20 Best Hotels in The Southern Coast, Maine

The four historic inns and houses—Nathaniel Lord Mansion, William Jefferds House, James Fairfield House, Acton Patterson House—in this Lark Hotels collection were painstakingly restored in 2020 and 2021, and each was given its own sumptuous, traditional-meets-modern twists. The central Nathaniel Lord Mansion has its original doors and wallpaper from the 1880s mixed with luxe beds and baths. Across the town green at the bright, airy William Jefferds House, some of the rooms have small porches.

At this luxurious hotel overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, you can watch the white crests smash the craggy bluffs below while nestled in a plush hooded robe on your balcony. Take a steamy dip in the outdoor hot tub underneath whirling snowflakes or starry summer skies, sit by the firepit with a hot chocolate, and gobble up all the freshly caught local seafood and seasonal treats you can eat in one of four on-site eateries. A network of hiking trails sprawl across the expansive site. Don’t want to leave your room? Cozy up by the fire and watch the storms come in---there’s no other view like this anywhere.

Tucked away on 60 wooded acres near Goose Rocks Beach, this resort enclave has hiking trails, two pools, a sumptuous spa, a phenomenal restaurant, and a variety of lodging options—from luxurious one-bedroom bungalows and two-bedroom cottages to rustic-chic lodges with interconnected suites and studios. The individually decorated accommodations have fireplaces, outdoor showers, screened-in porches, and full kitchens that can be stocked with groceries or filled with delicious dishes prepared by your own personal chef. The spa is available to guests and nonguests alike.

Decidedly "new Maine," this lovingly renovated 1892 inn with a laid-back, summer-casual kind of nonchalance is just steps from the surfer's paradise that is Higgins Beach. Tastefully decorated with a clean, cheery color scheme of cool grays and corals, each of the charming, impeccably maintained rooms has a contemporary cool vibe, with just the right touch of vintage accents.

With a location on stunning Crescent Beach, some of the state's most gracious service, and a top-notch restaurant that delights at every meal, you might never want to leave the aptly named Inn by the Sea. Each accommodation choice is impeccably maintained and equipped with luxe bedding. The Inn is admirably run with numerous eco-friendly practices, including serving seafood that’s locally sourced, sustainably harvested and underutilized; maintaining wildlife- and butterfly-friendly landscapes (and offering guided ecology walks); and using solar power and recycled building materials.

A far cry from Maine’s coastal bed-and-breakfasts and quaint inns, this hotel in the massive, revitalized Lincoln Mill has a distinctly urban feel. The lobby is home to the Batson River bar, and the rooftop has a pool (rare in this area) with views of historic Biddeford. The loftlike rooms have impossibly tall ceilings, gas fireplaces, and sumptuous glass-walled showers. The spacious lobby has a coffee shop and often hosts live music.

The "glamping" (glamorous camping) tents, camp cottages, and A-frame hideaway huts on wheels deliver as much comfort and luxury as a fine hotel (with a few caveats, including communal bathing areas), but let you be up close and personal with nature. Each option has its own flair: some have a safari-like vibe; others have nautical touches; and a couple have a mid-century modern feel. Couples-only options include an Airstream, a shepherd’s hut, and a glass house.

A family-run operation that is now in the competent hands of the second generation, this resort hotel takes full advantage of its gorgeous harborside location, with Adirondack chairs, chaise longues, and a firepit on the surrounding lawns; water views from most guest rooms; and floor-to-ceiling windows in the common spaces. Amenities include an indoor pool and hot tub, large beachside outdoor pool, an intimate spa, well-maintained clay tennis courts, and access to local golf courses.

At this intimate, exclusive property, no detail has been overlooked in the meticulously appointed cottages and rooms, most of which blend contemporary comforts with classic elements and have fireplaces, marble soaking tubs, and double walk-in showers. Professional staff set the tone for a relaxing, pampered experience that is best rounded off with a multicourse meal in the acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant, which is housed in a pair of elegantly restored 1920s barns. Visit the spa, dine at the more relaxed Little Barn, or try one of the curated experiences on offer (like coastal cycling or a visit to an oyster farm).

These chic bungalows at this waterside property a short walk from town have a hip beach-vibe design, private lawns that blur the distinction between indoors and outdoors, and harbor views. The Yachtsman is the perfect base for exploring the area on foot or by bike, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, canoe, or boat (each of which the hotel provides free of charge for guests), though you may just want to stay put once you step inside.

Toward the tip of the peninsula that juts into the ocean at Prouts Neck stands this stylish, tastefully updated, 1878 resort inn with spectacular views up and down the coast. Guests have access to beaches, kayaking equipment, a yacht club, and a country club with tennis courts and a golf course. Finer touches abound, such as Frette linens and terry robes. The Cliff Walk, a pebbled path that wanders past Winslow Homer's former studio, runs along the Atlantic headlands he often painted. Peak season rates include breakfast, dinner, and gratuities. The Chart Room pub and the Point restaurant take advantage of the views.

This shingle-style, 19th-century mansion, originally one of the area's many summer "cottages," commands a magnificent ocean view that takes in the Bush estate at Walker's Point; its location is just far enough from the bustle of town to feel like you've gotten away from it all. Spacious, tastefully decorated guest rooms—filled with special touches, such as local artwork and comfy throws—have cozy fireplaces and relaxing sitting areas that overlook the garden and ocean. The Club House, just a stone's throw from the main inn, offers a resortlike vibe with a lap pool, lawn and club games, and cozy nook areas where you can unwind with a cocktail or a cup of tea.

This enclave of 21 bright and airy cottages alongside a tidal river is set off from Route 1, making the soundtrack to a stay here the ocean’s lull, not traffic’s din, while kayaks, paddleboards, and rowboats let guests capitalize on the waterfront location. Renovated in 2024, each homey cottage is landscaped and has a screened sitting area and outside patio. A few have kitchens, while most have a wet bar, small fridge, toaster, and microwave. Cabana chairs surround the updated pool, which overlooks the firepit where s’mores-making kits are handed out nightly; beyond are the dunes on the back of Ogunquit Beach. A barista serves coffee, snacks, and charcuterie boards in the main lodge, where beach cruisers are ready to bike into town. A minimum stay may apply.

Once the summer mission of St. Martha's Church in Kennebunkport, this exquisite inn, just a block from the beach, has retained many details from its former life, including cathedral ceilings and stained-glass windows. Guest rooms are spacious, some with serene marsh views, and the upstairs suite has an ocean-view deck. The three common areas, all with fireplaces, are perfect spots for afternoon refreshments. The inn is one block from the beach.

A stone's throw from the bustle of Kennebunkport and just a mile from the beach, this charming boutique B&B is housed in a gorgeously restored, 1860s farmhouse and carriage house. Guest rooms feature heavenly mattresses and the highest-quality bedding under high ceilings. Each morning includes a healthy, sumptuous, and locally sourced multicourse breakfast in the dining room or on the seasonal brick patio, weather permitting. Bicycles and an automated Italian wine bar are available for guest use. A two-bedroom cottage is available in season.

This 1880s shingle-style "cottage" is a haven of antiques, art, and eclectic decor—artfully painted floors, lush wallpaper, and meticulous attention to detail are the fruits of a former designation as a designers' showcase home. Set back among trees and stunning perennial gardens, the inn's guest rooms are individually decorated, though all share rich coloring and fabrics, high ceilings, and many large windows; some have fireplaces and refrigerators, and all have TVs.

Hands down the most family-friendly resort in the Kennebunks, this place is a dream for parents who want to have a quality family vacation without stress. Right on the water, the historic inn has a sweeping lawn with picnic tables and firepits. There's also the seasonal Camp Nonantum, a kid-centric spot on the lawn with activities all summer long, from knot-tying to crabbing (bookable in advance)—so parents can enjoy the pool or simply have a relaxing afternoon.

The stately building that houses the Tides Beach Club is a charming grande dame from the Gilded Age heyday of seaside "cure" retreats. Just steps from long, sandy Goose Rocks Beach, this lively inn is the epitome of laid-back, seaside-chic design, which extends into each of the spacious, bungalow-like rooms that are decorated in rich, feel-good ocean blue and coral hues.

This cluster of tidy, well-appointed cottages opened in 2022 in a quiet area that's still a stone's throw from beaches and Dock Square. The cottages might look tiny from the outside, but soaring ceilings and whitewashed walls make them feel spacious. The “little cottages” are for two adults only; children 12 and older can stay in the “big cottages.” Some cottages are dog-friendly.

A mid-17th-century fishing cabin with dark timbers and a fieldstone fireplace forms the heart of this historic inn, which now includes several neighboring buildings and three on-site restaurants. Reflecting this diversity, there are smaller rooms furnished with antiques and country pieces, cozy B&B-style quarters, and suitelike modern rooms with amenities like whirlpool tubs and gas fireplaces.