I grew up in Maine and have watched the state shift from a quietly cherished summer refuge to a year‑round draw. From Portland’s Old Port to Mount Desert Island’s working harbors and the tranquil Lakes Region, Maine pairs raw natural beauty with polished hospitality: lobster rolls after a schooner sail, spa treatments beneath tall pines, lakefront sunsets, and mornings spent on Acadia’s carriage roads followed by fireside s’mores. The 11 hotels below capture the coastal elegance, culinary credibility, and local warmth that make Vacationland so special.
How we chose the hotels
Each entry here was written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who visited the property and knows the destination. Editors evaluated places across price points for authentic, insider experiences—considering design, location, service, and sustainability.
The Asticou Hotel — $$$ (Northeast Harbor)
A refreshed coastal classic on Acadia’s edge, the Asticou blends New England charm with contemporary design across 82 rooms, suites, and cottages. Highlights include Dahlia’s restaurant, the cozy Moss Bar, a full spa, a pool, and attentive service. The surrounding village—gardens, shops, and water views—extends the hotel experience.
Quisisana Resort — $$$ (Lovell)
A beloved seasonal institution on Lake Kezar offering an all‑inclusive, weeklong summer rhythm. Cottages and lodge rooms, communal meals, live music and theater, and activities like sailing and tennis make Quisisana a multigenerational favorite, especially for families and repeat guests.
The Docent’s Collection — $$ (Portland)
A boutique, residential lodging concept in Portland’s Old Port: furnished lofts with full kitchens and generous living areas. Without a formal restaurant, it’s a residential base for exploring Portland’s dining and waterfront—ideal for families, creatives, and longer stays that want apartment privacy with boutique service.
Camp DeForest — $ (Lincolnville)
A playful, boutique resort that channels summer‑camp nostalgia near Camden and Rockland. Lodge rooms and cabins among pine groves offer midcentury style and modern comforts—campfires, lawn games, and a communal vibe—making it a lively base for exploring the MidCoast.
The Lincoln Hotel — $ (Biddeford)
A design‑forward hotel that feels like Biddeford’s living room: an Instagrammable lobby, notable amenities (including a high‑tech gym), cocktails, live jazz, and rotating pop‑up art. Its mix of quirky touches and savvy design makes the hotel a destination in its own right.
Blair Hill Inn — $$ (Greenville)
Perched above Moosehead Lake, Blair Hill is a refined 10‑room inn (with cabins coming soon) offering lakeview suites with fireplaces, a seasonal fine‑dining restaurant, and personalized service. It’s a quiet, romantic gateway for hiking, moose‑spotting, and lake adventures.
Hidden Pond — $$ (Kennebunkport)
Set down a dirt road among birch trees, Hidden Pond is a cottage and bungalow resort centered on tranquility and return visits. Its standout restaurant, Earth, a quietly personal atmosphere, and activities suitable for all ages make it a perennial favorite.
White Barn Inn, Auberge Collection — $$$ (Kennebunk)
A 26‑room romantic property spread across a 19th‑century main house and renovated barns. The White Barn Inn is renowned for its dining (lobster fettuccine among its signatures), a spa offering Himalayan salt‑stone massages, and meticulous service—an intimate, seamless escape for couples.
Cliff House Maine — $$ (Cape Neddick)
Dramatically sited on ocean cliffs, Cliff House centers its design on sweeping Atlantic views with floor‑to‑ceiling windows and private terraces that showcase crashing waves. Rooms and public spaces favor a coastal‑cool aesthetic, making the ocean outlook the resort’s defining feature.
The Claremont Hotel — $$ (Southwest Harbor, Mount Desert Island)
A stylish reimagining of a historic Mount Desert Island property with sophisticated summer‑camp energy—waterfront croquet, sing‑along evenings, firepits, and a spa. Located on Acadia’s quieter side, the Claremont is both design‑forward and a convenient base for exploring the island’s landscapes and restaurants.
Inn by the Sea — $$ (Cape Elizabeth)
A sprawling, sustainability‑minded property near Portland and Crescent Beach State Park. Inn by the Sea pairs attentive service with green practices (100% electricity from a Maine solar farm, composting, and EV chargers). Dog‑friendly and family‑ready, it combines thoughtful environmental commitments with beautiful grounds and ocean views.
About the author
Erinne Magee is a Maine‑based freelance writer whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, Travel + Leisure, and National Geographic.