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3-star hotel

The Colony Hotel

Stay at The Colony Hotel in Kennebunkport, featuring luxe rooms, heated saltwater pool, free breakfast, organic gardens, and close to Gooch's Beach & local attractions.

140 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport, ME 04046, United States View on map
8.8/10
Very Good Based on 550 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free breakfast Free parking Accessible Outdoor pool
What recent guests emphasize

The Colony Hotel in Kennebunkport

Guests highlight the hotel’s historic charm, scenic ocean views, and heated saltwater pool, while noting some practical considerations for an enjoyable stay.

Guests often praise

  • The beautiful, historic setting with ocean-facing rooms and peaceful grounds.
  • Heated saltwater pool with scenic harbor views and lounge areas.
  • Complimentary breakfast featuring a wide variety of options and strong coffee.
  • Attentive and warm staff delivering a consistently welcoming experience.
  • Onsite restaurant praised for fresh, regionally inspired seafood and sunset views.

Worth knowing

  • Main building rooms do not have air conditioning or TVs; newer rooms include AC but no TVs are provided.
  • Weekend weddings can cause parking challenges and limited availability for non-event guests.
  • Poolside food and drink service is not available; guests must order and collect from the restaurant bar inside.
  • Some guests experienced minor inconveniences like temporary hot water outages and firm beds.
  • Pet-friendly and kid-friendly amenities add to the family and pet travel appeal, though room sizes may vary, with some smaller accommodations.

Best for

  • Travelers seeking a classic, authentic Maine seaside experience with historic ambiance.
  • Guests who appreciate a relaxed atmosphere without modern distractions like in-room TVs.
  • Families looking for kid-friendly dining and amenities combined with outdoor activities.
  • Couples and visitors wanting scenic ocean views, access to a private beach, and a tranquil retreat.
  • Pet owners seeking a welcoming, dog-friendly environment with quality service.
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About this property

Welcome to The Colony Hotel

Located on a private beach in Kennebunkport, Maine, The Colony Hotel offers a blend of historic charm and seaside resort amenities. Established in 1914, the property features luxe rooms in a classic inn setting alongside newer accommodations, some with air conditioning. Guests often appreciate the ocean views and the peaceful grounds, which include a heated saltwater pool and organic gardens. While the main building rooms generally lack AC and televisions, this encourages a more relaxed, unplugged stay focused on the surrounding natural beauty.

The hotel provides a range of amenities such as free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, free parking, and beach access, making it suitable for families, couples, and pet owners. The onsite Marine Room restaurant and bar overlook the pool deck, where live music is occasionally offered. However, some guests have noted limitations around poolside food and drink service, as well as parking constraints, especially during weekend weddings—a notable aspect since The Colony also functions as an event and wedding venue with dedicated planning staff highly regarded for their organization.

Positioned about a mile from Dock Square and Walkers Point, the location is convenient for exploring local attractions like Gooch's Beach, the Seashore Trolley Museum, and the Goat Island Lighthouse. The hotel is within reasonable driving distance from Portland International Jetport and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, making it accessible for travelers. Nearby accommodations vary in style and rating, offering alternatives within short proximity.

Reviews reflect an overall positive experience highlighting attentive service, quality dining, and a setting that balances a nostalgic atmosphere with modern touches. Some guests have mentioned smaller room sizes and occasional issues with amenities, offering a balanced perspective for those prioritizing character and coastal views over contemporary hotel luxuries.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Free parking
Accessible
Outdoor pool
Air-conditioned
Business center
Pet-friendly
Beach access
Kid-friendly
Restaurant
Bar
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Airport shuttle
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

MM
meredith mascola Apr 07, 2026
10

The Colony Hotel is one of my favorite places to stay during the summer. It has a flair of nostalgia that I find charming. The hotel is beautiful and grand- overlooking the ocean. The salt water pool is crucial, especially because the ocean water is pretty chilly, even in the summer. Plenty of lounge chairs, live music and a bar/restaurant is right at the pool deck. You can walk into town- but it’s far enough away to feel quiet and peaceful. The breakfast is bountiful- tons of options. My kids love the chocolate milks! We always choose an ocean facing room- for the view and also for the breeze. I believe there is no AC in the main buildings rooms? We’ve never had a problem or felt uncomfortable. The grounds are beautiful. This is our 4th summer returning- because we absolutely love this place!

Elşən Şirəliyev Mar 15, 2026
10

We had a really nice dinner at the restaurant, freshly caught fish and nice view for sunset! Some historical vibes.

DB
Dave Boulanger Mar 10, 2026
10

Iconic Maine hotel in phenomenal beach location. There is a classic part of the hotel, as well as newer rooms for younger couples. Pool location overlooks the harbor. Very dog friendly, food excellent, staff very attentive. would not hesitate to recommend The Colony

AI
Annette Iturbe Mar 06, 2026
8.0

Our room was kind of small but was perfect for just one night. Wish there was a tv though other than it was excellent.

NM
Nick Molina Mar 02, 2026
10

Great Hotel. We stayed in the newer rooms with AC and it was very nice. Clean, great community siting area, quiet, Nice staff. The main building is beautiful. Onsite restaurant is great. The morning free breakfast has amazing coffee. Its worth it just to get that before running out. Only downside is weddings and parking, not a lot of parking for non hotel stay non guests, so that means when you stay and not part of the wedding, you get back to a full lot.

AM
April McBrine Mar 01, 2026
10

The newer rooms are very clean and spacious. Unfortunately during our stay the hot water went out for one day. I was disappointed that the pool area doesn’t have food and drink staff for the pool. If you wanted drinks or food you had to go inside of the restaurant and order at the bar and then you had to go back in and pick it up and bring it to your chair. Also be aware they have a lot of weddings on weekends and it leaves the guests with no place to park, which is completely unacceptable for the prices you pay to stay. The front staff could have cared less. I don’t think I will be back!

TR
Tim Rouillard Feb 03, 2026
10

The Colony Hotel – A Seaside Retreat That Gets It Right As someone who has logged serious miles—staying in everything from remote eco-lodges to five-star towers—I’ve learned to recognize when a place isn't just good, but right. The Colony Hotel in Kennebunkport, Maine, is exactly that: a timeless, seaside resort that understands the art of hospitality in a way few places do anymore. From the moment you step through the front doors, you’re welcomed with a kind of warmth that feels both professional and personal. The staff here aren’t just trained—they’re tuned in. Attentive without hovering, always a step ahead without ever feeling rehearsed. It's clear that strong leadership runs the show behind the scenes, creating a culture of service that’s natural and consistent. Now, let’s address what might sound surprising in today’s screen-saturated world: there are no TVs in the rooms. To some, that might seem like a missing amenity. To me, and likely to anyone truly looking to unwind, it’s a gift. The lack of television transforms your stay into something more deliberate. You find yourself savoring a book, writing postcards, or just gazing out over the ocean with a glass of wine—uninterrupted and fully present. The Marine Room is a highlight in its own right. The food is excellent—thoughtfully prepared, and regionally inspired. Whether it's a relaxed breakfast overlooking the lawn and sea, or a refined dinner as the sun dips low, every meal feels like part of the experience rather than just another hotel meal. If you go (and you should), be sure to take a walk on the nearby jetties—especially in the early morning or just before dusk. There’s something meditative about the rhythm of the waves and the cry of the gulls. And make time for a stroll into town. Kennebunkport is charming without trying too hard, full of small shops, galleries, and the kind of character you don’t find in chain-dominated destinations. The Colony doesn’t scream luxury—and that’s the point. It whispers something far better: simplicity, authenticity, and grace. If you're the kind of traveler who values soul over flash, this place will stay with you long after the salt air fades from your luggage. Highly recommended.

JL
Joan Ludwig Feb 01, 2026
10

My daughter was married at the Colony this past August. It was a perfect event. The setting was beautiful and we love the old world charm of the colony itself. The food was excellent as well as the service. But the most important part of the wedding is all the organization that was involved in making the night a memorable one. The wedding planner, Karen Lawler, couldn't have been better. She didn't miss a detail. She was so organized, responsive and dedicated to our event. She spent time on the phone and at the venue going over everything so that the timing of everything was perfect -- and she managed that throughout the wedding day. She is so personable and easy to work with. She he wanted to make it special for my daughter and she did. I cannot thank her enough.

MM
Maxwell Morrison Jan 22, 2026
10

awesome, charming and historic hotel. Pricey, but worth it. Pool was heated and phenomenal, with great views of the ocean. The complimentary breakfast was amazing. Drink prices were very reasonable. 20 minute walk to the heart of town, but there are some shops and restaurants nearby. The Marine Room bar and restaurant was really good. Had the lobster roll, which was good but not as meaty as the one at Batson Brewery. The Summer Salad with lobster salad on top was fantastic. The kids liked the chicken fingers. Haddock sandwich was good as well. Prices were reasonable for a fancy hotel.

TM
The M’s Jan 19, 2026
8.0

Cons: The rooms don’t have fridges or AC units, but they’ll loan you a mini fridge for a fee. lol! So cheap. The bed was firm. Pros: Service was pretty good. The seasonal workers in the downstairs restaurant were a bit aloof but friendly. The breakfast buffet upstairs was fantastic and so was the service. Easy check in. Heated pool with live bands on the weekend.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find The Colony Hotel

Kennebunkport, Maine, USA

Dating to 1914, this hotel on a private beach is 1.1 miles from Dock Square and 1.2 miles from Walkers Point.

  • Portland International Jetport 39 min Car
  • Manchester-Boston Regional Airport 1 hr 23 Car
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Maine. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Seashore Trolley Museum 1,032 reviews

Seashore Trolley Museum

195 Log Cabin Rd, Kennebunkport, ME 04046, United States

4.7 · Rail Museum
Goat Island Lighthouse 110 reviews

Goat Island Lighthouse

Kennebunkport, ME 04046, United States

4.4 · Historical Landmark
Gooch's Beach 579 reviews

Gooch's Beach

Beach Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043, United States

4.6 · Beach
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