where to stay in maine
Maine is a jewel of the Northeast: rugged coastlines, winding rivers, dense spruce forests, and a rich maritime heritage. Whether you’re planning a breezy summer getaway by Casco Bay, a crisp fall leaf‑tour in the mountains, or a snowy winter retreat in the far north, the state offers accommodations that suit every taste and budget. Below is a curated map of the places to stay in Maine – from luxury hotels and historic inns to cabin rentals and budget hostels – with practical tips for picking the right fit for your trip.
1. The Coastal Edge – Beachfront Hotels & Ocean‑Front Rentals
Portland – The Hub of Freshwater & Fresh‑Cooked Lobster
| Accommodation | Price Range | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina | $$$$ | 19‑story ocean‑front tower, private beach, rooftop bar, in‑house spa. |
| The Jefferson Hotel | $$-$$$ | Luxury boutique boutique, historic 1891 building, ocean view rooms. |
| The Silver Family Hotel | $ | Low‑budget rooms with balcony views, free parking. |
| Sea‑Side Cabins & Houses | $$$ | Rustic waterfront Cabins with private docks and campfires. |
Why Portland? The city’s Cape Elizabeth and East End neighborhoods offer sweeping views of Casco Bay, while downtown’s culture, dining, and the iconic Old Port keep travelers entertained. Book early for the summer high season (July‑August) and aim for the shoulder months (May–June, September–October) if you’d like fewer crowds.
Bar Harbor – Gateway to Acadia National Park
| Accommodation | Price Range | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Bar Harbor Inn & Spa | $$$ | Classic Colonial style, spacious suites, sunlight‑filled balconies. |
| Copper Barn | $$ | Quaint and family-friendly, known for breakfast and locally sourced dishes. |
| Acadia’s Edge Cabins | $$$ | Mountain‑view cabins with a private fire pit. |
| Family‑Friendly Barn & Blast Cabins | $-$$ | Old‑world barns converted into rustic rooms at a reasonable price. |
Pro tip: Acadia National Park visits are busiest in the early fall (mid‑September) when the leaves turn golden. Staying in Bar Harbor gives you easy access to the park’s carriage roads, hikes, and tide pools without booking the pricey ranger‑led lodging inside the park itself.
Kennebunkport, Searsport & the Midcoast
- Kennebunkport’s Seaview Resort – Oceanfront rooms, award‑winning private chefs. ( $$$$ )
- Searsport Sloop Motel – Retro motels with historic sweepstakes-style rooms. ( $$ )
- Midcoast Cabins – Eclectic cabins scattered along the shoreline with ATV rentals. ( $-$$$ )
Why the Midcoast? It combines Mystic‑like seaside charm with easy access to the scenic North Maine Coastal Trail. Plus, you can hop out for a whale‑watching tour at Loon Island.
2. The Historic Inns – A Step Back in Time
Maine’s colonial past is alive in its stone‑kept inns. Often built in the 1800s, they marry antique décor with modern comforts.
| Inn | Town | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| The Prince Memorial Hotel | Brenton | $$ |
| The Port Haven Inn | Ellsworth | $-$$ |
| Grand River Inn | Brewer | $$ |
| Crawford Cove Inn | Maugansville | $$$ |
| The Old Shipping House | Ellsworth | $$-$$$ |
Recommendation: Seek a “farm‑to‑table” breakfast at Crawford Cove—Maine chefs use local seafood and mushrooms to create a brunch that’s as fresh as a sunrise over the Penobscot River.
3. The Luxury Hotels – where Comfort Meets the Uniqueness of Maine
| Hotel | Town | Price Range | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Limekiln Lodge | Saco | $$$$ | Private lake, tennis & equestrian facilities. |
| The Blue Hill on the Hill | Boothbay | $$$ | Farm‑to‑table dining that requires reservations. |
| Maine Air & Spa Resort | Augusta | $$$ | Indoor/outdoor pool with a 180‑degree view of the Gulf. |
| The Colony House | Portland | $$$ | Combines historic charm and a WWII‑era war‑history tourist exhibit. |
These places are perfect if you want a bit of indulgence. From the ski‑in rooms in the Kancamagus corridor to the indoor yoga studios overlooking the Gulf of Maine, luxury hotels blend seamlessly with the state’s natural allure.
4. Cabins & Tiny Homes – Immerse Yourself in Nature
Acadia‑Adjacent Cabins
- Alpine Lodge Cabins aka “Cozy in the Corner” – 5‑10 cabin options. Estimated $350/night. Great for summer, pack lightly.
- Mount Desert Island (MDI) Forest Cabins – ~$500/night for a two‑person cabin. $1,000/night for a "luxe" pack‑in‑pork cabin with a fireplace.
Far‑Northern Retreats
- Moosehead-Meno Inlet (Lake) Cabins – Extremely remote – $450/night. Perfect for a quiet fishing & kayaking break.
- Lowlane Mountain Lodges – $400‑$600/night. Ski‑in, with a Northern Lights orientation.
Tip: During late October to early December, cabin rates can rise due to the influx of winter‑season enthusiasts. Book double‑weeks carefully.
5. Budget & Unique Stays
Hostels & Campgrounds
| Location | Type | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Portland Youth Hostel | Dormitory | $25‑$35/night |
| Evangeline Refuge | Backcountry camping | 5‑$10/night |
| The Coast’s Open Camping | Pit‑stops on the ferry route | $10‑$20/night |
| The JouMasonic Lodge | Pre‑designated cabins off-grid | $150‑$600/night |
These are Fall‑Todd’s favorite, providing a low‑cost option for travelers who are more interested in the outdoors than in sun‑caressed hotel rooms.
A New Way – Micro‑tiny Homes on the Water
Some recent (2020+) flotation home developments in northern‑Maine (e.g., “Luna Cay”) allow a once‑in‑a‑lifetime style. sofa seats cost around $1,100, and the entire micro‑home is up to $2,800/night. The Ecely Spa & Tigers have a lighthouse feature, offering a unique weekend.
6. Practical Tips for Your Booking
| What | Best Practices |
|---|---|
| Seasonality | Late May through September is the peak travel season for the coast. Fall (late September – early November) is prime leaf‑tour time. Winter (December‑March) draws skiing and snowmobiling crowds. Bab. |
| Location | If you’re only heading to the coast, staying in the city centres (Portland/Bar Harbor) lowers your daily commuting. For cabin tourism, the more remote the better for a “country‑house” feel. |
| Dining | Many B&Bs sell breakfast. For lunch, list the local restaurants that require advance reservations. |
| Outdoor Access | Book early for Acadia’s interior lodging (e.g., Tibb’s Lodge). |
| Pet Policy | The Emma Lake Inn (Bar Harbor) is pet‑friendly. Check the policy for smaller B&Bs. |
| Transport | The myMaine.com system can help you figure out ferry, bus, or car rental shares. For those on a budget, the Maine Coast to Coast Bike Trail offers a bike‑friendly cycle. |
7. Final Thoughts
Maine’s hospitality scene is a fascinating blend of historic grandeur, affordable simplicity, and wilderness‑touched luxury. Whether you’re staying on a white‑sand beach in Portland, renting a cabin along the rugged West Coast, or taking a weekend in a quaint inn in a colonial town, you’ll experience the heart of Maine – From hand‑caught Lobster in an open‑air kitchen to watching the sun set over the granite cliffs. The small details, like a local coffee bean brand in your breakfast spread or a weekend choir in St. Peter’s Church, will cement your memory. Buy your tickets in advance, but allow for spontaneity – a sudden weather change or a thrilling last‑minute adventure may guide your next decision.
Enjoy your Maine getaway and let the state’s stunning scenery and welcoming residents enrich your travel life. Happy exploring!
