The Best Hotels and Places to Stay in Kennebunkport, Maine

The Breakwater Inn sits on a wide ribbon of lawn that tumbles down to the confluence of the Kennebunk River and the Atlantic Ocean. One of the oldest inns in town, it retains its 1880s Maine cottage exterior. Inside, the variety of rooms and suites, many with water views, are decorated in soothing coastal blues. During your stay, wake up to a complimentary breakfast with views of the ocean, relax with an afternoon tea and get energized in the fitness center. The spa’s skin care treatments include seasonal choices like a Pomegranate Cider Holiday Facial.

History buffs will love this collection of four homes and mansions once owned by some of Maine’s most successful sea captains. Each has a distinctive personality and style, from bright and airy to artfully eclectic. All offer a luxury boutique experience, including complimentary breakfast in the garden, yoga classes, traditional lawn games and access to the common spaces in any of the Kennebunkport Captains Collection hotels. Book a picnic lunch, cocktail-making class or fly-fishing clinic, or join the Run Club for a jaunt along the coast-hugging Ocean Avenue.

In a quiet neighborhood less than 2mi (3.2km) from the Maine shore, Hidden Pond is a private, immersed-in-nature escape. Choose from free-standing bungalows, cottages and treetop lodges, surrounded by birch groves and stately balsam firs. Accommodations are rustic-chic, with plenty of warm woods, tactile fabrics, organic decor, and screened porches for relaxing with a book and a mug of warm cider. The property has two outdoor pools, a treetop spa and organic dining at its on-premise restaurant and food truck. Activities are many: walking trails, forest bathing, floral arranging, art classes, mixology classes and more.

The 1802 House is a classic New England B&B in a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood. Its six guest rooms are compact and cozy, with bathrooms appointed with heated tile floors and deluxe toiletries. Start off the day with a three-course gourmet breakfast. Then head out to Dock Square, a short walk away, to shop the boutiques and watch the sailboats gliding past on the river. In the afternoon, return to the historic inn and take a break with a selection of hot and cold drinks and freshly baked cookies.

Named for the Algonquian word for “blessing,” Nonantum is a family-owned resort on the shore of the Kennebunk River. Its Carriage House and Portside Lodge are tranquil, luxuriously appointed spaces with seaside charm. The property’s diminutive lighthouse is the star of many a vacation Instagram. Sign up for boat tours, or rent a kayak, bike or lawn game for the family. The owners and staff of the Nonantum are invested in community causes and participate on local and state boards, as well as a philanthropic giving program.

Roaring fires, exposed brickwork and forest views make for a cozy hideaway at this 150-year-old inn and spa. The spacious rooms, suites and cottages have been lovingly restored, with antique four-poster beds and furnishings offset by neutral white walls and contemporary patterned fabrics. Set in an atmospheric converted barn, the lauded White Barn Inn restaurant is a destination in itself. Sample dishes filled with farmed, fished and foraged Maine produce, or take part in a farm-to-cocktail class.

In a town known for its high-end prices, the Lodge at Turbat’s Creek provides an affordable option. Its 27 rooms are traditionally decorated and have mini-fridges and complimentary French roast coffee, tea and hot chocolate. The outdoor saltwater pool is open in warm-weather months when you can also enjoy the wide lawn with its variety of lounge and Adirondack chairs. You’ll find a variety of attractions and activities close by, including sailing, biking, kayaking, whale watching, antiquing, nature preserves and historic sites.

Part of a group known for its exquisitely designed boutique New England properties, AWOL is located in a tranquil neighborhood surrounded by trees and Maine’s famed wild blueberry bushes. Opt for a private cabin or stay in the historic main building, where most rooms have fireplaces and walk-in showers or deep soaking tubs, and some are dog-friendly. Daily rates include breakfast, bicycles and beach chairs, and personalized concierge services.