We are staying at the Grand Beach Inn
at Old Orchard Beach, does anyone know
anything about it, besides what is posted
on their web site? Is Old Orchard beach
really that bad?

I personally think that Old Orchard Beach is awful; however, there is a posting here today that says the end of the beach near Saco is OK.

Gina, I'm not familiar with that Inn, but as far as how bad is OOB? Well, It's just not the quaint little New England town that most tourists are looking for. It's an old time, summer Coney Island sort of place (in the down town area). There's a pier which is very honky tonk, two amusement parks (one on either side of the pier) and the shops tend to be that sort of cheap (but expensive) beachwear type. On the other hand, the BEACH is terrific, about seven miles of uninterupted sand where you can walk forever (longest in the state of Maine I believe). There are plenty of things to do nearby if you drive less than half an hour (Portland, Maine Mall for a rainy day, Water parks in Saco, an old fashioned drive in movie with family films, LL Bean in Freeport, etc. etc.). It's a very good base of operation, and if you dislike the downtown area, just avoid it.

I agree with the previous poster as we've been going to that area for years. The beach is long and clean. We've driven by the Grand Beach Inn many times and will stay there in August. It's across the street from the beach. For a memorable lunch, go to the clam shack in Cape Elizabeth where you can sit on a picnic table overlooking the rocks and the ocean. (They sell burgers too.) And the best pizza in the area is at Ricetta's in South Portland. Have fun.

Hope this message appears before you leave because we returned this morning and would NOT recommend this motel. It's two stars IMO. Curtain hem stops 4" above the sill. Paint is peeling off deck railings outside the room. Uncomfortable beds. Coffee maker but no filters or coffee but the mini-refrigerator and microwave worked. Very small heated pool was always full of guests. Of course if everything is booked in the area, at least it is directly across from the beach. It is in the quiet end of OOB near the Scarborough line. And their coffee shop is fine.

Thanks Sluggo for the feedback!
Luckily after reading more about OOB, we decided to stay in Ogunquit, and maybe drive up to OOB for an afternoon trip. Did you by any chance drive down to Ogunquit? If so, anything interesting?
Thanks again!!

My wife and I just got back from Ogunquit a couple of days ago.

The Sunday Portland paper talked about Old Orchard Beach. They said "a riot in Portland, is just a Monday night in Old Orchard". Supposedly it's safe during the day....but the nights get wild and rowdy.

You made a wise decison in choosing Ogunquit.

Did not go to Ogunquit this time, but it's a classy choice. Can't recall any restaurants or activities to recommend, however. You'll have a good time. Personally have never had problems in Old Orchard but have not been in town when the bars close. If you like ice cream, I heartily recommend trying Beal's when you're in the area. They are on Rt 9 next to Bayley's restaurant in Scarborough and in the Exchange area in Portland.