Hampton Inn & Suites Wells-Ogunquit

The Hampton Inn & Suites Wells-Ogunquit is one of the more modern and well-kept of the chain's many outposts. The charming lobby lounge features a dual fireplace, tall ceilings, and stylish blue and earth-tone chairs and stools. Vibrant patterns add even more character to the interiors, as do the sharp wooden light fixtures, which create a coastal-quaint vibe. “Welcome to the Wells” is written on the dark blue wall behind the front desk, while attractive black-and-white pictures of maritime scenes and antique light fixtures remind guests of where they are. There's plenty of space to sit and wait while guests check in, or to kick back with a coffee -- it's honestly that appealing. A brick terrace at the rear of the property has patio furniture and benches and surrounded by nicely manicured gardens. Keep in mind that, depending on the season, rates here can be quite high (though that's typical for the area). That, combined with the polished look, make the atmosphere here more upmarket than its category might suggest, and guests are predominantly vacationing couples and families.

Located on busy Route 1, this hotel is situated nearly equidistant between the coastal resort towns of Kennebunkport and Ogunquit. It's only five minutes on foot to Wells Shopping Plaza, which has restaurants, shops, and a Flagship Cinemas, while Breton’s Bike and Fly Shop is down the street. Wells Beach is a five-minute drive from the hotel and there are plenty of wildlife reserves in the immediate area that are also easily reached by car. Downtown Ogunquit -- which is home to the Ogunquit Playhouse, Ogunquit Museum of American Art, and Ogunquit Memorial Library -- is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Perkins Cove and Kennebunkport are both about 15 minutes away by car. It's a 50-minute drive to Portland from here, which is home to the closest airport. The drive to Boston takes 90 minutes, for those flying in and out of Logan International Airport.

The hotel’s 87 contemporary rooms are as much of a step-up for this chain as the hotel's common areas. The look is handsome and homey, with classic mid-tone wood that has an almost Shaker look, plus deep color palettes that make liberal use of brown and dark blue-gray tones. King or queen beds are made with attractive white linens and sit under sharp wooden headboards, while a subtle damask-print carpet complements the dark nickel lamps and light fixtures. Tasteful nautical paintings hang on the wall, adding a further dash of local character. 

All rooms have 25-inch or 32-inch flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, mini-fridges, microwaves, and irons. Smoking and non-smoking rooms are available. There are whirlpool tubs by the beds in Jacuzzi Rooms -- a slight throwback touch that's either appealing or dated depending on the guest. One-Bedroom Suites have separate bedrooms and wet bars in living rooms. Bathrooms include spacious granite vanities, shower/tub combos, and hairdryers. Neutrogena toiletries come standard. ADA accessible rooms have more space for wheelchairs and handlebars in bathrooms. 

This Hampton has almost every amenity travelers familiar with the brand would expect, in a nicer package than at some of its other properties. Features include an indoor pool and hot tub that has a more polished look than many of its competitors, with a classy travertine deck around the perimeter. Overlooking the pool is the small gym that stays open late -- it includes a few modern cardio machines and limited set of free weights. A free hot breakfast, including waffles, is served in the mornings in the lobby and on the weekdays a bagged takeaway option is available. The business center is attractive, with dark wood cabinets, but only has one computer and a printer. There's also free hotel-wide Wi-Fi. Meetings of up to 100 people can be held in the hotel’s conference room. The on-site mini-mart -- Suite Shop -- sells snacks, beverages, souvenirs, and toiletries 24/7. It's a convenient addition, as is the hotel's coin-operated laundry room. Parking at the hotel is free, and a local area shuttle is provided for free.