TL;DR

Beachfront charm: Right across from Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport.
Seasonal stays: Open only in summer, always bright and welcoming.
Relaxed vibe: Perfect for sun-seekers, less for party-goers.
Classic getaway: Airy interiors, tranquil setting, pure Maine coastal feel.
Check prices here

Who doesn’t want a home-away-from-home right off the beachfront in Kennebunkport, Maine? The Tides is a charming little boutique hotel that serves up beach on a platter.

It’s open seasonally, meaning you’ll never have to see it in bad weather, but we think the hotel feels nothing but summery anyway.

The insides are airy and bright, the outsides friendly and warm, and the famous Goose Rocks Beach is right across the street.

Everything feels right at The Tides for a classic vacation of sand and sun.

The neighborhood is relaxed and its stretch of oceanfront tranquil – so if you want to party all night we think it’s not for you.

If you prefer to be on your towel lotioning up by 9am every day though this might be the place.

What are the rooms like?

Number of rooms: 21 total, bright and cheerful.
Room types: King, Queen, one Suite, some with sofa beds.
Views: Oceanfront panoramas or quaint town scenery.
Amenities: Frette linens, TVs, fridges, Keurig machines.
Bathrooms: Patterned wallpaper, marble, luxury amenities.
See each room in detail here

Rooms are bright and almost impossibly sunny when the weather cooperates. A Kennebunkport summer is the time to enjoy all the light pouring onto the bold colored walls, little coral-style lamps and perfectly coordinated throw pillows.

You’ll choose between King and Queen Rooms, with one Suite and a few options with sofa beds, but most rooms are suitable only for two people.

The big difference is generally the view, some rooms offering spectacular oceanfront scenes and others more homey views of the houses tucked away in the tiny beach town.

The decor is cute and chic, and perfectly balanced with cheerful color and relaxing comfort. Beds are made with Frette linens, and all rooms feature TVs, climate control, mini fridges and Keurig machines.

Bathrooms have charming patterned wallpaper and soft marble, with luxurious amenities and plush towels.

What are prices like?

Check prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

Breakfast: Light continental, better options nearby for big eaters.
Restaurant: Fresh seaside menu, cocktails on the porch.
Beach access: Just steps across the street to Goose Rocks Beach.
Activities: Beach cruisers for exploring, Hidden Pond sister resort perks.
Wellness: Access to spa, pools, and Earth restaurant at Hidden Pond.

You’ll start each morning with a very simple breakfast included as part of your stay. If you’re a full morning meal kind of person, you may want to scout out other options.

Later in the day, the Tides Beach Club Restaurant is open, and brings up the quality quite a bit. They serve a typical beach menu executed well, and the location can’t be beat.

The cocktail list is great as well. Sit out on the porch near the water and indulge in a watermelon cosmo or spicy margarita.

When you’re ready to hit the sand, all you have to do is bop over the crosswalk, perfectly situated directly outside the hotel and the entrance to Goose Rocks Beach.

If you’d like to go further, grab one of the beach cruisers and explore the lazy highway down the coast.

For anyone looking for a little bit more pampering, a stay at The Tides includes access to Hidden Pond, a sister resort cozied up with the forest just a 15-minute bike ride away.

Hidden Pond features a treetop spa, multiple pools, and a truly gorgeous organic restaurant called Earth.

How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?

Beach town: Goose Rocks Beach is peaceful and scenic.
Nearby Kennebunkport: Shops, galleries, and summer bustle.
Culture: Art galleries, antique stores, flea markets.
History: Museums, trolley rides, Bush family viewing point.

Goose Rocks Beach is a peaceful beachgoer’s mainstay of the Kennebunkport area, a small sprawl of luxury resorts, seaside restaurants and artsy indulgence on the Southern Maine Coast.

The center of Kennebunkport is a 15-minute drive or a half-hour bike ride from the hotel. It boasts a few small streets simply covered in small, mostly seasonal, shops.

They provide waves of summer tourists with ice creams, chic souvenirs, fresh fish and plenty of cultural offerings.

F-8 Fine Art Gallery, for example, sits on the edge of town, inviting visitors to grab some original artwork on the way out.

We have a handful of art schools in the area, and a host of antique stores and a weekly flea market in nearby Arundel.

History buffs can check out the Kennebunkport Historical Society, the Brick Store Museum or the Seashore Trolley Museum.

There is a viewing point in the center of town where people can gaze out to the Bush family home.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

Some things guests liked:

“The hotel was historic and beautiful. They have the best continental breakfast with seating that looks out to the water. The rooms were beautifully decorated and I loved how they turn down the bed, and place a chocolate on the bed for both of us. Perfect location, the beach was beautiful, and they supply beach chairs and towels. The hotel also had a private shuttle that ran from 8am to 10pm, we enjoyed Kennebunkport dock square and didn’t have to worry about driving back to the hotel. The staff was excellent with all our questions and they greeted us at check-in with a glass of champagne….”

“The accomodation and the Inn overall was beautiful. Decided in good taste. The location was great with access to one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. The fact that they had nice bikes for guest use was a great convenience and the ability to use the fabulous pool in the sister property near by was an added value….”

Some things guests didn’t like:

”Room Heating unit fan motor needs repair. Grinding fan noise loud during operation interrupting sleep. Bath room had only one small glass shelf under sink. All else in the room was OK. Restaurant menu item New York strip included mashed potatos, dinner served had spoon full of spinach. Spouse meal was good….”

”If you are an early riser, note that breakfast isn’t open until 8:00, but they have a coffee maker and oat bars on the second floor landing which was greatly appreciated. Also for us early risers (5-6!) on chilly mornings, it would have been lovely to have had the fireplace available to turn on. But I understand that is something best left to staff to control. Staff arrives around 7:00am….”

Read all the reviews right here