It’s a rare weekend when every Maine magazine staffer is snoozing at home. From 48 Hours excursions to story scouting, we spend much of our time exploring the state. We roam far and wide, driving down dirt roads and cruising scenic coastal byways, all the while staying in great resorts, world-class hotels, stately inns, cute cottages, and rustic rentals. Time and again, we are reminded that hospitality in Maine is an art. We are lucky to live in a place where the phrase make yourself at home really means something. From the southern shore to the northern mountains, here are 71 of our favorite places to book a room and stay the night. Vacationland, indeed.

COASTAL

Edwards’ Harborside Inn | York Harbor
Open year-round, Edwards’ Harborside has a convenient location within walking distance of the York Harbor neighborhood, where you will find shopping, restaurants, and more. Rooms range from the cozy garden-side Hide Away to the romantic York Suite and Spa, which boasts the best ocean views.

York Harbor Inn | York
Overlooking York Harbor, this inn is comprised of several properties, including the Main Inn, with 22 guest rooms, the Harbor Hill Inn, the Yorkshire Building, and the pet-friendly Harbor Crest Inn. Group rates are available for weddings and other getaways.

Stage Neck Inn | York
A designated AAA Four Diamond Resort, the Stage Neck Inn offers plenty to do on its oceanfront property. When the weather’s nice, a freshwater outdoor pool, tennis courts, and jogging trails keep guests active, and during the winter they can enjoy the newly renovated fitness room, indoor pool, and hot tub.

The Cliff House Resort and Spa  Cape Neddick
This large and luxurious destination boasts four swimming pools, a full service spa, and private balconies with views of the craggy shore and blue Atlantic. Huge windows let the sun shine in, and over 150 guest rooms make the Cliff House a good choice for large weddings and parties.

Anchorage by the Sea | Ogunquit
The colorful, cultural town of Ogunquit draws visitors from all over the United States and Canada. Spend time chatting with guests from near and far at the seaside resort, which is open year-round. In the winter, fireplaces keep the rooms toasty, and summertime patrons will enjoy the water views and outdoor pool.

Meadowmere Resort | Ogunquit
A family-run inn and spa in the heart of Ogunquit Village, the Meadowmere stands out for its special deals, which offer fun add-ons like paddleboarding lessons or tickets to a show at the acclaimed Ogunquit Playhouse. Guests can dine at the West Meadow Pub or opt to cook for themselves in one of the barbecue pits.

The White Barn Inn and Spa | Kennebunk
Rustic yet luxurious, the inn is one of the few Four Diamond properties in Maine. The award-winning Five Diamond restaurant, headed up by executive chef Jonathan Cartwright, is among the best in the state. If you’re seeking an excellent experience, with just a touch of old-fashioned formality, the White Barn Inn is worth a visit.

Kennebunkport Inn | Kennebunkport
The look and feel is “Ralph Lauren-inspired,” so expect classic New England colors like royal blue, vibrant red, and, of course, crisp clean whites. The centrally located inn also boasts a great restaurant, One Dock, which serves tapas and other small plates in a casual atmosphere enhanced by live music and views of the water.

Captain Lord Mansion | Kennebunkport
It’s not hard to spot the big yellow house on your way into Kennebunkport. This cheery building is the Captain Lord Mansion, a historic bed and breakfast that transports visitors back in time to a more genteel era with three-course breakfasts, antique decor, and beautifully restored furniture.

Boathouse | Kennebunkport
Perched on the harbor side of the Kennebunk River, the Boathouse is nautical through and through, from the decor to the people watching. The rooms stand out for their contemporary design and fantastic views. Dine outside on the deck, where chef David Turin creates his signature dishes at David’s KPT.

The Tides Beach Club | Kennebunkport
Inside the sunny yellow building, you’ll find beachy-chic decor and a quirky pink dining room, where the menu ranges from Maine staples like lobster rolls to more exotic fare, like lobster fried rice. This unexpectedly cool spot is just steps away from Goose Rocks Beach, where summer adventures await.

Hidden Pond | Kennebunkport
Tucked away down a winding green road, Hidden Pond offers private guest cottages, complete with kitchens, in a stunning natural environment. The property also contains a working farm, which produces many of the ingredients served at Earth, the on-site restaurant. Yoga classes and other amenities complete the experience.

Captain Jefferds Inn Bed and Breakfast | Kennebunkport
Built in 1804 for Captain William Jefferds and his wife, Sarah Walker, the historic bed and breakfast provides an intimate way to enjoy Kennebunkport. The small inn was restored and renovated in 1996, and now provides many modern amenities alongside classic touches, like the widow’s walk where Sarah once waited for her husband’s ship to return to port.

Nonantum Resort | Kennebunkport
This huge resort has everything you and your family might want on a coastal vacation: kid-friendly beaches, great restaurants right on the premises, kayaks for rent, a marina, and a large pool for after-dinner dips.

Breakwater Inn and Spa | Kennebunkport
Located on the Kennebunk River, the Breakwater Inn and Spa has great water views from the cottages and the main building. The inn was built in the 1880s, but the decor is a clean mix of historic and modern. The on-site spa offers all types of massages, from prenatal to deep tissue to a hot stone massage using smooth rocks from the Kennebunk River.

Cape Arundel Inn | Kennebunkport
On scenic Ocean Avenue within sight of Walker’s Point (the summer destination of the Bush family), you’ll find this luxurious inn. The views are exceptional, particularly from the dining room of Ocean, the Cape Arundel Inn’s on-site eatery.

The Grand | Kennebunkport
Another of the Kennebunk Resort Collection’s properties, the Grand is perfect for guests looking to stay within walking distance of the shops and businesses of the lower village. Art lovers will want to book a room in one of the Featured Artist Rooms, which display works by some of Maine’s finest painters. The stylish and modern bathrooms boast heated floors, waterworks showers, and beautiful marble counters.

The Beachwood Inn | Old Orchard Beach
Great for families, the Beachwood Inn is within walking distance of Old Orchard Beach’s famous arcade and pier. Guests can enjoy the beach, and multiple barbecues on the sand offer a fun, do-it-yourself alternative to dining out every evening.

Black Point Inn | Scarborough
This is a classic Maine destination—private, secluded, with gorgeous waterfront views that once served as inspiration for Winslow Homer. The historic Black Point Inn has 18 holes of golf, a geothermal-heated pool, and two eatery options: the Point Restaurant and the Chart Room. Head over for outdoor dining and a glimpse into the exclusive community of Prouts Neck.

Inn by the Sea | Cape Elizabeth
A popular choice for weddings, the Inn by the Sea sits on Cape Elizabeth’s picturesque Crescent Beach. World-class dining is available at Sea Glass, the beautiful on-site restaurant. Dog owners will find much to love at this pet-friendly hotel—it even offers dog massages and a menu catering to canines.

The Pomegranate Inn | Portland
Colorful and fun, the Pomegranate Inn is a small bed and breakfast located in Portland’s charming West End neighborhood. Nearly every square inch is decorated with some sort of art, creating a whimsical mix of styles, from Chinese ceramics to modernist oil paintings. Breakfast is made from local and seasonal ingredients and features locally roasted coffee and multiple tasty courses.

Portland Harbor Hotel | Portland
Nestled in the historic Old Port neighborhood, the Portland Harbor Hotel allows visitors to experience the urban appeal of a city on the rise. In the summer, head outside for happy hour in the landscaped courtyard garden.

The Inn on Peaks Island | Portland
Hop a ferry to this two-mile-long island and spend a night at the charming Inn on Peaks Island. Water views abound, thanks to multiple porches and balconies. The restaurant is open to the public, and offers fresh Maine seafood and dressed-up pub fare, as well as cask-conditioned ale brewed right on the premises.

The Danforth | Portland
“Swanky old school” is a fitting tagline for this chic city getaway, located in Portland’s historic Spring Street district. Recently purchased by Raymond Brunyanszki and Oscar Verest, the team behind the acclaimed Camden Harbour Inn, the Danforth will be undergoing some changes in the coming year, so keep an eye on this lovely property.

Chebeague Island Inn | Portland
Accessible by ferry, the Chebeague Island Inn has been ranked in the top ten of the Conde Nast Traveler’s Gold List. And for good reason—the 1920s Greek Revival-style hotel has an amazing waterfront setting, 21 sunny guest rooms, a spacious wrap-around porch, and an excellent restaurant serving dinner daily and brunch on Sundays.

Portland Regency Hotel and Spa  Portland
Sip glasses of dark liquor in the Armory Lounge, a cozy and old-fashioned downstairs bar, or spend a day being pampered at the spa. Housed in a building originally constructed in 1895 for Maine’s National Guard, the Portland Regency caters to travelers in town for either business or pleasure.

Applewood Inn | Freeport
Owners Jay and Jennifer Yilmaz purchased this charming bed and breakfast in 1998. In the past few decades, it has grown by leaps and bounds, and now offers pet-friendly rooms just minutes away from downtown Freeport’s bustling shopping district.

Harraseeket Inn | Freeport
The AAA Four Diamond hotel has 93 rooms, making it a good bet for weddings and large events. Beautifully landscaped gardens bloom all summer, and in the winter, the inn’s 23 fireplaces keep rooms cozy and warm.

The Brunswick Hotel and Tavern  Brunswick
Traveling by rail still holds a certain Old World romance. Take the Amtrak Downeaster to the Inn at Brunswick Station for a truly unique getaway. Package deals are available, so you can enjoy the sleek, modern rooms as soon as you step off the train.

The Brunswick Inn | Brunswick
Built in 1848, this Federal-style home has been converted into 15 luxurious guest rooms and suites. Breakfast is made-to-order daily with fresh and local ingredients. If you prefer a little more privacy, book the Garden Cottage, which sits behind the main building and has a kitchenette, a sleeping loft, a living room, and a full bath.

Inn at Bath | Bath
Artful and cozy, this mid-1800s Greek Revival house is, like Bath itself, made even more appealing by its small size. Just a short walk away from the streets of downtown Bath with its many boutiques and restaurants, the inn is perfectly situated for a weekend of exploring.

Inn at Cuckolds Lighthouse | Southport
Very few people in the modern world get to live in a lighthouse. While you might not be able to afford your own tower, you can stay at this beautiful island inn, attached to the historic Cuckolds Fog Signal and Light Station. Visitors can rent either the East Suite or the West Suite—or go all out and book the whole island for an unforgettable vacation.

Hodgdon Island Inn | Boothbay
Innkeepers Pamela and Richard Riley bring their Southern hospitality to the coastal community of Hodgdon Island. The picturesque white building houses nine pretty guest rooms. Decadent breakfasts are served daily and feature recipes like oatmeal chocolate chip walnut cookie pie and boiled, glazed oranges.

Topside Inn | Boothbay Harbor
A nineteenth-century sea captain’s home has been converted into a modern yet classic inn, complete with 20 rooms spread among three buildings. Located on McKown Hill (the highest point in town), the Topside Inn offers amazing panoramic views of the water.

Spruce Point Inn Resort and Spa Boothbay Harbor
Whether you’re looking for a private cabin, a townhouse, or a single room, the Spruce Point Inn has a place for you. Kick back on private covered porches and enjoy the peace and quiet from an Adirondack chair at this 57-acre property. Many families have been returning to this classic New England getaway for years, so expect to see some little ones enjoying the summer sun.

Linekin Bay Resort | Boothbay Harbor
New England’s only all-inclusive sailing resort, the Linekin Bay Resort has a wonderfully old-fashioned feel. Travel to the Dirty Dancing era by booking one of their 35 cabins, lining up a few resort activities (like sailing, kayaking, tennis, or nature walks), and spending a few weeks getting to know your fellow Linekin campers.

Bayberry House Bed and Breakfast | Boothbay Harbor
With only four guest rooms and one suite, this sweet bed and breakfast offers an intimate, relaxing experience. Every morning, this environmentally friendly business offers a three-course breakfast for guests. The owners also offer discounts to members of the military, be they active or retired.

Bradley Inn | New Harbor
Weathered shingles turned gray with salt are just the first hint of this inn’s century-old history. Inside, 16 guest rooms are decorated with original art and local antiques. After savoring the waterfront views of John’s Bay, order a plate of Pemaquid oysters from the Bradley Inn’s restaurant and taste the ocean.

Samoset Resort | Rockport
With over 230 acres of oceanfront property, this resort is truly all inclusive and ideal for large weddings and events. The 18-hole golf course, seaside spa, and 200,000-gallon pool are only the beginning of all the Samoset has to offer.

Captain Lindsey House Inn  | Rockland
Impeccably decorated rooms pay tribute to the history of the building (like several other notable inns, this was once a sea captain’s home) without sacrificing style. The boutique inn has its own art gallery, curated by Gleason Fine Art, and is located at the edge of Rockland’s busy waterfront district.

Camden Harbour Inn | Camden
Owned by Raymond Brunyanszki and Oscar Verest, the Camden Harbour Inn is one of Maine’s finest luxury hotels. Sleek and modern, with artistic decor in every room and stunning views of the Atlantic, this boutique inn is not to be missed. The on-site restaurant, Natalie’s, is widely regarded as one of the best dining destinations in the state.

Norumbega | Camden
Just outside downtown Camden you’ll find this stunning stone mansion. With intricately tiled fireplaces, amazingly detailed woodwork, and a collection of beautiful antiques, the castle is just as impressive inside as it is from without. Be sure to book a dinner at the Norumbega; chef Phil Crispo serves up intimate five-course meals in the historic dining room.

Hartstone Inn | Camden
While the outside of the property is classic and traditional, the inside decor is romantic and sleek. Guests can enjoy cocktail hour and hors d’oeuvres in the backyard, or watch the ships pass by at sunset at the nearby Camden harbor before indulging in a five-course meal at the inn’s restaurant.

Inn at Ocean’s Edge | Lincolnville
This upscale, 32-room inn boasts stunning views and lavish amenities. Close to both Camden and Belfast, guests can indulge in spa treatments, relax by the infinity pool, and enjoy a homemade breakfast without having to travel far.

Inn at Sunrise Point | Lincolnville
Watch the sunrise over the Atlantic from the Adirondack chairs on the lawn—or better yet, from your private deck at one of their charming cottages. Breakfast is served daily in the sun-drenched dining room overlooking this landscaped oceanfront property.

Belfast Bay Inn | Belfast
In the heart of Belfast, one of Maine’s most fascinating little cities, sits this classically decorated, historically minded hotel. Every room is filled with luxurious, almost baroque touches. For the best experience, book a room on the upper level, where several suites overlook the river and scenes of the busy town.

Thornhedge Inn | Bar Harbor
Built as a summer home in 1900, the inn sits in Bar Harbor’s Historic Corridor District and is filled with Old-World charm. Start the day with the blueberry French toast, an old family recipe, and end the day with a glass of wine on the inn’s large front porch.

Harborside Hotel, Spa, and Marina | Bar Harbor
This breathtaking 193-room hotel offers a variety of packages to accommodate any sort of vacation traveler. It is comfortable and updated, and families will enjoy all of the amenities the Harborside offers, such as poolside dining, kids’ clubs, and a downtown setting.

Bar Harbor Inn and Spa | Bar Harbor
Every night, music fills the Reading Room Restaurant while guests enjoy fresh seafood and incredible views at this stately inn. Minutes from downtown, the variety of services, activities, and events makes this sprawling and impressive inn a favorite destination for families.

Atlantean Cottage | Bar Harbor
Vegans and vegetarians will delight in the Atlantean’s perfectly prepared veggie-heavy breakfasts. The charming eco-conscious inn has a sweetly blooming garden in the front yard, several comfortable rooms for mingling with other guests, and a quiet location down one of Bar Harbor’s side streets.

Bass Cottage Inn | Bar Harbor
Hidden from the bustling town of Bar Harbor, this restored 1870s home sits on the quieter end of Mount Desert Island. Secluded by towering pines and the rocky shore, guests can choose among suites facing the mountains of Acadia or balconies overlooking the Atlantic.

Bar Harbor Regency | Bar Harbor
An all-inclusive resort, the large number of friendly staff is ready to help guests with whatever needs they may have. Charming and retro, the seaside location and proximity to downtown make it a great choice for family vacations and larger weddings.

Harbour Cottage Inn | Southwest Harbor
Intimate and cozy, this cottage-style inn has a small number of rooms, each with its own warm, unique feel. The wrap-around porch and reading nooks add to the inn’s welcoming atmosphere, where guests are able to relax and unwind.

Asticou Inn | Northeast Harbor
Nestled between the pines and sea sits this small resort hidden from the bustle of daily life. Comprised of a larger, main building and smaller cottages, it offers guests a Zen-like retreat, complete with scenic gardens and walking paths.

Blue Hill Inn | Blue Hill
On the scenic and artistic Blue Hill peninsula lies this charming inn, which boasts 11 rooms and two additional suites in the nearby Cape House. It is open year-round and innkeepers suggest visiting for New Year’s Eve, when the town is alive with live music and entertainment in over a dozen venues.

Pentagoet Inn | Castine
A sprawling Queen Anne Victorian set on a seaside bluff, the Pentagoet Inn is a great way to experience the natural beauty of downeast Maine. The restaurant is open to the public and provides farm-to-table food complemented by an excellent wine list. On Tuesdays in the summer, enjoy the musical stylings of a jazz trio on the wrap-around porch.

Inn on the Wharf | Lubec
Once, this building served as Lubec’s last operating sardine processing plant. The seaside structure has been renovated and repurposed, yet still bears the markers of its industrial past. Half of the clean, modern rooms face out into the harbor, where visitors can gaze on nearby Canadian islands and lobstermen working the waters.

INLAND

Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake | South Casco
From the formal dinners (men, bring your suit jackets) to the multitude of available activities, Migis Lodge harkens back to a different age of vacationing, when lakeside lodge retreats were a summer custom for many families. Stay in one of the 35 cabins on this stunning 125-acre property and enjoy a week of waterskiing, kayaking, sailing, massages, and more.

Quisisana Resort on Kezar Lake Lovell
Quisisana Resort, set on the quiet shores of Kezar Lake, is best described as a sleep-away camp for families. At the all-inclusive resort, boats, kayaks, and paddleboards are available during the day. Each evening after dinner, staff members (who are recruited from music and theater programs around the country) put on incredible musical performances.

Lucerne Inn | Dedham
Located conveniently between Bangor and Bar Harbor, the Lucerne Inn provides the best of both worlds. Enjoy the mountains of Maine, the Lucerne’s golf course and swimming pool, the fresh water of Phillips Lake, and to top it all off, affordably priced rooms within day-trip distance of the sea.

Wings Hill Inn and Restaurant | Rome
Christopher and Tracey Anderson own and operate this small, six-room lakeside inn situated between Long Pond and Great Pond in the Belgrade Lakes region. Both have trained at the Culinary Institute of America and prepare dinner nightly at the inn’s comfortable and cozy restaurant.

Bethel Inn Resort | Bethel
This recently refurbished inn has been situated in the woods of Bethel for over 100 years. It has an old-school vibe with modern updates. Guests love the variety of rooms offered, including townhomes, suites, and studios, all overlooking the inn’s 18-hole golf course.

Jordan Grand Resort Hotel | Newry
With sweeping views of Sunday River, this ski-in-ski-out property has easy access to the slopes with top-notch facilities. A heated outdoor pool and hot tub, spa services, fitness room, and restaurants complete the experience, all at the base of the Jordan Bowl ski area.

Executive Cottages | Newport
Rustic and private, these individual cottages are available for shorter, weekly stays or longer, extended visits. Walking distance to both downtown and the lake, the small homes are outfitted with kitchens and private bathrooms, a homey alternative for vacationers.

Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel | Carrabassett Valley
Staying at Sugarloaf is a wonderful thing, no matter the season. However, in the winter, this mountain resort becomes a town unto itself, complete with great restaurants, cute shops, and live music everywhere. Larger groups can book a condo in one of the mountain villages, while single travelers will enjoy the many amenities of the main hotel.

Greenville Inn at Moosehead Lake | Greenville
Recently added to the National Register of Historic Places, the Greenville Inn is a lovingly restored Victorian house nestled in the lush hills bordering Moosehead Lake. Guests can opt to stay in the main building, or in one of the fantastic cabins, which mix modern amenities with classic Maine touches, like soft flannel blankets and exposed wood beams.

Blair Hill Inn | Greenville
With some of the finest dining in interior Maine, not to mention great views of Moosehead Lake and its many islands, the Blair Hill Inn is a prime spot for a luxurious mountain vacation.

The Birches Resort | Rockwood
Built in the 1930s as a hunting and fishing lodge, the Birches is a family owned and operated resort that sits on a 11,000-acre nature preserve. Cabins, rental homes, and single rooms are all available. The inn offers a delicious and affordable meal plan for guests, as well as dining in their rustic and roomy lodge. Explore the lake by canoe or kayak and once you’re tired out, book a massage for those weary muscles.

New England Outdoor Center | Millinocket
If camping in Baxter State Park is a little too rugged, book a lodge or cabin at the New England Outdoor Center. Katahdin is just a short drive away, and the lodges come complete with fireplaces, beautiful high ceilings, and all the kitchen gear you might need to cook up a hearty meal after a day of hiking.

Northern Door Inn | Fort Kent
In the center of Fort Kent just steps away from America’s first mile marker sits this cute and cozy inn. Direct access to snowmobile and ATV trails makes it easy to escape into the wilderness of northern Maine. Pet-friendly rooms are available, and children under 12 stay for free.

Overlook Motel and Cabins | Eagle Lake
Five charming little cabins on the shores of Eagle Lake offer wonderful views and easy access to Aroostook County’s wealth of outdoor activities. If you’re not sure what to do with your days, owner Phil LeBoeuf is an invaluable resource on this often-overlooked region.