mrsffonky

I would like to take the family to Maine this August -two adults and a six year old. I have never been there and I would like to stay at a town near the ocean, eating a lot of lobster, and taking scenic day trips. It seems Ogunquit may be the place to stay from reading other forums.

Could someone recommend a nice hotel to stay near the ocean? The hotel would need to be family friendly with a pool as we will spend a good amount of time just staying at the hotel. The Beachmere Inn seems perfect but the rates seem a bit high. Famiy Interests include nature walks, museums, family friendly restaurants, and chartered sailing. Restaurants recommendations would be appreciated.

Thank you.

nytraveler

Maine hotels have to make all of their profits in a very limited season - so they wil all have high rates. And I urge you to make reservaions now so you aren't shut out - it;s already kind of late for August.

Sorry - can't comment on that specific place.

mrsffonky

Thank you for the response. I'll keep researching the best destination for us. I really don't know anything about Maine. Just thought it would be nice to stay in an ocean-side village, eating lobster and I thought of Maine.

tracys2cents

You might consider Boothbay which is just a bit less crowded and touristy than Ogunquit. Beach Cove Hotel is not on the ocean, it's about a mile away but on it's own little pond with free canoes/rowboats that a 6 year old will love. Out of the traffic/tourist area but still close to the lobster and the sea!

tiga123

August 3-7 there is a lobster festival going on in Rockland. The Ledges by the bay is an oceanfront hotel in Rockland where kids under 12 stay free in the parents room. You can walk down to the shore from the hotel so that area shouldn't be so crowded,but I'd check availability now. It's got a great rating. Good luck and have fun

mrsffonky

Tiga123, The Legends sounds lovely but after talking with a co-worker it sounds like Bar Harbor is more for us. I hear it's a great place for families w/ plenty to do. Maybe we'll split up the trip and do both!

Thank you all for the great suggestions.

tracys2cents

A 6 year old might like the beach/Ogunquit a lot better than the rocky shore/ Bar harbor.

zootsi

The Footbridge Beach Motel may be what you want - about a 2 block walk to a very nice Ogunquit beach. It has a small pool, and there lots of places to eat within walking distance. Runs a little over $100 a night. For something right on the ocean, try the Lafayette in Wells, which is the next town north of Ogunquit.

elberko

A 6 year old would probably love exploring in Acadia, and going on some ranger-led walks. There is a beach in Acadia, too. I agree with your co-worker.

~Liz

mrsffonky

I am a bit torn between the two destinations. I will need to take in consideration the difference in travel costs. I will be flying in from Detroit so I think it will be cheaper to fly into Boston and drive up then to fly into Bangor. I will research both areas and decide. Thanks again everyone.

tracys2cents

From Detroit there is good service into Portland Maine and probably into Manchester New Hampshire as well. The drive from Manchester is a bit easier than from Boston, especially during certain traffic hours, and the airport is much easier than Logan as well.

mrsffonky

Thank you for the tip.

Luv2travel15

Hi, we were just in Wells, Maine on Saturday. We took a drive up for the day as we are only 1 1/2 hrs. from there. We stayed for many years at the Lafayette Motel (Forbes Motel) which is right on the beach. It's a lovely area and would be perfect for your family vacation. Rates may be more reasonable than other motels. There are many reasonable restaurants (take out stands, etc.) close by. You can drive to Kennebunkport in about 20 min. The prices would vary according to the location of the rooms - some are on the side of the motel but you can walk right onto the ocean. It's a great place for kids.

The 1st link is the hotel, the other 2 are info on the area. There are lots of motels along the route 1 strip but they are not on the water. There are lots of campgrounds in this area also. I think you would enjoy staying there.

Check out flying into Manchester, NH as that is only a very short distance to Maine. May be cheaper flights also.

http://www.visitmaine.net/wells_hotel_lodging.htm

http://wellsbeachmaine.com/

http://www.atlanticoceanfrontmotel.com/index.html