The 10 Best Hotels in Maine for Every Kind of Traveler
Maine is best known for its jagged coastlines, sprinkled with beaches in the southern parts and tucked-away seaside towns as you drive north on Route 1. But visitors shouldn’t ignore the rest of the state’s forested mountains, pristine lakes, and burgeoning small cities. These 10 hotels get you to the heart of quintessential Maine.
The Claremont
Best for: Outdoor Exploration
Southwest Harbor, known as the quiet side of Mount Desert Island, is home to The Claremont, just 15 minutes from Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. This nostalgic and luxurious hotel offers activities such as garden tours, mixology classes, and daily yoga. Guests can also enjoy croquet on the historic court. Large groups can rent one of two signature houses on the property.
Good to Know: The Claremont has its own boat, The Lady Clare, for public and private tours.
Blair Hill Inn
Best for: Historic Stay
Overlooking Moosehead Lake, the Blair Hill Inn is a boutique hotel near Lily Bay State Park. Known for luxury accommodations, farm-to-table dining, and a full-service spa, the inn offers solitude away from coastal crowds. Visitors can also take nostalgic guided tours on the historic steamboat Katahdin.
Good to Know: Request room 10 for an expansive private courtyard with lake views.
The Woods
Best for: Luxury Escape
Designed by Pete Nelson of Animal Planet’s Treehouse Masters, The Woods offers a secluded luxury treehouse experience in Norway, Maine. Surrounded by 10 acres of woods, this private getaway provides lakefront access and beautiful natural landscapes.
Good to Know: Visit The Woods Store nearby for local artists' wares and enjoy gelato under a colorful umbrella installation at Dolce Amici.
Chebeague Island Inn
Best for: Romantic Getaway
Accessible by ferry, Chebeague Island Inn offers a peaceful retreat on a walkable island with less than 400 year-round residents. The inn has the island’s only dinner restaurant and offers activities like beach walks and golf cart rentals.
Good to Know: Explore Little Chebeague Island by walking across the sandbar from Hamilton Beach.
Cliff House
Best for: Exquisite Views
Perched 90 feet above sea level, Cliff House in Cape Neddick offers stunning Atlantic Ocean views. Originally opened in 1872, the hotel features luxurious amenities and a spa with breathtaking vistas.
Good to Know: Check out local art exhibits in the resort’s gallery and book a plein air painting experience with the artist in residence.
The Dunes
Best for: Beach Vacation
Situated near Ogunquit Beach, The Dunes features renovated cottages with screened porches, fireplaces, and breakfast delivery. Guests can enjoy the scenic sand dunes and nearby lobster pounds.
Good to Know: Use a rowboat to cross the tidal river to the beach at high tide.
Sebasco Harbor Resort
Best for: Lighthouse Living
This 90-year-old resort offers the unique experience of staying in a lighthouse with views of the harbor. Guests can enjoy family activities, boat tours, and visits to nearby lighthouses and state parks.
Good to Know: Join the Thursday night lobster bake at the resort.
The Lincoln Hotel
Best for: Gourmet Tastes
Located in a revitalized old mill in Biddeford, The Lincoln Hotel features Maine’s only rooftop pool and offers diverse dining options, including lobster gnocchi and local pollock fish and chips.
Good to Know: Enjoy breakfast at the Palace Diner, but arrive early to avoid long lines.
Migis Lodge
Best for: Family Fun
This 108-year-old all-inclusive resort on Sebago Lake offers a summer-camp-like experience with activities such as pickleball, bingo, and island picnics. Kid-specific activities include boat rides to the candy store and underwater scavenger hunts.
Good to Know: The Friday night lobster bake is a guest favorite and open to the public.
5 Lakes Lodge
Best for: Quiet Retreat
Located on a private peninsula beside South Twin Lake in Millinocket, this serene lodge offers water views and easy access to outdoor activities like moose safaris, sea plane rides, and whitewater rafting.
Good to Know: Reserve a parking spot in advance if visiting Baxter State Park or hiking Mt. Katahdin, as they sell out fast.