11 Best Hotels in Maine on the Beach
Maine’s coastline is littered with sandy spots and pretty port towns, but with some nicely spaced dramatic coves and rocky promontories, so a waterfront hotel in Maine can overlook a range of incredible views. Our Gurus have taken this into account when coming up with a list of the best hotels in Maine on the beach, and some of our waterfront stretches aren’t classically beachy, but have wonderful ocean views, and direct access to the water. Long loved by sailors, the Maine coast is also an historically popular family holiday destination, and there are plenty of family friendly picks on our list of the best hotels in Maine on the beach.
On the Waterfront
- Small and intimate, the Blackpoint Inn has sea views on three sides, and is separated from the sand by just lawns and a pool, so all of its 25 rooms and suites have views of the water. The decor nods to New England heritage, and there’s a country club feel to the bar, and smart, fine dining restaurant, which specialises in locally sourced seafood.
For the Views
- Stones Throw has got the name right, you really could throw a stone from these 16 rooms and suites into the ocean; you’re just across the road from the sand of Long Sands Beach, one of the top surfing beaches in New England. There’s a definite surf shack vibe, but with a boutique edge, and cool, contemporary art and furnishings, and plenty of white. The bar and restaurant are cool and laid back, and there are huge expanses of glass on each floor to get as much ocean-view access as possible.
For a Beach Break
- The Stage Neck Inn sits just back from a sandy cove on its own peninsula, with 58 spacious, airy rooms, suites and cottages — all with their own balconies or terraces with outdoor seating. In addition to the direct beach access there’s also a pool and spa, and the whole inn is surround by neat lawns and gardens. This is another great pick for families, with the largest cottage boasting seven bedrooms. There are miles of sand in the local area, perfect for a family beach break.
- The Colony Hotel is idyllically positioned so that it overlooks both the Kennebunk River and the Atlantic Ocean, and there’s a private beach at the bottom of the long stretch of lawn, so there’s direct water access. And that’s just the start of what this family owned and operated hotel can offer. They have 125 rooms, suites and cottages, the largest has five bedrooms. The Colony Hotel also has a golf course, croquet lawns, a huge pool, lots of watersports facilities, and berry picking in season.
For Families
- The Smugglers Cove Inn is perfectly positioned on a sandy cove, just minutes from Boothbay Harbor. The freshly renovated, nautically themed accommodation includes rooms and suites, all with private balconies or terraces, all sleeping up to at least four, and some with self-catering facilities. There are a number of pet-friendly rooms too. There’s plenty to do onsite, with great watersports facilities, an outdoor pool, and a pirate-themed playground.
- Just steps from the beach, the Newagen Seaside Inn is a small and charming, New England style property, with a white board facade, and peaceful ocean views. There are just 35 rooms and suites at the inn, decorated with a nautical vibe; our favourites have private, ocean-view terraces. The family services are excellent, and include babysitting, bowling, table tennis and a games room, and of course there’s a swimming pool and tennis courts, as well as the beach. It’s a romantic spot too, though — not too large, and perfect positioned to watch the sun set over the ocean.
For a Romantic Waterfront Escape
- The Dockside Guest Quarters is heaven on York Harbor: an elegant, New England inn with a traditional mix of décor that includes plenty of white, a wide porch, and fantastic views over a rocky, dramatic stretch of shore and the Atlantic. With just 25 rooms and suites, in the main house and surrounding villas, this is a peaceful choice. Borrow a hotel bike and explore the region.
For New England Chic
- Tides Beach Club is a small, luxurious pick just across the road from Good Rock Beach in Kennebunkport. There are just 21 rooms and suites, comfortably decorated in gelato pastels with New England style. The bar and restaurant can be quite lively, but the large porch is populated with rocking chairs, and there’s a chic pool lined with sun-loungers. There’s also access to a superb spa, and nightly bonfires. Adults only.
- The Inn by the Sea is an elegant, 61 room hotel, overlooking the ocean outside Port Elizabeth, Portland, close to Crescent State Beach Park and the Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse. The rooms and suites are classical, but contemporary, as is the exterior — a sort of contemporary take on New England chic. The list of activities includes firepit sunsets, garden tours and early morning yoga classes. The restaurant has spectacular views, and specialises in locally sourced produce.
Great Beach B&Bs
- The Beach House Inn is one of the oldest B&Bs in Maine, an oceanfront offering dating from 1891. And it really looks a part of old New England, with Victorian charms, pale clapboard façade, a wrap-around porch, and shuttered windows in all 34 crisp, light rooms. The best have sea views, and, despite the building’s age, they all have contemporary bathrooms and all the mod cons. The Kennebunkport location is a great base.
- The Inn at Sunrise Point is an elegant B&B on the Penobscot Bay in Lincolnville. There are just 12, nautically themed, rooms, all with huge windows and lots of natural light, and some with private balconies and ocean views.
Still not sure where to book?
- You could browse our recommendations for all the best places to stay in Maine
- Or just the best hotels in Maine for families
- Or refine your search to particular parts of Maine, and seek out the best hotels in Bar Harbor, the best hotels in Southwest Harbor, Kennebunkport or Southport
- Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
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Smugglers Cove Inn Boothbay Harbor (Maine) 50 rooms from $141
Total relaxation - Great option for those wanting to do very little; the perfect spot for days filled with sea, sand & sunsetsViews - The resort looks out over Linekin Bay with stunning sunset views from almost every roomFamilies - All room types sleep up to four people; kids under 5 stay for freeBeach Life - Enjoy relaxed summer days on the resort's scenic sandy beach
Check AvailabilityFamily-friendly waterfront resort on an idyllic plot of land minutes from Boothbay Harbor. Recently renovated rooms feature fresh coastal decor and all have balconies. Enjoy the outdoor pool, sea-facing snack bar & kids' amenities. A great-value stay for all ages with a tranquil secluded feel. See More
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The Beach House Inn Kennebunkport (Maine) 34 rooms from $129
Great walks - From woods and wetlands or seashore beaches and rugged coastlines, the Kennebunk, Maine area has it all.Sights nearby - Maine Maritime Museum, Kennebunkport Brick Store Museum, Kennebunkport Trolley Museum.Sailing - Soak up the sun and salt air on our daily sailing excursions.Surfing - Nearby Gooch Beach is renowned for surfing.
Check AvailabilityDating back to 1891, The Beach House is one of the oldest Bed & Breakfast, oceanfront hotels in Maine. The seaview bedrooms are light, crisp and elegant. The house maintains its original Victorian charm, while providing all modern conveniences. The perfect New England getaway! See More
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Dockside Guest Quarters York, Maine 25 rooms from $148
Cooking classes - Take a cooking class from the reknowned Stonewall Kitchen.Restrictions on children - Children cannot be accommodated.Designer - Uniquely designed interiors.Barefoot Luxury - For total relaxation.
Check AvailabilitySeashore chic meets homely comforts; think white on white, plenty of natural light, fireplaces and an eclectic mix of nautical decorations. Porches and balconies face out onto unmatched views of southern Maine’s rocky shoreline and the Atlantic Ocean. Heaven on York Harbor! See More
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Colony Hotel Kennebunkport (Maine) 125 rooms from $165
Restaurant - Two ocean view restaurants specialise in New England food with lobster available year round.Sights nearby - Visit nearby museums, theatres, lighthouses, the lobster tour, the trolley tour...Swimming Pool - Heated outdoor saltwater poolLocal markets - Weekly farmers' market
Check AvailabilityA picturesque family friendly hotel overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Kennebunk River. Private beach, expansive lawns and gardens, large outdoor pool. Endless activities from surfing and kayaking to berry picking. Ideal for both a relaxing and active retreat in beautiful surroundings. See More
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Newagen Seaside Inn Southport, Maine 35 rooms from $199
Back to Nature - Explore 20 acres of wooded oceanfront with the hotel bikes, or visit the family-friendly network of Nature TrailsRestaurant - Menus feature locally sourced meats, freshly caught Maine lobster and seafood, and farm stand produce.Views - The inn features breathtaking panoramic ocean viewsSecluded setting - For escaping.
Check AvailabilityA charming, idyllic inn, located just steps from the beach. Hiking, biking, rowing, swimming, fishing, bowling - the activities are endless. Rooms decorated in pastel shades have a nautical vibe, private terraces, and beautiful ocean views. Perfect for both an active and relaxing sea-side vacation. See More
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Tides Beach Club Kennebunkport (Maine) 21 rooms from $209
Back to Nature - Explore salt marshes and esturies on the Nature Walks - home to coastal birds, crabs, and other marine lifeSights nearby - Dock square is just a fifteen minute drive away, full of art galleries and world class diningKayaking - $25.00 per person, per hour (the same for paddleboarding)Restrictions on children - Adults only propertyRecommended by - TabletCheck AvailabilityA luxurious boutique hotel. Ideal for seaside relaxation in style. Stellar ocean views onto Goose Rock Beach, and a vibrant bar & dining. Smart, charming rooms with plush furniture and marble bathrooms. Stargazing, bonfires, kayaking, cycling, paddle-boarding. An idyllic beach resort. See More
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Inn by the Sea Portland, Maine 61 rooms from $219
Restaurant - Spectacular views and menus featuring locally sourced produce with an emphasis on the catch of the daySights nearby - Crescent Beach State Park, Two Lights State Park, Cape Elizabeth Light...Secluded setting - For escaping.Seaside - Ideal for a seaside holiday.Recommended by - TabletCheck AvailabilityA luxurious oceanfront hotel. Modern, warm, and inviting. Breathtaking ocean views from rooms, which feature a smart, contemporary design. Activities include nightly fire pits, beachfront sunsets, early morning yoga and garden tours. Ideal for a stunning and elegant sea-side retreat. See More
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The Inn at Sunrise Point Lincolnville (Maine) 12 rooms from $235
Sights nearby - Visit Marshall Point Lighthouse, The Owl’s Head Lighthouse and Pemaquid Point Lighthouse.Kayaking - Kayaking and canoeing on Penobscot Bay or nearby Megunticook Lake.Sailing - Sale the historic Windjammer Surprise and the Schooner OladFishing - The Inn will organise fishing in Lake Megunticook.
Check AvailabilityAn elegant ocean front B&B, perched on the Penobscot Bay in Lincolnville. The decor is seaside-chic, with blue on white tones and clean lines with plenty of natural light. Truly unwind as you watch the sunset from your own private balcony. See More
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Stage Neck Inn York, Maine 58 rooms from $250
Families - The stand-alone Grand Seaside Cottage sleeps up to 16 over 3 floors and 7 bedrooms, plus kitchen, veranda and sea viewsBeach Life - Spend days enjoying the white-sand beach just steps from the property or the sea-facing outdoor pool and lawnsRestaurant - The inviting casual restaurant has fantastic sea views on two sides. Outdoor dining is available throughout the warmer monthsGreat walks - It's a short drive to Prescott Park, a 10-acre urban riverfront retreat with gardens or closer by there's the Cliff Walk
Check AvailabilityInn-style resort with beach access located on its own peninsula. Airy rooms are spacious and cosy with clean lines, colourful touches and outdoor seating. Plus there's a pool, spa, gardens and two sea-view restaurants. Miles of sandy beaches close by. Perfect low-key beach holiday material. See More
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Blackpoint Inn Portland, Maine 25 rooms from $342
Kayaking - Kayaking Equipment AvailableBirdwatching - Prouts Neck Bird SanctuaryTennis - Tennis Court AccessSeaside - Ideal for a seaside holiday.Recommended by - FodorsCheck AvailabilityAn unpretentious and relaxed seaside hotel with a country club feel. Uniquely surrounded by water on three sides, Blackpoint Inn boasts magnificent sea views. Sophisticated and tasteful bedrooms and a smart, fine dining restaurant serving locally sourced seafood. Quintessential New England charm. See More
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Stones Throw York, Maine 16 rooms from $271
Total relaxation - Enjoy blissful days of sea, sun and surf. With everything facing out to sea, it's easy to forget the stresses of the real worldSurfing - Long Sands Beach is considered one of the top beaches in New England for surf. Join a class or simply rent kit nearbyBeach Life - The property's beach club includes complimentary beach chairs, towels and cruiser bikes for guestsRestaurant - Offering indoor and outdoor dining - both looking out to sea - the restaurants offers casual surf and turf classics
Check AvailabilityLaid-back ocean-front boutique hotel. Channelling boho 'beach shack' vibes, rooms blend a fresh white palette with cool contemporary furnishings; nearly all boast panoramic sea views. Spends days surfing or at the beach club, before enjoying casual cuisine and the on-site bar. Surf, sleep, repeat. See More
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Written by Kat Parr Mackintosh
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