TL;DR

Historic inn: dating back to 1753 with ties to Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Charming setting: between Kennebunk and Kennebunkport.
Classic New England: clapboard house with rich history and lore.
Check prices here

This Kennebunkport boutique hotel is all intimacy, gorgeous surroundings, gourmet breakfast, and idyllic country drives.

Plopped right between Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, you’ll be equidistant to the lively, tourist darling of the port and the more stately, historical town.

The Inn itself is a historical draw, steeped in New England lore.

Built in 1753 by the uncle of Ralph Waldo Emerson, the famed writer is rumored to have summered at the house.

It’s also known to have been part of the Underground Railroad.

Even without the compelling past, the property is appealing. It’s a bright white clapboard gem tucked to the side of the road, welcoming in the way of an old family home.

What are the rooms like?

Number of rooms: 6 split between Main Inn and Cottage.
Unique style: from modern whites to floral and blue-and-white charm.
Amenities: include en-suite bathrooms, Smart TVs, climate control.
Extras: like fireplaces, pet-friendly options, and unique views.
See each room in detail here

Rooms are divided between the Main Inn and the Cottage. They each have their own personality, making it easy to find one that works for you.

Those with expensive tastes can enjoy Waldo’s Retreat, the only suite and a lovely space with a kitchenette.

It’s the most contemporary, full of bright whites and modern-feeling furnishings.

The others range from the sweet florals of Bourne and Kingsbury to the blue-and-white aunt’s guest room chic of Sweet Haven.

All rooms include an en-suite bathroom, Smart TVs, individual climate control and some kind of cute seating.

Extras include unique views, fireplaces, and pet-friendly accommodation. Bathrooms are lovely tile with walk-in showers and decor coordinated with the room’s style.

What are prices like?

Check prices here

Note: There is a two night minimum stay at Waldo Emerson in high season.

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

Homemade breakfast: each morning, social and filling.
Snacks and drinks: available throughout the day.
Honor bar: with wine, beer, and cocktails.
Bicycles: available for rides around the area.
Beach gear: including chairs, towels, and sun lotion provided.

It’s old style B&B-style accommodation, so you’ll begin each day with an excellent breakfast designed to keep you going until it’s time for a lobster roll.

The breakfast only lasts an hour and can be something of a social occasion.

It’s a nice time to meet your fellow travelers but if you’re a ‘fuck off and let me have my coffee’ type of morning person (and we hear ya!) you might want to find somewhere less familial.

There are no further meals at Waldo Emerson but throughout the day you’ll find snacks and drinks set out around the house, plus an honor bar with a selection of wines, beers and cocktails.

If you’re hankering for some exercise, note that the Inn has bicycles available for use and the area is pretty nice for a ride.

Who wants a stuffy hotel gym when you could have the Atlantic seaside? Beach bums at Waldo Emerson will also appreciate the complimentary beach chairs, towels, and sun lotion.

How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?

Located: between Kennebunk and Kennebunkport.
Next door: to the famous Wedding Cake House.
Nature nearby: with beaches, Rachel Carson Refuge, and Laudholm Preserve.
Kennebunkport highlights: include galleries, history, and Bush family home.

The inn is set along the sleepy highway that connects the Route 95-adjecent town of Kennebunk, to the charming vacation town of Kennbunkport.

It runs along a pleasant river that eventually curls to the coast.

Right next door is one of the area’s cutest attractions, the Wedding Cake House. It’s a confection of a construction, all butter-yellow clapboard and intricate white trim.

Beaches, nature preserves, and good old 95 will be within a 15-minute drive or a half-hour bike ride. We do not recommend biking to Route 95.

The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge and Laudholm Preserve are wonderful walks, while most of the best beaches will be near Kennebunkport.

Once there, check out the F-8 Fine Art Gallery, the Kennebunkport Historical Society, or the Bush Family’s giant home on Walker’s Point.

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

Some things guests liked:

“This is the cleanest hotel/Inn that I have ever stayed in! The bed, pillows and linens were so comfortable. The Inn is gorgeous and far exceeded any expectations. The owners are lovely and made us a delicious breakfast….”

“We spent two weeks travelling around New England and this was the stand-out place we stayed. We couldn’t recommend it enough. Amelia, Ron and the team made us feel so welcome. Tea and homemade cookies upon arrival. Beautifully decorated inn, with comfortable beds and all the amenities you would want. The best breakfast we had on the whole trip….”

Some things guests didn’t like:

”One of the best things about staying at a B&B is the conversation with the owners and picking their brains about the local area, what to do, where to go etc. Unfortunately here there are no owners on site. The staff that were there were very nice but couldn’t answer any questions about the area (that’s not their job, so i don’t blame them)….”

”Bathroom not great. Would have liked choice for breakfast. Significantly overpriced….”

Read all the reviews right here