The beautiful coastal gem of Kennebunkport is intensely charming with its rich ship-building and fishing heritage and vibrant streets lined with historic architecture. Perched along the Atlantic Ocean and the Kennebunk River, this resort destination is ideal for year-round adventures to experience the beauty of New England and Maine.
Ocean lovers and history buffs have much to rejoice in, whether they seek to unravel historic seaside mysteries or immerse themselves in freshly-caught seafood delicacies and rip-roaring water adventures. Kennebunkport has an endless collection of elegant boutique hotels, historic inns, home-like B&Bs and all-inclusive resorts.
If you’re having trouble finding the right hotel, here’s our roundup of the best cool and unusual hotels in Kennebunkport, Maine (in no particular order)…
1. Yachtsman Lodge & Marina – a cool, funky, colorful and fun riverfront hotel to stay in Kennebunkport perfect for Millenials and Gen Zs
Located a stone’s throw away from Kennebunkport’s sandy beaches and tranquil waters, the Yachtsman Lodge & Marina will whisk you away on an unforgettable seaside vacation.
This single-level hotel offers spacious and well-appointed guest rooms with private entrances and intimate patios.
Each waterfront room features a private patio that opens on the water’s edge, the perfect setting to delight oneself with early morning runs and romantic sunsets. Luxury travelers can rent the lavish Harborfront Bungalow to enjoy the opulence of a private terrace and a beautifully manicured garden overlooking the river and ocean.
Guests are admitted into the hotel’s incredible Yachtsman Marina Club the moment they check in at the hotel.
- To book, check prices or availability for Yachtsman Lodge & Marina
2. Kennebunkport Captains Collection – a beautiful, stylish and very Insta-worthy upscale boutique hotel
Staying at the Kennebunkport Captains Collection is akin to positioning oneself in a treasure trove of history, surrounded by the rich and powerful legacy of Maine’s most celebrated sea captains. The KCC is a village-style resort housed in four historic family homes formerly owned by sea captains.
These homes are the William Jefferds House, James Fairfield House, Acton Patterson House and Nathaniel Lord Mansion.
A rare and captivating gem in Kennebunkport’s historic legacy, this luxury boutique hotel curates a unique experience drenched in the culture and history of the Maine seaport.
Guests can explore 45 beautifully appointed rooms furnished with plush bedding, soaking bathtubs, luxurious linens and original art pieces. The premises is also home to a delightful garden, a grand drawing room and a world-class spa.
- To book, check prices or availability for Kennebunkport Captains Collection
3. AWOL Kennebunkport – a charming country-chic hotel located in the heart of Kennebunkport’s village green
A charming retreat nestled in a centuries-old pine grove, the AWOL Kennebunkport attracts nature lovers with its wilderness-like setting.
The hotel is surrounded by a well-maintained orchard of wild Maine blueberry bushes, birch trees, balsam fir and elm, while the interiors radiate an old-world charm that beautifully compliments the scenic landscape.
The free-spirited and laid-back energy of this hotel shines through its sprawling guest rooms and luxury suites with private balconies and sweeping views.
AWOL specializes in curating highly personalized experiences by providing guests with independence, individuality and seclusion.
This hotel is ideal for solo travelers as the upbeat social scene provides ample opportunities to interact with locals and fellow travelers.
- To book, check prices or availability for AWOL Kennebunkport
4. The Breakwater Inn & Spa – a gorgeous historic 19th-century inn that features modern facilities
The Breakwater Inn is an enchanting site, perched directly on the water at the junction where the mighty Kennebunk River pours itself into the enormity of the Atlantic Ocean. The location is intensely romantic and perfect for a magical seaside vacation.
One of the oldest inns to experience the vintage charm of Kennebunkport, the Breakwater has beautifully maintained its original 1880 architecture and old-world allure.
The interiors are drenched in the nostalgia of Victorian-era aesthetics, exuding tranquillity with calming nautical-themed color tones.
The Inn Rooms are ideal for sea lovers who want to wake up to captivating water views and scenic splendors, while the Spa Rooms are advisable for vacationers who want easy access to the in-house spa.
Adventurers cannot stop raving about the Inn’s River Top Cottage, a spacious abode of luxury with a deep soaking whirlpool and spectacular sea views.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Breakwater Inn & Spa
5. The Boathouse – a chic and wonderful waterfront hotel and restaurant located on the banks of the Kennebunk River
An oasis of luxury and tranquility, the Boathouse is one of the most iconic and phenomenal waterfront hotels to experience the scenic splendors of Kennebunkport in style and comfort.
Nestled in the heart of the vibrant port, this luxurious accommodation offers an idyllic location overlooking the picturesque harbor of the Kennebunk River.
The Boathouse is home to two buildings, a spread-out outdoor deck, and plenty of social spaces to mingle and connect with fellow travelers. The guest rooms and suites compliment the coastal energy of the harborside location with rich nautical hues and design accents that pay homage to Kennebunkport’s powerful maritime legacy.
The onsite Boathouse Restaurant is one of the finest seafood establishments to feast on freshly-caught seafood with a striking Asian twist.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Boathouse
6. Kennebunkport Inn – a sophisticated inn that offers modern and stylish rooms and a quirky chic vibe
Nestled in the heart of Kennebunkport, this homely and warmth-exuding inn enjoys immense popularity for its thoughtful hospitality, understated elegance and exceptional comforts. Ideally located at the top of the downtown vista, the Kennebunkport Inn offers easy access to the area’s finest restaurants, art galleries, boutiques and popular attractions.
Kennebunkport Inn ranks amongst the most iconic historic hotels in Maine, constructed back in the 1890s as a tea merchant’s manor. Over the years, the design has undergone multiple renovations that have infused the structure with contemporary enhancements without destroying the historic character of the layout.
Guests can choose their accommodation from the extensive lineup in the Main House or the indulgent luxury of the exclusive Riverhouse.
- To book, check prices or availability for Kennebunkport Inn
7. Waldo Emerson Inn – a chic, charming and unique place to stay in Kennebunkport that was once a former shipbuilder’s mansion
A dreamy and delightful spot from Kennebunkport’s endless collection of historic inns, the Waldo Emerson Inn curates a one-of-its-kind experience for travelers who adore luxury and opulence.
Housed in a renowned shipbuilder’s 1973 mansion, the Waldo Emerson Inn is a magical abode of historical charm, cultural beauty and vintage elegance.
The guest rooms and suites have undergone extensive modernization, featuring wood-burning fireplaces, en-suite bathrooms and modern amenities. The interiors are breathtakingly exquisite with their intricate woodwork, 18th-century pine floors and centuries-old cosmetic elements.
Travelers enjoy lounging around in the tastefully decorated parlor or mingling with guests at the spirited Honor Bar.
- To book, check prices or availability for Waldo Emerson Inn
8. The Tides Beach Club – a charming and elegant waterfront hotel ideal for a relaxing stay
The Tides Beach Club welcomes travelers to spend a dreamy vacation at the breathtaking Goose Rocks Beach, surrounded by spellbinding ocean views and indulgent creature comforts. The only waterfront accommodation on Goose Rocks Beach, this stylish and upscale hotel offers an upbeat and action-packed social scene.
The Beach Club is home to 21 beautifully appointed guest rooms and two sprawling oceanfront suites, furnished with crisp coastal-themed décor and calming colors.
The oceanfront suites designed by celebrated interior designer Jonathan Adler offer unhindered views of Goose Rocks Beach and the Atlantic Ocean.
The Tides Beach Club has a splendid in-house dining establishment and an eclectic cocktail bar.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Tides Beach Club
9. Hidden Pond Resort – a cozy and secluded rustic-chic resort that offers a private beach
The Resort is home to 20 one-bedroom bungalows, 16 two-bedroom cottages, and 10 two-bedroom treetop lodges. The accommodations are unique and well-appointed with fine Frette linens, flat-screen TVs, Bose sound systems and cozy fireplaces.
Families and large groups prefer the spacious cottages featuring state-of-the-art kitchens, while the treetop lodges and bungalows come with wet bars, screened porches and outdoor showers.
The in-house al fresco-style restaurant, Earth at Hidden Pond, curates a delightful farm-to-table dining experience with heirloom vegetables and herbs.
- To book, check prices or availability for Hidden Pond Resort
10. Cape Arundel Inn and Resort – a vintage chic boutique resort where guests can enjoy mixology class
Cape Arundel Inn and Resort allows guests to choose from two different settings: the iconic Main House on Ocean Avenue and the vintage Club House nestled in a 15-acres wooded estate.
The Main House attracts travelers with its hip Ocean Avenue address, lavishly appointed guest rooms and mesmerizing ocean views.
This location is also home to one of Kennebunkport’s famous dining spots, the Ocean – a fine waterfront restaurant favorite for its inventive, seasonal menu based on Maine-caught seafood.
The Club House is a bit farther from the Main House, serving as the perfect spot to indulge in leisure and recreation. Guests can splash around in the heated lap pool, make new friends at the vintage pool table and curl up with a book from the extensive library.
- To book, check prices or availability for Cape Arundel Inn and Resort
11. The Nonantum Resort – a relaxed resort with quirky-chic details that is within walking distance to beaches, major shops and restaurants
A full-service resort to enjoy an authentic Maine adventure, the Nonantum Resort is perched elegantly along the sandy shores of the Kennebunk River.
A proud recipient of the Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence and the 2019 winner of the Maine State Governor’s award for Excellence in Tourism, this award-winning resort has amassed an impressive collection of accolades for its amenities and hospitality.
The Nonantum Resort combines quintessential coastal charm with contemporary comforts, creating a home-like setting with its elegantly appointed suites and cottages.
The resort is housed in Carriage House, the 1883 mansion of Sea Captain Henry Heckman. The building has beautifully retained its Victorian charm with a chic contemporary flair.
Guests can explore sprawling rooms, lodges and suites with private balconies and patios overlooking the picturesque river.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Nonantum Resort
12. Mabel’s House – a lovely boutique-style inn set in one of Kennebunkport’s most charming neighborhoods
Mabel’s House is a legendary historic inn and the ultimate spot for cultural enthusiasts to explore one of the most vibrant neighborhoods of Kennebunkport, Ocean Avenue.
This boutique-style inn is nestled around a hidden cove near the opening of the mighty Kennebunk River. Mabel’s House has a charming old-world allure with its traditional 1900 construction, antiquated interiors and relaxing ambience.
Guests can explore 12 tastefully furnished rooms that combine an old-fashioned design with modern amenities. The guest rooms feature private baths, luxuriously plush bedding, and smart appliances. Honeymooners and serenity-seekers prefer renting the whimsical cove-side cottage to enjoy a romantic atmosphere with magnificent riverside views.
- To book, check prices or availability for Mabel’s House
13. The Lodge on the Cove – a cool and quirky seasonal lodge surrounded by scenic views, ideal for nature lovers
A hip and upscale hotel with a free-spirited approach to hospitality, the Lodge on the Cove is erected on a wooden cove, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. This classic motor lodge offers a contemporary setting with an eclectic blend of vintage, Mid-Century and modern interiors.
The airy and spacious guest rooms are delightfully vibrant with the cheerful energy of bold colors, lively combinations and rich patterns. The interiors are inspired by the nautical heritage of Maine, with extraordinary artwork by local artisans displayed throughout the premises.
Guests adore lounging by the poolside bar and sipping inventive cocktails at the onsite bar and restaurant, the Dory.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Lodge on the Cove
14. 1802 House Bed & Breakfast – a fine colonial-style home that features rustic-chic decor
The 1802 House recreates a warm and inviting home-like experience with its classic B&B amenities, noise-free coastal location and historic Colonial legacy.
This quaint and charming B&B is surrounded by a tranquil setting of pine trees and well-manicured gardens, tempting travelers with its serene ambience.
This owner-operated B&B combines traditional New England interiors with state-of-the-art appliances and modern amenities to ensure an indulgent and comfortable stay.
Vacationers can explore five opulently appointed guest rooms featuring plush bedding, private bathrooms, and fireplaces. The upscale rooms feature spa bathtubs, walk-in showers, king-sized beds, and in-room appliances.
Guests staying at the 1802 House start their mornings with the hotel’s delicious three-course spread of breakfast, prepared with organically farmed, local produce.
- To book, check prices or availability for 1802 House Bed & Breakfast
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My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my rescued Greek street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Laos, California and the surreally beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.