The Colony Hotel
Historic inn with ocean views, a saltwater pool, and charming vintage rooms. A Stephen King inspiration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Enjoy the pool before crowds
The Colony Hotel
Best Time
Enjoy the pool before crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic inn with ocean views, a saltwater pool, and charming vintage rooms. A Stephen King inspiration.
"Stunning ocean views and a charming vintage atmosphere, but be prepared for potential amenity issues."
🎯 Inquire about AC
Not all rooms have central AC. Ask specifically for rooms in the 'Cove' building if this is a priority.
📶 Be prepared for spotty WiFi
Internet access can be unreliable. Don't depend on it for essential tasks.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ocean Views
Oceanfront rooms
Wake up to stunning ocean vistas from your room, a highlight for many guests.
Heated Saltwater Pool
A large, inviting saltwater pool offers a refreshing escape on sunny days.
Historic Charm
Experience the unique atmosphere of a vintage inn, a setting that inspired Stephen King.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Manage Expectations for a Historic Stay
Book Ahead & Consider Room Type
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Activities in Kennebunkport
🎯 Inquire about AC
Not all rooms have central AC. Ask specifically for rooms in the 'Cove' building if this is a priority.
📶 Be prepared for spotty WiFi
Internet access can be unreliable. Don't depend on it for essential tasks.
Daycation -Pool pass
Where to Stay in Maine with an Infant
☕ Morning Coffee & Muffins
Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and muffins each morning. Buffet breakfast is optional.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Option
The hotel welcomes dogs, making it a great choice for pet owners.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Inquire about AC
Not all rooms have central AC. Ask specifically for rooms in the 'Cove' building if this is a priority.
📶 Be prepared for spotty WiFi
Internet access can be unreliable. Don't depend on it for essential tasks.
☕ Morning Coffee & Muffins
Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and muffins each morning. Buffet breakfast is optional.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Option
The hotel welcomes dogs, making it a great choice for pet owners.
🚶♀️ Walk to Dock Square
Conveniently located for exploring shops and restaurants in Dock Square.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Colony Hotel offers a historic charm and stunning ocean views, but guest experiences are mixed. While some praise the pool and friendly staff, others report significant issues with cleanliness, Wi-Fi, and inconsistent air conditioning, leading to a perception of poor value for money.
"The Colony Hotel
2/5 Disappointing
Upon arrival our check-in experience was sub-par. Person working the desk was extremely slow and unfriendly, no welcome or hotel info provided, not even WiFi access info. We were staying on the cove side so we could have central a/c. Room had not been properly cleaned or vacuumed as evidenced by stepping on a contact lens and finding a dirty tissue beside my bed. No internet access the entire duration of our stay, 4 days. That meant no tv as it needed internet access. These items were reported to the front desk each day of our stay and were never fixed. We were never offered an apology or explanation. I had to call the front desk the 2nd day to request refill pods for the coffee service and clean towels. I asked that the GM be notified of these issues and received no follow-up. This could be a lovely property but no one seems to care about hospitality or the customer experience. I was incredibly disappointed as I had been very excited to stay here. There are nicer hotels in the area, don’t waste your money here."
Eileen McCluney
"We just wrapped up a girls trip in Kennebunkport and were extremely disappointed in our experience here. While the location as perfect for exploring and great meals, the service was far below expectations. We stayed in the Cove to enjoy central AC, however we did not have internet or working tv the entirety of our trip- we made 2 calls about this issue and it was never addressed or resolved. We found a contact on the floor as well as used tissues under the bed, and the rest of our party had stained carpet in their room below us. We still enjoyed our visit to Maine, but unfortunately the colony fell short on this trip. Hopefully the management will be able to tend to the colony accommodations more thoroughly on the future."
Mary Kate Mccluney
"The outside is beautiful great view from hour room why I gave it one star. The view is the only good thing about this place. We spent $1,000 for two nights and the beds are awful they are hard as a rock and we also were having trouble with the heat not working right. They have no heat/ ac vents for the room. For as much as they charge people to stay here they could afford comfortable new beds and air conditioning the rooms. The bathrooms are very small and the shower had mold on the tile. I do not recommend this place to stay for the money.
This place is worth half of what they charge. They also make the pictures look a lot better online then in person of the inside. Just wanting to warn people so they don’t waste money and sleep like crap for two nights."
Danielle Thomas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Colony Hotel is located in Kennebunkport, Maine. If driving, it's accessible via major highways leading to the coast. Public transportation options are limited in this area, so a car is often recommended. Parking is available on-site.
The closest major airport is Portland International Jetport (PWM), about a 45-minute drive away. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is a longer drive, around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
The Colony Hotel's location is excellent for walking to Dock Square, the heart of Kennebunkport's shopping and dining scene. For exploring further afield, a car is useful, or consider local ride-sharing services.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, it's highly recommended to book your stay in advance, especially during peak season (summer) and weekends, as The Colony Hotel is a popular historic inn.
Standard check-in is typically in the afternoon (e.g., 3 PM) and check-out is in the morning (e.g., 11 AM). It's always best to confirm the exact times with the hotel directly when booking.
While not explicitly mentioned in all reviews, historic hotels sometimes have additional fees. It's advisable to check the hotel's official website or inquire directly about any potential resort fees or extra charges.
The hotel offers a buffet breakfast and has dining options. Generally, Kennebunkport is a casual destination, so a smart-casual dress code is usually appropriate for hotel dining.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Some rooms, particularly those in the 'Cove' building, are advertised as having central AC. However, reviews indicate that AC functionality can be inconsistent, and some rooms may not have it at all.
Amenities include a heated saltwater pool, organic gardens, and complimentary morning coffee and muffins. Some rooms offer ocean views.
Yes, The Colony Hotel is dog-friendly, which is a significant plus for travelers with pets.
Unfortunately, multiple guests have reported issues with Wi-Fi connectivity, with some experiencing no internet access for their entire stay.
Reviews suggest that the beds can be quite hard, with one guest describing them as 'hard as a rock.' This is a common complaint for those seeking a comfortable night's sleep.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The hotel offers complimentary morning coffee, tea, and muffins. An optional buffet breakfast is also available and has been described as excellent.
Yes, The Colony Hotel is ideally located within walking distance of Dock Square, which is packed with various restaurants, cafes, and eateries offering diverse cuisines.
While basic coffee, tea, and muffins are complimentary, the full breakfast is an optional buffet that incurs an additional charge.
📸 📸 Photography
The ocean views from the rooms and the hotel's exterior architecture are prime photo opportunities. The saltwater pool area also makes for picturesque shots, especially on a sunny day.
The hotel's proximity to Dock Square means you're close to charming street scenes, waterfront views, and the iconic Walker's Point. Capture the essence of Kennebunkport's coastal beauty.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking rooms in the 'Cove' building if AC is a priority, but confirm its functionality. The complimentary morning muffins can be a simple, kid-friendly breakfast option. Overall, it offers a charming, albeit potentially less modern, family getaway.
🐶 Pet Owners
Ensure you confirm any specific pet policies or fees when booking. The hotel's location also makes it easy to take your dog for walks around the scenic coastal area.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
If you're looking for a more affordable stay in Kennebunkport, consider exploring other inns or hotels slightly further from the immediate waterfront, or look into vacation rentals. However, if the historic ambiance and ocean views are paramount and you're willing to overlook potential comfort issues, it might still be an option if booked strategically during off-peak times.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Historic Accommodations
Despite these challenges, the hotel's exterior beauty and ocean views are consistently praised. For travelers who appreciate history and character, The Colony Hotel offers a unique experience. However, if modern comforts and seamless technology are your top priorities, you might find the experience less than ideal. It's crucial to research specific room types and be prepared to communicate any issues promptly with the front desk.
Service and Guest Experience
Several reviews highlight a lack of responsiveness to reported problems, such as non-functional internet, dirty rooms, and issues with heating or cooling. Guests have expressed disappointment when their concerns were not addressed, leading to a feeling of being undervalued. This inconsistency in service can significantly impact a stay, turning an anticipated enjoyable visit into a frustrating one.
The Value Proposition
While the hotel's location and ocean views are undeniable assets, they may not fully compensate for shortcomings in room comfort and service. Potential visitors are advised to carefully weigh the cost against the reported drawbacks and consider whether the historic charm and prime location are worth the potential compromises in modern comfort and service.
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