Best Hotels in Maine for Families

Maine is a classic choice for an all American family holiday. It’s known for its wholesome looking, New England charms; varied coastlines and scenery, ripe for exploring without being too remote; fantastic seafood; and long list of sights and sites. Its accommodation is beautifully tailored for family visitors too, with plenty of spacious resorts, hotels with long lawns and sea views, and the prerequisite fire pits and complimentary s’mores. Our Gurus have had no trouble coming up with a list of fantastic family hotels in Maine, the trick was in narrowing it down to just the top 20. These should be a good place to start though!

For the Views

The Claremont, Southwest Harbor is an historic, waterfront hotel, surrounded by a family-friendly collection of cottages and cabins, so that the total number of rooms adds up to 43. The main inn is separated from the water by a stretch of manicured lawn, but there’s nothing to stop the view, and there’s a large garden surrounding the outlying buildings so that it all feels very private. Some of the cottages and cabins have self-catering facilities, but there are also two restaurants, plus bars, a spa, and lots of facilities for games and watersports.

On the Waterfront

The Linekin Bay Resort is a classic Maine resort, with a collection of lodges, rustic, multi-bedroom cabins, and charming, nautical chic rooms and suites. Accommodation is scattered over 20 acres, so there’s plenty of space, and natural views, for everyone. The facilities are fantastic if you want to get into watersports, and there’s a great Kids Club too. The waterfront, heated pool is another highlight of note.
The Newagen Seaside Inn is one of the smaller hotels on our list, a charming, idyllically located inn on a pretty point, surrounded by mature trees, and just moments from the water. There are 35 rooms and suites, decorated in pastel shades, with nautical accents, and ocean views. There’s loads to do here, both in the Great Outdoors, and in the grounds, where there’s a pool, tennis courts, boats, bikes, a bowling green, and a games room with snooker table.

For a Beach Break

The Stage Neck Inn is located on its own peninsula, with its own, private, beach access, and beautiful gardens surrounding the inn. Inside are 58 rooms and suites, all with contemporary décor and outdoor seating, plus a pool, spa, and two restaurants, both with sea views. If you’re travelling with a large family you might want to opt for the Grand Seaside Cottage, which sleeps up to 16 over three floors.

For a Rural Escape

Migis Lodge is a collection of 35 private log cabins set amid 125 acres of pine forest overlooking Lake Sebago. This is the sort of place people come back to year after year, where everything is on offer, and included, from morning yoga or kayaking, to the daily lunchtime cookouts, sailing or water skiing in the afternoon, and drinks of an evening.
Hidden Pond is very well hidden, in a beautiful forest! These 36 cottages, with their private balconies and outdoor rain showers, offer a chance for families to get back to nature. And eat well, at the farm-to-fork restaurant, as well as enjoy the treatments in the impressive spa. Plus there's a whole host of family friendly activities for all ages.

For Family Fun

The Lodge on the Cove is actually four lodges, arranged in a leafy green and peaceful Kennebunkport spot. Between them the lodges have 30 rooms and suites, with décor that nods towards retro-chic style, and lots of natural light, and configurations to suit all families. Expect loads of activities! Think bonfires in the evening, movie nights, kids’ crafting and board games. There’s also a great pool.
Inn by the Sea, in Portland, is a luxurious, oceanfront hotel with fantastic views from every one of the 61 rooms and suites. With contemporary décor, and the sorts of facilities you could expect from a much larger hotel or resort, the Inn by the Sea is a great choice for families looking for sea views and lots going on onsite.

For a Family Adventure

If you fancy the idea of a spot of camping, but you’re not sure how your family will take it, consider the glamping pleasures of Under Canvas Acadia, a collection of luxurious tented suites in the New England wilderness. Reassuringly complete with wood-burning stoves, luxurious bathrooms, and eco-friendly toiletries. It feels every inch the romantic, hearty, family adventure. There are camp activities every night, complimentary s’mores, barbecues for those who want to self-cater, and no wifi. There’s a communal dining tent too.

For Family-Friendly Luxury

The Cliff House Maine is a large and luxurious, waterfront resort set on 70 acres of lush landscape outside Ogunquit. With more than 220 rooms, suites and villas, plus a choice of places to dine and drink, both indoor and outdoor pools, a vast spa, and a host of facilities for both kids and adults, this is the place to come for a break with your family, but also a break from your family – if you need one!

For New England Style

The Colony Hotel is perfectly positioned to overlook both the Atlantic Ocean and the Kennebunk River in pretty Kennebunkport. Expansive gardens and lawns surround a large, heated, saltwater, outdoor pool and lead down to a private beach, with plenty of watersports facilities on offer. They also have bikes you can hire. There are 125 rooms and suites, including numerous family options and two private villas with three and five bedrooms. After a day on the water you’ll appreciate the choice of restaurants, both specialising in New England fare.
Also in Kennebunkport, on the river, The Nonantum Resort started as a Captain’s house, and has been a hotel since 1883 – it now offers more than a hundred rooms and suites, in several original buildings and a newer block. Many have river views, and all have a nautical theme. There’s also a choice of three restaurants, a pool, huge gardens and grounds, firepits with regular campfire song sessions, and a Kids Club.

For Family Resort Fun

The Anchorage by the Sea is a well presented family-friendly resort just moments from the ocean at Ogunquit. There are 241 rooms, in an excellent range of shapes and sizes that includes detached cottages, condos and rooms and suites in the main hotel. There are plenty of picks that face the ocean, but if your room doesn’t, the expansive gardens, bar and seafood restaurant all have seaviews. And when it comes to the list of facilities it’s long, and includes both indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna and a hot tub.
The Spruce Point Inn, in Boothbay Harbor, is a classic New England coast resort, with rooms and suites in an historic white-clapboard inn, and in surrounding multi-bedroom lodges. The room interiors have a crisp, nautical flavour, and large windows, and the whole resort is tucked away in a landscaped forest. The facilities are the sort that will convince you not to leave the resort: a selection of four restaurants, a heated outdoor pool right on the water, firepits, a kids club, tennis courts, and an impressive spa.

For Larger Families

Sheepscot Harbor Village Resort is a relaxed, New England style resort with a small collection of rooms, suites, self-catered lodge suites, private cottages with between one and four bedrooms, and a fully equipped townhouse – making it an ideal choice for families of all shapes and sizes, and larger groups. The waterfront setting is idyllic and peaceful, and you’re so close to the wilderness here that you can take puffin, dolphin and whale watching cruises.
The Colonial Inn is a 60-odd room Victorian inn, with rooms spread across four buildings, with configurations that will fit even the largest families and groups. The Victorian shell with its wrap-around-porch now houses more contemporary décor, with classic comforts and plenty of space, light and air. There’s a pool with a hot tub, but no restaurant — however there is a large lounge and lobby bar, and there are plenty of dining options within a short walk.

For Privacy

Harbor Cottage Inn is an elegant, Victorian era B&B right on the waterfront in Southwest Harbor. Its 11 pretty rooms are decorated with pastels and patterned wallpapers, and have a homely, cosy feel – some have private hot tubs and decks or balconies. There’s also a beautifully landscaped lawn, and a peaceful porch. It sounds a bit peaceful for families, but they have a fantastic cottage next door, with three bedrooms, plus a kitchen and a play room.
Th historic Victorian Inn by the Sea has sea views, but also a rural setting. And with just seven rooms and suites it’s perfect if you’re looking for the traditional holiday treasures of space, peace, sea and sunshine, and time together. There’s no restaurant, but there are lots of useful facilities, and they do offer a three course breakfast and a guests’ pantry. For total privacy book into the Costal Cottage Apartment, which has its own entrance and self-catering facilities, and the Sawyer Suite has two twin beds, and the master.

For Great Value

The Smugglers Cove Inn is idyllically positioned, right on the water – with some rooms over the water – in a scenic spot just minutes from Booth Bay Harbor. There are 50 rooms and suites – all rooms have their own private balconies or patios, and sleep up to four – kids under five stay for free, and some of the rooms have self-catering facilities. There’s plenty of space to run around, a seaside pool, a pirate-themed playground, and the restaurant is very family friendly.
Bar Harbor’s Acacia House Inn is a homely B&B with just nine rooms – including one with a jacuzzi, and two set up to thoughtfully accommodate families – split between the main inn and a carefully converted carriage house. Our favourite rooms have sit-out balconies and terraces, but they all have pale décor and eco-friendly details. This is a charming and affordable choice, with a homemade gourmet breakfast that really sweetens the deal.

Still not sure where to book?

You could browse our recommendations for all the best places to stay in Maine
Or refine your search to particular parts of Maine, and seek out the best hotels in Portland, Kennebunkport or Southport
Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

20 Best Hotels in Maine for Families

Migis Lodge

Maine (Maine)

All inclusive luxury with thirty five private log cabins set in 125 acres of pine forest, overlooking Lake Sebago. Enjoy lobster dinners, daily BBQ lunchtime cookouts and smart evening drinks on the veranda. All activities, from water skiing to morning pilates are included.

Kids Club - Daily activities and kids meals
Private villas - Individual Log Cabins
Lakeside - Sebago Lake
Families

from AU$459 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Hidden Pond

Kennebunkport (Maine)

Rural New England cottages in stunning forest land with kitchen, roaring fires, private balconies and outdoor rain showers. Rooms are modern and comfortable, quiet and intimate. Earth offers farm-to-fork outdoor dining. The Tree Spa has a range of treatments and back to nature activities for all.

Great walks - Nature Walks on the Hidden Pond Nature Trail and guided hikes to Timber Point.
Kayaking - Paddle boarding and kayaking on Goose Rocks Beach.
Back to Nature
Outstanding location

from AU$380 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

20 Best Hotels in Maine for Families

For the Views

On the Waterfront

For a Beach Break

For a Rural Escape

For Family Fun

For a Family Adventure

For Family-Friendly Luxury

For New England Style

For Family Resort Fun

For Larger Families

For Privacy

For Great Value

Still not sure where to book?

20 Best Hotels in Maine for Families

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