Port Inn Kennebunk, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member

Despite having motel-style exterior corridors, this quiet inn exudes a charming and appealing ambience. It’s surrounded by a spacious parking lot and large, grassy area that’s ideal for walking the many dogs staying here. The lobby is inviting and contemporary, with lots of windows, tan tile floors, and modern crystal chandeliers. A cluster of comfy sofas and love seats faces a gas fireplace. The walls are decorated by outstanding photos of spectacular Maine outdoor scenes provided by local photographers. Overall, it’s a friendly and relaxing place where any traveler should feel welcome.

Port Inn is in a quiet location that’s set a bit back off busy York Street (Route 1) that runs through the heart of downtown Kennebunk, which is less than one mile (a two-minute drive) north. A couple of casual restaurants are within five minutes or less on foot, but generally you’ll need a car to make the most of your stay here. It’s a 12-minute drive to Kennebunkport and its many shops, restaurants, and galleries. Popular beaches like Gooch’s Beach, Mother’s Beach, and Middle Beach are approximately 15 minutes away by car. Portland (Maine’s largest city) and its airport are about 35 minutes away. Boston Logan International Airport is a 90-minute drive. 

The clean and quiet rooms have a tasteful, contemporary decor featuring two-tone brown carpet and matching wood furniture (that includes headboards and desk with office chairs) with an espresso finish. Despite soft gold wallpaper and white duvets, the rooms are a bit dark, due in part to soft lighting and smallish windows. Pops of needed color come from handsome aqua blue bed throws and framed photos of Maine’s spectacular outdoors. Standard Rooms have plenty of space, with even the Double Queen units offering enough room for large armchairs. Larger King Efficiency Rooms feature kitchens with granite counters, wet bars, cooktops, coffeemakers, and modern stainless steel appliances that include dishwashers, mini-fridges, and microwaves. Standard Rooms include stainless steel mini-fridges and microwaves, along with coffeemakers and Starbucks coffee. Flat-screen TVs, iHome docking stations, and free Wi-Fi also are standard amenities. Some rooms have granite vanities placed immediately outside the bathrooms, while other bathrooms have vanities inside. With either option, the bathrooms are average in size and have shower/tub combos lined by white subway tile. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. Most rooms have pleasant views over the hotel's lawn and trees. Please note that there is no elevator service to rooms on the second floor. 

This quaint, limited-service property has several value-added amenities, including a free breakfast buffet that includes eggs, waffles, and other hot dishes. Coffee is free throughout the day, and vending machines are on-site for cold drinks. Parking, Wi-Fi, and weekday newspapers are free. The outdoor heated pool is seasonal and has plenty of room for a good swim. It’s surrounded by loungers and nice landscaping. A coin-operated washer/dryer set is available for guests to use, as is a computer and printer. Parking is free and there are electric vehicle charging stations. Pets are welcome with a surcharge and certain restrictions.