In Search for Ogunquit Hotels
 

Hi,

I'm planning a vacation to Ogunquit this summer and hope others can answer some questions that I have.

I'm considering staying at Gorges Grant, the Meadowmere and the Mariner. I realize all are different.

Gorges Grant certainly seems the most luxurious of the 3. Is it as nice as it seems?

The Meadowmere seems the next best. I'm considering a room in the main hotel. The rate is nearly the same as GG, but a continental breakfast is included. Has anyone stayed at this hotel.

I've also found The Mariner, which is the cheapest of the 3. It is an all-outdoor corridor motel. I have a concern about that since I've stayed at some outdoor corridor motels in Cape Cod and have had bad experiences with moldy, musty rooms. Can anyone tell me how the Mariner stacks up in this area?

Finally, I was also considering staying in a place like Wells, where rates are cheaper than Ogunquit. However, I've been warned that it could take about an hour to get from a place like Village by the Sea to the Ogunquit beaches? Is it really as bad in the summer as people say?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

I've never stayed in Ogunquit because it's an easy drive from our home. I'm posting to tell you that the town has one of the best restaurants in the country. "Arrows" (only dinner) and expensive but for a special night out it is worth it. There's a jazz Sunday brunch at "The Hurricane" overlooking the water and great food and if you like beer, try the " Sea Dog"

I haven't stayed at the ones you mentioned, but have stayed at Anchorage-By-The-Sea in Ogunquit, and it was wonderful. The view was great, indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, and it was on the Marginal Way, a nice walk to Perkin's Cove (for Hurricane's, which I also recommend). I've also stayed in Wells and it is very slow going towards Ogunquit in the summer, lots of stop-and-go traffic getting to the beaches.

I agree with Anchorage-by-the-sea, or The Sea Chambers which is next door. The Meadowmere is on rte.1-not the best location.

Wells is typically cheaper than Ogunquit, even though it's the next town. As far as beaches, they both have some of the nicest beaches in Maine. Wells lacks the quaint downtown that Ogunquit has, but it's never taken me more than 20 minutes to drive the few miles from a motel in Wells to downtown Ogunquit.

I've not stayed at any of the motels you mention, but I have been stuck for an hour trying to go from Ogunquit to Wells on a rainy day in the summer. It's not far, 3-5 miles on Rte 1, but its the only road, so your travel time can really vary -depending on whether its "rushhour" or not. It seems like on rainy days, people get sick of sitting at home/in their motel rooms and all get into their cars at the same time.

Also, there is limited (and fairly expensive) parking at Ogunquit beach, so factor that in to your plans when budgeting if you choose Wells and want to hit the beac in Ogunquit. Also in peak season if you get to town past noon, you may not get a parking spot at the beach, and will be lucky to get one in town. The good news is that all day parking in town (behind the Firestation) is cheaper than at the beach. Alternative is to take the trolley, but that can be difficult w/ a lot of gear.

My wife and I stayed at The Gorges Grant a couple of years ago, it is not nearly as nice as it seems in pictures, etc. Its not a bad place its just kind of average. In general the hotels/resorts in Ogunquit are more family/laid back - nothing too fancy,which can be good.

If you are not travelling during a holiday the traffic etc. back and forth from wells area to Ogunquit is not too bad, it can be, but they have a trolley service that runs back and forth making frequent stops. Its really busy at rush hour type times such as morning rush and the end of the beach day etc.

The beach at the wells end of Ogunquit is great, large with a paid parking lot next to it. If you are going to simply spend the day at the beach this is the place to go, saving Ogunquit for shopping, resteraunts etc.

There are also plenty of good places to eat in and around wells. A nice place to stay that is kind of expensive but close to town etc. is The Sparhawk. Another great place is The Dunes located more towards the Wells side, they have seperate cottage units and a small hotel. You can walk to a great part of the beach across a small body of water or use provided row boats. I think they may have a two week minimum during the summer, a testament to what a great place to stay.

All in all Ogunquit is a grteat place to go, a little crowded but worth it. The beach is great especially towards the wells side. We have been there during 4th of July where every hotel/resort is booked solid and the beach was still not overcrowded.

I'll second the SparHawk! I think breakfast is included, and some rooms have kitchenettes. They also have a nice pool area, and plenty of parking. The location is great! Right downtown for shopping, yet adjacent to the cliffwalk, if you want a beautiful hike to Perkins Cove.
Sorry I can't answer your actual questions! But I will chime in on the restaurant recommendations. Both Arrow and Hurricane, along with the more casual Barnicle Billy's, are always popular and highly recommended. However, as a frequent visitor, I can't say they are my favorites, and I think they are a bit overpriced. (Sorry! I know most won't agree with me!) I'd recommend the Oar Weed for lobster, Provence for special night out, and the little sandwhich shop inside the Blue Willow gift shop for a good lunch with a great view!
Have a wonderful vacation!