Best Historic Inns in Maine

Experience the charm and elegance of a bygone era by staying in one of Maine’s many historic inns. This guide showcases the best bed & breakfasts and boutique hotels housed in beautifully preserved buildings, offering unique character, personalized service, and often gourmet breakfasts. From coastal captain’s homes to inland Victorian estates, discover a memorable stay with a rich history.

Coastal Elegance: Seaside Historic Inns

Captain Lord Mansion (Kennebunkport)

The Captain Lord Mansion has set the standard for luxury historic inns in Maine since opening in 1978. Built in 1812 by shipbuilder Nathaniel Lord, this Federal-style mansion overlooks the Kennebunk River in the heart of Kennebunkport’s historic district. The mansion retains its original architectural details—wide pine floors, ornate moldings, and a spectacular three-story suspended elliptical staircase that draws gasps from guests.

The inn offers 20 guest rooms, each uniquely decorated with period antiques, plush fabrics, and modern amenities disguised to maintain historical integrity. Many rooms feature gas fireplaces, two-person whirlpool tubs, and four-poster beds. Despite the formal elegance, the atmosphere remains welcoming rather than stuffy, with knowledgeable innkeepers sharing stories of the house’s history.

Breakfast is a multi-course affair served in the formal dining room or delivered to your room. The menu changes daily but always features local ingredients and house-made pastries. Afternoon tea with sweets and savories provides another opportunity to gather with other guests or enjoy quiet time.

Staying here: Minimum stay requirements apply during peak summer and holiday periods. The inn is adults-only, maintaining a romantic, peaceful atmosphere. Walk to Dock Square’s shops and restaurants in five minutes. The location puts you at the heart of Kennebunkport without resort crowds.

Camden Harbour Inn

Perched on a hillside overlooking Camden Harbor, this inn combines Victorian architecture with modern luxury in ways few historic properties achieve successfully. The original 1874 mansion has been meticulously restored and expanded, creating 20 rooms and suites that feel both timeless and contemporary. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of Penobscot Bay, the harbor, and the Camden Hills.

The rooms blend antiques with custom furnishings, European linens, and spa-like bathrooms with heated floors and soaking tubs. Some suites have private decks or balconies where you can watch schooners sail past while sipping morning coffee. The attention to detail extends to thoughtful touches like evening turndown service with house-made chocolates.

Natalie’s Restaurant, housed within the inn, has earned a reputation as one of Maine’s finest dining experiences. The menu showcases seasonal Maine ingredients with French techniques, complemented by an extensive wine list. Even if you’re not staying at the inn, Natalie’s is worth a special dinner.

Staying here: This is luxury-level pricing for luxury-level experience. The location atop the hill means a short but steep walk to downtown Camden. Worth splurging for a harbor-view room. The inn caters to couples seeking romance and refinement.

The Claremont Hotel (Southwest Harbor)

The Claremont, built in 1884, is the last grand hotel from the golden age of Mount Desert Island tourism. While other grand hotels fell to fire or development, the Claremont endures, offering a glimpse of when summer visitors arrived by steamship for month-long stays. The yellow clapboard structure overlooks Somes Sound, the only fjord on the East Coast, with croquet lawns stretching toward the water.

The inn deliberately maintains a time-capsule quality. Guest rooms are comfortable but not fancy—think simple elegance with antiques, white linens, and those amazing views. The main hotel offers traditional rooms, while cottages scattered across the property provide more privacy and space. Modern amenities exist but don’t dominate the historic character.

Dining in the formal dining room requires jackets for men at dinner, a throwback custom the hotel maintains. The Boathouse, the casual option, serves lunch and dinner with the same spectacular views. The croquet court hosts a national tournament each August, attracting serious players from across the country.

Staying here: This isn’t for everyone. If you want modern luxury, look elsewhere. If you want to experience how the other half summered in the 1920s, this is your place. The location on the quiet side of Mount Desert Island keeps you away from Bar Harbor crowds while still accessing Acadia.

Black Point Inn (Prouts Neck)

Overlooking Scarborough Beach in the exclusive Prouts Neck community, the Black Point Inn has welcomed guests since 1878. Winslow Homer painted his famous seascapes from his studio a short walk from the inn. The location is extraordinary—perched on a rocky point with the Atlantic on three sides, offering sunrise views over the ocean and sunsets that paint the sky crimson.

The inn underwent extensive renovation in recent years, modernizing rooms while preserving the historic character. Guest rooms blend coastal elegance with contemporary comfort, many featuring private balconies with ocean views. The common areas retain their historic grandeur—fireplaces, elegant lounges, and a broad porch with rocking chairs facing the sea.

The inn operates on a modified American plan during peak season, including breakfast and dinner in the room rate. The dining room serves sophisticated New England cuisine with an emphasis on local seafood. The property includes an outdoor pool, access to private beaches, and a bird sanctuary trail.

Staying here: This is old-money Maine, where families return year after year. The modified American plan simplifies budgeting but limits dining flexibility. The Prouts Neck location feels exclusive and secluded while being only 15 minutes from Portland. Jacket required for dinner in the main dining room.

Inland Historic Gems

The Waterford Inne

Hidden in the Oxford Hills, the Waterford Inne occupies a restored 1825 farmhouse in one of Maine’s prettiest villages. This is country inn life at its most authentic—no TVs, no phones in rooms, just peace, excellent food, and warm hospitality. The inn sits on 25 acres with walking trails, a pond, and views of rolling hills and farmland.

The nine guest rooms feature antiques, handmade quilts, and simple comfort. The real draw is the dining experience. Innkeeper Rosalie Vandemoortel prepares five-course dinners that showcase seasonal ingredients, much grown in the inn’s own gardens. Meals are served family-style at communal tables, encouraging conversation among guests.

The village of Waterford itself is worth exploring—a perfectly preserved 19th-century community with historic houses, a general store, and working farms. This is the Maine visitors miss when they stick to the coast, a place where life moves slower and stars shine brighter without light pollution.

Staying here: Book well ahead—the inn has limited rooms and devoted followers. Dinner is included and should not be missed. The inn caters to adults seeking quiet retreats. No credit cards accepted, so bring checks or cash. Minimum two-night stay on weekends.

The Newcastle Inn

Located in the village of Newcastle on the Damariscotta River, this 1860s sea captain’s home provides a sophisticated base for exploring the Midcoast. The inn has been thoughtfully updated to balance historic charm with modern comfort. Fifteen guest rooms feature period antiques, luxurious bedding, and spa-quality bathrooms. Many rooms have fireplaces or water views.

The inn’s pub offers a cozy spot for evening drinks, while the formal dining room serves multi-course breakfasts that might include lobster omelets, blueberry stuffed French toast, or seasonal frittatas. The innkeepers are longtime residents who share deep knowledge of the area, providing recommendations for restaurants, hiking, galleries, and hidden gems.

The location puts you minutes from Damariscotta’s excellent restaurants and shops, with easy access to Pemaquid Point, Boothbay Harbor, and Monhegan Island ferries. The inn strikes a perfect balance between elegant and approachable, fancy enough for special occasions but comfortable enough for extended stays.

Staying here: Rates include elaborate breakfast and afternoon refreshments. The pub serves wine and beer for purchase. Excellent value for the quality offered. Good base for exploring the Midcoast without resort prices. Adults-only policy maintains peaceful atmosphere.

Squire Tarbox Inn (Westport Island)

This saltwater farm inn, dating to 1763, sits on 11 acres overlooking Westport Island’s tidal marshes. The inn maintains working farm animals—goats that provide milk for house-made cheese, chickens producing eggs for breakfast, and gardens supplying vegetables for dinner. This is authentic farm-to-table dining before that became a marketing term.

The main colonial-era house contains four guest rooms with low ceilings, wide pine floors, and period furnishings. The converted barn holds seven additional rooms with more space and modern amenities while maintaining rustic charm. The property encourages wandering—walk to the marsh to watch herons, visit the barn animals, or relax in the hammock under ancient maples.

Dinner, included in the room rate during peak season, showcases what’s currently ready in the garden or available from local fishermen and farmers. The menu changes nightly based on what’s fresh. Dining here feels like visiting a friend’s country house where the friend happens to be an excellent cook.

Staying here: The inn operates seasonally, typically May through October. Dinner is included during summer, optional other seasons. This is rustic elegance, not luxury—expect charming older buildings with quirks. Perfect for guests who value authenticity over polish. Minimum two-night stay on weekends.

What Makes Maine’s Historic Inns Special

Maine’s historic inns differ from chain hotels in every way that matters. These are owner-operated properties where someone lives on-site and cares deeply about your experience. Many innkeepers can tell you the history of their building, the stories of previous owners, and the secrets of their village that no guidebook covers.

The buildings themselves are attractions. Sea captains’ mansions reflect the wealth generated by 19th-century maritime commerce. Victorian estates showcase the architectural exuberance of that era. Colonial farmhouses embody the simplicity and craftsmanship of early Maine settlement. Staying in these buildings connects you to Maine’s history in tactile ways no museum visit can match.

Service at historic inns is personal without being intrusive. Innkeepers learn your preferences, remember your name, and take pride in creating memorable experiences. The best innkeepers balance professional hospitality with genuine warmth, making you feel like a welcomed guest rather than a transaction.

Understanding Historic Inn Culture

Historic inns attract specific types of travelers. These properties appeal to guests who value character over cookie-cutter consistency, who appreciate antiques and architecture, who enjoy conversation with other guests over breakfast. If you need a TV in your room, prefer impersonal check-in, or want a fitness center, hotels serve you better than inns.

Inn culture emphasizes shared experience. Breakfast often features communal tables where guests chat about their plans or share travel stories. Evening wine hours create opportunities for conversation. This social aspect appeals to many but feels intrusive to others. Know yourself and choose accordingly.

Many historic inns maintain standards for appropriate behavior. This isn’t stuffiness—it’s preserving atmosphere for all guests. Quiet hours, adults-only policies, and dress codes for dinner all serve this purpose. These expectations are stated clearly when you book, so read the fine print.

Booking Historic Inns

When to book: Popular inns fill up months ahead for peak season (July-August) and fall foliage (late September-early October). Book six months ahead for summer weekends, a year ahead for foliage. Spring and late fall offer better availability and often lower rates.

Minimum stays: Most inns require two-night minimums on weekends year-round, three nights on holiday weekends, sometimes week-long stays during peak periods. This reflects the work involved in preparing rooms and the goal of encouraging guests to truly relax rather than rush through.

Rates and value: Historic inn rates typically range from moderate to luxury levels. What you’re paying for is unique accommodations, personal service, included meals, and experiences you can’t get at hotels. Compare total costs—many inns include elaborate breakfasts and afternoon refreshments that would cost extra elsewhere.

Cancellation policies: Inns typically have stricter cancellation policies than hotels. Expect to forfeit deposits if canceling within 14-30 days of arrival. This reflects the reality that an empty room at a small property means significant lost revenue. Consider travel insurance for expensive bookings.

Special occasions: Many inns specialize in romantic getaways, anniversaries, and special celebrations. Mention these when booking—innkeepers often arrange flowers, champagne, special dinners, or other touches to mark the occasion.

Seasonal Considerations

Summer (June-August): Peak season for coastal inns. Warmest weather, longest days, all attractions open. Expect premium rates and minimum stay requirements. Book well ahead. Some inns run at full occupancy for weeks at a time.

Fall (September-October): Many consider this the best time for inn stays. Foliage provides spectacular backdrop, weather remains pleasant, summer crowds dissipate. Rates stay high during foliage peak (late September-mid October) but drop afterward. The most difficult time to book last-minute.

Winter (November-March): Many inns close or operate limited days. Those staying open offer substantial discounts and package deals. Winter inn stays appeal to those seeking quiet retreats, romantic getaways, or bases for skiing. Expect some restaurants and attractions to be closed.

Spring (April-May): Mud season is real—this is the least appealing time to visit Maine. However, rates are lowest, inns are quiet, and you’ll have innkeepers’ undivided attention. Good for writers, artists, or anyone seeking solitude. Black flies in May are miserable.

Making the Most of Your Inn Stay

Communicate preferences: Tell innkeepers about dietary restrictions, anniversary celebrations, or mobility issues when booking. They want to accommodate you but need advance notice.

Embrace the experience: Don’t treat an inn like a hotel where you just sleep. Spend time in common areas, chat with innkeepers and other guests, enjoy the full breakfast instead of grabbing coffee and running. The experience is the point.

Respect the property: These are often the innkeepers’ homes filled with genuine antiques and personal treasures. Treat everything with care. Follow house rules about shoes, smoking, and quiet hours.

Tip appropriately: If staff bring breakfast to your room, help with luggage, or provide special services, tip as you would in hotels. For exceptional service or extended stays, consider leaving a note of thanks along with a tip for the innkeepers.

Ask for recommendations: Innkeepers are invaluable sources of local knowledge. They know which restaurants take reservations, where to find the best lobster roll, when to visit attractions to avoid crowds, and hidden spots tourists miss.

Beyond the Big Names

Maine has hundreds of historic inns beyond those mentioned here. The Danforth in Portland offers urban inn experience in a Victorian mansion. The Pemaquid Point properties put you at one of Maine’s most photographed lighthouses. The Rangeley Inn provides mountain lake access in a classic early 1900s property.

Smaller towns often hide excellent inns at lower prices than coastal destinations. The Oxford House Inn in Fryeburg, Berry Manor Inn in Rockland, and Inn on Peaks Island all offer memorable experiences without premium coastal rates.

Use resources like Select Registry or Maine Innkeepers Association to find inspected, quality properties. Read recent reviews but remember that inns are subjective—one person’s cozy is another’s cramped, one guest’s friendly innkeeper is another’s intrusive host.

Maine’s historic inns offer more than just accommodation—they provide portals to the past, connections to place, and hospitality that feels genuine in an increasingly standardized world. Whether you choose coastal grandeur or inland simplicity, staying in a historic inn becomes part of your Maine story, creating memories beyond just where you slept.