The Margate on Winnipesaukee
#7 in Lake Winnipesaukee
If your idea of a Lake Winnipesaukee trip is a beach, a pool, and easy access to the busy side of the lake, The Margate is built for it. This is a proper lakefront resort in Laconia, directly on the water with its own private beach, rather than a small inn, and it sits close to Weirs Beach, the most family-oriented and activity-packed part of the lake. It trades boutique polish for practical resort amenities and a location in the middle of the action, which is exactly what a lot of Lakes Region visitors are looking for.
Is The Margate worth it?
For a family or amenity-focused lake stay, yes. The case is straightforward: a genuine lakefront position with a private beach, an indoor pool for any weather, a spa and fitness facilities, on-site dining, and a location near Weirs Beach that puts the lake's cruises, boardwalk, and attractions within easy reach. It gives you resort convenience directly on the water. The honest counterpoint is that it is a practical, mid-range resort rather than a boutique or luxury property, so the style is comfortable and functional rather than refined, and the Weirs Beach area is one of the livelier, more commercial parts of the lake. For a lake vacation built around the beach and the pool, it is a sensible, well-placed choice.
Where is The Margate?
The resort is in Laconia, on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee near Weirs Beach, in the heart of the Lakes Region about two hours north of Boston. Weirs Beach is the busy, family-focused hub of the lake, with its boardwalk, the scenic lake cruises, arcades, and summer attractions, and The Margate's location puts all of that close by while giving you a private beach of your own to retreat to. The wider Lakes Region, with its towns, drives, and the White Mountains beyond, opens up from here, and Laconia itself has the practical services of a small city. It is a driving destination, so plan on a car for exploring the lake and the region.
What are the rooms and amenities like?
Comfortable and amenity-focused, in keeping with a lakefront resort. The rooms are practical and well-suited to a lake vacation, with the resort's strength being what surrounds them: the private beach on Lake Winnipesaukee for swimming and lakeside time, an indoor pool that keeps the water part of the trip going whatever the weather, and a spa and fitness facilities for downtime. On-site dining means you can eat without leaving, which is convenient with a family, and the lake and dock access put boating and the water front and center. It is a resort designed around the outdoors and the amenities rather than around design, which fits a classic lake vacation.
Best for a family lake vacation
The private beach, the indoor pool, and the location near Weirs Beach make this a practical family base on Lake Winnipesaukee. Build the days around the beach and the pool, and use the nearby cruises, boardwalk, and attractions for outings.
Best for lake amenities and access
If you want to be directly on the water with a pool and spa rather than in a small inn, The Margate delivers resort convenience on the lake. Pair the beach and dock with the Lakes Region's boating and drives for a full lake trip.
When should you book, and what will it cost?
The Lakes Region is strongly seasonal, and summer is peak, when the beach, the lake, and Weirs Beach are at their liveliest and the resort is busiest and priciest, so summer weekends reward booking well ahead. Fall foliage is a popular second peak, and the indoor pool and spa make shoulder-season and cooler-weather stays comfortable too. It prices in the practical mid-range for the lake rather than at luxury-resort levels, which is part of its family appeal. If a lake-view room or a specific date matters, reserve early for summer. As a lakefront resort, it rewards a multi-day family stay rather than a single overnight.
Honest trade-offs
- It is a practical, mid-range resort rather than a boutique or luxury property, so the style is comfortable and functional rather than refined.
- The Weirs Beach area is one of the livelier, more commercial parts of the lake, which is convenient for families but less tranquil than the quieter shores.
- The Lakes Region is seasonal and car-dependent, so you will want a vehicle, and some activities scale back off-season.
- The appeal is the beach, pool, and amenities rather than design or a fine-dining scene, so set expectations to a classic lake resort.
Practical information
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Margate on Winnipesaukee?
In Laconia, New Hampshire, on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, near Weirs Beach and central to the Lakes Region, roughly two hours north of Boston.
Does The Margate have a private beach?
Yes. The resort sits on the lake with its own private beach, so guests have direct access to Lake Winnipesaukee for swimming and lakeside relaxing in season, along with dock and water access.
What amenities does The Margate have?
As a full lakefront resort it offers a private beach, an indoor pool, a spa and fitness facilities, and on-site dining, which makes it a comfortable year-round base in the Lakes Region.
Is The Margate good for families?
Yes. The private beach, the indoor pool, the lake activities, and the central Lakes Region location near Weirs Beach make it a practical, family-friendly lakefront resort.
Is The Margate near Weirs Beach?
Yes. It is close to Weirs Beach in Laconia, one of the busiest and most family-oriented parts of Lake Winnipesaukee, with its boardwalk, cruises, and attractions.
Is The Margate a lakefront resort?
Yes. It is a full lakefront resort directly on Lake Winnipesaukee, rather than a small inn, with resort amenities and its own beach, so it suits guests who want lake access plus a pool and spa.