As a lifelong Mainer, I’ve watched the state evolve from a quietly beloved summer refuge into one of the Northeast’s most talked-about year-round destinations. From Portland’s Old Port to the working harbors of Mount Desert Island and the woodsy calm of the Lakes Region, Maine balances rugged natural beauty with refined hospitality: lobster rolls eaten dockside after a schooner sail, spa treatments beneath towering pines, sunset cocktails over the lake, and mornings on Acadia’s carriage roads followed by fireside s’mores. Below are 11 standout hotels that capture the culinary credibility, coastal elegance, and local spirit that define Vacationland at its best.
How we choose the best hotels in Maine
Every hotel review on this list was written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and visited the property. Editors considered properties across price points that offer authentic, insider experiences—evaluating design, location, service, and sustainability.
The Asticou Hotel — $$$ (Northeast Harbor)
A refreshed coastal classic on the edge of Acadia National Park, the Asticou blends historic New England charm with modern design across 82 rooms, suites, and cottages. Highlights include Dahlia’s restaurant, the intimate Moss Bar, a full-service spa, a pool, and warm, polished service. The surrounding village—with gardens, shops, and water views—extends the experience.
Quisisana Resort — $$$ (Lovell)
A beloved, seasonal lakeside institution on Lake Kezar, Quisisana offers an all-inclusive, weeklong summer experience with cottages and lodge rooms, daily communal meals, live music and theater, and activities like sailing and tennis. Its family- and kid-focused programming makes it a multigenerational favorite.
The Docent’s Collection — $$ (Portland)
A boutique lodging concept in Portland’s Old Port that feels like a luxury urban residence: furnished lofts with full kitchens and spacious living areas. With no formal restaurant, it’s a residential-style base for exploring Portland’s culinary scene and waterfront; ideal for families, creatives, and longer stays that want apartment privacy with boutique service.
Camp DeForest — $ (Lincolnville)
A playful, boutique summer-camp–themed resort near Camden and Rockland. With lodge rooms and cabins amid pine groves, Camp DeForest mixes midcentury nostalgia and modern comforts—campfires, lawn games, and a communal, carefree vibe—making it a lively base for MidCoast exploration.
The Lincoln Hotel — $ (Biddeford)
A stylish, design-forward hotel that has become Biddeford’s living room: an Instagrammable lobby, ambitious amenities (notably a high-tech gym), cocktails, live jazz, and an active calendar of pop-up art shows. The Lincoln’s mix of quirky and savvy design makes it a destination in its own right.
Blair Hill Inn — $$ (Greenville)
Perched above Moosehead Lake, Blair Hill is a refined 10-room inn (with cabins forthcoming) offering lakeview suites with fireplaces, a fine-dining restaurant focused on seasonal cuisine, and personalized service. It’s a serene, romantic gateway to hiking, moose-spotting, and lake adventures.
Hidden Pond — $$ (Kennebunkport)
Tucked down a dirt road among birch trees, Hidden Pond is a resort of cottages, bungalows, and treehouse suites centered on tranquility and return visits. The property’s standout restaurant, Earth, and its quietly personal atmosphere—plus activities suitable for all ages—make it a perennial favorite.
White Barn Inn, Auberge Collection — $$$ (Kennebunk)
A 26-room romantic property set across a 19th-century main house and renovated barns, the White Barn Inn is famous for its dining (notably lobster fettuccine), a spa offering Himalayan salt-stone massages, and impeccable, detail-oriented service. It’s a discreet, seamless escape for couples.
Cliff House Maine — $$ (Cape Neddick)
Sited dramatically on ocean cliffs, Cliff House’s floor-to-ceiling windows put the Atlantic front and center. Rooms and public spaces favor a coastal-cool aesthetic, and private terraces deliver crashing-wave views. It’s a resort built around its ocean outlook and understated modern comfort.
The Claremont Hotel — $$ (Southwest Harbor, Mount Desert Island)
A chic rebirth of an historic Mount Desert Island property with sophisticated summer-camp vibes—waterfront croquet, live-music sing-alongs, firepits, and a spa. Located on Acadia’s “Quiet Side,” the Claremont is both a design-forward retreat and a convenient base for exploring the island’s landscapes and dining.
Inn by the Sea — $$ (Cape Elizabeth)
A sprawling, sustainability-minded property near Portland and Crescent Beach State Park, Inn by the Sea blends top-tier service with green design and programming (100% of its electricity from a Maine solar farm, composting, and EV chargers). Dog-friendly and family-ready, it pairs stunning landscaping and views with thoughtful environmental commitments.
About the author
Erinne Magee is a Maine-based freelancer whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Boston Globe, Travel + Leisure, and National Geographic.
