Maine, as we found it was a very welcoming state not only for us, tourists, but also for our four-legged companion. On this trip, we were able to explore some of the best pet-friendly cities in Maine, and to our delight, each of these cities surpassed our expectations. From the rocky shores to the lush forests, we discovered that Maine is a place where both two-legged and four-legged travelers can find endless joy. Plus, there are plenty of pet-friendly hotels in Maine, so looking for the perfect accommodations was a breeze.
Sticking mainly to the coast on this trip, we explored cities like Bar Harbor, Portland, and Camden. The three cities offered us a different side of Maine, and we left the state with hearts full of memories. Now, to help you out, we’ve listed all the best pet-friendly hotels we stayed at while we were on this journey. Happy browsing!
Table of contents
- Holiday Inn Bar Harbor Regency Hotel
- Canterbury Cottage Bed and Breakfast
- Wonder View Inn
- The Westin Portland Harborview
- Aloft Portland Maine
- Hyatt Place Portland-Old Port
- The Francis Hotel
- 16 Bay View
- Hartstone Inn and Hideaway
- Grand Harbor Inn
- Lord Camden Inn
- Our Verdict!
- Where To Stay in Maine with Your Pet
- Pet-Friendly Restaurants / Bars in Maine
- Pet-Friendly Activities In Maine
- Best Pet Stores In Maine
Holiday Inn Bar Harbor Regency Hotel
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Set on the stunning shores of Bar Harbor, Maine, the Holiday Inn Bar Harbor Regency Hotel offers a wonderful experience for both us and our pets. Our experience staying here was nothing short of fantastic. We especially love the tranquil ambiance the hotel has. The ocean view gave us the perfect relaxing backdrop, while the surrounding nature made the best playground for our pups. Hiking at the nearby trails with our four-pawed friend every morning was one of the best activities we did at the hotel. That and followed by the everyday outdoor breakfast with our pup.
Now, the hotel not only excels in its location and ambiance but the services and hospitality are also amazing. The staff pampered our dog from the moment we arrived. One of the staff by the pool even allowed our dog in the pool area, even though technically it wasn’t allowed. Other than that, they also gave us pamphlets and recommendations for nearby pet-friendly spots and activities.
As for pet policies, the hotel allows two pet dogs up to 30 lbs with an extra charge of $75 per pet per night. We also weren’t allowed to leave our pets alone in the room, and regrettably, for cat owners, the hotel doesn’t allow cats. That said, with every policy met, our stay here was smooth sailing. We got to stay at one of the hotel’s ocean-view guestrooms with a balcony, and everything was picture-perfect.
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Canterbury Cottage Bed and Breakfast
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The Canterbury Cottage Bed and Breakfast is one of the best hotels in Maine that we had the pleasure of staying at with our pets. When we were browsing the hotel’s website, we couldn’t help but fall in love with it. From their pictures, it was giving us a holiday at Nanna’s house type of vibe. However, booking can be challenging due to limited rooms, but the hotel staff was very helpful, ensuring a smooth process. Most importantly, a pre-notice of our dog’s breed and weight and a $20 pet fee per night were required.
Upon arrival, the charming front of the hotel transported us into a whimsical storybook, with our dog as our delightful companion. The rest of the hotel maintained that quaint and charming feel, adorned with floral prints and vintage furnishings in every corner. The staff was kind and helpful, making our stay in the pet-friendly Cottage Room an enchanting experience. It was evident that our pet dog felt comfortable in this homey environment.
Plus, getting free breakfast and afternoon snacks throughout our stay was definitely a nice touch by the hotel. Furthermore, with the hotel located right in the middle of downtown Bar Harbor, we could easily explore the area on foot. This works perfectly for us since the hotel doesn’t allow unattended pets in the room (except for breakfasts). And to our dog’s glee, it means daily long walks.
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Wonder View Inn
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Best View. Situated a short pet-friendly shuttle ride from downtown Bar Harbor, the Wonder View Inn provided an ideal escape for us and our pets. The inn offers a charming view of the bay and mountain range, away from the hustle of downtown, making it all the more appealing. While we enjoyed the scenery, our dogs had a blast exploring the hotel’s expansive 14-acre grounds. In addition to the spacious outdoor area, we often relaxed at the hotel’s Looking Glass Restaurant, which offered a cozy atmosphere and unbeatable views.
“The Wonder View Inn is simply wonderful. We really had a jolly wonderful time running our the expansive field with our dogs!”
WOW Travel
Beyond its lovely setting, the Wonder View Inn was exceptionally accommodating to both us and our pets. They offer multiple pet-friendly guestrooms and provide us with water bowls and waste bags. For our furry companions, the staff pampered them with treats and attention, which excited our doggos endlessly. Furthermore, the hotel allows two pets and even welcomes cats for a fee of $25 per pet per night. Notably, pets are not to be left alone in the rooms. This was a non-issue since there’s much to explore in the area. Plus, the Acadia National Park is just a 5-minute drive away.
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The Westin Portland Harborview
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Best Hotel With No Pet Fee. While on our trip to Portland, Maine, one of the hotels we stayed at was The Westin Portland Harborview. Suffice it to say that our experience here was so pleasant that we had to include this hotel on this list. For starters, the hotel’s location allowed us to be situated in the lively part of the town. Hence we got to check out plenty of local shops and restaurants in the area. And the nearest park for our dogs to play at was just a 5-minute car ride away.
As for the hotel’s services and hospitality itself, we couldn’t be more satisfied. Firstly, the staff welcomed our dogs with excitement, and we were promptly guided to our guestroom, which, to our luck, was spacious enough and had great amenities. Among them were a coffee maker, a cable TV, and a super plush bed that our dogs also enjoyed a good night’s sleep at. While the hotel didn’t offer many amenities for pets, they didn’t charge a pet fee, despite us bringing two dogs. Secondly, the pet policies were fairly standard, permitting a maximum of two dogs weighing under 50 lbs, with regrettably no allowance for cats and no leaving the pets unattended in the guestroom.
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Aloft Portland Maine
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The Aloft Portland, Maine, a pet-welcoming hotel with a trendy, modern vibe, immediately caught our attention. Stepping into the lobby, we were greeted by a vibrant atmosphere with a pool table, stylish geometric prints on the walls, and fun furniture accents. The hotel staff mirrored this cheery ambiance, welcoming us warmly and showing genuine excitement when they met our furry friend.
Our dogs were in for a treat as they found a playful welcome package waiting for them in our guestroom, which included a pink tennis ball, a frisbee, and a water bowl. Speaking of our guestroom, it was both comfortable and well-equipped with essential amenities, not to mention the lovely waterfront view. The hotel’s pet policies gave us peace of mind, allowing us to leave our well-behaved pets in the room when necessary. They even accommodated a maximum of two pets, weighing up to 50 lbs per room, with a reasonable $50 fee per stay. And, to our surprise, they welcomed cats as well.
With these pet-friendly policies in place, our stay was absolutely hassle-free. The hotel’s central location was a bonus, making it a breeze to explore all the exciting attractions in Portland. While they provided a designated pet relief area, we still enjoyed daily walks with our dogs when it was time for their outdoor adventures. Our go-to dog-friendly park, Pleasant Street Park, was conveniently just a 6-minute walk from the hotel.
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Hyatt Place Portland-Old Port
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Eager to immerse ourselves in Old Port’s historic charm, we decided to stay in the area for an authentic Maine experience. Fortunately, we discovered the pet-friendly Hyatt Place Portland in Old Port. The hotel is known for its luxurious services, and we’re glad our pup could get such high-end treatment. The hotel staff, true to the Hyatt’s reputation, welcomed us with the same enthusiasm they showed toward our dog. They ensured our smooth check-in and surprised our four-legged companion with treats. It’s no wonder they made it to our list of the best hotels in Portland.
Furthermore, our guestroom featured a plush king bed and a sofa bed, providing a cozy spot for our dog to snug. Notably, the hotel allowed well-trained pets to be left unattended in the room. While our pup enjoyed the room’s comfort, we took the opportunity to check out the hotel’s indoor pool and explore Old Port’s famous nightlife (only for a bit, though!).
In terms of pet policies, the hotel permits two dogs with a combined weight of 75 lbs, accompanied by a $75 pet fee per stay, and potty-trained dogs are a must. Unfortunately, cats aren’t allowed. Despite the fee being somewhat on the higher side, the exceptional care and experience provided by the staff made it worth every penny.
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The Francis Hotel
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The Francis Hotel was one of the most unique hotels we’ve been to in Portland, Maine. This hidden gem seamlessly blends minimalist furnishings with vintage architectural design. As soon as we arrived, the hotel’s charming red brick building set the tone. Our favorite spots within the hotel were the stylish lounge and the pet-friendly patio, perfect for enjoying pleasant weather with our dog. Beyond aesthetics, the hotel offered a delightful stay.
The Francis Hotel simply excelled in pampering our pets. As we learned from their website, the hotel permits pet dogs for a fee of $35 per night, along with a $250 cleaning deposit. This encouraged us to ensure our well-trained pups left no mess behind. Furthermore, the hotel thoughtfully provided a designated tiled space in our guestroom for our dogs to enjoy their treats. Speaking of treats, our dogs were overjoyed when they discovered a welcome bag in the room containing treats, a bowl, and a personalized welcome board bearing their names. Additionally, the hotel permitted our pets to be left in the room for up to 2.5 hours, which allowed us to indulge in their renowned spa treatment and enjoy an evening at a local restaurant.
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16 Bay View
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Our visit to Midcoast Maine led us to the 16 Bay View in Camden, a luxurious hotel renowned for its warm and welcoming environment for pets. Housed within a historic 100-year-old industrial building on Bay View Street, we were intrigued by this hotel’s unique charm reputation.
Upon our arrival, the welcoming and professional staff greeted us and even gave our dog some ear scratches. They also provided us with a clear explanation of the hotel’s pet policies. These included allowing a maximum of two dogs per room, regardless of size, with a $50 per pet per night fee. With the hotel’s policy, we were also reminded to not leave our dogs unattended in the room and must always have our dogs on leash inside the property.
Furthermore, with these policies in mind, we were directed to the “Pampered Pooch Accommodation,” where our furry friend enjoyed a variety of pet amenities. Our pup got gourmet biscuit treats and bowls for food and water. The guestroom itself boasted tasteful vintage furnishings, echoing the hotel’s overall elegance. The best part? We and our dog enjoyed restful nights on plush beds, with our pup having their own cozy fleece dog bed, courtesy of the hotel.
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Hartstone Inn and Hideaway
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Best Atmosphere. When vacationing with our dogs in Maine, our top priority is finding a pet-friendly bed & breakfast. Fortunately, during our visit to Camden, we discovered the Harstone Inn and Hideaway, a charming bed & breakfast that felt like an upgraded version of our own home, offering European hospitality and a first-class culinary experience with coastal charm. Nestled in the heart of Camden, the inn was surrounded by lush gardens and greenery, providing a perfect environment for our doggy to play and explore.
Furthermore, in terms of pet policies, the staff was exceptionally helpful, explaining all the rules for bringing our furry friend. We could have one dog weighing up to 35 lbs per room, with a charge of $75 per pet per night. With these details settled, our experience was smooth and enjoyable.
We were fortunate to stay in the French Thyme Suite, one of the inn’s four pet-friendly suites. This suite featured a private entrance, a cozy gas fireplace, a spacious bedroom, and a comfortable sitting area. The highlight was the garden-facing patio, where we could relax while our dog played. Lastly, the thoughtful staff even provided a special welcome gift for our pet, making our dog’s experience even more enjoyable.
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Grand Harbor Inn
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Our stay at the Grand Harbor Inn in Camden, Maine, was a pet-friendly paradise. Nestled by the harbor, this boutique hotel combines coastal charm with modern elegance, offering incredible harbor views from our window. Pet policies-wise, the inn welcomes two dogs per room, regardless of their size, and the pet fee is a reasonable $50 per pet per night. They go the extra mile, providing pet beds, water bowls, and delicious treats to pamper our furry friends.
Furthermore, since the hotel doesn’t allow pets to be left alone in the room, we had to make sure we knew all the nearby pet-friendly spots. To our luck, the hotel also helped us on that front by providing a package listing local pet resources and attractions. For instance, Camden offers Harbor Park and Amphitheatre, just a short stroll away, where we and our pets can relax by the water. Camden Hills State Park, with its pet-friendly trails and stunning vistas, is a quick drive away if we are up for a hike. After our adventures, the dog-friendly Marriner’s Restaurant makes the perfect place for us to enjoy seafood while our furry companions relax by our side.
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Lord Camden Inn
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Overall Best. Lord Camden Inn undoubtedly stood out as our top choice. Our experience at this charming, pet-friendly hotel was exceptionally delightful. Nestled in the heart of Camden, the central location made exploring the town with our furry companions incredibly convenient. As we entered the lobby, we were greeted by a harmonious blend of historic New England architecture and modern comfort.
However, what truly elevated our experience was the staff’s genuine warmth and enthusiasm for pets and their owners. They thoughtfully explained to us the hotel’s pet policies during check-in, allowing a maximum of two dogs per room with an additional fee of $50 per pet per night. To ensure safety, our pets were not allowed to be left unattended in the room and were always required to be on a leash when outside.
Finally, once we met these requirements, our pets’ names proudly joined those of other furry guests on the blackboard, officially welcoming them to the hotel. The spacious and well-appointed room we were shown to provide a comfortable space for our pets, complete with a delightful package of treats, water bowls, and their very own cozy bed. Our stay at Lord Camden Inn was an all-encompassing delight for both us and our cherished furry friends.
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Our Verdict!
The Lord Camden Inn ranks number one on our best pet-friendly hotels on list, but it’s not the only hotel that stood out to us. In fact, we have other hotels in Maine with specific features that we wanna highlight. And who knows, it might be the type of hotel you’re looking for.
- Best Hotel With No Pet Fee: The Westin Portland Harborview
- Best Atmosphere: Hartstone Inn and Hideaway
- Best View: Wonder View Inn
Where To Stay in Maine with Your Pet
When we set out on our quest to uncover the most pet-friendly neighborhoods in Maine, we found ourselves enchanted by the captivating trio of Camden, Bar Harbor, and Portland. These charming destinations offer something special for pet owners and their beloved companions.
In Camden, with its coastal allure and picturesque landscapes, you’ll find a town that wholeheartedly embraces our four-legged friends. The Camden Hills State Park beckons with its breathtaking views and pet-friendly trails. Stroll down Main Street, where shops and cafes are not just pet-tolerant but pet-enthusiastic. Our furry friends are as much a part of the community as anyone else.
Next, Bar Harbor, nestled on Mount Desert Island, is a nature lover’s paradise that extends the warmest of welcomes to pets. It’s a place where sandy shores and the vast Acadia National Park provide endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. Pet-friendly establishments abound, allowing us to dine and shop with our furry companions by our side.
Last but not least, Portland, the bustling heart of Maine, boasts a vibrant pet community. From pet boutiques to unique cat cafes, this city ensures that our pets are pampered and cherished. The Eastern Promenade Park offers fantastic outdoor experiences, and the annual “Bark in the Park” event is a celebration of the deep bond between Portland’s residents and their pets.
Whether you’re drawn to Camden’s coastal allure, Bar Harbor’s natural beauty, or Portland’s urban conveniences, these neighborhoods make Maine a pet-friendly paradise. These cities also had some of the best pet-friendly hotels. So, your trip is guaranteed to be comfortable and paw-fect! Now, if you find yourself visiting Ogunquit in Maine, check out our top pet-friendly hotel in Ogunquit for another memorable trip with your pets!
Pet-Friendly Restaurants / Bars in Maine
- Blaze – Blaze is a must-go pet-friendly restaurant in Camden, Maine. We loved the lovely staff, and the food was simply mouth-watering. It serves delicious wood-fired fares and craft brew beers. Our pets were given water bowls (and lots of love and attention from the staff and other patrons!).
- Stewman’s Lobster Pound Downtown – Stewman’s Lobster Pound Downtown in Bar Harbor is the perfect pet-friendly hub. This waterside restaurant serves a house specialty lobster for us and a burger from the dog menu for our pup.
- Little Tap House – Located in Portland’s art district, the Little Tap House is a pet-friendly gem. They serve both you and your furry friend, offering a tailored menu. While we enjoyed our meal, our pup savored house-made milk bones with carrots!
Pet-Friendly Activities In Maine
- Camden Harbor Cruises – A cruising adventure is always exciting, but a cruising adventure with your pet dog is a whole other experience. Thanks to the Camden Harbor Cruises, we were able to board the Lively Lady and tour the waterways of Camden Harbor. Hauling live lobsters onto the boat was definitely one of the highlights of the tour for our dog.
- Portland Discovery Land and Sea Tours – This Portland Discovery Tour is hands down the best way to explore Portland with pets. The company offers various tours, either by land or sea or even a combination of both. We got to enjoy sightseeing and learn the history of Portland. While the trolley tour was lovely, the cruise was amazing. The staff was more than welcoming, and they doted on our pets. What’s more, there were no extra fees for pets!
- Acadia National Park – Located in Bar Harbor, Maine, the Acadia National Park is a pet-friendly paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 100 miles of hiking trails and vast open spaces, it’s perfect for pets. Enjoy camping and fun with your dogs by kayaking and splashing in the park’s lakes.
Best Pet Stores In Maine
- Fish & Bone – Located near the Waterfront area in Portland, Maine, Fish & Bone is the go-to pet store for the locals. The store has a big selection of all dogs’ and cats’ necessities, from tasty and nutritious treats, healthy vitamins and supplements, pet accessories, toys, and down to adorable pet clothes. To our convenience, the store also provides same-day deliveries!
- Bark Harbor – Bark Harbor, a cleverly named pet store in Bar Harbor, Maine, stands out not only for its owners’ humor but also for its delightful ‘barkery,’ featuring a variety of homemade dog treats that will leave your furry friends tail-wagging. In addition to the tasty treats, the store offers a wide range of pet products, including toys, accessories, vitamins, and even Bark Harbor merchandise to take home as souvenirs.
- The Maine Dog – Located in downtown Camden, The Maine Dog was our go-to pet store while in Camden, Maine. The store is locally owned, so the owners and staff were very attentive and directed us to their top products. They have a good selection of pet products that will never leave you lacking on your vacation. Definitely check out the shop’s merchandise to bring home a little something from Camden, Maine!