking
  • Internet Access
  • Tennis
  • Restaurant

Where is it

In the quiet, residential neighbourhood of Pigeon Cove, approx 2 miles north of Rockport.

Hotel information

36 rooms with no lifts. All with air-conditioning, Juliet balcony or private deck, HD flat screen TV, hair dryer and Gilchrist & Soames bath amenities. Standard Rooms are charming and quaint with 1 queen-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Ocean View Rooms provide great views of the Atlantic Ocean, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Pigeon Cove Tavern (open for breakfast and dinner on select days). Morning coffee and tea served in the parlor. Outdoor heated swimming pool (seasonal). Games room. Yard games. Complimentary WiFi.

*Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (173)
  • Very good (132)
  • Average (43)
  • Poor (25)
  • Terrible (18)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating An Autumn visit to Cape Ann, MA

Oct 7, 2019 Tim F

We spent one evening at the Emerson Inn and truly enjoyed our stay. We enjoyed a lovely meal at the Pigeon Cove Cafe located right in the inn. We then attended a local church coffeehouse concert that evening, And upon waking the next morning, we returned to the Pigeon Cove Cafe for the complementary breakfast buffet. We would recommend a stay at… Read more
We spent one evening at the Emerson Inn and truly enjoyed our stay. We enjoyed a lovely meal at the Pigeon Cove Cafe located right in the inn. We then attended a local church coffeehouse concert that evening, And upon waking the next morning, we returned to the Pigeon Cove Cafe for the complementary breakfast buffet. We would recommend a stay at the Emerson Inn to friends & family. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Peaceful waterfront spot up from main town

Oct 7, 2019 socali123 Los Angeles, CA

My favorite experience at this inn was sitting on a rocking chair in the cool.morning, looking out to the calm water, drinking (free) coffee, enjoying the quiet. The best moment in my Rockport visit. The least favorite was hearing the guy in the next room snoring. Staff was friendly and attentive. This place is 2 miles from the main town, so it's… Read more
My favorite experience at this inn was sitting on a rocking chair in the cool.morning, looking out to the calm water, drinking (free) coffee, enjoying the quiet. The best moment in my Rockport visit. The least favorite was hearing the guy in the next room snoring. Staff was friendly and attentive. This place is 2 miles from the main town, so it's best to have a car. Without one, it's a slightly hilly walk, mostly not in view of the water, or calling a taxi which may take time to come in from the next town. New England charm throughout. An older building recently updated with new carpet, new beds, etc. Large warm lobby. Nice restaurant. My stay included buffet breakfast with tasty sausage, good fruit, etc. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A charming and scenic historic Inn

Sep 21, 2019 _anthonylanz13 Cohoes, New York

First of all you have to realize that since this is an old and historic building, there isn’t much you can do with the very small and cramped rooms. Sparse, is putting it mildly...but they do make the most of what space they have. Looking beyond the rooms, the Inn offers spectacular oceans views, a gorgeous porch with rocking chairs, beautiful… Read more
First of all you have to realize that since this is an old and historic building, there isn’t much you can do with the very small and cramped rooms. Sparse, is putting it mildly...but they do make the most of what space they have. Looking beyond the rooms, the Inn offers spectacular oceans views, a gorgeous porch with rocking chairs, beautiful grounds with a cool walking trail, complimentary morning coffee and danish and an afternoon tea, a pretty decent restaurant with an awesome breakfast, and a relaxing lobby and bar. The ocean view is amazing....we literally watched a gorgeous sunrise from our bed. Staff was friendly and accommodating ( i.e. no ice machines so they have to bring you a bag of ice if needed). Be forewarned...no elevators so staying on the 3rd floor was quite challenging and tiresome. Breakfast on the back porch was so relaxing. If you are looking for a nice quiet and relaxing getaway, the Emerson Inn is for you. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great last minute find, classic New England shoreline inn

Sep 9, 2019 Peter33851 New Haven, Connecticut

Found this on HotelTonight for a great price, about $170. Took the last room, a handicapped room, #203. It's a convenient, first floor room tucked in a quiet corner, with its own entrance and dedicated handicapped parking spot right outside the room. Otherwise, the inn has all the handicapped accessibility one would expect from 19th century. … Read more
Found this on HotelTonight for a great price, about $170. Took the last room, a handicapped room, #203. It's a convenient, first floor room tucked in a quiet corner, with its own entrance and dedicated handicapped parking spot right outside the room. Otherwise, the inn has all the handicapped accessibility one would expect from 19th century. Staff was friendly and helpful. Pigeons' Cove location was great, with inn set back from the sea with a medium sized lawn betwixt it and the shore. Corn hole game was on lawn: much fun for all ages, plus a pool. Note: some reservations include breakfast; cut-rate ones through third parties don't, so compare rates directly with the hotel site if you want a full breakfast. For all, there are fresh pastries and coffee in the living room from quarter past seven to nine or so every morning. For my wife and I, this nourishment was enough. The front porch is a great place to have a meal, watch the sunrise, or just chill in a rocking chair. There is a restaurant on site, but the food is too complex for my taste (I like simple things), so we went up the road to the Lobster Pool. Bathrobes in room were nice. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating the perfect way to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary

Sep 7, 2019 Gayle G Worcester, Massachusetts

The inn, excellent staff, delicious breakfasts and dinners, comfortable accomodations, gracious surroundings, morning coffee and afternoon tea served in china cups all added up to the perfect setting for our anniversary getaway. Watching the spectacular sunrise and sunsets from our bedroom window and the lovely wrap around porch was wonderful. An… Read more
The inn, excellent staff, delicious breakfasts and dinners, comfortable accomodations, gracious surroundings, morning coffee and afternoon tea served in china cups all added up to the perfect setting for our anniversary getaway. Watching the spectacular sunrise and sunsets from our bedroom window and the lovely wrap around porch was wonderful. An addition bonus for me, mobility challenged, was an accessible room on the first floor with easy access to porch, parlor, bar and dining area as well as a ramp and handicap parking space outside our door. The chicken confit at Pigeon Cove tavern was beautifully prepared and presented, excellent coffee, breakfast freshly prepared. Hotel desk staff and restaurant staff were welcoming, informative, thoughtful, among the best we have ever encountered. Read less