If you're looking for an affordable, well-appointed, comfortable place to stay, near Maine's…read moresouthern coastal beaches, this could be an ideal choice.
This charming, vintage motel + cottages is on Route 1, close to Wells and Ogunquit, and just a short drive from Kennebunk and York.
I mentioned "vintage" because this is exactly the kind of vacation lodging your parents or grandparents enjoyed.
Typical of that era, the rooms are cozy and face a swimming pool in the center of the property.
In the early days, cute rooms like these were ideal for families planning to spend most of the day at local beaches.
Also - typical of some vintage lodging - there are baseboard heaters (and a thermostat in the room), in addition to a wall-mounted a/c unit.
However, the owners have done an excellent job of providing the modern features that today's guests may expect.
The beds are sturdy and the bedding was immaculate, with pillows that provided both comfort and support.
In addition to a microwave and mini-fridge (with a freezer compartment) our room had a cute table and chairs for relaxing, eating, or using as a desk.
The wall-mounted big-screen TV was perfectly placed, and - since we travel with our own Roku - it was easy to access our favorite shows. (A Roku is not necessary for guests to enjoy a wide range of programming.) And Internet service was excellent, as well as secure.
We also had a sturdy luggage rack plus a wardrobe with shelves as well as space for hanging up clothes.
The water in the bathroom was nice and hot, though the water pressure in the shower varied considerably. Nevertheless, the towels - like the bedding - were top quality.
I've noticed that some previous guests had commented on what they perceived as dirt in their rooms. When we arrived, our room was absolutely immaculate in every respect.
What newcomers to this area may not realize is that - in vintage lodging - the door to the outside may not fit snugly. So, since The Beaches is next to Route 1, there's quite a bit of dust churned up by traffic, and some of it can drift in, especially if you leave the front door open.
(Note: We didn't experience much traffic noise, and - as I'm writing this - I had to pause and listen, to even notice the sound of passing cars.)
Also, the walls - being from an earlier era - are fairly thin. You may hear your neighbors. We travel with a small "white noise" generator, for times when we go to bed early.
However, we'd moved to this hotel from a nearby 3-star hotel which - though recently built, and charging at least 2x more than The Beaches - had noise levels in that were unbearable. After our third night at that other hotel, we were eager to leave.
All in all, though Google suggests this is a 1-star hotel, we were pleasantly surprised by how much The Beaches provides, in addition to a prime location that's convenient to everything the southern Maine coast has to offer.
If you're a fan of vintage lodging, this is a great deal and a fun place to stay at alone, as a couple, or with your family.