Pros

  • Scenic waterfront location in Kennebunkport
  • Big heated outdoor saltwater swimming pool
  • Private sandy beach steps from the hotel
  • Free Wi-Fi and buffet breakfast
  • Sunny front porch with wicker chairs
  • Convenient poolside Marine Room Lounge
  • Pets allowed, for a fee
  • Family-owned property with green initiatives
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Cons

  • Not open year-round (open from mid-May through late October)
  • Minimum stay sometimes required
  • No TVs or air-conditioning in the main building rooms
  • Some small rooms and bathrooms
  • No fitness center or spa
  • Some guests complain of too many dogs
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Bottom Line

With a waterfront location in Kennebunkport, the historic Colony Hotel offers incredible ocean views. Rooms vary in decor and are spread throughout the Main Building, the Galland, and the East House -- but not all rooms have TVs or air conditioning. The Colony Hotel has a welcoming attitude to both kids and dogs, attracting families with its heated saltwater swimming pool and a private sandy beach. While perks such as free Wi-Fi and breakfast are nice, some guests complain about the presence of too many dogs and the minimum stay requirements.

See More Bottom Line

Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Fitness Center
  • Internet
  • Pets Allowed
  • Pool

Oyster Hotel Review

Colony Hotel

Scene

Grand historic hotel on the oceanfront

The large and stately Colony Hotel is a significant presence in Kennebunkport. Overlooking the ocean, this hotel is known for its well-manicured grounds and large heated saltwater pool. The lobby in the main building sets the scene, furnished in a historic New England style with lots of dark wood, rich colors, and patterned wallpaper.

Despite the historic nature of the hotel, the scene here is often dominated by families. Drawn by the saltwater heated pool and a variety of outdoor activities, families can often be seen splashing around the pool in the summer months. Dogs are also a noticeable presence at this Maine hotel.

See More Scene

Location

Oceanfront location near downtown Kennebunkport

The Colony is located in a quiet residential historic district near Dock Square in Kennebunkport. The hotel offers a spectacular view overlooking the ocean and the mouth of the Kennebunk River. Famous for being the summer home for George H.W. Bush, Kennebunkport is a quaint Maine town with great shops, galleries, restaurants, and beautiful coastline views.

There are parts of Maine that are easily accessible with public transportation, but a car is necessary in order to explore Kennebunkport. The town is also a great launching point for visiting nearby towns like Ogunquit -- known for its long sandy beaches and as being Maine's biggest LGBT destination -- or York to see the famous Neddick Lighthouse.

City life is also nearby in Portland, the largest city in Maine. One of the biggest attractions is the historic Old Port district along the harbor. For food, shopping, and sightseeing check out the Arts District along Congress Street.

  • 35-minute drive from Portland, Maine and Airport
  • 100-minute drive from Boston, Massachusetts and Airport
  • 5-minute drive from downtown Kennebunkport with shops, dining, and galleries
  • 8-minute drive to Mother’s Beach, Middle Beach, and Gooch’s Beach
  • 25-minute drive from Old Orchard Beach, Maine
  • 25-minute drive from Ogunquit, Maine
  • 30-minute drive from York, Maine
  • 35-minute drive from Kittery, Maine
See More Location

Rooms

Rooms vary significantly -- guests can choose between ocean views or modern amenities.

Rooms at the Colony Hotel vary in decor, size, and location. In the Main Building, expect floral wallpaper, lacy curtains, and other staples of Victorian New England decor. This historic building also has some rooms and bathrooms that are on the small side, and all rooms lack air conditioning and TVs. The incredible views from the oceanfront rooms are the main reason to stay here. If TVs and air conditioning are a priority, book a room in the Galland or East House buildings -- but note that these do not offer the same ocean views.

  • Free breakfast buffet
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Gilchrest and Soames bath products
  • Furnishings made in Maine
  • Ceiling fans
  • iPod docks
  • Cable TV and air-conditioning in East House and Galland House only
  • Pets allowed, fees and restrictions apply
See More Rooms

Features

Saltwater pool with incredible ocean views

There are many charming and historic inns along the Maine coast, but not many offer all the features found at the Colony Hotel. The best feature is the outdoor, heated saltwater pool. This huge pool overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and has significant space for many families. In addition to the pool, other notable features include the private sandy beach, a poolside restaurant, and variety of outdoor activities including an 18-hole putting green.

  • Private sandy beach
  • Heated saltwater pool
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Poolside Marine Room Lounge
  • Hotel gift shop with Maine-made gifts
  • Outdoor activities include croquet, bocce, badminton, horseshoes, shuffleboard, and an 18-hole putting green
  • Green hotel with waste reduction and recycling plans
See More Features

All-Inclusive / Food

Two dining choices with fresh, local seafood

Another appealing feature about the Colony is the fact that this hotel offers two dining choices. The Marine Room Lounge is located poolside and serves up specialty cocktails along with upscale pub fare and seafood dishes. The Dining Room serves three meals a day with an emphasis on New England cuisine including local, fresh seafood.

See More All-Inclusive / Food

Oyster Hotel Review

Colony Hotel

Scene

Grand historic hotel on the oceanfront

The large and stately Colony Hotel is a significant presence in Kennebunkport. Overlooking the ocean, this hotel is known for its well-manicured grounds and large heated saltwater pool. The lobby in the main building sets the scene, furnished in a historic New England style with lots of dark wood, rich colors, and patterned wallpaper.

Despite the historic nature of the hotel, the scene here is often dominated by families. Drawn by the saltwater heated pool and a variety of outdoor activities, families can often be seen splashing around the pool in the summer months. Dogs are also a noticeable presence at this Maine hotel.

See More Scene

Location

Oceanfront location near downtown Kennebunkport

The Colony is located in a quiet residential historic district near Dock Square in Kennebunkport. The hotel offers a spectacular view overlooking the ocean and the mouth of the Kennebunk River. Famous for being the summer home for George H.W. Bush, Kennebunkport is a quaint Maine town with great shops, galleries, restaurants, and beautiful coastline views.

There are parts of Maine that are easily accessible with public transportation, but a car is necessary in order to explore Kennebunkport. The town is also a great launching point for visiting nearby towns like Ogunquit -- known for its long sandy beaches and as being Maine's biggest LGBT destination -- or York to see the famous Neddick Lighthouse.

City life is also nearby in Portland, the largest city in Maine. One of the biggest attractions is the historic Old Port district along the harbor. For food, shopping, and sightseeing check out the Arts District along Congress Street.

  • 35-minute drive from Portland, Maine and Airport
  • 100-minute drive from Boston, Massachusetts and Airport
  • 5-minute drive from downtown Kennebunkport with shops, dining, and galleries
  • 8-minute drive to Mother’s Beach, Middle Beach, and Gooch’s Beach
  • 25-minute drive from Old Orchard Beach, Maine
  • 25-minute drive from Ogunquit, Maine
  • 30-minute drive from York, Maine
  • 35-minute drive from Kittery, Maine
See More Location

Rooms

Rooms vary significantly -- guests can choose between ocean views or modern amenities.

Rooms at the Colony Hotel vary in decor, size, and location. In the Main Building, expect floral wallpaper, lacy curtains, and other staples of Victorian New England decor. This historic building also has some rooms and bathrooms that are on the small side, and all rooms lack air conditioning and TVs. The incredible views from the oceanfront rooms are the main reason to stay here. If TVs and air conditioning are a priority, book a room in the Galland or East House buildings -- but note that these do not offer the same ocean views.

  • Free breakfast buffet
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Gilchrest and Soames bath products
  • Furnishings made in Maine
  • Ceiling fans
  • iPod docks
  • Cable TV and air-conditioning in East House and Galland House only
  • Pets allowed, fees and restrictions apply
See More Rooms

Features

Saltwater pool with incredible ocean views

There are many charming and historic inns along the Maine coast, but not many offer all the features found at the Colony Hotel. The best feature is the outdoor, heated saltwater pool. This huge pool overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and has significant space for many families. In addition to the pool, other notable features include the private sandy beach, a poolside restaurant, and variety of outdoor activities including an 18-hole putting green.

  • Private sandy beach
  • Heated saltwater pool
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Poolside Marine Room Lounge
  • Hotel gift shop with Maine-made gifts
  • Outdoor activities include croquet, bocce, badminton, horseshoes, shuffleboard, and an 18-hole putting green
  • Green hotel with waste reduction and recycling plans
See More Features

All-Inclusive / Food

Two dining choices with fresh, local seafood

Another appealing feature about the Colony is the fact that this hotel offers two dining choices. The Marine Room Lounge is located poolside and serves up specialty cocktails along with upscale pub fare and seafood dishes. The Dining Room serves three meals a day with an emphasis on New England cuisine including local, fresh seafood.

See More All-Inclusive / Food

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Babysitting Services

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Basic Television

  • Beach

  • Business Center

  • Cable

  • Cribs

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Fitness Center

  • Free Breakfast

  • Golf Course

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Pets Allowed

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Swim-Up Bar

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.