Great Hotels in Maine
If you’re visiting Maine, one thing’s for certain: you need a place to stay. There are quite a few options — you can rent a vacation property for a week, stay at a bed & breakfast, or stay at a hotel. Though I’ve profiled some of Maine’s best and most renowned bed & breakfast accommodations, it’s not the right fit for everyone.
Some people have trouble with climbing many flights of stairs, which is a common trait in historic bed & breakfasts. Others are traveling in groups that are too large to be accommodated by a single B&B, and do not want to split up. Some enjoy luxuries such as a pool or gym while traveling, while others prefer not to eat a large breakfast, and would rather not pay the price for something they won’t take advantage of. Whatever the reason, if a B&B isn’t right for you, don’t resort to a generic Holiday Inn — there are plenty of beautiful independent hotels that are sure to suit your needs.
The Bar Harbor Hotel-Bluenose Inn (located, quite logically, in Bar Harbor) is a steal for a AAA 4-diamond rated lodging, with room rates starting at only $89. The large hotel is made up of three separate buildings: the Mizzentop and Stella Nordica buildings house all of the guest rooms and the registration office, while a third building holds all the goodies: a heated indoor pool, Jacuzzi, gym, and the gourmet Rose Garden Restaurant. On the hotel’s grounds, you’ll find paths through the garden, an outdoor pool, and a stunning view of Frenchman’s Bay. The long list of amenities includes cable television with HBO, air conditioning, high-speed Internet access, and laundry services. Best of all, the hotel is just a quick walk to downtown Bar Harbor, and a short drive to Acadia National Park.
Bar Harbor Hotel-Bluenose Inn
90 Eden Street
Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
http://www.barharborhotel.com
In the relaxed waterfront town of Boothbay Harbor, the 62-room Tugboat Inn is the place to be. The Inn, which is located directly in the marina, features ocean views from most bedroom windows, and many rooms have deck areas where you can sit and watch the boats come in. Room prices are a steal, starting at only $80. The Inn also offers package deals to let you get the most out of your ocean visit, such as the Coastal Getaway Package, which includes accommodation, breakfast, dinner, and a cruise through lovely Boothbay Harbor. The Inn also has its own restaurant with the freshest seafood around and great views of the water, and the more low-key Marina Lounge & Cafe serves drinks and a light menu, with live music every night.
Tugboat Inn
80 Commercial Street
Boothbay Harbor, Maine 04538
http://www.tugboatinn.com
Just seconds from the bustling shopping town of Freeport, the luxury Haraseeket Inn feels like a cozy English mansion in the countryside. The 84-room hotel has an indoor pool, two highly acclaimed restaurants, and Jacuzzis, and breakfast is included in the room rate. For a $25 charge, the Inn will allow you to bring your pet to stay with you, and will provide a dog bed, bowls, and dog food for the duration of your stay. The Inn is just a few minutes’ walk from the world-famous L.L. Bean headquarters and many other great shops, including outlets where you can purchase name-brand apparel and equipment for way less than retail value. If your visit includes a Saturday night, make sure you stick around for the tantalizing Sunday brunch, which includes prime aged beef, local seafood, and much more. Despite its large size, the Haraseeket’s quality is impeccable — in fact, it was recently voted one of the Top 50 Resorts in the United States by Condé Nast Traveler magazine.
Harraseeket Inn
162 Main Street, Freeport, Maine 04032
Phone: (207) 865-9377
http://www.haraseeketinn.com
Written by Kathy Hawkins on July 16, 2007
Filed Under Maine, Freeport, Places to Stay, Hotels, Boothbay Harbor
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