Maine is renowned for its rugged coastlines, adorned with sandy beaches in the south and hidden coastal villages as you head north along Route 1. Yet, the state offers much more beyond its picturesque shores, including expansive forested mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and charming small cities. These 10 hotels provide an ideal gateway to experience the essence of Maine.
The Claremont
The Claremont in Southwest Harbor, located on Mount Desert Island’s serene “quiet side,” is an ideal base for outdoor exploration near Acadia National Park. A short 15-minute drive from lively Bar Harbor, this nostalgic and luxurious hotel was once home to the prestigious Claremont Classic croquet tournament, drawing players from across the nation for 43 years. Guests can still enjoy the croquet court, with lessons offered twice weekly.
Beyond croquet, The Claremont offers a range of activities including garden tours, mixology classes, and daily yoga sessions. For larger groups, two signature houses on the property are available for rent.
A unique feature of The Claremont is its own boat, The Lady Clare, which guests can book for both public and private tours, adding a memorable maritime experience to their stay.
Blair Hill Inn
The Blair Hill Inn, nestled overlooking Maine’s largest lake, Moosehead Lake, offers a historic stay in a boutique hotel setting. Located near Lily Bay State Park, known for its picturesque picnic spots, the inn was once a favored retreat for New England’s affluent from the 1830s to the 1930s. Today, Moosehead Lake retains its tranquil charm, attracting visitors seeking solitude away from the coastal crowds.
Innkeeper Jennifer Whitlow emphasizes the inn’s appeal, boasting luxury accommodations, farm-to-table dining, and a full-service spa, surprising guests with its blend of luxury and natural beauty. Beyond the inn, visitors can embark on Katahdin, the last of the historic steamboat fleet, for nostalgic guided tours of Moosehead Lake, adding a touch of history to their stay.
For guests seeking a special experience, room 10 is recommended for its expansive private courtyard offering stunning views of the lake, enhancing the tranquil ambiance of Blair Hill Inn.
The Woods
The Woods offers a unique retreat in the form of a luxury treehouse designed by Pete Nelson of Animal Planet’s Treehouse Masters. Located in the lakeside town of Norway, Maine, approximately 60 miles northwest of Portland, this secluded getaway provides guests with a private and immersive experience in nature.
Samantha Masabny, CEO and co-creator along with her husband Rob, emphasizes the natural beauty and unspoiled landscape surrounding The Woods. Situated on 10 acres of woodland, the treehouse provides panoramic views of the forest canopy from every window, creating an atmosphere that feels like sleeping among the trees.
For those interested in local experiences, The Woods Store, located less than a 10-minute drive from the treehouse, offers a range of items including branded clothing and products from local artists and makers. Nearby in the town of Norway, visitors can enjoy gelato under colorful umbrella installations at Dolce Amici, adding a sweet touch to their Maine retreat.
Chebeague Island Inn
Best for: Romantic Getaway
Chebeague Island Inn offers a tranquil retreat on Chebeague Island, accessible via a scenic ferry ride just a 20-minute drive north of Portland, Maine. Despite its small year-round population of less than 400 residents, the island’s charm blossoms in summer when it welcomes a larger influx of visitors. The inn features the island’s sole restaurant serving dinner, often frequented by local lobstermen who supply fresh catches. Executive chef Marsh Elliot describes Chebeague as a place where time slows down, offering a glimpse into days gone by.
The inn is ideally located for exploring the island, with Hamilton Beach just a 10-minute walk away. For longer excursions, guests can rent golf carts or bicycles to traverse the island’s scenic paths.
Good to Know:
- Beach Adventure: Guests can walk across the sandbar to Little Chebeague Island for an added beachside adventure.
Cliff House
Best for: Exquisite Views
Cliff House has a rich history dating back to 1872, when Elsie Jane Weare purchased Bald Head Cliff and established a hotel. Perched 90 feet above sea level, the hotel commands breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, offering spectacular sunrise vistas that have captivated guests for decades. The property, once used as a radar station during World War II, remained in the Weare family until 2014.
General manager Nancy White highlights the spa’s relaxation lounge as one of the best spots to enjoy the panoramic views, feeling almost suspended in midair against the backdrop of the cliff.
Good to Know:
- Art and Creativity: Cliff House features rotating local art exhibits in its Gallery. Guests can also tap into their creativity by booking a plein air painting experience with the artist in residence, offering a unique way to engage with the local art scene and surroundings.
The Dunes
Best for: Beach Vacation
The Dunes offers a quintessential beach vacation experience with its collection of 23 recently renovated cottages. Nestled amidst picturesque sand dunes, these cottages feature a charming whitewashed exterior and come in one-, two-, and three-bedroom configurations. Each cottage includes screened porches, fireplaces for cozy evenings, and a delightful breakfast delivery of coffee and pastries to start the day.
Located overlooking Ogunquit Beach, guests have easy access to the sandy shores for leisurely walks or sunbathing. For dining options, take a short golf cart ride to the town center and enjoy a meal at M.C. Perkins Cove, known for its culinary delights. Alternatively, adjacent to the Dunes is a lobster pound where guests can select their own live lobster to be prepared by the chef.
Good to Know:
- Unique Experience: Guests can step into a rowboat to cross the tidal river to reach the beach during high tide, adding a touch of adventure to their seaside stay.
Sebasco Harbor Resort
Best for: Lighthouse Living
Sebasco Harbor Resort, a 90-year-old establishment nestled in a tranquil coastal area of Maine, offers a unique opportunity to stay in a lighthouse. The resort features 10 guest rooms, including a top-floor observatory with window benches and comfortable chairs that provide panoramic views of the harbor, particularly stunning during sunset. Guests can enjoy a range of activities such as boat tours, family bingo, s’mores around campfires with singalongs, and an old-school arcade offering candlepin bowling. Nearby attractions within a 10-minute drive include additional lighthouses (Doubling Point and Sequin Island) and two state parks (Reid and Popham Beach).
Good to Know:
- Weekly Tradition: Every Thursday night, Sebasco Harbor Resort hosts a popular lobster bake from 6-8 p.m., allowing guests to savor a classic Maine dining experience.
The Lincoln Hotel
Best for: Gourmet Tastes
Located in a revitalized old mill in Biddeford, just 20 minutes south of Portland, The Lincoln Hotel stands as the town’s first boutique hotel and boasts Maine’s only rooftop pool. Dining options abound, with on-site restaurant Baston River Brewing and Distilling serving delectable dishes like lobster gnocchi. Fish & Whistle on Main Street offers local fare such as fish and chips, while nearby eateries feature diverse cuisines including Indian, Vietnamese, Thai, Greek, Mexican, and Mediterranean.
Good to Know:
- Breakfast Tip: Start your day with buttermilk pancakes at the Palace Diner, a dining car with 15 counter stools. Arrive early to beat the crowds.
Migis Lodge
Best for: Family Fun
Located on the shores of Sebago Lake, a 30-minute drive west of Portland, Migis Lodge has been a beloved all-inclusive summer resort for over a century. Families enjoy a packed daily schedule of activities including pickleball, bingo, and picnics on a private island. Kids have their own adventures like boat rides to a candy store and underwater scavenger hunts.
Good to Know:
- Community Experience: Don’t miss the Friday night Lobster Bake, a guest favorite that’s also open to the public, offering a chance to mingle with locals.
5 Lakes Lodge
Best for: Quiet Retreat
Perched on a private peninsula beside South Twin Lake in Millinocket, 5 Lakes Lodge offers a serene retreat with stunning views of Mt. Katahdin. Activities range from relaxing by the lake to booking adventures like moose safaris, sea plane rides, whitewater rafting, and scenic boat tours.
Good to Know:
- Planning Tip: If you’re visiting Baxter State Park or hiking Mt. Katahdin, be sure to reserve a parking spot in advance as they tend to fill up quickly.
