The motel room we stayed in was perfectly sized for us (a couple with a small dog). We made good use of the mini-fridge and coffee maker and ate most of our meals out at the picnic table right outside. Our favorite feature of the room was the sitting area with sliding doors overlooking the bay. The location of Drift is delightfully secluded while still only a short drive from downtown Camden and Camden Hills State Park. When not out hiking or day-tripping, we enjoyed the sights, sounds, and smells of the sea from the sitting area. We watched the lobster-harvesters check their pots and saw a seal on the ledges one day. Bring your binoculars! Thanks so much. We'll be back!
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Date of stay: June 2021
Cleanliness
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Room Tip:The motel units have thin walls so you may hear your neighbors. Choose an end unit (#1 or #6) or...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our arrival was met with an amazing, wide ocean view and a super friendly welcome at the office! Check in was quick and easy and we were off to the cabin within minutes. And then, oh my gosh - the cabin. We stayed in Cabin 17, you walk in and there is a full wall of windows facing the ocean, it's like nothing I've ever seen before! You can sit on the couch or at the dining room table and it's like being on a boat without the vertigo inducing motion! The kitchen is more than adequate with very nice appliances, dishes and silverware (I took photos of the silverware!). The beds and pillows are super comfortable with only the best linens - no pilly sheets here! The bathroom has a shower that I can only say is a "Goal" for anyone doing a bathroom renovation! We walked the property in the evening, it was peaceful and calm. We didn't hear anything but the sound of the ocean. And this was true of the entire night. Very quiet. In the morning, we sat on the couch with our delicious complimentary coffee and watched a truly beautiful sunrise over the ocean. If you are in the Camden area, don't miss this! I can't recommend it highly enough and we will be going back next year, hopefully a few times!!!
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Date of stay: September 2022
Value
Location
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
By some stroke of luck, we booked two weeks in advance and Cottage 17 was open for one night. (Thanks to the owners for allowing one night stays!). As you can see by the photos, the cottage was renovated from top to bottom, and the location is nothing short of world class; owners of million dollar mansions would envy this view. Otherwise, the property has minimal amenities (just a playground and a communal fire pit); this is basically a self catering stay. TIP: The lower numbered rooms are basically on a rock ledge above the water, but have no outdoor seating areas; higher numbered cottages have a small grassy area in front to sit out; it's personal preference as to what you prefer, and what is available. While the room was uber stylish, there were a few design quirks. Primarily, the windows facing the water, while huge, are fixed in place with no way to open them to the ocean breezes. A real bummer, especially since the room next to us had a screened french door. Also note, no A/C; this would have been a nice amenity to add when they did the renovations, especially since things are getting warmer with climate change. It was stuffy in the room when we got there. Also, curiously, some of the room windows DID open, but one of them was missing a screen, rendering it useless. OK, I'm being overly critical. Let me just go back to enjoying THE VIEW.
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Date of stay: August 2023
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Location
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We booked online, after viewing owner uploaded images of renovated rooms, and clicking through to “book now,” where we were shown floor plans of the cabins. We read some blog posts on the website that are all dedicated to the big renovations being completed at the campsite, which will be completed in time for summer 2020. We drove up to Camden to a big surprise. First, no one was even staffed at the hotel. Our key was left in the door for us. Then, the worst realization: the rooms don’t match the pictures. We were surprised to find that our room was incredibly dated, with a 70s era, dirty kitchenette and with a screen door that didn’t fit the space. Unsurprisingly, our room was full of mosquitos in no time. To make matters worse, we emailed and called and received no response. At that point, we were willing to change rooms. But over an hour later (we went into town to pick up dinner, hoping to give the owner a chance to contact us), we realized we would have to move hotels. We finally got in touch with someone later that night, who said they were sorry, but we’d have to speak with the owner. Once we finally got in touch with the owner (2days later), we were repeatedly told that this was our fault, and that they could only provide a 50% refund, despite the fact that we left the property shorty after arriving, and felt that we had been duped into booking in the first place. Luckily, we ended up finding delightful accommodations down the street at the Whitehall Inn (a 3 star boutique hotel), for a similar price to what Drift (a small, dated, mosquito infested cabin) is charging. Perhaps when Drift is fully renovated it could be a nice place to stay. Hopefully between now and then they will also learn something about customer service
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arrived to a beautiful view, friendly host. When we got to the cabin #19, the first thing I saw was a decrepit door that apparently had been blocked off with rotted sills. Screens had duck tape on the holes, with blue painters tape on another "Maine" written on it. The refrigerator had black mold along the rubber gasket and the bathroom sink was cracked. For $190 a night I expected a bit better than this. Seeing all of this, the stench was the worst and went to tell the lady at the desk. She apologied and said, "Here is some lemon grass oil to spray in there". I asked if there was another cabin and said they were full up....The spray did nothing. We kept all the windows open, and sat outside most of the time. Funny thing but as soon as you stepped onto the porch, you could smell a strange odor.Even a follow up from the staff would have been nice or wave a partial fee. Please make sure you check to see that your not getting an old cabin....they definitely needed much work structurally. I am not sure I would go back for that price. We stayed at another place in Camden a few nights before, and was well worth the $275.
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Date of stay: July 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:These are cabins, singles and duplex...make sure your getting what you think your getting, double...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Forest Casey Reynolds, Owner at Drift Oceanside Inn
Responded Jul 16, 2022
Hello, I am sorry to hear the stay was not all you expected. It's absolutely true that not all of our cabins our renovated, and some are still rocking that 100 year old charm! 19 and 20 are on our docket to be fully renovated this winter and we know they are in need of love! We are unfortunately only able to renovate a small amount each off-season due to the time constraints. That said, it's important to us that each guest leaves our place feeling taken care of, appreciated, and respected. Please send me an email at driftaway@driftoceansideinn.com so that I can offer you a proper refund. I apologize this was not done at the time of your stay. I appreciate your honest feedback. All the best, Ellen
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
You should definitely not stay here. There are really big…leprechauns. Yes. Attack leprechauns. And angry unicorns. For sure DO NOT STAY HERE.
Ok. Now that I’ve scared a few people away—I don’t want reservations to become impossible to get, after all—I’ll be serious. This property is a gem. As someone who has been traveling full time for work and leisure for eight years now I am fortunate enough to count on MAYBE two hands the number of places I’ve stayed which are this special. But that is out of hundreds of stays. I am glad places like this exist.
Drift Oceanside Inn is in my top three stays of all time.
Drift is made up of small cottages and even smaller motel rooms. We stayed in one of the “even smaller” motel rooms. It is clean, modern, and everything worked as it should. It is small; the bathroom feels like being on a cruise ship. But the location cannot be beat. You are literally perched on a cliff on Penobscot Bay. I’m sitting here on the balcony right now (it is raining) and the waves are crashing on the rocks not twenty feet away.
“Downtown” Camden is a 1.4 mile walk or drive away and parking is free and easy-ish if you wish to dine, shop, or hop on a harbor cruise or take a kayaking trip. Camden Hills State Park is across the road and there’s a little beach path on property that takes you to a rocky (not swimmable) beach.
It is a perfect location for a peaceful getaway. I will be back.
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Date of stay: July 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We weren't quite sure what to expect when we booked a 'cabin' last minute for a girls getaway. Drift is located at the end of a small, quiet road and right on the water. Check in was super quick and friendly. We were given cabin '17' and wow...were we blown away by it's beauty, both inside and outside, with incredible ocean views. The cabin has two spacious bedrooms with very comfortable beds/nice bedding. The bathroom was also spacious, modern and beautiful. The living room/kitchen/ dining combo was also fantastic, newly remodeled, with everything you could need in the kitchen. What really took our breath away though were the views. There are large windows on the entire back side of the cabin offering panoramic ocean views. It was like we were on a boat sitting on the super comfy/modern sofa looking out. We didn't want to leave and wish we stayed longer! Thank you for a wonderful stay. I would recommend Drift to anyone!
Suggestion: Adding a couple mirrors in each of the bedrooms. Four women getting ready to go out with one mirror was a bit of a challenge. :)
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Date of stay: June 2022
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Forest Casey Reynolds, Owner at Drift Oceanside Inn
Responded Jul 16, 2022
Thank you for this wonderful review and suggestion for more mirrors! We always try to stay in the unit ourselves at least once to notice those little things someone might want or need, but I always appreciate knowing what others noticed! I'm glad you had a wonderful visit, and we look forward to seeing you on your next trip up! All the best, Ellen
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Very close (driving distance) to Camden. The private patio space was perfect for watching over the water and it was really cool to see the lobster boats come in. Bathroom was a little small but otherwise a very cozy space to relax!
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Date of stay: September 2021
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip:Some of the rooms have recently been renovated, so make sure you know whether you're booking...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
They have a fantastic place right on the ocean. The view is amazing and our cottage supplied everything we needed. Already booked again for next year! Owners were very friendly and went above and beyond to meet needs and make things right.
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Date of stay: May 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Cottages 7 and 17 have a kitchen. There are many options to meet different needs and desires.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
These cabins are being renovated one by one into sleek modern accommodations with the best ocean view anywhere. We’ve stayed here many times under the former ownership and the new owners have done a wonderful job updating this property. We will definitely return.
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Ask for a fully renovated cabin.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Forest Casey Reynolds, Owner at Drift Oceanside Inn
Responded Jul 16, 2022
Thank you for your kind feedback Janet! We look forward to seeing you on your next trip up! All the best, Ellen
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Lancaster, New Hampshire103 contributions35 helpful votes
So great to hear. Have been going to Beloin's for @30 years and would hate to see it close...
Will you keep reservations made through Beloins?
Charlie Cotton
New owners in 2019 are very easy to contact via phone, email, website, snail mail.... your choice. Promise that Drift Oceanside (formerly Beloin’s) now has seamless, 21st-century communications.
There are more places to choose from in the Camden area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
beloin`s on the maine coast hotel camden
LOCATION
United StatesMaineMid Coast MaineCamden
NUMBER OF ROOMS
19
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