Maine is known for its idyllic towns, rocky coastline, lobster dishes, and beautiful forests. If you’re looking for a place to stay, the best hotels in Maine offer some of the best amenities and views in the state. Below we’ve listed our top picks for hotels in Maine, including the best bed and breakfasts in the state to luxury hotels and resorts.
The White Barn Inn in Kennebunkport is the best hotel in Maine. It has an award-winning restaurant, excellent service and hospitality, and the rooms are luxurious. It’s the perfect place to call home when visiting Maine.
While The White Barn Inn is our pick for best overall hotel in Maine, there are several more remarkable options, depending on your travel preferences.
Whether you’re interested in spending your time outdoors or relaxing by the pool, there’s something for everyone in Maine. Take a look at all the best hotels in Maine below, organized by location.
Best Hotels in Kennebunkport, Maine
White Barn Inn & Spa
Auberge Resorts operates some of the best luxury hotels all over the world, and White Barn Inn is one of them. Located in Kennebunkport, Maine, this 27-room inn is sophisticated comfort for the discerning traveler.
Foodies rejoice – the hotel restaurant is a true culinary experience. Through strong relationships with local producers, the menu is inspired by the surroundings, and impeccably executed. Plus, the hotel offers fresh coffee delivery in the mornings.
White Barn Inn is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. In addition to the stunning property, guests can enjoy an on-site spa with a variety of treatments. Stunning beaches are nearby and easy to reach with the provided bicycles.
Guests have loved the serene atmosphere, luxurious rooms (even the smallest), top-notch hospitality, outstanding food and coffee service.
aubergeresorts.com/whitebarninn
Kennebunkport Captains Collection
This historic property is a collection of four houses with 45 total hotel rooms. Constructed in the early 1800s, each home was owned by different members of the seafaring Walker family. Over the years, the houses transitioned into separate inns, but now they are operated as one hotel property with Lark Hotels.
Captains Collections is a beautiful hotel with old world charm and modern amenities. Here you’ll find fireplaces in many of the well-decorated rooms, EV car charging stations, and complimentary bikes for a short ride into town. There is a spa and curated retail space in this luxury hotel as well.
Guests loved the location, room and hotel design, excellent service, and complimentary bikes.
larkhotels.com/hotels/kennebunkport-captains-collection
AWOL Kennebunkport
AWOL is a relaxing retreat tucked in a quiet neighborhood but only a short walk from Dock Square in Kennebunkport. It’s a low-key home base, whether you’re working remote or just want to be in a quiet area of town.
Guest room options include suites in the main house or three standalone cabin studios. The guest rooms are modern and well-decorated with fireplaces, comfortable Serta mattresses and nice bath amenities.
Complimentary breakfast at AWOL is a casual and creative toast bar with various breads and spreads. Guests love how close AWOL is to Dock Square but still feels like a private retreat.
larkhotels.com/hotels/awol-kennebunkport
The Tides Beach Club
The Tides Beach Club is a beachfront gem in Kennebunkport, Maine with front porch vibes. The hotel houses 21 guest rooms with coastal modern design and Jonathan Adler furnishings. High-end Frette linens and luxurious bath amenities are nice details added to an already comfort driven destination. Plus, it’s the only hotel and restaurant on Goose Rocks beach.
If you need a break from the beach, you can enjoy a spa day at The Tides’ sister property, Hidden Pond, for a massage, followed by a relaxing morning of yoga and lounging by the Serenity pool.
There are 6 options for dining at The Tides Beach Club, where you’ll find many varieties of food, fresh seafood, cool cocktails, and sometimes even live music. Guests love the superb hospitality, excellent food, and great beach amenities like SUP, kayaks, and loungers.
Nonantum Resort
Nonantum Resort is a historic oceanfront resort located in Kennebunkport, Maine. The resort offers stunning views of the Kennebunk River, and has been awarded for its hospitality for years. It sits on the bank of the river in a peaceful area with a private dock and beach, but it’s still walking distance to the restaurants and shops in town. It’s a great spot for a relaxing vacation.
Family activities are available, as well as boat tours and a summer shuttle to town. The resort has an outdoor swimming pool and two restaurants where you’ll find great food and local craft beer, along with a nice list of mocktails and non-alcoholic beverages.
Guests rave about the accommodating staff, and some return every year for the peaceful atmosphere and views. As a wedding venue, certain rooms can be noisy if there is a wedding on property, so ask about this before arrival.
Best Hotels in Portland, Maine
Blind Tiger Guesthouse
If you’re looking for a unique and social place to stay in Portland, Maine, Blind Tiger is a great option. The guest house, built in 1823, has been updated with all the modern amenities and comforts you need, and conveniently located right in the heart of this happening small city.
The speakeasy that defied Prohibition still remains as a cool billiard hall and Blind Tiger prides themselves on being your “well-connected friend” when in Portland. The rooms offer modern curated design with high-end amenities.
Limited parking is offered at Blind Tiger, which can be a challenge in Portland. Not that you need a car – Blind Tiger is walking distance to many great spots.
Guests have loved the excellence in hospitality and great design. The overall atmosphere, from original art, great breakfast and very helpful staff help make Blind Tiger one of the best hotels in Maine.
larkhotels.com/hotels/blind-tiger
West End Inn
The West End Inn is a charming bed and breakfast in Portland, Maine. The three story house has six uniquely designed and nicely furnished bedrooms with abundant natural light. As a B&B, you’ll be served cooked-to-order breakfast every morning using predominantly organic and local whole foods.
The West End Inn is a stone’s throw away from an array of restaurants, shops and Portland’s Arts District. A short 15 minute walk will get you to the Old Port District. There’s even a wine dispensing machine in the lobby along with craft beers and canned cocktails for you to try.
Guests loved the excellent hospitality, clean rooms, and delicious breakfast. While all bathrooms are private, they are not all ensuite. Also, the rooms on upper floors require a climb on steep stairs, so request a ground floor room if that is a concern.
Best Hotel in Rockport, Maine
The Samoset Resort
The Samoset Resort is located on the rocky coast of Rockport, Maine. The 178-room resort offers stunning oceanfront views, as well as a variety of amenities such as an on-site golf course, tennis courts, full service spa, outdoor pools and hot tub, and fitness center.
Guests can also enjoy a meal at one of the resort’s four restaurants, which serve American, Italian, seafood, and continental cuisine. In winter, Samoset builds an ice bar, a cocktail bar with all its furnishings carved from ice! Take coffee on your private balcony, warm up by a fire pit at night or enjoy summer days by the pool.
Many guests return to Samoset year after year and love it for the excellent food and service (including at the pool), the challenging golf course, zero-entry pool, and beautiful views of the Maine coast.
Best Hotels in Bar Harbor, Maine Area
Sand Bar Cottage
Sand Bar Cottage is a lovely retreat in Bar Harbor containing five buildings, including a house and some additional cottages. The property maintains a quaint small town charm with modern luxury in 19 guest rooms.
The waterfront is a short walk away, as are shops and restaurants. Acadia National Park is only 2 miles away and a main draw for the area. Guests love the exceptional hospitality, great breakfast and comfy beds, and consider Sand Bar Cottage a home away from home.
staybarharbor.com/sand-bar-cottage
Under Canvas Acadia
Unique to the list of best hotels in Maine, Under Canvas Acadia is a luxury glamping destination. Upscale suite-style canvas tents are spread out across this 100-acre waterfront property in Surry, Maine, which is 45 min drive to Bar Harbor.
The rooms’ amenities include organic bath products, West Elm furnishings, bedside battery packs, and wood-burning stoves for cold nights. Popular with families in summer, Under Canvas Acadia offers yoga, kids activities, and s’mores by the fire pits after a day of exploring the area.
There is a restaurant onsite, cooking up seasonal and local fare, but additional provisions are a bit of a drive away, as the hotel is fairly remote. The name of the hotel might be misleading, since a major draw to the area is Acadia National Park, but it is a roughly 45-minute drive away.
Guests love the craft beer and s’mores tasting, helpful staff, and views on property.
Best Hotel in Rockland, Maine
250 Main Hotel
250 Main in Rockland, Maine is a cozy boutique hotel with an industrial-chic design and local art lining the walls. The property has just 26 guest rooms, some with views of the harbor, and feature Malin+Goetz bath products and flat screen TVs with AppleTV.
The staff is known to go above and beyond to make guests feel at home at 250 Main. Foodies will love that the hotel is just down the street from Primo, one of Rockland’s best restaurants serving farm-to-table Italian cuisine.
Guests have praised the warm welcome, comfortable beds, and great rooftop views.
Best Hotel in Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Topside Inn
Topside Inn sits on a quiet hilltop above the town of Boothbay Harbor, Maine. The property comprises 3 guesthouses on 4+ acres of land. This location offers guests a peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking views.
The rooms at Topside Inn are tastefully decorated, and the bathrooms are stocked with everything you need, plus extra little touches that make the stay special. You can find a chicken coop and orchard on the property and the front porch is an expansive and welcoming place to relax or meet your neighbors.
As a B&B, you’ll be treated to the complimentary breakfast every morning, and many guests praise the meal. They even have a cookbook! Guests commend the innkeepers for making them feel like family, and love the comfortable bed and linens.
B&Bs vs Luxury Hotels in Maine
Traveling to Maine offers the opportunity to experience charming coastal towns, fresh seafood, and beautiful scenery. When deciding where to stay during your visit, there are pros and cons to both bed and breakfasts and luxury hotels.
Staying at a bed and breakfast often offers a more intimate experience, with cozy rooms and homemade breakfast made with local ingredients. Many bed and breakfasts are also owned by friendly locals who can offer insider tips on the best places to visit in the area.
On the other hand, luxury resorts provide more predictable amenities such as a fitness center, spa, indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub, and access to multiple restaurants. Luxury resorts typically off more activities, and offer many onsite.
Don’t be fooled by the term “luxury.” Despite being small, some bed and breakfasts excel at hospitality, but don’t technically meet the criteria to call themselves a luxury hotel. Likewise, some luxury hotels offer a personalized experience. The lines are blurry. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference – whether you prioritize intimate experiences over a particular type of predictability – when choosing between a bed and breakfast or luxury hotel in Maine.
Planning a Trip to Maine
So…you’ve decided you want to go to Maine. But where in Maine? Planning a trip to Maine can be exciting (and overwhelming) with all of the options for popular destinations and landmarks.
One must-see spot is Acadia National Park, known for its stunning views of the Atlantic Coast and hiking trails through forests and mountains. The closest city to explore this would be Bar Harbor, which is also a great spot to launch off for a whale watching tour.
Kennebunkport is popular for its quaint small-town charm and lovely beaches, while Portland is perfect for those who want to experience a more urban environment with great food and nightlife.
The history buffs among us should add Portland’s Victoria Mansion and Fort Knox to their itinerary, while art lovers may want to visit Ogunquit beach for its renown Performing Arts Center or one of the many art galleries dotting Rockland’s annual Farnsworth Art Walk. No matter what kind of trip you’re looking for, there’s a spot in Maine that’s perfect for you. So start mapping out those plans, book one of the best hotels in Maine, and let the adventure begin!