Waldo Emerson Inn

from CA$307
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“An historic inn, ideally located for outdoors types or beach lovers. Interiors are traditional with many original features including polished pine floors, hand-painted wedgewood tiles and exposed beams. Gourmet breakfasts come as standard. A cosy, atmospheric property that oozes period charm.”

Hotel review

The historic Waldo Emerson Inn was originally built in 1753 by the uncle of famous philosopher and poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson. It is a traditional white clapboard construction and the interiors both reflect the property's historic past and offer a stylish, cosy modern bed and breakfast experience. With just six rooms and a couple of suites (one in the adjacent cottage), this is an intimate inn. The vibe is laid-back and relaxation is the name of the game. Rooms are elegantly decorated in a contemporary classic style with polished wood floors and antiques aplenty, and all feature luxury accessories including top notch bed linen and Molton Brown toiletries. A gourmet breakfast (prepared by a London trained chef) which will set you up for the day is included in the price, plus there's plenty of complimentary snacks to be had throughout the day (from toast and jam to a sweetie collection). Alternatively head to the honesty bar in one of the parlors, where you can help yourself to a drink, relax in charming surroundings and muse on your day. Waldo Emerson Inn is also a top choice in terms of location. Ideally sitauted just outside Kennebunkport, you've easy access to beaches, restaurants and the beautiful countryside which is awash with hiking and biking trails. But with such an inviting property the temptation is to switch off your phone, bag a comfy spot in the garden or on the beach and just watch the world go by!

Sarah Empson
Sarah Empson Review published: 2024-12-03

Recommended for

  • Total relaxation

    • Waldo Emerson Inn ticks all the relaxation boxes - only 6 rooms, no kids under 12, beautiful countryside....

  • Romantic Break

    • With its sophisticated vibe, rooms with fireplaces, gourmet breakfasts, romantics will not be disappointed.

  • Cycling

    • Borrow one of the Inn's complimentary bikes and get out and about exploring on two wheels

  • Pet friendly

    • There are two pet friendly rooms, but dogs are not permitted in the main house

  • Intimate

    • There are only six bedrooms in the main building, plus a cottage suite.

  • Beach nearby

    • There are a wealth of sandy beaches to choose from all within 3 miles

  • Minimum Stay

    • 2 night min during peak season and 3 night min during major holidays

  • Great walks

    • There are lots of great trails in the surrounding countryside

  • Historic

    • The property dates back to the late 18th century

  • No restaurant

    • A gourmet breakfast is served every morning.

  • Sights nearby

    • 5 mins drive from downtown Kennebunkport

  • Restrictions on children

    • No children under 12 allowed

  • Charming

  • Full of character

  • Quiet

  • Owner managed

  • Traditional

  • Kayaking

  • Inn

  • Surfing

  • B&B

  • Fishing

Facilities

  • Rooms

    6 rooms in this hotel

  • Pet friendly

    There are two pet friendly rooms, but dogs are not permitted in the main house

  • Minimum Stay

    2 night min during peak season and 3 night min during major holidays

  • Fireplace

    Four of the guestrooms have their own fireplace

  • Sitting Room

    Filled with books that you can borrow or swap!

  • No restaurant

    A gourmet breakfast is served every morning.

  • Bar

    Honesty bar in the sitting room

  • Restrictions on children

    No children under 12 allowed

  • Bicycles available

  • Bath robes

  • Satellite / Cable TV

  • Garden

Activities

  • Cycling

    • Borrow one of the Inn's complimentary bikes and get out and about exploring on two wheels

  • Great walks

    • There are lots of great trails in the surrounding countryside

  • Sights nearby

    • 5 mins drive from downtown Kennebunkport

  • Kayaking

  • Surfing

  • Fishing

Map & Location

See what they say

Why do people love staying in your hotel? People love staying at the Waldo Emerson Inn as it’s one of the most historic and romantic houses in Southern Maine. The original house was built in 1753. It has been recently renovated creating an atmosphere of historic charm with elegant whimsy. The innkeeper is a London trained chef and guests come for the gourmet breakfasts. It is ideally located to experience all the area has to offer between Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Portland, Maine. A perfect place to call home in Southern Maine.

What is there to do in the area? The Kennebunks and Southern Maine are a year round destination with the peak season being summer for the beaches and lighthouses and the fall to experience the beautiful colors of the fall foliage. Maine is known for it’s lobster and seafood as well as boating, historic villages and lighthouses. Enjoy walks along the beach, near the rivers and along the marshlands. Christmas Prelude is an stunning holiday event when the town is dressed in all it’s holiday finery and includes two weeks of events celebrating the spirit of the holiday season.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? We provide a two course gourmet breakfast served community style with other guests around a large table in the historic dining room. A typical breakfast would include a first course of fruit, yogurt and homemade granola. Followed by eggs benedict or breakfast tacos. Our guests love the interaction of sharing breakfast with other guests and the lively conversation and travel stories.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? We do not provide other meals but always have freshly made cookies in the afternoon. We provide full concierge services and can recommend many restaurants in the area based on the guests food, price and atmosphere preference.

Which are your most popular room types, and why? We have four rooms with Queen sized beds and two rooms with King sized beds. Four of our rooms have fireplaces. Our most popular room is the Kingsbury due to it’s lovely light and sunshine as well as Victorian feel with modern amenities. The Sweet Haven is popular as it’s the largest room in the inn with plenty of room for relaxing around the fireplace.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms? Due to the historic nature of the inn and furnishings the inn is not appropriate for children under the age of 12. We can however fit an extra bed in 3 of our 6 rooms.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? The Waldo Emerson Inn is the perfect historic romantic getaway in Kennebunkport. The ideal spot to call home - an idyllic inn to reset, recharge and rejuvenate while exploring the beauty of Southern Maine.

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