The Kennebunk Inn Rating: 3.0 Pearls

Kennebunk, Maine, United States

The Front Porch

Originally built as a private residence in 1799, the building was converted to a hotel in 1928. It still retains a homey vibe, with rocking chairs on a pretty front porch, decorative fireplaces and clawfoot bathtubs in some rooms, and eclectic decor like floral wallpaper and antique-looking furniture throughout. Rooms were showing a bit of wear and tear during our visit, but they underwent soft renovations in early 2012 (updates included fresh paint, wallpaper, and new heaters as needed).

The property has changed hands many times over the years and current innkeepers Brian and Shanna O'Hea are also professional chefs who bring their talents to Academe restaurant, which features renowned cuisine. Popular with locals, it's not uncommon for the place to be packed on the weekends.

If paranormal activity is your thing, keep an eye out for the ghost of Silas Perkins, who reportedly hangs out in the hotel.

View on a Larger Map

The Kennebunk Inn stands on bustling Main Street in downtown Kennebunk, just adjacent to Kennebunkport. Famous for being the summer home for George H.W. Bush, Kennebunkport is a quaint Maine town chock full of shops, galleries, restaurants, and beautiful coastlines.

While other parts of Maine are accessible by public transportation such as buses and trains, Kennebunkport is an area where you'll definitely need a car to get around. It's not a bad jumping off point for visiting other towns, either. Check out Ogunquit, known for its long stretches of sandy beaches and as Maine's biggest LGBT destination. Or head south to York to check out the famed Cape Neddick Lighthouse.

If you crave a little more city life, head north and you'll hit Portland, the largest city in Maine. There you can visit the historic Old Port district along the Harbor, or the Arts District along Congress Street and get your fill of food, shopping, and sightseeing. Highlights include great restaurants, historic parks, and baseball games at Hadlock Field (home of the Portland Sea Dogs).

• 35-minute drive to Portland International Jetport
• 100-minute drive to Logan International Airport in Boston
• 7-minute drive to downtown Kennebunkport with shops, dining, and galleries
• 10-minute drive to Mother's Beach, Middle Beach, and Gooch's Beach
• 20-minute drive to Old Orchard Beach
• 25-minute drive to the seaside town of Ogunquit, with charming shops and galleries
• 35-minute drive to Portland, with shops, restaurants, and Hadlock Field stadium
• 45-minute drive to York, with beaches, hiking trails, historic buildings, and Cape Neddick Lighthouse
• 100-minute drive to Boston

The Madison Suite #22

No two rooms are exactly alike in size and decor. Simply decorated without a lot of extras, the rooms have wood furnishings, light colored walls, and standard beds that are comfortable, but lack plush pillowtop mattresses and luxe comforters. Given the historic nature of the building, the rooms can be quirky in shape, and some have low ceilings which may make taller guests feel a little claustrophobic. Some rooms were showing signs of wear and tear during our visit, but they received soft updates in early 2012, such as fresh paint and wallpaper.

The most affordable rooms are admittedly small, and some bathrooms are downright tiny.

The suites are good choice for families, with full kitchenettes and multiple beds.

• Free Wi-Fi
• We Live Like This brand bath products
• Flat-screen TVs with premium channels
• No coffeemakers, but coffee and tea served in the lobby
• Due to historic nature of the building, size of rooms and bathrooms can vary greatly (some bathrooms are tiny, others are large)
• Some rooms and bathrooms are in need of renovations, which are scheduled for winter 2012
• Some rooms have antique clawfoot tubs, others have shower stalls only
• Some rooms have kitchenettes with refrigerators, sinks, and microwaves
• Pet-friendly rooms available, fees and restrictions apply
• Light sleepers may not want a room facing the parking lot, as there is a weekly farmer's market that starts setting up at 7am on Saturdays

• Free Wi-Fi
• Free passes (with a refundable deposit) to local Kennebunk beaches - Mother's, Parson's, and Gooch's.
• No pool or gym, discounted access to Quest Fitness (with classes, salt water indoor pool) that is one mile away
• View full list of amenities

Academe is open for lunch and dinner daily, serving New England cuisine in a brasserie-style atmosphere. It is very popular with locals and very busy on weekends, even during slow seasons.