wbruseski

My family of four (husband, me and two 6 year olds are planning a stay in southern Maine June 20-22, 2011 prior to a wedding in CT. I have found many beautiful inns and B&Bs but not too many that look welcoming for children. I have come across the following:

THe Colony Hotel, Kennebunkport (is there AC? which is a must)

The Beachmere Inn Ogunquit, ME (near or on the Marginal Way- is this within walking distance to town? which is a must

The Cliff House Ogunquit, ME

Looking for something in or near a nice town, preferrably walking distance. I know good lobster is everywhere but definitely a MUST! Want to take kids on Lobster boat tour, any other suggestions for kids?

Thanks.

tchoiniere

Cliff House is not within walking distance of anything. Its isolated down the road from Perkins Cove / Marginal Way. That being said, I have stayed here twice and really enjoyed it.

My parents have always stayed at the Sparhawk which is in walking distance of Perkins Cove and to Ogunquit.

You probably won't need A/C in June.

I would highly recommend the Maine Wildlife Park. Its a bit of a drive from Ogunquit but well worth it.
http://www.state.me.us/ifw/education/wildlifepark/

Could go to a Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox affiliate) game.

There are a couple of miniature golf courses nearby. There is also an amusement park / zoo as you get off 95 onto Route 1. Haven't been there myself.

joesorce

The Colony is like an old folks home, I wouldn't stay there with young children. Almost everything in Ogunquit is walking distance to town, EXCEPT the Cliff House. Beachmere would be my choice.
You won't need A/C in southern Maine in June, but do bring raingear and windbreakers. Hopefully you'll get two nice sunny days but most of June is 50/50.

tchoiniere

Out of curiosity since I live in CT, where is the wedding? How much time will you have in CT? Need any recommendations?

wbruseski

Thanks for the replies. If we don't need AC any other places you would recommend? Do you definitely recommend Ogunquit over Kennebunkport? We will be coming from the north so we could stop for a meal, etc in other towns.

We are headed into Boston for a Red Sox game on June 22nd after checkout. (I presume we'll have to leave early to get there in time). Then on to Foxwoods On Thursday for the wedding. Family is from East Lyme, CT. No time for anything else in CT this time.

wbruseski

Also, I believe I read about a shuttle from the Cliff House. Would that be a good option? We just don't want to have to get in the car with two small kids everytime to go somewhere. A shuttle to downtown or Perkins Cove would be great too. Thanks

tchoiniere

I think there is more to do / see in Ogunquit but definitely stop in Kinnebunkport to see it.

I think there is a trolley that goes past the Cliff House. Not sure on the frequency. You are going to have to leave real early to get to the Sox game, it being a 1:35 game. Gates will open at 11:35. I believe its about a 75 minute drive to Boston from Ogunquit but am not sure. Thats without traffic...Parking at Fenway is very expensive ($30). Where are you staying on Wed night? If driving out after the game, I think it would be worth parking at the game or someplace in Boston (believe there is discounted parking at the Prudential on gamedays for ticketholders)

Kealalani

We really like staying at seachambers once or twice a year for the views and the pool. Sitting on the dock watching the ever changing tides is wonderful. They offer facilities if you want to stay a few hours after checkout. It's not fancy, but location, location, location. I'm not a big fan of the Cliff House. It is remote. I know some people have enjoyed The Dunes. I also enjoy Sparhawk, with pool, tennis, shuffleboard, but prefer seachambers. Of the three you listed Beachemere would be my choice.

seachambers.com

Kealalani

Also, keep in mind, wherever you choose, your rates should be on the lower side of the range since it is midweek.

Since you are considering the Cliff House, you might also look at the Anchorage which has a more resort feel. Haven't stayed there in years.

tchoiniere

I just looked at the hotel where I stayed last year (Ogunquit Resort Motel) to see if it was on the trolley line. The trolley is only running on weekends in June so if thats the shuttle from the Cliff House, I would definitely look elsewhere.

I liked the Ogunquit Resort Motel but you are not on the water and not within walking distance. Even if you were, its right on Route 1 and wouldn't be advisable to walk on due to traffic.

dfrostnh

I was debating mentioning the Dunes. It's an old fashioned white cottage colony type of place. We stayed there last June.Our one bedroom "motel unit" was actually part of a cottage. Each unit has Adirondack chairs and a patio table and there is lots of lovely lawn. We saw children enjoying the pool. Can't remember if there was a playground area. Some of the cottages have kitchens. Our small unit just had a microwave and frig. Coffee available at the office. I believe there is a trolley stop. It's a great family place but the bad part for you might be no restaurant although there are some within walking distance. It's not a fancy place but comfortable. Mike's Clam Shack a few miles away had reasonable priced lobster and great fried clams.

I think a visit to the Goldenrod to watch the taffy pulling machine is traditional for families. It's at York Beach. There's also a nice playground there.

Michael58

We've stayed at the Sea Chambers, the Meadowmere, and The Colony when our kids were small. I loved the location,and views at the Sea Chambers, but the kids preferred the Meadowmere(indoor and outdoor pools with a jacuzzi). The Colony is nice, but a bit stuffy I think for small children(it was the "island inn" for Empire Falls on HBO a few years ago). The Meadowmere also has a trolley stop right out the back that brings you to the beach or Perkins Cove.

While there are many excellent lobster places there's only one Nunan's Lobster Hut in Cape Porpoise, and it is a gorgeous drive up through Kennebunkport out by Walker's Point. Yankee Magazine uses their recommendations for boiling lobsters. When you drive down to CT be sure to stop for ice cream at Nubble Light, the kids will love it. Have a great time.

LoveMaine

I'm surprised at the comments about the Colony; it has a pool, a great small beach, lots of activities for the kids, a good restaurant, and big comfortable old-fashioned rooms with some charm--not the little boxes in newer hotels. It's walkable to Dock Square. It doesn't have AC, but, as said above, you won't need it in June. And Nunan's is a must.