Maine isn’t called Vacationland for no reason. Once summer hits (and oftentimes spring!) the tourists come in droves, all searching for unique places to stay in Maine. They love Maine just as we do and they support our many local restaurants, hotels, shops, and activities. If you have a visitor you love, but just don’t have any room for them send them this list of fun places to stay in Maine. And, if you have some free time, consider checking them out yourself!
- Riggs Cove Rentals, Georgetown
Riggs Cove Rentals LLC / Facebook Riggs Cove Rentals LLC, 340 Robinhood Rd, Georgetown, ME 04548, USA
Riggs Cove Rentals LLC / Facebook Dry land is boring. Why lub on the land (seems like a thing a landlubber would be likely to do) when you can hit the (almost) open seas aboard your own houseboat at one of the most unique places to stay in Maine. Located in Georgetown, the three houseboats in the Riggs fleet are all safely moored in place. No captain’s license required! Riggs will handle any training you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the boats as well.
- The Goose Rocks Island Light House, North Haven
Goose Rocks Lighthouse / Airbnbg Goose Rocks Beach, Maine 04046, USA
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1747048 Goose Rocks Island Light might just be one of the most fun places to stay in Maine. There is a queen bed in one room and bunk beds in the other, along with a large lounge to relax in for optimal water views. You’ll even have your own staff at the lighthouse who will meet you at the ferry to take you to the stores and show you around the town if necessary. This staff also helps guests with their food and belongings, and takes them by boat back to the ferry. The light has been supported by Beacon Preservation Inc, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of lighthouses and their environments for educational, cultural, recreational, and historical preservation purposes.
- Norembega Inn, Camden
The Norumbega Inn / Facebook Norumbega, Brooksville, ME 04617, USA
The Norumbega Inn / Facebook If lighthouse stays are not for you, maybe a castle will suit your needs more. When you’re looking for unique places to stay in Maine, a castle certainly tops the list. Overlooking Penobscot Bay in Camden, the Norumbega Castle stands out from just about every other structure along the Maine coast. Built in 1886, it was privately owned and lived in for almost 100 years before becoming a bed and breakfast that you can still stay in today.
- Crooked River Tiny House, Waterford
Crooked River Tiny House / Facebook Waterford, ME 04088, USA
Crooked River Tiny House / Facebook Located down a country road off of Route 302 in Waterford lies a little house by the banks of the Crooked River. It was built from the ground up by the skilled hands of a local Mainer. The inside of the Crooked River Tiny House comes with even more loving detail than the outside. The cabinets were discovered before the house even existed and the home was built to ensure they had a prominent place inside. Those cabinets hide every single grain, snack or cookie you could possibly want while being ensconced in the wilds of Western Maine.
- Old Iron Inn, Caribou
Julie R. / Yelp Old Iron Inn Bed and Breakfast, 155 High St, Caribou, ME 04736, USA
oldironinn.com Located in Caribou, this quirky little home from the turn of the century is full of antiques and other interesting elements. They boast a fascinating collection of old irons, Lincoln, mystery and aviation history libraries and they have around 40 different magazine subscriptions. A stay here means cozy nights, delicious breakfasts and lots to discover without even leaving the home.
- The Mercury Inn, Portland
Mercury Inn / Facebook The Mercury, 273 State St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Management / TripAdvisor This unique stay in Maine is great for people who care about the environment and like their spaces with a serious pop of color! Owners Tim and Jacob have dedicated their Parkside neighborhood space to sustainability - in everything from cleaning materials to the way they run the kitchen. Inside feels like a breath of fresh air. Bright, clean and spacious, the Mercury provides a perfect mix of familiarity and chicness. Stay here as a departure from what you might expect in a vacation rental in Maine!
- The Westin Portland Harborview Hotel, Portland
The Westin Portland Harborview Hotel / Facebook The Westin Portland Harborview, 157 High St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
The Westin Portland Harborview Hotel / Facebook Okay, before everyone gets mad at us for recommending a chain, let’s get one thing straight. We don’t necessarily recommend SLEEPING here. But, we do recommend lingering for a while in the top-floor lounge. With incredible 360-views of Portland, you’ll get your money’s worth with just one drink. The staff is lovely and you’ll feel like the fanciest person in town. Visit them in person and see for yourself!
- Lindsey House, Rockland
Lindsey House / Facebook The Lindsey Guest House, 5 Lindsey St, Rockland, ME 04841, USA
Lindsey House / Facebook The Lindsey is lovely, but it’s not why it made our list of unique places to stay in Maine. What paved the way for its inclusion in this article are the ghosts you’ll, reportedly, be greeted by with you stay. Guests have reported a few ghosts roaming the premises, but they tend to be fairly polite. While they may slam doors, any disturbing of the beds happens when guests are not in them. We have to mention that The Captain Lindsey is under new ownership as of January of 2015. The place also underwent a major renovation, making it bright, airy and very nautical.
- Camping Yurts with Skylights, Millinocket
Glamping Hub Millinocket, ME, USA
Glamping Hub If you’ve ever stayed in a tent, but wished it was actually more like a house, you’ll love yurt living! These lovely camping yurt rentals are tucked away in the beautiful wilderness of Millinocket, and makes for one of the coolest places to stay in Maine. Each has a private bath and shower with Plexiglass domes for all the stargazing you want. Millinocket, ME, USA
- The Seaside Inn, Kennebunk
Seaside Inn / Facebook Seaside Inn, 80 Beach Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043, USA
Seaside Inn / Facebook The Seaside Inn is as close to the beach as you can get without actually being in the surf, so of course it tops our list of some of the most fun places to stay in Maine. The true merit lies in its history as the oldest, still operational inn in America. The inn has been in the family since 1756 and the owner’s family history with inn keeping in Maine goes all the way back to 1660. Don’t let those impressive dates fool you, though. The interior is contemporary with a very Maine feel. You won’t be sleeping with the rickety ghosts of Kennebunk’s past here - that we know of, at least.
Looking for other ways to spend a night in Maine? Here are some of our favorite Maine campgrounds.
Riggs Cove Rentals LLC / Facebook
Riggs Cove Rentals LLC, 340 Robinhood Rd, Georgetown, ME 04548, USA
Dry land is boring. Why lub on the land (seems like a thing a landlubber would be likely to do) when you can hit the (almost) open seas aboard your own houseboat at one of the most unique places to stay in Maine. Located in Georgetown, the three houseboats in the Riggs fleet are all safely moored in place. No captain’s license required! Riggs will handle any training you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the boats as well.
Goose Rocks Lighthouse / Airbnbg
Goose Rocks Beach, Maine 04046, USA
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1747048
Goose Rocks Island Light might just be one of the most fun places to stay in Maine. There is a queen bed in one room and bunk beds in the other, along with a large lounge to relax in for optimal water views. You’ll even have your own staff at the lighthouse who will meet you at the ferry to take you to the stores and show you around the town if necessary. This staff also helps guests with their food and belongings, and takes them by boat back to the ferry. The light has been supported by Beacon Preservation Inc, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of lighthouses and their environments for educational, cultural, recreational, and historical preservation purposes.
The Norumbega Inn / Facebook
Norumbega, Brooksville, ME 04617, USA
If lighthouse stays are not for you, maybe a castle will suit your needs more. When you’re looking for unique places to stay in Maine, a castle certainly tops the list. Overlooking Penobscot Bay in Camden, the Norumbega Castle stands out from just about every other structure along the Maine coast. Built in 1886, it was privately owned and lived in for almost 100 years before becoming a bed and breakfast that you can still stay in today.
Crooked River Tiny House / Facebook
Waterford, ME 04088, USA
Located down a country road off of Route 302 in Waterford lies a little house by the banks of the Crooked River. It was built from the ground up by the skilled hands of a local Mainer. The inside of the Crooked River Tiny House comes with even more loving detail than the outside. The cabinets were discovered before the house even existed and the home was built to ensure they had a prominent place inside. Those cabinets hide every single grain, snack or cookie you could possibly want while being ensconced in the wilds of Western Maine.
Julie R. / Yelp
Old Iron Inn Bed and Breakfast, 155 High St, Caribou, ME 04736, USA
oldironinn.com
Located in Caribou, this quirky little home from the turn of the century is full of antiques and other interesting elements. They boast a fascinating collection of old irons, Lincoln, mystery and aviation history libraries and they have around 40 different magazine subscriptions. A stay here means cozy nights, delicious breakfasts and lots to discover without even leaving the home.
Mercury Inn / Facebook
The Mercury, 273 State St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Management / TripAdvisor
This unique stay in Maine is great for people who care about the environment and like their spaces with a serious pop of color! Owners Tim and Jacob have dedicated their Parkside neighborhood space to sustainability - in everything from cleaning materials to the way they run the kitchen. Inside feels like a breath of fresh air. Bright, clean and spacious, the Mercury provides a perfect mix of familiarity and chicness. Stay here as a departure from what you might expect in a vacation rental in Maine!
The Westin Portland Harborview Hotel / Facebook
The Westin Portland Harborview, 157 High St, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Okay, before everyone gets mad at us for recommending a chain, let’s get one thing straight. We don’t necessarily recommend SLEEPING here. But, we do recommend lingering for a while in the top-floor lounge. With incredible 360-views of Portland, you’ll get your money’s worth with just one drink. The staff is lovely and you’ll feel like the fanciest person in town. Visit them in person and see for yourself!
Lindsey House / Facebook
The Lindsey Guest House, 5 Lindsey St, Rockland, ME 04841, USA
The Lindsey is lovely, but it’s not why it made our list of unique places to stay in Maine. What paved the way for its inclusion in this article are the ghosts you’ll, reportedly, be greeted by with you stay. Guests have reported a few ghosts roaming the premises, but they tend to be fairly polite. While they may slam doors, any disturbing of the beds happens when guests are not in them. We have to mention that The Captain Lindsey is under new ownership as of January of 2015. The place also underwent a major renovation, making it bright, airy and very nautical.
Glamping Hub
Millinocket, ME, USA
If you’ve ever stayed in a tent, but wished it was actually more like a house, you’ll love yurt living! These lovely camping yurt rentals are tucked away in the beautiful wilderness of Millinocket, and makes for one of the coolest places to stay in Maine. Each has a private bath and shower with Plexiglass domes for all the stargazing you want.
Seaside Inn / Facebook
Seaside Inn, 80 Beach Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043, USA
The Seaside Inn is as close to the beach as you can get without actually being in the surf, so of course it tops our list of some of the most fun places to stay in Maine. The true merit lies in its history as the oldest, still operational inn in America. The inn has been in the family since 1756 and the owner’s family history with inn keeping in Maine goes all the way back to 1660. Don’t let those impressive dates fool you, though. The interior is contemporary with a very Maine feel. You won’t be sleeping with the rickety ghosts of Kennebunk’s past here - that we know of, at least.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
unique places to stay in maine July 07, 2022 Jackie Ann What are the best family-friendly campgrounds in Maine? When the weather allows, camping is one of the best ways to experience the natural side of Maine. During the warmer months, consider one of the spectacular spots in Maine where you can camp right on the beach, like Thomas Point Beach in Brunswick or Hermit Island near Phippsburg. If you prefer backcountry camping, you can’t beat Gray’s Homestead Oceanfront Campground in Boothbay Harbor or the mountain views surrounding Baxter State Park in Millinocket. You may have to hike a few miles to get to your campsite, but it will be worth it when you see the views! What are the most memorable hotels in Maine? It should come as no surprise that a state with a nickname like “Vacationland” has plenty of hotels and lodging options to choose from. Dating back to 1866, The Cliff House in Cape Neddick might just be one of the most unique places to stay in Maine, boating over 200 rooms across 70 acres of stunning waterfront property. If you’re looking for more excitement, then book a stay at the charming Captain Lord Mansion in Kennebunk, but just be warned: it’s known to be haunted! And of course, there are plenty of charming bed and breakfasts in Maine, and if you’ve never slept in a bed and breakfast before, you’re in for a treat. Seamlessly blending the comforts of a home with the amenities of a hotel, bed and breakfasts can be some of the most fun places to stay in Maine. What are the most unique places to spend the night in Maine? From historic bed and breakfasts to cozy lakeside cottages, there are plenty of unique places to stay in Maine that offer endless amenities, gorgeous views, and all the space you need to sprawl out. If you’re not afraid of heights, you can sleep among the towering pine trees at The Canopy Tree House, one of the coolest places to stay in Maine. This eco-friendly treehouse sleeps up to four people and features stunning views of the surrounding forest. Another cool place to stay in Maine is over at Bradbury Mountain State Park where you can sleep in a yurt. These yurts are nestled close to the water and surrounded by stunning scenery and wildlife galore. All of the yurts have wood-fire stoves, making these cozy yurts an attraction year-round, not just in the warmer months.
The OIYS Visitor Center
unique places to stay in maine
July 07, 2022
Jackie Ann
What are the best family-friendly campgrounds in Maine? When the weather allows, camping is one of the best ways to experience the natural side of Maine. During the warmer months, consider one of the spectacular spots in Maine where you can camp right on the beach, like Thomas Point Beach in Brunswick or Hermit Island near Phippsburg. If you prefer backcountry camping, you can’t beat Gray’s Homestead Oceanfront Campground in Boothbay Harbor or the mountain views surrounding Baxter State Park in Millinocket. You may have to hike a few miles to get to your campsite, but it will be worth it when you see the views! What are the most memorable hotels in Maine? It should come as no surprise that a state with a nickname like “Vacationland” has plenty of hotels and lodging options to choose from. Dating back to 1866, The Cliff House in Cape Neddick might just be one of the most unique places to stay in Maine, boating over 200 rooms across 70 acres of stunning waterfront property. If you’re looking for more excitement, then book a stay at the charming Captain Lord Mansion in Kennebunk, but just be warned: it’s known to be haunted! And of course, there are plenty of charming bed and breakfasts in Maine, and if you’ve never slept in a bed and breakfast before, you’re in for a treat. Seamlessly blending the comforts of a home with the amenities of a hotel, bed and breakfasts can be some of the most fun places to stay in Maine. What are the most unique places to spend the night in Maine? From historic bed and breakfasts to cozy lakeside cottages, there are plenty of unique places to stay in Maine that offer endless amenities, gorgeous views, and all the space you need to sprawl out. If you’re not afraid of heights, you can sleep among the towering pine trees at The Canopy Tree House, one of the coolest places to stay in Maine. This eco-friendly treehouse sleeps up to four people and features stunning views of the surrounding forest. Another cool place to stay in Maine is over at Bradbury Mountain State Park where you can sleep in a yurt. These yurts are nestled close to the water and surrounded by stunning scenery and wildlife galore. All of the yurts have wood-fire stoves, making these cozy yurts an attraction year-round, not just in the warmer months.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
When the weather allows, camping is one of the best ways to experience the natural side of Maine. During the warmer months, consider one of the spectacular spots in Maine where you can camp right on the beach, like Thomas Point Beach in Brunswick or Hermit Island near Phippsburg. If you prefer backcountry camping, you can’t beat Gray’s Homestead Oceanfront Campground in Boothbay Harbor or the mountain views surrounding Baxter State Park in Millinocket. You may have to hike a few miles to get to your campsite, but it will be worth it when you see the views!
What are the most memorable hotels in Maine?
It should come as no surprise that a state with a nickname like “Vacationland” has plenty of hotels and lodging options to choose from. Dating back to 1866, The Cliff House in Cape Neddick might just be one of the most unique places to stay in Maine, boating over 200 rooms across 70 acres of stunning waterfront property. If you’re looking for more excitement, then book a stay at the charming Captain Lord Mansion in Kennebunk, but just be warned: it’s known to be haunted! And of course, there are plenty of charming bed and breakfasts in Maine, and if you’ve never slept in a bed and breakfast before, you’re in for a treat. Seamlessly blending the comforts of a home with the amenities of a hotel, bed and breakfasts can be some of the most fun places to stay in Maine.
What are the most unique places to spend the night in Maine?
From historic bed and breakfasts to cozy lakeside cottages, there are plenty of unique places to stay in Maine that offer endless amenities, gorgeous views, and all the space you need to sprawl out. If you’re not afraid of heights, you can sleep among the towering pine trees at The Canopy Tree House, one of the coolest places to stay in Maine. This eco-friendly treehouse sleeps up to four people and features stunning views of the surrounding forest. Another cool place to stay in Maine is over at Bradbury Mountain State Park where you can sleep in a yurt. These yurts are nestled close to the water and surrounded by stunning scenery and wildlife galore. All of the yurts have wood-fire stoves, making these cozy yurts an attraction year-round, not just in the warmer months.
