The beauty of coastal Maine, specifically the Southern Maine coast, is exceptional, making it a great year-round destination. The credit largely goes to the tiny town of Kennebunkport. This historical fishing and shipbuilding village has been a popular summer seaside destination for more than a century. In fact, the town’s scenic center lies along the Kennebunk River, making it the perfect summer seaside getaway. While its origins go back to 1663, Kennebunkport was a prominent 19th-century shipbuilding hub, with villas and mansions springing up along the serene river. Today, they’re home to many of the options for the best B&B in Kennebunkport, Maine. In fact, many of these properties have gotten new lives as charming bed and breakfasts, making them perfect for an authentic stay, no matter the time of the year.
So, we were truly spoiled for choices when we came looking for a summer stay in Kennebunkport, with B&Bs ranging from historic and heritage ones to more modern ones and even some choice ones by the sea! To that end, here’s a detailed guide to staying in alluring B&Bs in Kennebunkport, Maine.
Did we mention that Kennebunkport is one of the best places to see the fall foliage in Maine? Yes!
Our Favorite Bed & Breakfast in Kennebunkport, Maine
- Inn At English Meadows
- The Lady Mary Inn At Hurd Manor
- The Cottages At Cabot Cove
- Waldo Emerson Inn
- Kennebunkport Captains Collection
- The Beach House Inn
- Kennebunkport Inn
- 1802 House Bed And Breakfast
- Mabel’s House
- Seaside Inn
- Franciscan Guest House
Modern Stays
Most of Kennebunkport’s modern B&Bs are older heritage homes updated for a slick urban getaway. Here are the best modern B&Bs.
Inn at English Meadows
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Historic and yet elegant and modern all at once, the Inn at English Meadows made for the perfect southern Maine getaway. We loved the traditional B&B experience peppered with contemporary mod-cons and amenities, along with the fact that it sat on wonderfully landscaped gardens. A fireplace parlor and an Instagrammable brick patio were the standouts of our stay.
Meet The Hosts
This former Greek Revival-style structure was first built in 1860 by a local farmer and was one of the region’s very first homes to have indoor plumbing. What’s more, every owner after that has worked tirelessly to keep it looking pristine through the salt mists of summers and the rugged Maine winters. In fall 2023, siblings Jack and Diane Pace, along with Jack’s wife, Jane, took on the ownership of the inn. All three of them have a background in hospitality and are extremely excited to carry on the amazing family-owned traditions of this historic property.
Food And Drink
The food and beverage scene at the inn is slightly different than that of a B&B; they boast of the breakfast and wine bar experience. Our days would begin with a chef-inspired two-course breakfast, which boasted English Meadows Blend coffee, fresh veggies and fruits from their gardens, fresh-baked scones, maple-stewed plums, locally made Greek yogurt with homemade granola, made-to-order egg dishes, breakfast bread, and even breakfast pizzas! After a long day of exploring, we’d wind up in the carriage house lounge, where we’d unwind with local beer or a glass of wine and enjoy charcuterie boards and bites. Check out the food and drink details at the B&B.
The Rooms
Vera Wang beds, Malin + Goetz bath products – could it get any better? All 12 rooms and suites at this amazing B&B blend impeccably maintained historic features with modern coastal furnishings. Think Frette towels, bathrobes, fine linens, private luxe bathrooms in all units, flatscreen TVs, seating areas, huge windows, and even gas fireplaces in some. What could be better?
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Mabel’s House
Formerly the Edgewater Inn, the now independent boutique B&B Mabel’s House is perched on a tidal estuarine cove. It’s been welcoming travelers since the early 1900s and underwent a major redesign in 2020, a move that now preserves its vintage charm while reflecting its stunning coastal location.
- Meet the hosts: Alberto, the innkeeper, and a wonderful staff run the inn. They were warm and welcoming and took very good care of us. Whether it was getting stuff to our rooms or getting our breakfasts ready on days we had an early start, the staff’s hospitality was on point.
- Food and drink: Every morning, a fantastic breakfast awaited us in the breakfast room. There would be fresh fruit, different kinds of bread, butter, an entree of our choice, French toast, pancakes, juices, tea, freshly brewed coffee, and even mimosas!
- Room type(s): Even though it calls itself a boutique hotel-B&B, there are just 12 breezy rooms. So, staying here was a very intimate and exclusive experience, especially since they all boast soothing color palettes with pops of seaside colors. The best ones were the rooms with the decks and water views.
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The Lady Mary Inn at Hurd Manor
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We wanted to stay inland rather than on the coast; that’s when The Lady Mary Inn at Hurd Manor caught our attention. It’s tucked in North Berwick, 20 minutes away from Kennebunkport, amidst the lush verdure of Southern Maine.
“There are some places that make you feel like you’ve come back home – and the Lady Mary Inn is one such place.
WOW Travel
- Meet the hosts: The innkeepers are Ryan and his husband Steve, whose interests and passions led to both of them owning this wonderful B&B. These two were the most delightful pair of hosts we’d ever met, with Ryan being the farm boy-turned-chef. He also happens to be an avid gardener, and we’d always find him outside. Steve, on the other hand, is a pediatric anesthesiologist; we’d see him at the inn on weekends. He was also responsible for the vegetable gardens at Orchard Hill Farm, the sister property to Lady Mary Inn!
- Food and drink: We firmly believe that everything good begins with coffee, like breakfast at this inn. The chef’s menu changes every day and is seasonally driven. It would always begin with locally roasted, freshly brewed, self-serve coffee service at 7:30 a.m. in the dining room. That was followed by a hearty breakfast at 8:30 a.m., which included everything from fresh fruit, pancakes, and waffles to made-to-order eggs and all kinds of breakfast bread! Don’t miss their amazing tea party!
- Room type(s): We had the choice of five unique suites, each of which had not only the original Victorian charm but also modern and luxurious amenities. What’s more, they all have beautiful private bathrooms, fireplaces, plush four-poster beds, and seating areas next to huge French windows.
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Historic B&Bs
Kennebunkport is all about history; in fact, many of its inns are repurposed mansions from the past. Here are the most historic bed and breakfasts in the area.
Kennebunkport Captains Collection
It was thrilling to stay in the former homes of captains at the Kennebunkport Captains Collection. The B&B is in Kennebunkport’s historic district and comprises four significant and important historic ship captain’s homes: the Nathaniel Lord Mansion, William Jefferds House, James Fairfield House, and the Acton Patterson House.
The inns have a rather storied history. Gideon Walker, a tanner’s son and one of the first settlers, inherited much of current Kennebunkport in the mid-1700s. He left much of the Collection’s land to his son Captain Daniel Walker, deeding land to each of his five children. The other houses in the Collection came up in the early 19th century, with the children’s families living together as the captains went off to sea. Finally, they became inns after passing through generations of seafaring families until Lark Hotels unified them in 2021, managing them as a single, resort-style entity.
- Meet the hosts: The Lark Hotels Group brought all four properties, which boasted an amazing staff that helped us with anything and everything we needed.
- Food and drink: All four homes offer a wonderful and complimentary breakfast spread, which is served at the Nathaniel Lord Mansion. We had the choice of pastries, oats, frittata/quiches, cut fruit, and more. In fact, every house had a pantry stocked with takeaway items.
- Room type(s): There were 16 rooms each in the Nathaniel Lord Mansion and William Jefferds House and 9 in the James Fairfield House. Moreover, the two-bedroom Acton Patterson House could be rented entirely by large groups. While they’re all different in character—original art, four-poster beds, and working gas fireplaces—they all feature mod-cons with luxurious private bathrooms.
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Kennebunkport Inn
The classic Kennebunkport Inn was originally built in the 1890s as a tea merchant’s private mansion. Today, this cozy hilltop retreat is downtown’s only hotel, sitting right in the heart of Dock Square. We loved every inch of this timeless, homely getaway.
- Meet the hosts: Longtime former owners Shanna and Brian O’Hea sold the inn to the new owners Matthew Blain, Kathryn Anderson, and Andrew Warde. These three run the B&B throughout the year, along with a wonderfully efficient and friendly staff.
- Food and drink: The food scene at this B&B happens at the tavern-style restaurant Burleigh, which is named after the inn’s original owner. We loved the satisfying and comforting pub fare like steak frites and the like and drinking craft cocktails at the dark hardwood bar.
- Room type(s): We had the choice of eight rooms and three suites, all of which were spacious and had plush private bathrooms with spa bath products, cable TVs, Keurig coffeemakers, plush beds, and even gas-burning fireplaces in some rooms. They’re spread across three floors, so make sure you know which floor your room is on before booking, as there are no elevators at the property.
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Waldo Emerson Inn
It doesn’t get any more historic than at the solidly iconic Waldo Emerson Inn, one of Kennebunkport’s oldest remaining homes. In fact, even Ralph Waldo Emerson is supposed to have found respite here, allowing him to focus on his writing. What could be better?
- Meet the hosts: Amelia and Ron Rockelein bought the inn in early 2023, but the New Hampshire couple is no stranger to hospitality. While Amelia hails from New Mexico, she’d had a wealth of experience from her previous work as a Subway shop operator/owner and as Director of Catering at the Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza. The now full-time innkeeper is ably assisted by her husband Ron, who works at the inn along with his job as the VP of an NH hospitality company.
- Food and drink: Every morning, Amelia prepares a loving breakfast, which includes a chef’s choice of a hot and delicious breakfast entrée, like French toast brûlée, cheesy lobster grits, or Caprese omelets. What’s more, the spread also includes tea, coffee, fresh juice, bacon, blueberry muffins, yogurt, and homemade cranberry coconut granola. Finally, breakfast is served every morning from 8:30-9:30 am.
- Room type(s): Besides being historic, the digs at this inn are also immensely romantic. There are six dreamy ensuite guest rooms, of which four have fireplaces. Nevertheless, they all have antique furnishings, wide-planked pine wood floors from 1784, and lots of lovely daylight.
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Franciscan Guest House
Staying next to an active friary and a Franciscan monastery is historic enough, isn’t it? We’re talking about the Franciscan Guest House, a hidden gem of sorts in Kennebunkport. It’s not a B&B you’d consider otherwise, but if you’re after a historic one in Kennebunkport, we’d highly recommend this one.
- Meet the hosts: Lithuanian Franciscan Friars own the active St. Anthony’s Franciscan Monastery and the guesthouse, which sits on its grounds. After escaping religious persecution in the Soviet Union, they bought the estate in the 1940s. They even built a Lithuanian school with a main building and dorms for boys, which is where the B&B sits now. Plus, the school’s alumni return to this beautiful property to reminisce about their youth days spent here. The staff is equally lovely, and they went above and beyond with their helpfulness and friendliness, making us feel right at home.
- Food and drink: Earlier, the long-time Lithuanian cook would make authentic breakfast treats every morning. Even now, breakfast is available at an extra charge and begins with tea and coffee in the lobby every morning. While on the basic end, the continental breakfast does include both hot and cold items and was served from 8-9:30 am.
- Room type(s): We had the choice of many kinds of single, double, and family rooms across the main building, the Tudors group of three structures, and the single-storeyed White House. What’s more, all rooms and suites have heating and air-conditioning, private bathrooms, cable TVs, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. Plus, we loved unwinding and relaxing at the seasonal outdoor saltwater pool.
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Romantic Stays
Maine is romantic in its entirety, and coastal Kennebunkport is even more so. Here are the most romantic and amorous stays in this town.
The Cottages at Cabot Cove
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Catering to couples, the captivatingly coastal and cozy Cottages at Cabot Cove is a magical enclave that’s a rather welcome departure from traditional B&Bs. While the B&B is tucked away in a cove, it was also conveniently located near downtown. So, we could enjoy a romantic holiday away from the bustle while still being close to the action. In fact, we could use the rowboats and kayaks to explore the waters of the cove and enjoy some much-needed romantic moments of tranquility.
- Meet the hosts: Kennebunkport hotelier Tim Harrington owns the Cottages at Cabot Cove, but a fabulous and warm staff operates it.
- Food and drink: The breakfast scene is a bit different here, with the staff leaving a “Breakfast Bag” outside our front doors every morning around 8 am. While there was always yogurt, fruit, juice, and some kind of pastry, we also got bacon scones, hard-boiled eggs, cheese and ham croissants, chocolate chip muffins, and even warm French baguettes with hunks of brie cheese. In fact, we’d enjoy breakfast on the chairs and table outside our room.
- Room type(s): The whimsically intimate rooms here are actually little decorated homes with lush landscaping and patios sitting right next to Cabot Cove. In fact, they’re one of the most beautiful saltwater settings in Maine. What’s more, all cottages boast different styles and personas but come with plush bedrooms, living rooms, and well-equipped small kitchens. So, we could even cook meals and stay in when we didn’t want to step out.
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1802 House Bed and Breakfast
Built way back in, as the name says, 1802, the 1802 House Bed and Breakfast has stood the test of time. The romance packages and specials at this luxurious B&B were out of the world. That’s why we chose to celebrate our anniversary here!
- Meet the hosts: Maine native and former cultural anthropologist Julianna Acheson is one of the most well-traveled B&B hosts we’ve met. She has worked around the world and speaks five languages. Her grandparents, who owned and operated 11 hotels in New Hampshire and Maine, inspire her, and she regaled us with their tales. And, of course, her hospitality is out of this world.
- Food and drink: A family-style dining full-cooked breakfast would be ready for us every day at 9 am in the dining room. We’d begin with assorted fruit juices and local Maine tea or coffee, followed by seasonal fresh fruits and homemade baked treats. Finally, we’d get to dig into a delectable main entrée, like Fresh Toast, Eggs benedict, Wild Blueberry Pancakes, and Chive and Cheese Soufflés, accompanied by sausages or bacon. When we’d leave early to go sightseeing, Julianna and the staff would even keep breakfast-to-go ready as early as 7:30 am. Plus, they took our dietary requirements into consideration too. The best bit? The common lounge had complimentary cold bottled water, wrapped snacks, a selection of coffee and tea, and even beer and wine for purchase.
- Room type(s): We had the choice of just six rooms, making our stay very cozy and exclusive. What’s more, they all had gas fireplaces, private decks, and whirlpool tubs. With soft robes, rose petals, and champagne, our celebration became all the more special.
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Beachfront Stays
Kennebunkport is all about coastal charm, so it’s not surprising that some of its best B&Bs face the ocean. Here are the best coastal inns in the town.
The Beach House Inn
A Victorian seaside inn in coastal Maine? Now that’s what we like to hear! We’re talking about the gorgeous Beach House Inn, which was all about captivating ocean views, salty sea air, and crisp sea breezes. Time slowed down at the quaint 1891-built Victorian inn, which sits right on the beach and is one of Maine’s oldest oceanfront inns.
Since it’s on the oceanfront, the inn offers complimentary touring bikes, playing cards, board games, beach towels, and beach chairs. However, the highlight is the guest lounge and fireplace on the lawn, complete with a fire pit. Moreover, we also loved the wraparound porch with stools and splendid ocean views.
- Meet the hosts: The family owned and operated Lafayette Hotels that operate in New Hampshire and Maine own the Beach House Inn. The staff that runs it is absolutely warm, kind, and helpful, going out of their way to ensure that we had everything for our wonderful vacation.
- Food and drink: Besides bottled water, the B&B offers extremely good coffee in the morning every day in the dining room. Since they no longer serve breakfast, we appreciated the 24/7 beverage station. Additionally, they served a wonderfully traditional afternoon tea in the dining room, which offered sweeping views of the ocean.
- Room type(s): We had the choice of 34 classic, country inn-style rooms here, all done up in elegant fabrics and textures and creamy, neutral hues. Moreover, they all came with plush and soft beds, comfy robes, and the finest Gilchrist and Soames bath and personal care products. Finally, the best rooms have stunning views of the ocean, like our Ocean View Mini Suite.
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Seaside Inn
If you’re looking for a historic coastal, and we mean really historic, inn, then the Seaside Inn is where you should be. Did you know that this is Kennebunkport’s oldest continuously running inn, having been in operation under the same family since 1667? Yes! In fact, that makes it one of the oldest companies in the entire country!
- Meet the hosts: The original owner was John Gooch, the Cape Neddick area’s very first settler. Today, it’s owned by his cousin Jedediah Gooch’s descendants, Trish and Ken Mason, America’s only ninth-generation innkeepers. Not only are they Maine Green Environmental Leaders, but they also have two (future innkeepers) kids of their own. So, it was a ball interacting with them and seeing how they run what is the 46th oldest family-run business in the world!
- Food and drink: Every morning, the hosts and the staff served a delicious extended continental breakfast in the 1850 Boathouse Room, which was included in the room rate. What’s more, it was more than just your typical continental breakfast; it included fruit, tea, coffee, juice, cereals, bread, and even a homemade muffin of the day, which was made right there.
- Room type(s): There are three types of rooms across two floors, with two of them being oceanfront ones. Our oceanfront premium room even had a terrace with alfresco seating and a jacuzzi hot tub with unobstructed views of the ocean.
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Where to Stay in Kennebunkport, Maine?
Since most of Kennebunkport sits along the Kennebunk River, the neighborhoods mostly line up right along the river. We begin with Dock Square, which sits slightly inland and is sprawled across both sides of the river. It’s home to the Kennebunkport Historic District and some of the loveliest streets in the town with galleries, little shops, boutiques, and whatnot. Slightly south of that you’ll find the Kennebunkport Marina, around which sit many other smaller marinas and yacht clubs. The guesthouses and hotels here are more popular with those who have their own boats or want to rent them to explore the river. Finally, there are the beaches and the sea-facing neighborhoods. These include the Kennebunk Beach, Gooch’s Beach, and Colony Beach, which sit right next to the mouth of the Kennebunk River, where it meets the North Atlantic Beach.
What is special about Kennebunkport, Maine?
The scenic seaside town in southern Maine is famed for its small-town charm, stunning beaches, dockside scenery, and lively downtown with galleries and shops.
Does Kennebunkport have sea-facing B&Bs?
Yes, that would be the Seaside Inn and the Beach House Inn. Apart from that, there are many B&Bs that face or sit right on the Kennebunk River.
Is Kennebunkport touristy?
Yes, but in a charming way like many other small, coastal towns of Maine.
