The Anchorage By the Sea

Located on a two-lane, tree-lined street, Anchorage by the Sea is a charming two-story complex with white-wood balconies and a large front lawn with lounge chairs and seating to take in the beautiful Ogunquit beach view. The quaint lobby is classically furnished, unassuming, and comfortable. Across from the wood-accented front desk and corner display case that holds hotel souvenirs is a small sitting area with a fireplace. The large outdoor grounds provide ample space, a Marginal Way walking path along the beach, and bright blue lounge chairs scattered about.

Shore Road is the anchor of this Maine hotel that faces the ocean but does not have direct beach access. In the summer months, traffic on the small road can become congested. But there are shops, art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, all within walking distance. The Wild Blueberry restaurant is a two-minute stroll from the hotel. It's a four-minute drive, or 14-minute walk, to Perkin's Cove, where guests can charter fishing and cruise boats or dine at Jackie's Too and MC Perkins Cove. The Marginal Way walking path leads to public beaches. The Ogunquit Playhouse is five minutes by car, and the Ogunquit Memorial Library is two minutes on foot. For relaxation and luxury, the Genesis Day Spa and 5 Elements Healing Center are within a three-minute walk.

Rooms are large and match the hotel's Maine decor, with white beachy furniture and traditional decorations and furnishings that are welcoming and bright. Some rooms have fireplaces, views of the beach, whirlpool tubs, patios, gardens, living rooms, and kitchens with microwaves and two-burner stoves. Bathrooms are bright and clean with modern fixtures. The Towers rooms have sleeker, more stylish furniture, such as upholstered blue headboards and chic balcony chairs. All rooms are soundproofed, have flat-screen TVs, safes, free Wi-Fi, and mini refrigerators.

The Anchorage by the Sea has a lovely indoor pool with a hot tub, comfortable seating, fresh towels and arched windows that look onto the outdoor hot tub with its small waterfall that flows into another medium-size pool. The outdoor pool area is surrounded by turquoise lounge chairs and awnings, a white fence and semi-covered terrace seating. Near the lawn, there's a third hot tub, with an adjoining fountain, that's open seasonally. The hotel draws families, which means the common areas can become crowded and noisy with children. A meeting room with audiovisual equipment and optional catering is available, and it can fit up to 35 people. Seasonal outdoor activities, such as painting and yoga, are added bonuses.