Our first trip to Maine and our first stop was Inn by the Sea. Talk about starting off with a Bang!! What a jewel of a resort property! It is a beautiful property inside and out. While the accommodations are first rate, the staff is even better. Everyone is cheerful and ready to assist in any way possible. Sam and Eva get special recognition for their tireless efforts in suggesting restaurants and activities in the area. The wife and I can get pretty demanding when it comes to restaurants and they made it their mission to not let us down. Mission accomplished!! After three glorious days at the Inn, we leave with some trepidation. How can the accommodations for the rest of our trip measure up to this?? On hind-site, we probably should have made Inn by the Sea our last stop instead of our first. Oh well, you live and learn. read more

My son and his wife and two young children live in Cape Elizabeth not too far from the Inn. My wife and I visited there more than 5 years ago for her birthday, well before our son move there. We had the two children aged 4 months and 2 years 1 month with us for a wonderful brunch. I had eggs benedict and it exceeded expectations both in presentation and taste. My wife had the largest fruit salad I have ever seen served and chock full of fresh fruit. So full we took half with us. Warm blueberry muffins with blueberry butter are always delicious. It is a Maine tradition. The 2 year old enjoyed a pancake. The service is always attentive and the dining room is always warm and inviting with it's view over the grounds to the ocean. read more

Inn by the Sea - Boardwalk from the Inn to the ocean, beautiful every time of the year. Sometimes you need a coat. - Hotels Near Me - Cape Elizabeth, Maine

I was planning a trip with a friend for my birthday in January, and then I decided why not just take advantage of our own gorgeous winter beachscapes right here in Maine? I'd been to the Inn before for happy hour and brunch so I was familiar with the main building and the fabulous view--so for this weekend I booked a Coveside Suite, which is a *huge* 2-bedroom setup with a living room and kitchen, balcony overlooking the snowy lawn and oceanfront, and a gigantic bathroom with both a shower and soaking tub. One bedroom has a king bed and the other two queens, which is perfect for a group of friends (it's not easy to find an arrangement like this). It's all very nicely designed (upscale beachy without being pretentious), and with freezing temperatures and a snowstorm on the way, the fireplace in the living room was the best. Pure hygge! I also recommend taking advantage of the spa, which we did on Saturday, both enjoying wonderful massages (hot rocks nearly had me drooling I was so relaxed). And even if it's cold, you can still tromp around the snow-covered lawn and down to the beach, or bundle up and have a cocktail outside on the deck by a fire pit, which a friend and I braved for awhile because we're weirdos. Large resorts like this can sometimes have food that feels institutional, but that's not the case here at the Sea Glass restaurant, which reliably turns out a nice range of tasty dishes inspired by Maine seafood and produce. I appreciate that there's some overlap between the breakfast/brunch and all-day menus; you can reserve in the restaurant (as we did for Saturday night), eat at the bar (it was hopping on Friday evening, since it's also a destination for locals), or order room service (bless the staff who came out in the cold for us for breakfast!). Everything I had was delicious, with the highlights being a roasted sunchoke appetizer and a hangar steak special with melty Parmesan fries. And I so appreciate the staff, all of whom were friendly and helpful! Service and communication were really top-notch overall, while also being super low-key and relaxed--you never feel the effort behind everything they do to keep things running seamlessly, which is clearly a lot, and that's an art. Pro tip: take advantage of winter rates (and there's an extra little discount for Maine residents, which is nice). Oh, and bring your pooch! The Inn is dog-friendly and there were many happy pups in their winter gear frolicking in the snow. While this was certainly a splurge for me it was one well worth it, and as a local, I'll definitely be back to do so again. read more

Inn by the Sea - S'mortini by the fireplace - Hotels Near Me - Cape Elizabeth, Maine

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From check in to check out an amazing experience! Top notch service, an amazing location, beautiful natural landscaping. The structure is modern, accommodations were luxurious! A 5 star restaurant on site for delicious breakfasts, lunch and gourmet dinners! Close by to downtown Portland! Take a bike ride to nearby parks and lighthouse! Fire pits and s'mores after dark! Walk to beach! Kid and pet friendly! read more

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I inquired to both host my wedding and a room block (separate inquiries, I never heard back on the event side) at Inn by the Sea, a hotel I have attended many events at in the past and a place I grew up admiring. While I understand booking dates and availability, Laurie in the sales office was dismissive and unhelpful. As a catering sales manager in luxury hotels myself, I would never speak to a client in this manner bluntly saying "we are not booking in 2027" after I requested clarification "Thank you for your email. Do (yes, spelled incorrectly) to the size of our property we do not offer courtesy room blocks for events not at the Inn." "If we were to host an event such as a rehearsal dinner or welcome party, what would be the minimum required to host a courtesy block of that size?" "You could potentially book a rehearsal dinner or welcome party if the wedding for that weekend is not having a Friday event and does not have a block of rooms. Currently we are not booking into 2027 so I would not know if that would be available until closer to the date. Rooms are contracted, not courtesy blocks; therefore, there would be a 2-night minimum and a 90% attrition for unused rooms." "I'm a catering sales manager myself in hotels and not understanding what you're saying here. Can you please clarify what you mean by that first paragraph? I understand on the rooms side but if this date is too far out, I'm happy to go elsewhere as other hotels are booking these dates." "We are not booking into 2027 yet." That is the entire conversation. Very disappointing service for a place that wouldn't even offer the opportunity to book with when other similar hotels in the area have opened their books. read more

My husband, I, and our two dogs visited the Inn by the Sea in December and had a lovely time. We stayed in a garden suite room, which was the perfect size for us and had an exit onto a walkway, making it easy for walking our dogs. The room was very clean, quiet, and comfortable. Everyone at the inn was friendly and seemed to love dogs. They really think of everything, providing dog bowls, dog towels, dog beds, bags, information about local vet hospital, treats, and of course the dog friendly beach (in the winter). Sam at the front desk lent us some playing cards and a cribbage board because we forgot ours at home. The restaurant had a lot of gluten free and vegan options and the staff was great at handling food allergies and remember preferences, especially Abby. The dishes we enjoyed the most were the corned beef hash with breakfast, short ribs, and duck. I only wish we had more time to try all of their gluten free/vegan dessert options, the ones we had were amazing! read more

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Stayed during the Big Snow Storm in late January with family for college visits. The staff was extremely helpful giving recommendations for restaurants in town and directions! The staff was always available and accommodative to our needs. The Hot Chocolate Bar in the afternoon with all the fixings and the coffee bar in the morning are a must!!! Just a beautiful spot and we loved the large rooms for all of us to spread out, not to mention the full kitchen! Although we didn't use their snow shoes that were available at the front desk, we made it down to the beach to look for sea shells and take in the views. The price was worth it! We will DEFINITELY make it back! read more

In actuality, we were torn between 3 stars (her) and 4 stars (me). I will start off by saying that the photos and descriptions on the website were a bit misleading. The only category of room I'd consider staying in for a return trip would be the loft suite. All the other rooms are a bit blah compared to the photos we saw. We stayed in a Garden Suite, which looked bright and airy in the photos on their website but was dark, narrow and had low ceilings in person. Upon looking at the photos, I see they used some kind of lens/angle which made the ceilings look a lot higher. There is a small bedroom which has windows that face a parking lot. We heard slamming doors, voices and car alarm beeps all morning. The room felt smaller and more cramped than we expected. The best part of the room was the bathroom which had a glass walled shower and a bathtub. It was spacious and the dimming lights made for a relaxing experience. The L'Occtaine bath products promised on the website were cheap 'Gilchriste & Sommes made in China. The towels and sheets were a bit cheap feeling, as well. There is a door which walks out into a courtyard (no garden?) and there are shared patios with furniture. We wanted to sit outside and enjoy a glass of wine and our neighbors were already there sitting. We skipped it as we would have been literally sitting elbow to elbow having a conversation with strangers. I can't believe they wouldn't invest a few dollars to have privacy dividers between the rooms' patios. How awkward! We are top tier members of the Preferred VIP program, so we normally get room upgrades. We were told the hotel was fully booked (in December) so we were told we were being given a 1 hour late checkout at noon vs. 11 a.m. instead. Um, okaaay. Quite a tradeoff! Also, normally properties give a welcome drink ... not this one. There were little bags of lobster gummy bears at the front desk though. The last gripe I'll mention is off season we were still hit with a $17 resort fee. The pool was closed in December, there was no beach chairs, no valet, no bellman, no shuttle ... so what did our $17 buy us? A ziplock bag of gummy lobsters? These resort fees are getting out of control. It's merely a way for the hotels to justify a lower price up front. What a sham! We mentioned it was a special occasion when booking on the phone and we were not expecting a bottle of wine or a birthday cake be sent to the room ... but not even a card in the room to acknowledge it? Blah. The hotel itself has a classy lobby and was immaculately clean. The staff we encountered during our stay was very friendly and helpful with questions we asked, etc. There is a quarter to half mile trail which leads to the beach and the landscaping of the grounds is nice around the resort. One other note ... finding an Uber into Portland and back isn't always easy. We were a bit nervous because it took us two tries to get an uber into town. It was a $16 trip. Coming back was easier to find but when the driver found out he was heading to Cape Elizabeth, he was a little cranky. It doesn't seem that far when you look at the milage ... but it's an easy 20 minute ride into Portland. Maybe during the summer, or if you stay in a loft room, this place is better. We felt that for over $330 in December, the value was not great. Next time we'd stay in Portland. It wasn't as close as we thought to the beach and the room was half as cool as it looked in the photos. It's classy and clean and there are little touches like birdwatching binoculars in the room but we did not feel like the price justified the experience. read more

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Beautiful property inside and out! The service was great and the food was very delicious! The five star rating is a reflection of one individual; Danila. He was great and went above and. Dying so that our experience was exquisite and it certainly was. I shared the news with the manager, Cheyenne and she was thrilled and grateful for the feedback. Can't wait to go back! Enjoy! read more

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Beautiful location, quiet on a Saturday noon for lunch (off season) with excellent service and delicious food. Fried Haddock was perfect-- light, not too greasy, fish perfectly cooked. My husband tried his first lobster roll-- happy! The chicken sandwich was over the top-- piece of chicken was twice the size of the bun and perfectly cooked. Cauliflower raclette appetizer was my favorite. View is nice out the window with lots of families and dogs on the grounds to entertain. We will come again! read more

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This review is solely for the spa. I had made a booking 2 months in advance for an afternoon appointment the day after Christmas, just prior to leaving the country. When I returned on Christmas and double checked my confirmation email, the time was wildly incorrect - for 9 am. It being a holiday, the spa was closed. When I spoke with the manager the day-of, I was informed that I would be issued not even a partial refund for the VERY expensive services booked ($456) for an error that THEY had made. It is no surprise that this business is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau. read more

The staff is very welcoming and accommodating! Everyone is so nice! We came with our two dogs and they were made to feel right at home. We had the Beach Suite. The room quite nice and the view spectacular! We would go to the lounge for food and drinks - as you can bring your pets in there. Again, the staff were attentive and very welcoming. The service, the drinks and the food were all excellent! Overall it was an excellent trip. We are looking forward to a return trip! read more

I stayed at Inn by the Sea early in July and had a great experience. The hotel was welcoming, clean, and well appointed. We loved the large room that we stayed in. The located provided the picturesque setting we were looking for, and the proximity to downtown Portland was a quick 15-minute ride. We loved sitting in the Adirondack chairs all over the property. The pool was nice too, but the pool chairs were not very comfortable. That was our only complaint. My husband and I agreed that we would gladly return to the Inn on a future trip. read more

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Excellent stay. Staff was very friendly. Dining was outstanding. A lot of attention to detail, e.g., a rolled up shower rug in front of the shower you can easily unroll with your feet without bending over and unfolding it. The grounds were very nice and overall quiet. If I'm looking for a negative the only thing I can think of is that we were on the third floor and a couple of the rooms actually have a forth floor... well we had one of these third floors and someone with a herd of kids decided to book the forth floor... sounded like they just let them wrestle till 1am up there. read more

Inn by the Sea - Dining was excellent. This is the cod. - Hotels Near Me - Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Where to begin... This situation is so entirely ABSURD. It's a long read, so settle in with your popcorn and wine and I can guarantee you will be just as dumbfounded as I am. Yesterday, I booked a "Corner Room" for a one-night stay in September with my husband and two corgis. I followed the booking link directly from the Inn's website which allowed me to select the Corner Room AND select that I was bringing my pets. A few hours later I received a call from Alex at the front desk. Alex told me that the Corner Room was no longer available and I would have to upgrade to a Garden Suite for an additional TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS to bring my pets along. I decided to wait for the manager to come in that evening. In the interim I posted a poll on my personal Instagram page asking my friends if they thought this was a fee the inn should cover or if I should cough up the $200. The Instagram page for Inn by the Sea Maine proceeded to VOTE that I should cough up the $200. The inappropriateness of this is mind blowing. The audacity! Eventually, I was able to get in touch with the manager, Annie, to express that I did not think it was my responsibility as a customer (with an existing confirmation # and email) to pay the additional fee for the upgrade that was not my choice or fault. Annie tried to tell me that "they always recommend guests call to confirm when booking with pets." I reviewed the booking site and it does not say that anywhere that I could see. Also, as a first time guest, how would I know that if the actual booking site does not state that? Annie proceeded to tell me I could have the room for a $100 upgrade instead of $200. Again, for something that WAS NOT my fault. I declined this offer. Then, the kicker you have all been waiting for, I asked Annie about her social media personnel. I proceeded to tell her how unprofessional I thought it was that their Instagram manager would engage on a poll on social media. Annie tried to tell me that "their marketing manager would never do that because she's SO professional and has been there 16 years." Not sure what being somewhere for 16 years has to do with it? I asked Annie for her email address so I could send her screenshots of PROOF. I sent those along and she said she would get back to me this morning. By early afternoon I had not heard back from Annie so I gave the front desk a ring. I called twice in which my call went unanswered, but mysteriously 5 minutes later Annie called. I'm inclined to believe my calls were being screened, although of course that I have no proof of. When Annie and I spoke she told me she reviewed my photos and spoke with her marketing manager and she believes the marketing manager never voted on my poll. Yet, I still have LITERAL PROOF. Annie again stood by her stance that her marketing manager is so professional and would never do that. She stated maybe it was an accident. I find it hard to believe it was an accident that my poll had 2 votes for "I should pay the $200" and 56 votes for "the inn should pay" and one of those votes 2 was an "accident" by the inn. Do yourself a favor, book somewhere else that treats their customers with respect and integrity. This is a business focused solely on profit and defending inappropriate actions by employees. read more

Inn by the Sea - Hotels Near Me - Cape Elizabeth, Maine

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This place is fantastic but I have a special connection to it. My first time to this beautiful inn was 4 1/2 years ago when my boyfriend surprised me with a 2 night romantic getaway. It was February and we stayed in a gorgeous two bedroom suite with our six month old poodle puppy. For some reason the weather was unseasonably warm and we even got to enjoy a bottle of wine on our little deck patio. One night we enjoyed dinner at the hotel and the second night we did take out and enjoyed the beautifully appointed living room space. Great jacuzzi tub by the way! Fast forward to January of this year :-)... He surprised me with another getaway this time to celebrate my birthday. It was fun to have a s'mores / fire pit and socialize with some of the other guests. The real surprise was around sunset when we walked to the beach and he got down on one knee and proposed :-) at the top of the dune over looking the beach! We will never forget this beautiful inn by the sea and will definitely be back for anniversaries to come! read more

The food was superb. View breathtaking. Service was impressive- they walked us all the way around the back of the inn for easier wheelchair access. The " regular " entrance was accessible-ish- narrow doorway and high thresholds. But they realized we struggled and said when you're ready to go we will help you go an easier way. And he chatted amicably as we strolled around. read more

Having spent many trips to Inn by the Sea this was a mixed bag experience. The accommodations were exquisite, with a third floor end unit in the cottage building furthest from main building. The furnishings and layout was perfect and the outdoor porch and view was outstanding. The cleaning service could have been better especially since it is a "beach property" I would have appreciated a more thorough vacuum of the main living area. The kitchen had the right appliances for a short term stay, but the espresso machine needed restocking daily rather than having to request coffee pods. Front end staff was professional and friendly. They were certainly welcoming, but we were also a repeat stay with multiple units, so it was expected. What was not expected or logical was the restaurant staff and restaurant manager who consistently demonstrated a "can't do attitude"! The refusal to pull two tables together on the porch was explained many by servers in two different ways: first, we cant pull tables together because it will make it unsafe.(?) second, we just do not do it. When trying to reserve a table for 10 rather than 9, we were told that we could have a 6-top and a 4-top ONLY. I asked to speak with the Restaurant Manager, since this was a family gathering and we needed to sit together. He took ten minutes to emerge, during a period after lunch and before dinner when only one guest was seated in the entire place. I was simply asking if it was really impossible to seat us together outdoors, hoping that there may have been a miscommunication amongst the servers. He listened to my question as well as my curiosity regarding the unwillingness to seat us, and his only explanation was "We just do not do that". I removed myself from the conversation because I was frankly shocked in the reply. Because our party could only be 9ppl, I withdrew myself from the count and found dinner elsewhere that evening. The manager was aware that we would not be able to have a full family meal outdoors and simple did not care. In fact, it was revealed to me after I returned from dinner downtown, that when the party arrived for their dinner reservation- it had been cancelled, BY THE MANAGER I SPOKE TO. At no point did I ask to cancel the reservation, which was made by our hosts, who by the way were treating us all (5 units three nights each). I came back to enjoy drinks outdoors with my family and was shocked that the staff and especially bartender (after being well-tipped) refused to serve us and literally said they had to clean up. Our group was outdoors around a fire pit and the staff was belligerent and indifferent. In fact, they did close up, lights out, etc but left without shutting off the gas heaters. One of our group is a firefighter so he shut them all down. The front end staff was aware of the restaurant complaint but only offered to suggest a place for me to eat, when I explained that I would have to go elsewhere. There was a disconnect between the customer service at the front end and at the restaurant. While the front end staff exceeded expectations regarding service , the restaurant staff including the Restaurant Manager were intentionally and proudly non-welcoming to guests. read more

The location was gorgeous! The beach trail and beach access alone was so beautiful and peaceful. We went in September, and the pool was closed- Id love to go back in the summer time. The room was nice enough, but they definitely let animals stay in rooms, at least the room we got because it smelled a bit like dog. No big deal, but something to be aware of and maybe something you can possibly avoid. Staff were great- friendly and committed to hospitality. Loved the breakfast here and the laid back vibe in general of Cape Elizabeth. A gem. read more

Even on a freezing, overcast day, this place was incredible. Amazing service, exquisite food. We had lunch before having massages at the spa and it made for a GREAT afternoon. read more

I've been going to the Inn By The Sea for years. Yes, I've noticed a decline in everything. But the location brought me back for my last visit. We rented the king suite 2 floors $750 a night Upon entering room we could smell the smell of dead dog, yes you got that right. Dead dog, not wet dog. They couldn't move our room till next day. I was sick from the smell all night. The windows are filthy, screens ripped, bed linen had balls all over it. It was by far the grossest room I've been in. They moved us next day to a better room, and gave us a free breakfast for our troubles. We don't eat breakfast, so it wasn't really a gift for us. Don't waste your hard earned money. And you better love dogs here because they bark all night and roam the premises. read more

We typically go off season to avoid the tourists. The rooms are very spacious, comfortable and inviting. The grounds are well kept and the views are so relaxing. The restaurant has many tasty items whether it is breakfast or dinner. The staff is just so friendly. It's a beautiful spot to get away. read more

One again, Inn By The Sea was a beautiful, treasured getaway for our family (including our family dog!). This Inn is beautiful inside and out with views of the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean a short walk away. We have started coming here twice a year and it is always a renewing and fun experience for our family. The staff are highly responsive and friendly and just do a remarkable job keeping things so lovely every day. read more

I'm not even sure where to start with this review because every aspect of Inn By the Sea is absolutely incredible. We booked an overnight in the Cove Suite with our 10 week old pup. I have been to Inn By the Sea before for breakfast so I already knew I was in for a treat! We were warmly greeted when we arrived and were brought to our room. The Cove Suite overlooks the courtyard and has a breathtaking view of the water. Waiting in the room was a dog cookie and a welcome note. Small touches were scattered around the room and that meant so much. Our pup enjoyed the cookie so much we ended up taking one to go. The room was spacious and modern. They have reusable glass water bottles, and small bag to take home unused soap. Their green initiative is evident throughout the resort but it doesn't take away from the experience. The room we stayed in sleeps about 4-6 people. As you can see from the attached pictures the details are what makes your stay here so special. Once settled in we went for dinner at the Sea Glass Restaurant which is literally a few feet from the room. The food was beyond my expectations. Each dish was presented with thoughtfulness and precision. Chef Brown and Chadwick have put together an exceptional menu that incorporates local produce and will keep you coming back for more. I think my photos speak for themselves. I truly cant wait to go back! read more

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Beautiful location, exceptional staff, delicious food!! Looking for a romantic quick getaway, this is the place!

The entire staff has one agenda. Their patrons. They are not only pet friendly but usually have a dog from the local ASPCA to get and give love and to possibly get adopted. Last night was a"paring" dinner with Sroudwater Distillery. Chef Chadwick and his team performed magic. Steve from the distillery perfectly paired the food with cocktails. Their distillery tour is on our agenda for today. Come and experience how you should be treated read more

Such an amazing experience here! Got the honor of proposing to my fiancée this weekend on their private beach at sunset with almost no one around. Our loft room was spectacular, with a balcony overlooking the lawns and ocean, amazing Jett tub and bathroom, and super great space overall. The inn was beautiful decorated and the staff went above and beyond. So happy with this spot read more

We really love staying at Inn byThe Sea. The oceanfront rooms with fireplaces are perfect! This time they moved us into a condo which was lovely. The only drawback was the condo stairs which we both have difficulty with. We had reservations for three nights which they cancelled due to a storm causing power failure. We made other arrangements in Portland and asked to be notified if they got power. We were told that they cancelled our reservation so never told us when power returned Thursday morning. A friend informed us of the power return but it was too late to change our current reservations for Thursday night. We were at least able to stay Friday, our last night in town. The sheets on our beds had pills, were worn and scratchy, making it very uncomfortable to sleep. This did not occur on our previous stay. Perhaps housekeeping needs to discard the old bed linen. The restaurant food was exceptional as was the service. Breakfast prices were a little too pricey. $10. for a bowl of venue soatmeal? Really? One doesn't mind paying a little strange more for dinner. It was well worth it! My husbands Dogfish was superb. My apple salad and clam chowder was also very good. Be sure not to miss the s'mores you can roast out back during the evening. Flashlights are available for those who don't see well at night. This venue pays great attention to detail and customer service! We look forward to our next visit. read more

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Sadly, not as described. We called to confirm with the Inn that we would be able to get everything we wanted. After being reassured over the phone that we would have an amazing water view from our bedroom on the upper level we agreed to upgrade from a traditional room to a suite. We were also assured that would be a fireplace. Needless say we were looking forward to coming here for a long weekend of relaxation after overseas travel. But it was not to be. Things always look better in the dark. It was dark when we arrived and were shown to the room. Soon after that we fell sleep immediately given our long day of travel. Upon checking we were told by the person escorting us that once the shades were up in the morning we would have amazing view of the water. The bed was adequate. Not close to the best I have ever slept in, but adequate. And upon waking up everything went sideways. We could hear some banging and I was not sure where that was coming from. I went down to open the windows and discovered that our upstairs bedroom suite looked out at construction on the property. If I went over to the railing and tilted my head I could see the water -- or if I went over and sat on the stairs. Downstairs on the small deck you could see the water but we were also directly above the swimming pool. When we called in we told them we wanted quiet and privacy. To me that does not sound like looking at a construction and being above the swimming pool. I had also ordered ahead online a plate of warm brownies. Nowhere to be found and never to be mentioned again. There was also no fireplace. We asked to be moved in the morning and were told they could show us some other rooms later in the afternoon that may be more suitable that that none of the rooms would have a water view from upstairs. I was left scratching my head and wondering why we bothered to upgrade when everything we were told was not true. No view from the bedroom. No fireplace. No brownies I ordered. This point we were over it and we wanted to go somewhere to get exactly what we wanted so we checked out. Not only was there not much in the way of apology, but the hotel adjusted our rates and billed us for over $500 for less than 12 hours. It was supposed to be a four night stay with much lower average rate. I understand the night we came was probably the most expensive night but obviously nothing was as described and come on, least you could have done was adjust the bill before sliding across the counter to me. When I voiced my displeasure they took $100 off. Wow, thanks. If not for their misrepresentation of the room over the phone and when we checked in we never would have been there at all. Overall, very disappointing. But I could not be more glad that we left and cut our losses when we did. We are now staying somewhere that is more expensive, but that was never the issue. I have absolutely no problem paying top dollar for an experience that I want. But I do have a problem with is being told one thing, more than once, and having exactly the opposite delivered. As a business owner myself I also am keenly aware of the need to make a situation right. Not only was there no empathy here, but there was no effort made. I realize tons of people seem to think this place is great but I would never come back and would never recommend it. Maybe my standards are just too high. But what they say about luxury experience is that it's not about paying the most amount of money -- it's about getting exactly what you want or at least exactly what is promised and then being willing to pay for it because you are happy. Here I got nothing that I wanted despite what was promised and left incredibly unhappy. As an aside, when we came in there was a great deal of noise in the lobby/restaurant area. It pretty much shattered the idea of quiet inn. The gentleman showing us upstairs nervously laughed and said that these were locals celebrating there Friday night and it's usually not this loud. When we got off the elevator on the second floor we could still hear them. Thankfully we were down around the corner so we could not hear them in our room but I would imagine if you had a room here in the top of the stairs and near the elevator this would be incredibly annoying. read more

We stayed here last night and could not be more impressed! The food, the room, the views, the customer service were phenomenal. We loved every minute and the price was well worth the investment! We'd stop here again just to dine at the restaurant- the vegan food was exceptional and they even made us custom items too. read more

This is a beautiful property with gorgeous landscaping. However, be warned that beachfront suites are not on the beach (nor are the cabanas). They overlook a marsh. Walls and ceiling are so thin you can hear your neighbors every move. We literally say 'bless you' when they sneeze! Floors are sticky. Suite living area space is not as big as it looks online. Seaside patios are very nice but again we are listening to our neighbors. For this price, go elsewhere. We are celebrating my mom's 80th birthday, and asked for the best room possible (her room is exactly like mine - probably my fault for getting sold a bill of goods by the reservation person who told me they'd be on the end and not noticing the same price). We made Sea Glass reservations for the first night and sat outside freezing (ok if they'd warned us). The food was excellent, as was our server. Overall, I'm not really sure how this place gets such great reviews. It's okay, but not great. I'm really disappointed. I have never written a hotel review before, but it seems like people need to know what they're getting (at this price, you can do much better - perhaps being short walk to beach will make it worth it for some) read more

According to their website, this hotel bills itself as "Maine's Luxury Pet-Friendly Maine (sic) Beach Resort," however I found that to be a bit far-fetched. While the grounds are lovely and the setting very tranquil, please note the following when bringing your furry friend with you, especially if you book the INNcredible Pet Package as we did. According to the package, taken directly from their website from today, the package offers: 1. Two nights in a single bedroom suite accommodation --- TRUE 2. Inn by the Sea dog bowl --- TRUE, but used. 3. Personalized L.L. Bean dog bed --- FALSE; despite telling them our choice of colors from blue, green, or tan and our dogs name, upon arrival were told a bed would be shipped to our home address and given another used dog bed from a previous guest apparently named "SENGE" 4. One 30-minute in-room doggie massage --- FALSE; upon trying to book this, we were told that they no longer offer this due to ME law in that such services need to be performed by a vet; Even this in-room services menu lists the "pet massage" to a number which reached grounds 5. Nightly selection from our gourmet pet menu --- TRUE 6. Nightly pet turndown service including locally made pet treat --- FALSE; they just give you two biscuits which our dogs didn't particularly care for. So if you're booking dog package, note that you're only paying extra for a used dog bowl, two biscuits, and a nightly meal...MOREOVER: Even if you're not paying the pet package, note that the only place the pups can eat with you are in the lounge and out on the small terrace which seemling seat a maximum of 20 guests. The first night we arrived, a local wedding party - who were NOT guest of the hotel, just going to hang out - took over the lounge. We brought our dog down to eat with us and were told they wouldn't be able to accomodate us. When I told the manager the bride (who was SUPER nice) told me she "just lived a mile down the road" he told me he wasn't aware of their party (but was aware of another birthday party) and said could setup a table for us in the foyer. PASS. We are paying guests of the hotel. If a wedding party is going to take over an entire space, minimally we should be made aware of this booking. His other option was to tell us we were "welcome to use in room dining." Defeated, and exhausted, we gave in. And my fiance's burger was crumbling and cold when delivered. We are incredible disappointed as we had such high hopes for this place based on previous reviews. If you're not traveling with you dog and are making use of the beach, then perhaps the price you pay would be warranted. But, off season, and if traveling with your dog, I would highly recommend staying in many of the other dog-friendly hotels nearby, just up the road in Portland. EDIT: Based on Michael's response, stating the dog massage was removed two years ago, I wanted to point out at least two places on their site which still clearly list it as included in the package on this page https://www.innbythesea.com/about/pet-friendly-beach-resort and when booking the room using code "PET." I took a screenshot of both of them: https://i.imgur.com/0ZzmAen.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Is8vUjH.jpg These are in addition to the in room compendium that lists the service, but when you dial to book it, you're connected with the hotel's groundskeeping. read more

The Inn by the Sea will forever hold a special place in my heart, because it's where we adopted our first dog, Rocky (previously known as Lucky), in July 2017. Their foster program with the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland is an amazing concept and without it I don't think we would have ever taken the plunge. We were here for a wedding at the time, and I regretted not booking a room at the hotel during that visit. We finally made it back for a night in March 2019, and for a full weekend at the end of May. I cannot get over how accommodating they are to pets. There were dog towels, bowls, and treats waiting for the pups when we got here. They ask you don't leave the dogs unattended if you leave the premises (understandable, especially as ours would just bark the whole time) but arranged for a pet sitter to stay with them while we went out to dinner! And it was only $10 an hour! The staff is super friendly, and the premises are quite beautiful. You have great views of crescent beach, and there are a ton of scenic places to walk the dogs. I am also a big fan of the Sea Glass restaurant, and have eaten there for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The bar has fantastic cocktails, but this visit when I couldn't partake they were so nice to whip up a mocktail for me. The Inn by the Sea is the perfect weekend getaway for us, and we will definitely continue to visit whenever we get a chance. read more

This is just a dining review. As a local, I've dined at the Inn many times over several decades. But dinner on the outside terrace this week with visiting friends from out of town was like something out of a bad sitcom. First, there was a long wait just to get drinks menus. Then, as we began our appetizers we found ourselves overwhelmed by perhaps fifteen children screaming and yelling and playing ball within about 10 feet from our table, and this went on and on and on, while their parents appeared to be at the farthest end of the large back lawn of the Inn. When we gently asked the waitress if perhaps the management might just ask the kids to play somewhat farther away from the dinner area, or ask the parents to have them do so, we were told that the Inn's policy was to let children do whatever they wanted to do, "to have happy memories of their visit to Maine." So then, after an unusually long wait, the main dishes arrived...well, 2 of the 3 did. No explanation. By the time two of us had completely finished our mains, the third main had still not appeared. We were then told that the chef didn't like the way the fish looked so wanted to start all over. The waitress asked if the diner who was waiting wanted anything during the ensuing long delay and she asked for "half a glass of additional wine." When the check later arrived, we were charged for it. (Her husband was also given the wrong sauce on his steak, with the waitress excusing the mistake by saying that the two sauces sounded very similar). Finally, as the long waiting guest was finishing her main, which she ate fairly quickly, the waitress told us that the dinner service was ending and suggested it was time that we left. All quite unbelievably poor from both the front and back of the house. It will be a long, long time before I venture back. read more

One of my favorite places that I've ever stayed! The staff was phenomenal. The other guests were beyond kind. The room and grounds were beautiful. Restaurant waiters and the good phenomenal - ask for Scott as your waiter, he's wonderful! If you don't love dogs, though, it may not be the place for you. Very dog friendly and there were many staying there. Hard to beat the views, nice Adirondack and other lounge chairs outside, or the nighttime s'mores! Highly recommend. I can't wait until I can stay again, read more

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Great place to visit. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable about things to do in the area. Short walk to the beach. Fire pits were on at night. The coffee and hot chocolate bars were nice. This is a hidden gem. Definitely plan on visiting in the warmer months. read more

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Do not stay on the lower level. It is NOT a relaxing experience... the noise level from families walking above you is TERRIBLE! Forget sleeping.... it will NOT HAPPEN. read more

We just had a wonderful stay at the Inn by the Sea! We stayed in an ocean view loft suite. It was lovely! We also enjoyed the restaurant during our stay - we had one dinner, brunch and breakfast. The room was beautiful, tastefully decorated and comfortable. Best view was from the upstairs loft. Staff was completely delightful and helpful. Our meals were creative and delicious. We enjoyed some new dishes and also a couple of standard New England fare, which I would call "elevated" classic New England food. We enjoyed the owner's art collection placed around the property as well as the subtle ways they choose to be sustainable. A perfect weekend get away. We've stayed in a lot of New England Inns - this has all the classic touches, but has raised the bar in food, decor and service. read more

Autumn in Maine is my absolute favorite-- the traffic and wait times due to tourism ebbs and well loved places like the Inn still serve brunch on the sun-drenched patio and even welcome friendly dogs year round. My rescue lab Casco lays in a fur puddle by my feet while I feed him bits of egg. The chef has a special menus just for dogs if he wanted his own brunch entree. Chilly start to the fall? Blankets by request. After a delicious meal with friends, we walk closer to the beach and the inn's heated pool is even open at the end of the season for our four-legged friends. Five star hospitality and service for humans and our better halves as well. read more

This is a very rare treat in Maine. Fine service, nice wine list, decent food, a sizable porch area with some ocean view, a boardwalk down to the crescent beach and...dog friendly! That is right! Brunch is best. They now have a funny dog brunch menu...uh no thank you, but a giggle. Great place, please try it out and dont let the fancy hotel scare you away. Prices are similar to other places in Portland these days. read more