Looking for hotels in Maine, and particularly cozy, cottage-type resorts along the state’s scenic coastline? We’ve got you covered with three of our favorites between Portland and the New Hampshire border.
Or, skip this guide (it’s fine) and connect with Fora to plan and book your trip with expertly tailored hotel recommendations and access to awesome perks, like complimentary room upgrades and spa credits — all for the same price that you’d pay when booking by yourself.
3 of the best coastal hotels in Maine
Ready for a quick breakdown of some of our favorite hotels in Maine? Read on.
(Don’t want to stay in just one place? Check out our 7-day road trip through coastal Maine.)
1. Cliff House Maine: a luxurious getaway with stunning ocean views
Image courtesy of Cliff House Maine
Cliff House has been welcoming discerning guests to beautiful coastal Maine since the late 1800s.
Thoroughly renovated and updated in 2016, the best rooms and suites offer gorgeous ocean views, private terraces, plush furnishings and a new take on the classic nautical decor popular throughout New England.
There are both indoor and outdoor pools — the latter of which are only open during summer — as well as indoor and outdoor hot tubs that are open all year. BTW: relaxing in a hot tub while it’s snowing is an invigorating experience — and if you’re worried about freezing before you can return indoors, don’t, because the pathway is heated.
Cliff House also features a full-service spa and an array of casual and elevated dining options, all of which source their ingredients locally. If you’re looking for a relaxing hotel in Maine where you can exchange the noise and bustle of city living for the sound of waves crashing against rocks, Cliff House Maine is an excellent choice.
Fora Perks at Cliff House Maine:
Welcome gift.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade whenever possible.
2. Inn by the Sea: one of the most charming coastal hotels in Maine
Image courtesy of Inn by the Sea
If you’re not content to hang out at a resort your whole trip, Inn by the Sea may be a better choice. While smaller and with fewer on-site dining options than Cliff House, this lovely Maine hotel is only about 15 minutes from Portland, a fun and charming city with tons of great restaurants, boutiques and interesting sights (just see our guides to a weekend in Portland, ME or a girls’ trip to Portland, ME).
Otherwise, Inn by the Sea shares a lot of the same traits as Cliff House. You can enjoy ocean views, cozy rooms, spa treatments and more.
Want to elevate your stay at the Inn by the Sea (or any of the best hotels in Maine)? Connect with Fora.
(P.S. If you’d rather stay in Portland, check out our favorite hotels in Portland, ME.)
Fora Perks at Inn by the Sea:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
3. Hidden Pond: one of the most romantic resorts in Maine
Image courtesy of Hidden Pond
Blending coastal New England vibes with a rustic sensibility, Hidden Pond is certainly one of the most unique places to stay in Maine. This luxurious assortment of cottages and bungalows is perhaps the most artfully designed of our three favorite hotels on Maine's southern coast.
Hidden Pond is also the most intimate. In fact, if you’re looking for a cozy romantic getaway to Maine, Hidden Pond is an ideal option during the low season. However, accommodations range from one-bedroom bungalows to spacious one- and two-story lodges that comfortably sleep up to five guests, meaning this Maine hotel is also great for families during busier travel periods.
You’ll find Hidden Pond tucked away in Kennebunkport, about a five-minute drive from the shoreline (or you can take the resort's beach cruisers).
(Wondering what to do in Kennebunkport and neighboring villages? Our 7-day Kennebunkport itinerary has ideas.)
Fora Perks at Hidden Pond:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Want personalized recs for hotels in Maine? Connect with Fora
Want more Portland hotel recs? Or Bar Harbor options? Book and plan your trip with Fora. We’ll help you narrow down all your options while accounting for your travel preferences and budget. Better yet, for the same price as booking by yourself, we’ll hook you up with awesome extras to level up your stay.
Considering other destinations in America’s northeast? Check out these travel guides as well:
This article has been fact checked by Fora Advisor Tracy Burpee, an expert on travel to Maine.