Maine, also known as the Pine Tree State because of the many pines naturally growing in the area, could easily pass the test for a place that has it all. The state boasts coastlines, forests, mountains, parks, and more. Outdoor lovers will enjoy Maine because of activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and, to crown it all, whale watching!
You can create an endless list of activities in Maine, but first, you must figure out where to stay! Here are the best hotels in Maine, combining a mix of luxury and basecamps as you explore the city.
Best Hotels In Maine
White Barn Inn
Are you all about “do it yourself” projects while vacationing? The White Barn, located in Kennebunkport, is a hotel where you can relax while enjoying creative activities. The hotel offers practical classes such as farm-to-cocktail making, lobster bakes, the art of chocolate, and private cooking classes. If you love cooking, you could take these classes and surprise people back home with signature Maine delicacies. The hotel has 27 rooms ranging from guest rooms, suites and cottages. Enjoy their infinity heated pool during your stay, heated floors, and gas fireplaces, making it an all-year-round destination.
The meals are a must-have as a taste of New England inspires each dish. The rustic elegance-inspired dining room provides an ever-changing menu of local favorites. Choose from main lobster rolls with shoestring fries, herb-roasted chicken with mustard green, and more season specials. Remember the cocktail-making classes? Your cocktail may pass to be on the subsequent menu as they serve handcrafted cocktails and a wide range of locally sourced beers.
The Claremont Hotel
If you love a peaceful quiet stay, The Claremont Hotel offers just that. It is located on the less busy side of Mount Desert Island and has 51 rooms. The hotel has ocean views and a heated swimming pool for the cold season. The meals are farm-to-table meals meaning they are freshly made from the garden. For photography lovers, the rooms are designed for perfect Instagram photos. The rooms have round sea-facing windows, and décor includes ships in bottles and sailor sketches. There are several outdoor activities, such as biking and scenic drives.
The rooms lack desks, thus enhancing the relaxing vibe and reducing your chances of thinking about responding to work emails. Each morning and throughout the day, the hotel has pastries freshly baked in their in-house bakery. The Batson River Fish Camp is a waterfront restaurant offering a range of food and classic cocktails. The hotel has accommodations that fit all forms of travel, from solo to group travel.
Tides Beach Club
Is your vacation definition waterfronts and beaches? The Tides Beach Club is the only waterfront hotel in Goose rocks beach that offers white sandy beaches, being a center of summer fun. Enjoy the sun during summer as you watch the waves push towards the shore. The hotel offers a light, airy vibe with a lively social scene. The menu is curated to celebrate the best of summer with classic favorites such as seafood chowder burgers, lobster rolls, and fresh vegetables from the garden for salads. Enjoy signature cocktails or your favorite glass or bottle of wine. The hotel is family-friendly, with game nights and painting for the kids. Take advantage of visiting the hidden pond for a morning yoga session.
Cliff House
This hotel overlooks a magnificent view of the ocean. All rooms serve a view of private terraces and coastal-themed décor that combines white, navy, cream, and yellow schemes. Situated on 70 acres and serving guests since 1872, Cliff House is the epitome of luxury. It offers massages, facials, and body wraps. The restaurants serve fresh lobster from the ocean and meal varieties from the four restaurants. Enjoy swimming in one of the outdoor pools or painting, yoga, or stargazing. The hotel also offers photography classes for those wanting to improve their photography skills.
The Press Hotel
Some people think a vacation is about exploring cities, shopping, and testing new restaurants. The Press Hotel, located in Portland, is housed in the Gannet building, which was once home to Portland’s Press Herald Newspaper. Each guest room has a design inspired by a 1920s writer’s office with tables covered with old headlines and typewriters. The hotel penthouse gives you a 360 degrees view of the city, and if you are about exploring Portland, the Press Hotel is convenient for all your tours. As the name suggests, enjoying a meal at Union restaurant signifies a union between the local farmers and fishermen to provide the guest with a combination of fresh creative, signature meals.
AWOL
AWOL is perfect for a romantic weekend located in Kennebunkport. For outdoor activities, ensure to visit the lighthouse, go for a hike with your partner, or take a walk down the beach. The cabins offer a private outdoor patio and continental breakfast; you can also bring your pet. If you prefer riding bikes to walking, the facility offers bikes to ride. The set-up is intimate and is the best getaway for couples to catch up and take in the sunset in privacy. If you want to come with friends, AWOL is a perfect destination.
Bar Harbor Motel
The Bar Harbor Motel provides a fun, family-friendly experience for nature lovers. The motel has direct access to the Acadia National Park for hiking and bike rides. There are restaurants and attractions to explore nearby for those who love diving into cities and shopping. The rooms offer modern amenities and offer guests three room options.
Why Plan A Trip to Maine?
Hotels in Maine offer a mix of all experiences. From stays with ocean views to stays in the woods and lakes. As you plan that trip, remember that parts of Maine will experience a total solar eclipse in April 2024; this might be the best time to go.