Last Updated on September 1, 2023 by Katrina
The best beach hotels in Maine tend to be in small towns such as Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, Bar Harbor, or greater Portland area—all with great dining, shopping, and walkable streets. Given the rugged coastline of some parts of Maine, some oceanfront resorts boast more sweeping ocean views than direct beach access, while others make it easy to park your chair right in the sand. Here are five great hotels that offer an excellent perch on the coast.
The Colony Hotel (140 Ocean Ave.; 207-967-3331) Kennebunkport
“The sprawling, dog-friendly Kennebunkport landmark exudes a delightfully old-fashioned ambiance,” writes Yankee magazine about this summer-only inn that’s a mile from the town’s Dock Square and has “two restaurants, a beach, a heated saltwater pool, and an 18-hole putting green.” One Tripadvisor reviewer found the 1914 hotel to be “a true step back in time. Classic Maine. We spent most of the day by the pool overlooking the harbor entrance, you can see all the boats coming and going from pool deck. No TV or A/C in most rooms but ocean breeze was pleasant thru open window.” >> Book this hotel for less
Inn by the Sea (40 Bowery Beach Rd.; 207-799-3134) Cape Elizabeth
This 62-room inn on five acres is less than 10 miles from Portland, and Travel+ Leisure calls it “gorgeous … outdoor fire pits and fireplaces in every suite make it a prime choice for a winter stay. Have breakfast at Sea Glass, the property’s restaurant, before taking a long walk on the pristine private beach.” One Tripadvisor user calls it “elegant and kid friendly at the same time,” while another writes that it’s a “superior resort. Our suite was the best—large, spacious and beautifully decorated. The spa is great.” >> Book this hotel for less
The Tides Beach Club (930 Kings Hwy.; 800-572-8696) Kennebunkport
Stay on Kennebunkport’s classic Goose Rocks Beach at this five-time winner in Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards. A Google reviewer calls it “so romantic … beach chairs accessible as well as bicycles. Morning croissants tasted like they flew them in from Paris. Enjoyed the downstairs happy hour.” A Tripadvisor user writes that it also makes a great girls’ getaway with “lots of amenities. They had free shuttle service all around Kennebunkport, and great mountain bikes. They also had paddle boards and kayaks available and live music on Friday night.” >> Book this hotel for less
Cliff House Maine (591 Shore Rd.; 207-361-1000) Cape Neddick
The 226-room, 1872 sits on the cliffs of Cape Neddick—but that means you’re seeing beach more than being on it. “A stay here feels like something out of classic literature,” writes Travel+Leisure. “The ocean looks close enough to touch, and the sounds of it will lull you to sleep— almost every suite has a partial or complete coastal view.” A Tripadvisor user writes, “You can walk down to rocks, and the dining room has ocean view. There’s beautiful art work, too—the history of Cliff House is so interesting and it tells its story through old pictures.” >> Book this hotel for less
Lafayette’s Oceanfront Resort (393 Mile Rd.; 207-646-2831) Wells Beach
Open year round, this resort on the Southern Maine coast is spread across nine buildings, five of which are directly on the beach. “Our room in the Motor Inn building was comfortable and had an amazing view,” writes a Google reviewer. “The hot tub waterfall and pool area were a perfect way to end/begin each day. They also have bikes you can take out at no extra charge.” One Tripadvisor user writes of being “very pleasantly surprised to find how well this vintage location has been upgraded both outside and inside. Our room had a balcony facing the ocean.”
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