22 Best Hotels in Penobscot Bay, Maine

Tucked in among the shops on Bay View Street, just off Main Street, this boutique hotel is an ideal pied-à-terre for accessing all the pleasures of in-town Camden without needing a car. The Vintage Room, an intimate cocktail lounge, is open to the public, as is a rooftop terrace bar; both serve small plates (some of them vegan and gluten-free). Called The View for good reason, the latter offers spectacular panoramas of harbor and bay. On a fine summer evening, it's the best spot in town.

This recently refreshed motel on U.S. Route 1 is a quick drive away from downtown Belfast. It offers large, comfortable rooms, both indoor and outdoor pools, and a generous included continental breakfast. A path leads down from the property to the water's edge.

Originally the residence of Rockland merchant Charles H. Berry, this 1898 shingle-style B&B sits in Rockland's National Historic District. Spacious common areas and large guest rooms are elegantly furnished with antiques and reproduction pieces, and all but one of the 12 rooms have fireplaces; most have whirlpool tubs. Four rooms are in the carriage house, which has its own common and snack areas. There are beautiful gardens and a front porch for relaxing. Don't miss enjoying a slice of freshly baked pie from the guest pantry every evening. The owners of the inn are founding members of the Historic Inns of Rockland Pies on Parade day, held every January. Next door, the inn's sister property, the Talbot House offers very nice rooms at a slightly lower price point and pets are permitted for a $45/night fee.

Perched on a hill overlooking the harbor, not far from downtown, this luxurious retreat offers beautiful views of the water and the Camden Hills. Originally a simple summer hotel dating from the late 1800s, the Camden Harbour Inn—a member of Relais & Chateaux—was transformed by its Dutch owners who continue to inspire staff to pay close attention to guests' every need. From a glass of prosecco upon arrival, to an indulgent breakfast (lobster Benedict, anyone?) and stylishly decorated rooms and suites with a plethora of amenities, you can expect to be pampered throughout your stay. Some rooms have fireplaces or patios. Conveniently, Natalie's, a highly regarded fine-dining restaurant, is just downstairs. There's a lodging package that includes dinner at Natalie's and other packages offering such fun experiences as catching your own lobster aboard a lobster boat and learning to cook it with Natalie's chef or taking a tour of local lighthouses in a vintage VW bus.

Built in 1874 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this grand, elegantly restored mansion hails from an era when Searsport's shipyards launched more than 200 vessels and their captains sailed the world's trade routes, amassing fortunes along the way. The inn's welcoming gathering areas and comfortable guest rooms make it easy to drift back to those glory days. Stroll the gardens and down a wide, green lawn to the water's edge, where Adirondack chairs are perfect for simple relaxation or a picnic prepared by the innkeepers. Breakfasts feature the morning's hot entrée, which may be either sweet or savory, depending on the day.

Located on the bay side of Route 1 just north of the turnoff to downtown Belfast, this large and pleasant motel is a budget-friendly choice for families. Some rooms have gas fireplaces, there's a year-round indoor heated pool, plus a sauna and hot tub, and pets are permitted in some rooms with a daily fee. 

You can't get any closer to the harbor without being in the water—you can watch all the boats coming and going, including several classic schooners, from the windows or balconies—at this intimate boutique hotel that sits right on the dock next to the town landing. Four rooms are on the waterfront, but all rooms have fireplaces. The most luxurious—and priciest—choice is the Curtis Island Suite, a corner suite with unparalleled views over the harbor. A hot breakfast, included in lodging, is delivered to your room.

Inside this circa-1835 mansard-roofed Victorian home at the southern edge of Camden's downtown area is a plush, sophisticated retreat and a culinary destination. All rooms and suites have separate sitting areas, and some have fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. No detail has been overlooked: there are soft robes, down comforters, and options like flowers or chocolates for romantic getaways. Lodging includes a multicourse gourmet breakfast, afternoon tea, and refreshments, and cocktail-hour hors d'oeuvres (with discounts on drinks). China, crystal, and silver make for elegant dining in the restaurant (Wednesday--Sunday), which is also open to the public by reservation. There's a five-course chef's tasting menu as well as a menu with several choices for each of three courses; both menus are prix fixe. Cooking classes are also offered.

This inn on 11 acres has one of the loveliest settings in the area, with forest on one side and the ocean on the other, and the recently renovated and updated rooms offer a king-size bed, gas fireplace, and ocean views. Some have private balconies and whirlpool tubs. There's a heated, infinity-edge, saltwater pool, a sauna, and an outdoor fireplace. Massage services are available. The inn's breakfast menu (included in lodging cost when booking direct; extra charge otherwise) features egg dishes, pancakes, smoked salmon, and a daily chef's special.

At this serene and exclusive retreat, you'll feel as though you're staying on a private estate where every comfort has been arranged for you. The contemporary cottages and rooms are appointed with gas fireplaces, soaking tubs, rain showers, and quietly elegant decor. Watch the boats glide by on the bay from your private deck, stroll the grounds and the pebbly beach, and fall asleep to the sound of the waves just outside your window. A multi-course breakfast, made to order, includes a hot entrée as well as such choices as a smoked salmon plate and house-made granola and yogurt. There are afternoon sweet treats, too. A bar in the library is stocked with well-chosen liquors.

Built in 1892 as a private home, the turreted LimeRock is perfectly located in Rockland's National Historic District. In the main part of the Victorian house the soothing decor in the eight guest rooms has been elegantly and meticulously appointed. Island Cottage, which features a jetted tub and doors that open onto a private deck overlooking the English garden, is especially appealing.

Turn back the calendar to the 1950s in these sweet, fully renovated, mid-century wooden cabins, plus a few motel rooms. They boast comfy beds with luxe bedding, a seaside-blue color scheme, and just a touch of a vintage vibe with turntables and records in each room. 

If you want to be in the midst of the shops and not far from the harbor, this handsome Main Street brick building with bright blue-and-white awnings is the perfect choice. Although it's not on the water, the inn offers many guest rooms with full or partial harbor views. The colorful interior is furnished with restored antiques and paintings by local artists, both in guest rooms and in the lobby. Dogs welcome.

Located on the Rockland-Rockport town line along the edge of Penobscot Bay and the eastern side of Rockland harbor, this 230-acre resort offers luxurious rooms, suites, and cottages, all with a private balcony or patio and an ocean or garden view. Some have hot tubs and other additional appointments. There's an indoor pool and an outdoor pool, a spa, and a salon. Activities include tennis, golf, disc golf, and lawn games. There are multiple dining options around the resort: La Bella Vita serves a sophisticated Italian menu; Enoteca is a wine bar; the Splash Pool Bar is the place for a light alfresco lunch; and the Clubhouse Grill is perfect for a postgame meal and libations.

Set a bit back from the traffic on U.S. 1, this complex is a good choice for families—some of the 36 comfortable rooms have additional sleeping spaces to accommodate kids, and there's a large, heated indoor pool (plus hot tub and fitness room), and a minigolf course next door. There are also fireplaces or jetted tubs in some rooms, as well as pet-friendly rooms. The breakfast buffet, included in the rate, offers fruit, yogurt, breakfast sandwiches, waffles with maple syrup, cereal, and bakery goods.

A top-to-bottom renovation and upgrade in 2022 has created a pleasing blend of period elegance and modern comforts at this grand 1861 sea captain's mansion, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Enjoy a game in the billiards room or relax on benches by the rocky beach, the inn can pack a picnic lunch for you. After the day's explorations, join the convivial owners for some wine, prosecco, or tea in the afternoon. Awaken to an extensive buffet that includes such goodies as pain au chocolat, granola with local Greek-style yogurt, a hot egg dish, and cold meats and cheeses. The beds—some of them with four posters—are made up with quality linens and mattresses. 

Turrets, jewel-like stained-glass windows, columns, gables, and magnificent woodwork embellish this inn, built in 1898 as the home of a local attorney. The gem theme continues in the den, where an ornate rock fireplace is said to include rocks from every U.S. state at the time the house was built. Elaborate Victorian pieces furnish the rooms, whose windows are hung with lace curtains. The Opal Room has a French armoire and four-poster bed, plus a marble bath with a whirlpool tub.

With a commanding position overlooking the bay just north of downtown Camden, this impressive, turreted "castle" exudes Old World grandeur. It was built in 1886 by local businessman Joseph Stearns, who spent a year visiting European castles before creating his own. Today, it's an elegantly appointed, luxury inn. Among its nine rooms and two suites are two that are tucked inside a turret, and another that's set in the castle's original, two-story library. Some have fabulous ocean views, some have private balconies or patios, some have fireplaces, and some have deep soaking tubs. The luxurious penthouse suite is a rare hideaway you won't want to leave. Lodging includes a full breakfast with multiple choices and a daily hot entrée. The inn was purchased in spring 2022, and the new owner implemented extensive renovations and interior upgrades to make the inn even more luxurious.

The rooms in this large, restored 1832 Colonial-style home and an attached carriage house are beautifully furnished with antiques. Some rooms have fireplaces and Jacuzzis; one has a small balcony overlooking the gardens that are tucked behind the inn. Just across the road, you can sink your toes into the sand on Lincolnville Beach. Or simply settle into the rockers on the front porch and watch the moon going down over the bay.

This welcoming, third-generation family-owned motel is the only lodging option on the water and near the ferry dock. It was built on a bridge overlooking the harbor, and all rooms have wonderful views. All but three of the rooms have private decks. If you want a real treat, get up early enough to watch the lobster boats leave around 5 am. You'll find great personal service here—Sarah, the owner, is happy to help guests make the most of their visit. The property has kayaks, canoes, and SUPs available for rent, and you can catch a ride to good spots for paddling, picnicking, and swimming. Sarah can also arrange boat rides—around the harbor, out on a lobster boat, or an excursion to see puffins—as well as dinner reservations. Continental breakfast is included; a full lobster dinner is served once a week ($40) on the patio.

With nicely landscaped grounds and a quiet waterside location well off U.S. 1, the Victorian feels as if it’s a world away from all the hustle and bustle of town. Most rooms, as well as the wraparound porch, have magnificent views over island-studded Penobscot Bay. Romantic touches include some brass beds, white wicker furniture, and oriental rugs. Six guest rooms have fireplaces; four more fireplaces are in common rooms, including the glass-enclosed breakfast room. A multicourse breakfast includes a hot entrée and muesli with fruit, all prepared by the Swiss-American host. Afternoon cookies are served in the parlor or on the porch; hors d'oeuvres appear a little later.

Although the oldest part of the Whitehall is an 1834 white-clapboard sea captain's home, there's nothing stodgy about this historic hotel as the eclectic, midcentury-modern decor shakes things up with lots of red and other bright pops of color. All baths have been updated with walk-in showers. Lodging includes a breakfast buffet with such choices as cold meats and cheeses, house-made pastries, and a hot egg entrée. A small bar serves beer, wine, and canned cocktails. In a small room to one side of the lobby, photos and other memorabilia pay homage to Pulitzer-winning poet Edna St. Vincent Millay, whose poem, "Renascence," describes the view from atop Mt. Battie, which rises just behind the inn. Millay grew up in Rockland and Camden in the early 1900s and had a summer job at the hotel as a teenager. When she read her poetry one evening, a guest was so impressed she arranged for Millay's college education and set her on her career path.  The inn is a half-mile from downtown Camden.