The Driftwood Inn is one of the most unique, authentic, New England lodging experiences that one can have. Since 1905, these old rooms and cabins have housed thousands of travelers looking for the real coastal Maine overnight stay. What you get is crashing surf. You get wood paneling and worn linens. You get rickety dressers and creaky beds. You also get amazing views (that would come at a much higher price elsewhere). You get solidly good food. You get the absolute bliss that comes with fresh ocean and salt air. Our family has been coming to the Driftwood for over 20 years. We are experienced, sophisticated world travelers. And we return to the Driftwood knowing exactly what we are going to get and we look forward to it everytime. Even with our teenagers in tow, we love that view and that sound that you are hard-pressed to find anywhere. Settled in a nook of Bailey Island, just adjacent to Mackeral Cove, Driftwood Inn is the absolute perfect place for contemplative quiet, for peace and calm, for that end-of-the-earth introspective that comes with extra time and nature. Driftwood is not for everyone. That we know. But it's for us, and we love it. And we hope it never, ever changes. read more

We had the most incredible, peaceful weekend at the Driftwood Inn. The breakfast & dinner were delicious and offered a picturesque Maine view. We loved hearing the bell ring to let guests know it was time to eat! Our room was cozy, clean, and offered the best views/sounds of the waves crashing. We didn't mind the shared shower either. I cannot wait to plan another trip back to Driftwood Inn! read more

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Very nice quaint place, lobster was very good and a reasonable price. It's on the water so it's a fabulous view. You must call your order in by 3 pm, only 1 seating at 6 pm. Wine and beer selection is limited. read more

Driftwood Inn - Hotels Near Me - Bailey Island, Maine

If I could rate this place 0 stars, I would. To start, the Driftwood Inn purposely uses a pen and paper registry and booking system, accepting only cash and check, presumably to obfuscate every step of the process, overcharge you, and then gaslight you if you dare to challenge your invoice. Any record of glaring oversights are conveniently "lost" or "not noted" by them. They owe me hundreds of dollars for a cancellation I made well in advance, but they refuse to acknowledge that I ever cancelled the room for 2 of the 3 nights for my wedding. The "slower water pressure" due to the limited water supply is not slow, it's non-existent. I couldn't bathe my wedding night, or the morning after. The most that came out of the shower head was a trickle, and I waited for no less than 20 minutes in the tiny shared shower. Other guests to my wedding luckily stayed at the Bailey Island Motel, and the Log Cabin Inn, who had no problems with water pressure or availability whatsoever. I knew that the place was rustic - I wanted to embrace it for my wedding party. However, rustic should not equivalent to incompetent, rude, and falling apart. I had MANY phone and in person conversations with Maddy, the receptionist, who in the end confused the rooms for the guests, and the groom. Every phone call dissolved into her confusing herself with the notes she had written in her scheduling book, and would take 10 minutes for me to sort her out, again. She also demanded that I pay AGAIN when checking out the morning after our wedding. Luckily, the owner dismissed her and us with a wave of his hand. Aggravated, I left knowing that I would have to tackle the 1 cancelled room later. Unfortunately, I'm not realizing I will never see that money because we paid in cash and check (which is the only form of payments they accept). According to Maddy, the room was never marked cancelled. I noticed that we were not the only ones who had their booking completely messed up. Other guests were clearly angry. I had to wait 15 minutes on two separate occasions for the staff to sort out changes in other guest's reservations. Also keep in mind that their breakfast is not complimentary. Our wedding guests got scammed into that, too. The place may look pretty - but don't let that fool you. I can't decide if the staff are clueless at running the place, or actually somewhat skilled scammers. No matter, do not stay here. The Bailey Island Motel and The Log Cabin Inn are wonderful places to stay on Bailey Island. read more

Amazing location, first class dining at a great price. Salt water swimming pool so you can experience the amazing ocean you have been hearing crash in the rocks below your bedroom window. Best sleep I've had in years. read more

Gorgeous view here at the driftwood. I'm sitting down at the pool. Waves, crashing against the rocky coastline. My son is skipping rocks in the small cove. Walk down to the giant stairs trail and explore the rocks ocean coastline. Lobster rolls galore. We're so happy to be here 73 degrees. The sun is hot. read more

5 stars for the facility and location, zero stars for the owner and the tall guy working in the kitchen. I attended a wedding at the Driftwood when the whole place was rented out for the weekend. They don't use computers and got confused over the simplest things. For example, the entire facility was rented out, but they had been renting rooms and cottages out to strangers. Day of the wedding the water went out 45 minutes before the start of the ceremony and when informed of this the irritable woman at the front desk wailed uncontrollably about how unreasonable we were? Night of the wedding staff came out and yelled at the wedding party BEFORE 10:00. I could go on, but you get the idea. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone, at least not until Dave Conrad no longer owns it. read more

If you are interested in sharing a bath with 4 other rooms, this boarding house is for you. No mention of this prior to arrival. We checked out as soon as we found another place. So disappointed, the view is spectacular but accommodations are crude. We paid for 2 nights... No refund read more

The Inn is lively in many ways, but there were some issues. First, when we arrived, the cabin had not been thoroughly cleaned. I know this because there was literally a bowel movement in the toilet. Thus, I was forced to clean the entire bathroom myself, as it's during covid and if the toilet isn't even flushed, it certainly hasn't been cleaned. In fairness, I know they rushed because I arrived a little early, but really. Also, the staff prepares and serves meals but do not appear to wear masks, so we chose not to eat there, of course. Perhaps they wear while serving, but we weren't going to take a chance on that, as a failure to wear in general says a good deal about how seriously they view the pandemic. Lastly, while my GF was on total vacation, I had to do some light work while at Driftwood. The WiFi is just atrocious, unless you are either in the main building or on its lovely porch. If you have WiFi needs, this isn't the place for you. It caused real problems for my work. However, most people aren't coming to this lovely place to work, so this is a minor thing. Overall, the location is great, the cabins adequate and when it comes to the cleaning issue sometimes things just happen. I am certainly far from perfect. It provides a good price point and stunning views. People were nice. I would give it another shot and think it important to support Maine small businesses as much as possible. read more

I thought the Inn and restaurant were lovely. Very different experience than my husband and I were used to, but we thought the simplicity, food, landscape and people were wonderful. You need to go into the property understanding what it is and not expecting a Marriott or five star resort. I felt like we were transported back in time and really appreciated the old school charm. We would definitely visit again especially since we can bring our beagle. read more

Four weeks ago my husband and I stayed here for one night to attend a wedding. When we booked on the phone, I was told that no credit cards are accepted (I honestly don't think they have computers at all) and that I needed to send in a $50 deposit check in the mail. This seems...weird, but I did it. We arrive and I try to check in, and there's no one at the desk for ten minutes. I finally walk through the office and into the kitchen, and tell a girl there that I'd like to check in. She says "Okay then just go upstairs, the room is probably open." What? So I legit just go in, find the key on the nightstand, and lock our bags inside. Sleeping was fine - there's no A/C and shared shower, but we expected that. As for the "saltwater pool" - the pool is truly disgusting. It's absolutely black and opaque with algae and I cannot imagine anyone ever venturing into it. But all that is not what I'm writing. I'm writing because when we went to check out, the woman at the front desk had no idea who we were, where we stayed, or whether or not we had paid. We told her we had not. She quoted us the price and I explained that we'd already send a $50 check. She looked around the piles of papers on her desk and said, "I don't see it." Um...do they not keep records of payments? Do they not have any financial information anywhere? So we agreed to pay in full, and were assured that our check would be destroyed when they found it. Of course, two days later, the check was deposited. I called the Inn and explained, and was told repeatedly "We didn't deposit the check." I finally said that I was literally looking at my bank account online, where the check had been deposited and had cleared. The woman said she would send me a $50 check the next day. That was three weeks ago. I called again today, and was told that the ONLY person who works there who is involved with finances or scheduling is out for two more days. What kind of business is run like that? Anyway, I'm sure they're not going to see this bc they don't look at computers or have any sort of modern business sense at all, but I'd really like to be refunded ALL of my money at this point. I'd stay away. There are much nicer places to stay, and likely must nicer people to stay with. read more

The property has great views and seems like a great place to stay, but the management of this establishment is horrible. We had friends staying at this place who were refused restaurant service because they mistakingly booked them the same weekend the place was rented for a wedding. What the heck were they supposed to do for dining miles away from places to eat? Also on the second night, the were heat problems which didn't allow the rooms to get heat when it was about 30 degrees at night. Avoid the headaches and find better accommodations on Bailey Island or the Harpswell area. read more

We stay at the Driftwood twice a year - early summer and early fall. It is an artist's or a photographer's heaven. Same light and subject patterns that draw/drew the Wyeths to this area. The amenities are simple and aimed at people with simple tastes or those looking to just get away from it all. The place is awesome even when the weather is wrong ( e.g. fog or rain or cold ), as it's all about Maine, The light and the scenery overcome any issues related to this place being Maine like it used to be. You want chrome and glass and perfection, head to Portland and spend three times what the Driftwood costs for a night. Leave home and technology behind and go to this place to meet people who understand and who enjoy the laid back ambiance or a place that takes you back to the 50's in Maine. Bring good wine and prepare to share it on the porches overlooking the ocean and tide and rocks and all that makes Maine special. Breakfast is also awesome, and prepare to eat early and when summoned to the dining room. Dinners are also awesome and the same summons process applies to the evening meal. You'll not find better in Maine if you are looking to sit in a rocking chair and watch the best that Maine has to offer. Leave your computer home when you go there. There are TVs in the common rooms, but no one watches them - a good thing. read more

I hate telling the world about "secret places" but, f-it, I'll tell you - this place is a gem, a time warp, a charming lodge perched on a rock. Read a book with the waves crashing outside your window. I came here on a whim, and I love Maine because of it. If you are a douche, or are absolutely horrified to walk 3 feet to use a charming shared bathroom, or think books are stupid, you will not like it. Find a place with private flatscreen TVs. There was a song-circle of old folkies singing outside our room, by the fireplace. They apologized; no apology needed, folks - fit the timewarp perfectly. Huge breakfast too. read more

Throwback experience. Rustic, clean accommodations in a perfect Maine setting on the coast. Breakfast and dinner on the premises if desired. Not for you if you are looking for luxury or WIFI but if you are looking to get away from it all and watch the tides come in and out, give it a try. read more

Absolute worst experience. Arrived for a weekend of celebration- a wedding. My family had reserved the ENTIRE Pleasant Place cabin so we would not disturb other guests. When we arrived, they had placed another couple in my elderly Grandmother's room. They did nothing to rectify this and offered her a room across the parking lot and up a steep staircase (she is not good on her feet and suffers from Alzheimer's). I moved so she could have a first floor bedroom and wouldn't have to deal with the stairs. The old man started POUNDING on the walls and ceilings because there was some noise (which would have been prevented had the Driftwood staff done ANYTHING). After checking in, we realized that they had also charged us again for our deposit, which was paid in February. The rotten women at the front desk was also charging us all 50-100$ more per night than what the advertised price was. I had to do the math for her, and then after 15-20 minutes of arguing with her, our numbers were still about 20$ off. I decided to just pay it and try to start celebrating. Once in the room, there were random curtain rods laying on the floor with a couple of gross pillows thrown into the closet. The curtains were stained and the beds were very uncomfortable. The breakfast was not good either, the server was extremely rude and was not able to correctly put our orders in or split up the bill. The other server actually stopped by twice to apologize for her colleague. I ended up tipping the other server because she was great and the only reason I am leaving 1 star. DO NOT STAY HERE! There are much better options on this gorgeous island. read more

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We have been coming for years and will come into the future for the ocean waves, sounds of birds flying overhead, the calm of life moving slowly. The accommodations match the scene and add an element of communal calm as you share facilities with other people. The dinner and breakfast is enough to fill you up for the day and get you out exploring a good book on the patio, walking to the beach, or out kayaking the many inlets of the Maine coast. To enjoy you need to look at it as an adventure and steps up from camping. read more

We stayed at the Driftwood Inn over the past weekend and loved it. It is comfortable and in a fabulous location, on the top of Bailey Island with waves crashing on rocks, a small beach and lots of great trails in the neighborhood. We ate dinner and breakfast there and both meals were wonderful. The staff couldn't have been nicer either. read more

Idyllic. Authentic Maine.... from the 1905 buildings, to the sea lapping on the rocks outside the porch. Homemade maple syrup for the delicious pancakes. This inn on the sea is magical. And many rooms have ocean views. And a living room with a wood burning fireplace is always available. How great to be on a Maine island without having to take a ferry! Read a book on the covered porch in rattan rocking chairs, explore the island and eat lobster at Cook's. The Driftwood Inn is a wonderful place to drop in for the night or stay a few days or a week. Very reasonably priced too. read more

In 2008, my two best friends and I decided to take a road trip to Maine. We didn't want anything fancy and didn't have a lot of money; we just wanted to spend a week or two on the coast to relax and spend time in nature and do a little sightseeing. We rented the red log cabin for a week for a totally reasonable price. The manager was very accommodating and willing to work with us. We drove up from Pennsylvania, checked in right away, and stayed for a week. The stove and oven didn't work very well, but that was the only issue that we had; everything else was idyllic and perfectly rustic. The cabin had a private bathroom, small kitchen, one bedroom with two twin beds, and a living room area with a couch, so it comfortably slept three. The other people staying at the Inn were quiet, respectful, and polite. The coast was literally on (well, not literally, but about 30 feet away from) our front porch. We cooked dinner every night and sat outside, soaking in the view. We were within driving distance of Freeport (outlet shopping!) and Bath. Bailey Island also has a great sandy beach, although I think it might be private now. The Driftwood Inn is also strategically located by the Giant (some say Giant's) Stairs, which was a gorgeous walk down to the water. They also have a saltwater pool. Really, I would stay in this place again in a heartbeat. They made it so easy for us- we were only eighteen and were coming from seven hours away, and it couldn't have been simpler to rent the cabin and stay for a week. We spent the second week on Orr's Island at my friend's grandparents' house, but were actually reluctant to leave our cabin because we enjoyed it so much. I would recommend it to anyone. Be prepared, there was barely cell phone reception there at the time. Leave your phone and computer turned off- you'll enjoy yourself so much more. read more

A great experience. Casual BYOB affair. Reminds you of movie Dirty Dancing in a good way. Start time and timing of service is set as it is but choices of entries when you make reservations are fine. Been there 4 or 5 times and will be back. read more

We booked a last minute room here when we had a yearning for a lobster roll and drove to Maine. The Inn property is nice... right at the end of the island, picturesque, and neat and clean. We had a shared bath which was a bit of an inconvenience but not too much so as all the other rooms in our building had 1/2 baths. Our room and linens were clean and the bed was comfortable. Breakfast was yummy and a real value. read more

We stayed at the Driftwood last summer. The place has stunningly beautiful wide-open ocean views. That's the upside. The downside issues are many. The shared shower covering six room rentals in the building we stayed in is outrageous. To use that shower, you have to plan smart and make a mad dash before someone else does! Anxiety! Worse, there are brochures all over the Harpswell Maine area boasting a beautiful saltwater pool, with a photo that's so captivating; you can't wait to dive right in! Not! There is nobody sitting poolside on a beautiful day because it's pitiful! The filter is running, however, there is nothing filtered. The water is a putrid moss green, so thick with algae; you can't see the bottom in 3 feet of water. This pool is truly a major disappointment and a huge blow to unsuspecting vacationers. With the online reviews boasting quaint, rustic charm... depending on what your view of keyword, "rustic" is, makes a difference. There's a broad scope to this word and my personal description is "crude". Driftwood Inn is not for families with children who are expecting to swim in the pool. Unless you want swimmer's ear and a few hours in the ER, my advice is to find a family-oriented place with a pool that's the "real deal". Even a romantic weekend here as a couple, that shower...the water gets colder as the line grows longer. Simply put, the relaxing, beautiful ocean views are negated with the stress that comes along with the rental unit and so-called amenities. read more

Went for wedding. Reserved an entire 9 room building plus several other rooms to the tune of approx $4000 for 2 and 3 days. Many staff very rude and unpleasant. Cash deposits required 6-8 in advance were not credited, had to fight for nearly every individual room to get the credit, charged at least $10 a night MORE than quoted and reserved rate. Charged an extra "large group" fee that was written or agreed to nowhere!!! Parking is a bitch. The worst was reserving a room in Jan for our 76yo mother with Alzheimer's on thr 1st floor in "our" building and she was placed elsewhere because the walk in that was in the room refused to leave so staff allowed them to stay and misplaced my mother whom had reserved and paid a cash deposit in February!!! They placed her on the second floor of a building 200" away from any family up a rickety staircase on the second floor. We of course moved some of the younger folks to that room on our own. The staff was rude and unapologetic, clearly the wealthy , entitled, out of stater was far more important than our $4000!! The food was fine, our wait staff was terrible and rude. Other employees actually apologized for our waitress and were embarrassed by her behavior. Not to mention most smoke detectors in our building and the main hall were missing with wires hanging out of the ceiling! Of the 3 fire ext in the building one expired over 2 years ago, one was just plain old and had lost its charge and the 3 rd was an antique for display!! Not sure how this place is even in bussiness. It was a horrible experience that tainted the entire wedding celebration for me and many of my family. A call to the fire marshall is must. Could be a nice place if anybody cared! read more

I almost don't want to write this glowing review because I don't want to share the secret, but I have to admit, Driftwood Inn is my family's happy place. We've been coming for 6 or 7 years and we wouldn't go a year without coming here. It's a beautiful place with multiple porches to sit, relax, and be with the sea. The rooms are not for you if you're fancy, but if you are ready to rough it a little (shared showers, smaller rooms, no AC), it's much better than camping, which is what we used to do. The price is definitely reasonable and the meals are great for the price. 20 bucks for a lobster dinner and 8 bucks for a huge breakfast. Make sure you get a slice of blueberry pie and ask for popovers for dinner...yum! Seriously, if you want a great Maine experience, go here. Be nice, they're great people here :) read more

You are definitely one with the Ocean here. It is an auditory and visual nirvana. It"s like a B&B community setting. Some private and some shared amenities. The surrounding area is fun to explore. The location doesn't get any better than this. The accomodations are comfortable, but don't expect a "Holiday inn" experience. It would ruin the low key, relaxing feel at home atmosphere. It's a campy feeling with comfortable cabin like amenites. Service is pleasant and accommodating. Internet connection is available at the Main facility but spotty on the outlying buildings. Prices are fair and reasonable. If you are not a high maintenance traveler, it will be worth your while. The nights can be cool so check out the weather. The Ocean crashes all around you during stormy weather . It's amazing. read more