Here Are The 10 Absolute Best Places To Stay In Maine
While trips outside the country have increased over the last few years, we still believe exploring our very own backyard is one of the best ways to discover new things about ourselves. Maine is certainly one of the most fantastic places to get to know oneself. With ocean views over the sea, incredible forests, and mountains it’s no wonder people flock here. With so much to do, planning the sights and activities to enjoy is easy. But looking for accommodations can cause a bit more stress. To help make that element easier, we’ve compiled a list of great vacation rentals in Maine. The bed and breakfasts, boutique hotels, guest rooms, inns, and other Maine hotels are lovely. But, there’s nothing like the personal touch that comes with a real home. Forgo the continental breakfast and on-site restaurant for some of these incredible spots.
Best Affordable Places to Stay in Maine
Maine has a variety of things to do, which means it can be made accessible to many different budgets. Whether it’s a long beachfront weekend or a two-week stay to find the best hiking trails, a Vacationland trip shouldn’t break the bank. These vacation rentals in Maine allow visitors to enjoy their time without added financial stress.
- Location: Franklin County, Maine
- Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bathrooms
- Price: $120/night
- Amenities: Waterfront, Linens & Towels Provided, Parking, Water Sports Gear, Kayak
- Ratings: 4.8 stars
You might be surprised to find a lakefront home with tons of amenities at a price you can afford, but that’s Maine for you! The home sits right on the shores of Norcross Pond and offers access to the lake with all the gear you’ll need to enjoy the water. Inside you’ll find multiple levels perfect for spreading out. You’ll love morning coffee on the deck overlooking the water, followed by a smaller deck closer to the lake for evening drinks. The home offers sleeping for six in one bedroom, so it’s great for families.
- Location: Tenants Harbor, Maine
- Size: 1 studio, 1 bathroom
- Price: $126/night.
- Amenities: Proximity to Fun Activities, Off-Street Parking, Linens & Towels Provided, Outdoor Space
- Ratings: 4.9 stars
If you’re looking for a getaway to clear your head this cozy studio is perfect! The studio setup means everything is in one space making this an unfussy way to explore the area. The home comes with water views and it’s close enough to the bay to enjoy a dip in the summer. The small town surroundings are beautiful, but you can also take a day to explore nearby Rockland. Plan your visit to take place during the Maine Lobster Festival and the North Atlantic Blues Festival for an experience you won’t forget!
Best Places to Stay in Maine for Families
One of the largest draws of a vacation in Maine is just how great it is for all ages. From small kids to grown-ups who are really just kids at heart, there are activities for everyone. But finding a place to stay that appeals to everyone can be a bit more challenging. The homes featured here offer plenty of room for everyone to spread out and provide enough space for you to bring extended family, too.
- Location: Bingham, Maine
- Size: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
- Price: $141/night
- Amenities: Linens & Towels Provided, Smart TV, Pool Table, Access to Nature, Parking
- Ratings: 5 stars
When traveling with the whole family, it doesn’t get much better than this perfect cabin in the woods. With sleeping for 10 and lots of indoor and outdoor space, everyone will have room to spread out. That means you can manage to be here for longer than just a weekend. Consider staying here if you love the idea of coffee on the wrap-around porch and access to ATV and snowmobile trails. After taking in the great outdoors, hop in the car to check out the local shops and restaurants.
- Location: Kokadjo, Maine
- Size: 4 bedroom, 3 bathrooms
- Price: $220/night
- Amenities: Proximity to Fun Activities, Waterfront, Foosball Table Linens & Towels Provided
- Ratings: 4.7 stars
This lakefront cabin is so big, even the pups can come along. The home located on the shores of First Roach Pond has a dock for lake access, a beautiful deck and patio, just to name a few of the outdoor amenities. For rainy days enjoy the foosball table and other games. With sleeping for eight, you can bring everyone along for the fun. This is one of the smallest towns in the state, which will be a bit of a badge of honor when you return home from your epic trip to Maine.
Best Romantic Places to Stay in Maine for Couples
In the warmer months Maine is full of greens and blues, the perfect backdrop for a lakeside getaway with your person. Of course, the beach isn’t bad either. There’s nothing better than lobster by the water with a cool Maine breeze. Winter offers a whole different way to enjoy time with someone special. Cozy spots throughout the state are great for unwinding and spending some downtime together. The vacation rentals in Maine included on this list offer some truly great ways to get away.
- Location: Carrabassett Valley, Maine
- Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
- Price: $221/night
- Amenities: Swimming Pool, Fitness Center / Gym, Heated, Indoor and Outdoor Pool, Sauna, Game Room, Parking, Linens & Towels Provided, Tennis Courts
- Ratings: 4.8 stars
While many people think about the coast when considering a trip to Maine, inland offers tons of wonderful areas to explore. Head to Carrabassett Valley for some of the best skiing and snowboarding in New England. And, you’ll have the opportunity to stay at this cozy condo located right in Sugarloaf Village. This is a great option if you want close proximity to all things winter sports. And if you just want a comfortable stay with your favorite person near the mountain, you can’t go wrong here either.
- Location: Greenwood, Maine
- Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
- Price: $221/night
- Amenities: Well-Appointed Kitchen, Outdoor Hot Tub, Water Sports Gear, Games, Parking, Towels & Linens Provided
- Ratings: 4.8 stars
Spend some time cozied up along the banks of a local pond. While this cabin has room for six, we think it's perfect as a romantic getaway for two. With plenty to enjoy outside, as well as a fun hot tub it couldn't get any easier to enjoy your time together in Maine.
Best Places to Stay in Portland
Maine might be best known for its rugged coast, forests, and mountains, but the state’s biggest city is pretty great too. Located in the southern part of the state, Portland offers art galleries and cultures, James Beard Award-winning food, some of the best local coffee, and lots of history. Spots like the Portland Museum of Art and the sandy beach located just a short walk from downtown make it particularly special. It’s also the perfect base for exploring the islands of Casco Bay and nearby small towns. Spend the day at the beach in the summer, then head back to town for a great meal. However you choose to enjoy Portland, be sure to book an overnight stay at one of these vacation rentals in Maine. They’re close to other fun spots like York Harbor, Ogunquit Beach, and Nubble Light making it a great spot to base your explorations of the oceanfront.
- Location: Portland, Maine
- Size: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
- Price: $221/night
- Amenities: Outdoor Patio, Fire Pit, Backyard, Coffee Maker, Linens & Towels, Parking
- Ratings: 4.7 stars
With a stay at this recently remodeled home in the Rosemont neighborhood of Portland you’ll be in the heart of it all, without any hustle and bustle. The house was built in the 1920s, giving it a special and unique local charm. The house sleeps eight people, making it a great home base if you’d like to explore the city with friends. And, Rosemont is walking distance to tons of fun. Once you’ve explored this section of town, hop in the car for a short road trip to Kennebunkport or Ogunquit.
- Location: Portland, Maine
- Size: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
- Price: $177/night
- Amenities: Lines & Towels Provided, Water Views, Outdoor Deck, Parking, Smart TV, Water Views
- Ratings: 4.9 stars
There are quite a few sides to Portland and this is one of the most loveable. The Eastern Promenade area overlooks Casco Bay from the top of a large hill. In the summer the area is full of people enjoying the incredible views. The same views exist in the winter, but you’ll find people sledding and enjoying the snow. This home couldn’t be more perfectly situated to enjoy both the incredible views and the Old Port downtown area. The Victorian homes that line the top are gorgeous all on their own. Walkable to shops, restaurants, and bars you’ll be in the heart of it all without having to contend with the same crowds.
Best Places to Stay in Boothbay Harbor
Maine’s official nickname is the Pine Tree State, but it’s unofficially known as Vacationland. One trip to Boothbay Harbor (not to be confused with Bar Harbor where you’ll find Acadia National Park) and you’ll know why. This coastal town is one of the most quintessentially “Maine” spots in the state. With access to water, the main street plus tons of nautical adventures and nearby nature you could spend your entire trip to Maine in this little town.
- Location: Boothbay Harbor, Maine
- Size: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
- Price: $111/night
- Amenities: Outdoor Deck & Patio, Free Wifi, Flat Screen TV, Linens & Towels Provided, Parking, Close Proximity to Downtown & Water, Pet Friendly
- Ratings: 4.9 stars
Located in the heart of Boothbay Harbor, this newly renovated studio is perfect for those who want to soak up all the town has to offer. Better than the best hotels in town, it’s walkable to all the great restaurants, shops and bars as well as piers for booking local waterfront tours and cruises. This is perfect for someone who wants to get away to spend some time on their own in one of the most lovely parts of the state. Easy access to fun is all around.
- Location: Boothbay Harbor, Maine
- Size: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
- Price: $148/night
- Amenities: Linens & Towels Provided, Bicycles, Parking, Close Proximity to Beach
This historic 1920s cabin located in a preserve is perfect for a larger group looking to get away. The cabin sleeps six with enough space for everyone to find the spot that’s perfect for them. The outdoor deck is a great place to clear your head surrounded by the natural beauty of the trees and Boothbay Harbor saltwater breezes. If you’d like to venture out, head about five miles to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, just down the street to the local state park or to any of the local dining options.
The next time you’re wondering where to stay in Maine, these are all great options to consider. Have you been to any of these towns? Let us know in the comments!
Now that you have a few ideas for where to stay when you visit Maine, how about making some plans for fun things to do while you’re there? A great way to see the state is by hopping in the car to explore. Here are some of the best road trips you can take in Maine. Each one is fun, offering a new side to see every step of the way. From Kennebunk to Cape Elizabeth, Bangor to Cape Neddick, Camden to the midcoast, Rockport to Downeast there’s so much to see.
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Best Places to Stay in Maine
What are the best unique hotels in Maine?
The best unique hotels in Maine include:
- The Waldo Emerson Inn, located in Kennebunkport. This quintessentially New England inn is the oldest standing house in town. It was built in 1753 by the great uncle of Ralph Waldo Emerson!
- Whitehall, located in Camden. This stately hotel was built in 1901 and was renovated into a boutique hotel in 2015.
- TimberStone Adventures Treesort, located in East Stoneham. This fun spot is also a great place for disc golf, making it a must-visit for those who enjoy the sport and other outdoor activities.
- The Lincolnville Motel, located in Lincolnville. The hotel offers 10 simple, but beautiful rooms with an aesthetic vibe that feels hip and clean.
For more unforgettable experiences, check out (or into!) one of these unique places in Maine.
Where are the most unique getaways in Maine?
The most unique getaways in Maine include:
- The Wolf Cove Inn, located in Poland, Maine. This inn is romantic and sits right on the banks of Tripp Lake.
- Lincolnville, nestled in Waldo County. This is a great place to visit if you love local shops, restaurants, and attractions with a funky twist.
- Monson, located in Piscataquis County. The town can be found at the end of the Appalachian Trail, right where the Hundred-Mile Wilderness begins.
To find more fun throughout the state, check out these 14 unique day trips in Maine!
