Hotels in Maine Worth Planning a Trip Around
Maine has a way of pulling you in with its rugged coastline, charming seaside towns, and a pace that feels intentionally slower. What makes it special is the contrast. You can go from quiet forests to dramatic ocean cliffs to storybook harbors in a single day. These five properties capture that range beautifully, each offering a distinct way to experience coastal Maine at a high level.
Salt Cottages
Bar Harbor, Maine
Set just outside Bar Harbor overlooking Frenchman Bay, this laid-back coastal retreat places you minutes from Acadia National Park while still feeling like a classic Maine summer escape.
Salt Cottages blends nostalgic cottage charm with modern touches. You’ll find a mix of standalone cottages and hotel-style rooms, along with a pool, hot tubs, and a casual snack bar. The atmosphere leans playful and family-friendly, with lawn games and communal spaces that make it feel social without being overwhelming.
Our advisor, Kristin Smith wrote: “Staying here feels relaxed in the best way, like a summer you don’t want to rush.”
Who This Is For:
Families and couples who want access to Acadia with a fun, relaxed home base that still feels curated.
Activities While You’re There:
Explore Acadia National Park hiking and carriage roads
Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain
Bike rides along the coastline
Evenings around the fire pits or pool
Where to Eat + Must-See:
Bar Harbor restaurants and lobster shacks nearby
Walk the Shore Path
Take a boat tour or whale watch from the harbor
How to Get There:
The closest airport is Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport, about 20 minutes away. Flights are limited, so many travelers fly into Bangor International Airport and drive about an hour. A car is recommended for exploring Acadia and the surrounding coastline.
Cliff House
Cape Neddick, Maine
Perched high above the Atlantic on Bald Head Cliff, this iconic oceanfront resort offers sweeping views and one of the most dramatic settings in southern Maine.
Cliff House sits on 70 acres of oceanfront property with spacious rooms, private terraces, a full-service spa, and multiple dining options. It feels polished and expansive while still grounded in its natural surroundings.
Who This Is For:
Couples, families, or groups looking for a full-service resort with incredible scenery.
Activities While You’re There:
Spa days with ocean views
Walks along the Marginal Way
Pool time overlooking the cliffs
Seasonal resort experiences
Where to Eat + Must-See:
On-site dining with fresh seafood
Visit Ogunquit’s beaches and shops
Nubble Lighthouse for a classic Maine view
How to Get There:
Fly into Portland International Jetport, then drive about one hour to Cape Neddick. Renting a car is the best option to explore nearby towns like Ogunquit and Kennebunkport.
Kennebunkport Captains Collection
Kennebunkport, Maine
Located in the heart of Kennebunkport’s historic district, this collection of restored sea captain homes offers a stay rooted in maritime charm.
This boutique property is made up of four historic mansions with beautifully designed rooms, fireplaces, soaking tubs, and garden spaces. It feels intimate, thoughtful, and very personal.
Who This Is For:
Couples or girlfriends’ trips who love boutique hotels and walkable destinations.
Activities While You’re There:
Walk through Kennebunkport village
Bike rides along the coast
Harbor strolls and boutique shopping
Relaxed mornings on property
Where to Eat + Must-See:
Dock Square for shopping and dining
Local seafood spots and cafés
Scenic drives along Ocean Avenue
How to Get There:
Fly into Portland International Jetport and drive about 35 minutes to Kennebunkport. Once there, you can walk or bike to many spots, but a car is helpful for exploring the surrounding coast.
The Claremont
Southwest Harbor, Maine
Located on the quieter side of Mount Desert Island, this waterfront hotel offers a more relaxed and local feel near Acadia National Park.
The Claremont has been thoughtfully reimagined with bright coastal interiors and a focus on simplicity. It feels airy, understated, and connected to the water.
Who This Is For:
Travelers who want a quieter, more refined alternative to Bar Harbor. Perfect for a couple’s or girl’s trip getaway.
Activities While You’re There:
Kayaking and sailing
Exploring the less crowded side of Acadia
Scenic drives and biking
Slow mornings by the harbor
Where to Eat + Must-See:
Day trips into Acadia
Southwest Harbor for a more local experience
How to Get There:
Fly into Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport or Bangor International Airport. From there, it’s about a 30 to 75 minute drive depending on your airport. A car is essential for getting around Mount Desert Island.
Hidden Pond
Kennebunkport, Maine
Tucked into a birch forest just minutes from Goose Rocks Beach, Hidden Pond feels like a private escape where nature and luxury meet.
This is one of Maine’s most sought-after stays, with private cottages, treetop spa experiences, two pools, and the renowned Earth restaurant. The focus is on privacy, space, and connection to nature.
Who This Is For:
Couples, honeymooners, or anyone wanting a secluded, elevated escape.
Activities While You’re There:
Biking wooded trails
Beach days at Goose Rocks Beach
Yoga and wellness experiences
Evenings by the fire
Where to Eat + Must-See:
Earth at Hidden Pond for a standout meal
Kennebunkport for shops and coastal views
Local farms and scenic drives
How to Get There:
Fly into Portland International Jetport and drive about 40 minutes to Kennebunkport. A car is recommended so you can easily access the beach, town, and surrounding area.
Exploring Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is one of the most iconic landscapes in the United States and a major reason so many travelers are drawn to coastal Maine. Set on Mount Desert Island, it offers a rare combination of ocean coastline, granite peaks, and dense forest, all within a relatively compact and easy-to-navigate area.
One of the most memorable experiences here is catching sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast and one of the first places in the country to see the sun each morning. It’s worth the early wake-up call, especially in the warmer months.
Our advisor Kristin recently explored Acadia and came back talking about how immersive it feels from the moment you arrive. One of her favorite moments was slowing down along the water near Thunder Hole, where the waves crashing into the rocks create a powerful, almost rhythmic sound that you feel as much as you hear.
You’ll also want to carve out time for places like Sand Beach, a beautiful stretch of sand tucked between rocky cliffs that feels unexpected in Maine. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or simply taking in the views, Acadia has a way of slowing you down and pulling you into the landscape. It’s not just something to check off your list, it’s a place to experience at your own pace and return to throughout your stay.
Our Advisor Kristin Smith and her husband Russell
Maine is one of those places that feels both timeless and refreshingly simple, where the days are shaped by the tides, great meals, and time outside. Whether you’re drawn to the energy of Bar Harbor, the charm of Kennebunkport, or the quieter corners along the coast, the right hotel can completely shape your experience. If Maine has been on your list, this is the perfect time to start planning. We would love to curate a custom Maine itinerary for you, pairing the right stay with meaningful experiences, thoughtful dining, and all the details that make a trip feel effortless from start to finish.
