Top Picks for Your Maine Family Adventure or Romantic Escape
These Maine hotels are ideal for a family vacation or romantic escape.
Maine is celebrated for its beaches, abundant outdoor activities and adventures (including numerous picturesque hiking trails), and, naturally, its famous lobster. Whether you’re travelling with a companion, friends, or family, or embarking on a solo journey, the Pine Tree State offers a little something for everyone. The destination also features its fair share of upscale accommodations that capture its unique and relaxed atmosphere. From refreshing beachfront resorts to cosy inns, we’ve compiled a list of the finest luxury hotels in Maine to reserve for your upcoming New England weekend retreat.
Cliff House
This oceanfront hotel in Cape Nedrick has been hosting travelers since 1872. Each of the 226 rooms and suites features airy coastal-inspired décor and private terraces where you can enjoy the breathtaking sea views. On-site activities range from painting and stargazing to yoga and photography lessons. When you’re not relaxing by or swimming in one of the outdoor pools, consider indulging in a treatment at the 9,000-square-foot spa, enrolling in a lobstering adventure, or savoring a meal at one of four restaurants (how about some lobster rolls?).
White Barn Inn
The White Barn Inn in Kennebunkport stands out as one of Maine’s most opulent hotels. This property, affiliated with the Auberge Resorts Collection, is celebrated for its opulent accommodations, including lavish rooms, suites, and cottages. Some of these come with luxurious extras such as heated floors, whirlpool tubs, gas fireplaces, private balconies, and more. The serene spa offers a variety of unique treatments, from hand facials to classes on couples’ massages. The hotel’s in-house restaurant provides an elegant setting for enjoying seafood-focused, New England-inspired dishes, such as miniature lobster rolls with caviar, pan-seared scallops, and butter-poached halibut.
Hidden Pond
Consider this property as an upgraded rendition of a summer camp, offering a delightful array of activities that evoke nostalgia, such as roasting s’mores, stargazing, biking, kayaking, engaging in arts and crafts, and enjoying the refreshing experience of two swimming pools. Additional highlights encompass the charming yet rustic accommodations, including studios, suites, bungalows, cottages, and treetop lodges. A noteworthy feature is the wellness-focused spa, elegantly suspended eight feet above the ground amidst the trees.
The Claremont Hotel
This historic hotel offers an excellent location by the Somes Sound on Mount Desert Island. In addition to exploring Acadia National Park and downtown Bar Harbor, guests can partake in various on-site activities like yoga, croquet, mixology classes, and biking. The hotel provides amenities such as a luxurious swimming pool, comfortable lounge chairs and cabanas, a spa, and multiple dining options, including a bar and bakery. Travelers can select from 51 different lodging options, including stylish rooms, cottages, and cabins with private decks, gas fireplaces, and kitchenettes. There are also two waterfront homes available, ideal for accommodating large groups and multi-generational families.
Cape Arundel Inn & Resort
For an exclusive adults-only retreat in Kennebunkport, Cape Arundel Inn & Resort is the perfect choice. This elegant establishment offers accommodation in two distinct settings: The Main House, a Victorian mansion with oceanfront views blending historical allure and modern conveniences, and The Club House, nestled within 15 acres of wooded tranquility, providing a more secluded atmosphere. Guests can also enjoy privileges like access to the upscale Club House Lounge, where you can savor cocktails by a stone fireplace or engage in a game of billiards. Complimentary amenities include bicycle rentals, access to a fine-dining restaurant with breathtaking ocean panoramas, two-hour kayak rentals, and outdoor lawn games such as croquet and bocce. Plus, you’ll have access to beach chairs, towels, and picnic baskets for a complete and enjoyable stay.
Tides Beach Club
Renowned for its exclusive location right on Goose Rocks Beach, Tides Beach Club features a limited 21 accommodations, including two elegantly designed suites by Jonathan Adler, perfect for those looking to indulge. The on-site restaurant showcases an array of fresh seafood options, including highlights like Maine lobster lettuce wraps, locally sourced mussels, and tuna poke.
In addition to its family-friendly atmosphere, the hotel provides a variety of activities tailored to children, such as marshmallow roasting, artistic sessions, and evenings dedicated to games. Guests at this establishment also enjoy the added benefit of access to the amenities offered at the nearby Hidden Pond, which is just a short 1.5-mile drive away.
The Press Hotel
Portland boasts a wealth of delightful eateries, diverse breweries, and unique shops. To experience a stay as diverse as the city itself, consider booking a room at The Press Hotel, located within the historic Gannett Building, which used to be the headquarters of the Portland Press Herald. In a nod to its history, this hotel, affiliated with Marriott’s Autograph Collection, features an abundance of typewriters and tables adorned with vintage headlines. The bustling Inkwell coffee shop, appropriately named, serves as an ideal spot to enjoy a cold brew and indulge in fresh pastries. As the day progresses, it transforms into a vibrant cocktail lounge. The attractive rooms and suites, complete with luxurious marble-tiled bathrooms, locally inspired artwork, and functional writing desks, are a standout feature, as is the in-house Union restaurant.
AWOL
Despite its central location on Main Street in Kennebunkport, AWOL provides a tranquil escape from the bustling atmosphere of the beach town. All of the modern suites and cabins are excellent choices, many of which feature functional fireplaces. Cabin suites offer private outdoor patios and fire pits for added comfort. The premium cabin suite goes a step further, including all of the amenities above along with a spacious Japanese soaking tub, making it an ideal choice for a romantic weekend getaway. Your stay comes with a complimentary breakfast, featuring an artisanal toast bar stocked with a wide array of spreads and toppings, as well as access to bikes and beach chairs. While the property doesn’t exclusively cater to adults, it is primarily oriented towards a more mature clientele.
Inn by the Sea
Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, sits on a mile-long beach near Portland. It’s a popular choice for couples, friends, and families, offering a full-service spa, yoga, kids’ art classes, and more. Accommodations range from traditional rooms with walk-in showers and ocean views to spacious loft suites with kitchenettes and beach/cove suites with fireplaces. Sea Glass, the on-site restaurant, serves up fresh Maine seafood, including clam chowder and fried oysters.
Chebeague Island Inn
The Chebeague Island Inn, an oceanfront establishment, is open seasonally from May to October and has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. What sets it apart is its cosy atmosphere, offering unmatched relaxation options. You can unwind in the Great Room, engaging in board games, reading, or enjoying the warmth of the stone fireplace. Alternatively, on pleasant days, you can take in the beautiful views from the wraparound porch while savoring cocktails. There are recreational activities like croquet and cornhole available on the lawn, and the beach is just a short, scenic bike ride away.
The inn provides seven distinct room categories, each featuring unique beds, furnishings, and artwork. Notably, there are no televisions or phones in the rooms, encouraging guests to venture out and explore their surroundings. After working up an appetite, you can visit the all-day restaurant, which prides itself on using ingredients sourced from local farmers and fishermen.
Witness the beauty of Maine with a variety of outstanding hotels mentioned above for both family adventures and romantic escapes. Maine offers diverse experiences for all types of travelers from oceanfront getaways to rustic retreats. So, why wait? Book your Maine vacation with XcelTrip and collect memories of breathtaking scenery.
Your next family adventure or romantic escape awaits in Maine!
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