The Beach House Inn
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#7 of 9 hotels in KennebunkLocation
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HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Great View
Historic Hotel
Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Complimentary tea
Beach
Bicycle rental
Taxi service
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
Parking
Public wifi
Bicycles available
Outdoor furniture
Shared lounge / TV area
Room features
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Seating area
Sofa
Cable / satellite TV
Flatscreen TV
Bath / shower
Telephone
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Bottled water
Private bathrooms
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Location
211 Beach Ave., Kennebunk, ME 04043
Getting there
Portland Intl Jetport
36.6 km•
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Portsmouth International Airport at Pease
40 km•
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160 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
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Detailed Reviews
The experience started badly. First we had to go to another hotel to check in as the hotel was not staffed. The location was superb, exterior charming and the ocean view and access was spectacular. That's where it ended. The rooms were not fresh and clean, particularly the carpet. There was no onsite attendant to attend to the needs of the guests. Guests were required to disinfect after using the coffee bar which was also unattended and removed by 10:00am. We were left to fend for ourselves. There were no plastic utensils available. If something or someone was needed, you had to call another location and request it and however long it took to send someone, you were at their mercy. The second floor reception area was spilled over with trash from guests by 10:00am as guests were required to service their rooms. They said that they were not allowed to enter the rooms to clean. The morning "breakfast" consisted of a box delivered to your door with coffee and contained a muffin, breakfast bar, yogurt and little else. We had no place to put leftovers, an in room refrigerator would have been helpful. COVID not withstanding, they seemed to use that as an excuse to shift the burden to the guests which should have reflected itself in the rate at the very least. It is a shame that they have elected to neglect this property. We observed other luxury properties during our stay and it was clear that their approach to service was the choice of management and not a product of COVID policies.
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Date of stay: August 2020
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 Heather Cox, Owner at The Beach House Inn
Responded May 4, 2021
Thank you for your candid feedback, BillY167. COVID has certainly been hard on everyone, but is no excuse for not providing you with the stay you were expecting. We hope you will give us another opportunity to exceed your expectations the next time your travels bring you to the Kennebunks.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The beach house is a beautiful location, The hotel is clean and lovely inside with ample parking. The checkin process is at another location which is in town and a bit out of the way to the hotel so it slows down your arrival process. The staff greeting us was lovely. The room although quite large has limited furniture and what I felt was old wood tables and a small dresser and our drawers were falling apart. The carpet was stained in the room in several places but overall it was a clean room and bath. The AC unit works perfectly. They give you a small continental breakfast which starts at 8:30 but if you get there at 9:15 allot was gone. They do put out afternoon cookies. They provide beach chairs and bikes I would definitely stay thee again because of the location and cleanliness of the hotel and the porch and chairs to sit out and look at the ocean. Great area to walk to the beach and take a run or walk.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2021
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
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.
A lovely place . new paint, very clean rooms and hallways Great beds and pillows. Even a lovely mural in the elevator. Continental breakfast was cereal, muffins, hardboiled eggs--coffee and tea available all day. This inn is not near any restaurants or shops and town is a long walk or bike ride away. Parking in town is problematic.
Only problem is no front desk or staff because you need to sign in a another hotel a few miles away. The front desk at that hotel should pass out a sheet of facts for Beach House guests because we dont know where or when the breakfast is, where the ice machine is , where the beach chairs are , Are wake up calls available? etc.
They are located on the ocean so their are ocean views from every room and community areas. There is a beach across the street and a wonderful beach a block down the road.
Only problem is no front desk or staff because you need to sign in a another hotel a few miles away. The front desk at that hotel should pass out a sheet of facts for Beach House guests because we dont know where or when the breakfast is, where the ice machine is , where the beach chairs are , Are wake up calls available? etc.
They are located on the ocean so their are ocean views from every room and community areas. There is a beach across the street and a wonderful beach a block down the road.
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Date of stay: June 2021
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.
Great location. Unfortunately that is where the good impressions stop. The hotel literally has NO full time staff on the premises. The lobby furniture is stacked in the corner. Guests need to go to another hotel to register and get keys. The building could have been on fire and only the guests would have been aware.
The rooms are not being cleaned. The breakfast which was just plastic wrapped junk food, that was to be included in the room rate was placed in a cardboard box. Request for towel and expected amenities require the guest to call another hotel for the items.
The entire operation has the feel of Hay Creek the management company of using COVID as an excuse to cut all operational expenses. Other hotels in Kennebunk continue to treat their guest properly and appreciate their reservation.
The rooms are not being cleaned. The breakfast which was just plastic wrapped junk food, that was to be included in the room rate was placed in a cardboard box. Request for towel and expected amenities require the guest to call another hotel for the items.
The entire operation has the feel of Hay Creek the management company of using COVID as an excuse to cut all operational expenses. Other hotels in Kennebunk continue to treat their guest properly and appreciate their reservation.
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Date of stay: July 2020
Value
Rooms
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 Heather Cox, Owner at The Beach House Inn
Responded May 4, 2021
Thank you for your feedback, Mac5596. I am sorry to hear your stay with us did not exceed your expectations, but would welcome the opportunity to ensure your stay is memorable the next time your travels bring you to the Kennebunks.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Luckily we only spent one night at the The Beach House. As soon as we entered, my first thought was that this property had such great potential. It is a shame that it has not been taken care of. The house is very tired from the worn floors, broken tiles (hopefully not asbestos tiles) in the bathroom, a toilet seat that wobbled and did not fit the toilet, walls and doors in need of painting and an air conditioner that was so in need of cleaning that I had an asthma attack during the night. The furniture in the bedroom looks like pieces that have been picked up at Goodwill. However, the furniture in the main room was lovely. The photos picture a kitchen where a continental breakfast is served. There was no such room instead a coffee counter bar where the mornings garbage was left flowing over in a can until the next morning. The breakfast was served in the main room and although I understand the need for Covid requirements it was pathetic. We arrived and 9am and as for fruit there was one pear. I asked if they could refill the bowl but they had no more. The plate of muffins only had grocery store chocolate muffins cut in half. The boiled eggs were the bag eggs you buy in a grocery store just in a big bowl. It might be safer had they been fresh hard boiled and shelled eggs. There was no assortment of yogurt but only plain yogurt, cereals and granola bars. We would have had a better breakfast at The Hampton Inn. The website also picture rocking chairs on the porch but they did not exist. There were adirondack chairs on the lawn but the bikes were stored in front obstructing the view of the ocean. I had made a few calls with questions prior to our arrival and Abby could not have been more helpful. However, during the day and night there is NO staff to be found. Apparently they are only at the sister property in Kennebunkport and hopefully you will not need any assistance. All in all the high price of these rooms did not meet the expected standards and we will not be back.
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Date of stay: July 2021
Location
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 Brian Rice, General Manager at The Beach House Inn
Responded Apr 21, 2023
Thank you for your feedback. I’m so sorry to hear you did not have a good experience with us. I am happy to say that the Inn is under new management for 2023, and we have just undergone major renovations and improvements to the inn including new wifi, 14 full room renovations, new furniture and fixtures, and new hallway carpets. On top of the challenges we all faced during COVID, we had a major flood event January of 2022 that impacted over half of our rooms requiring major renovation, and room closures for most of the 2022 season. We are now fully staffed at this location, and look forward to coming back stronger. I’m very excited to be here, and make sure that all stays with us is a great one. I’m so sorry for the challenges you experienced with us in the past, and hope you’ll give us another chance in the future. I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you directly. Please give me a call at 207-967-3850. I would love to invite you back for a complimentary stay.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed for the 4th weekend and were very disappointed in the services and the quality. The room poor. The furniture in the room (deluxe ocean front) was mix matched and broken and the carpet was stained. The mattress was old and uncomfortable. There is hardly/no staff. If you need anything you have to call the other hotel (including check in) which is a 15 minute drive away and MAYBE it will get to you. I requested an extra duvet before we checked in, which I was told would be delivered to our room, was never delivered and when I requested it again, a blanket arrived instead. There is NO staff at The Beach House. And, a $15 resort fee is charged plus taxed - for what? The broken bikes out front? No umbrellas. No milk for the coffee. We paid almost $1700 for a run down room and a hotel without any staff! Don't go! It is terrible.
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Date of stay: July 2021
Rooms
Location
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 Brian Rice, General Manager at The Beach House Inn
Responded Apr 21, 2023
Thank you for your feedback. I’m so sorry to hear you did not have a good experience with us. I am happy to say that the Inn is under new management for 2023, and we have just undergone major renovations and improvements to the inn including new wifi, 14 full room renovations, new furniture and fixtures, and new hallway carpets. On top of the challenges we all faced during COVID, we had a major flood event January of 2022 that impacted over half of our rooms requiring major renovation, and room closures for most of the 2022 season. We are now fully staffed at this location, and look forward to coming back stronger. I’m very excited to be here, and make sure that all stays with us is a great one. I’m so sorry for the challenges you experienced with us in the past, and hope you’ll give us another chance in the future. I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you directly. Please give me a call at 207-967-3850. I would love to invite you back for a complimentary stay.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pros: Location is very nice surrounded by beautiful homes and ocean views. We had lovely weather and enjoyed our morning walks along the ocean. Our third floor room was large and bright. The shower pressure and hot water were good. Air conditioning worked well. You can walk to two nice beaches. Brownies they served in the afternoon were good. Free parking included. Short drive into town.
Cons: The inn is in need of a facelift and some areas (hallways, elevator) are quite shabby. Our room was not thoroughly cleaned which was the worst of it (mold on bathroom ceiling, very dirty behind the dresser, which I saw when I went to use an outlet, heavily stained carpet). Also the plumbing needs some work - toilet made a lot of noise when flushed; bathroom sink faucet spewed water and needs to be tightened, etc. The breakfast was mainly fruit, yogurt, and muffins even though a staff person had told me on the phone the day before that it would include one hot item per day (e.g. scrambled eggs, french toast, etc.). The basic items they served were ok but they didn't set the right expectation.
I did know what to expect with check-in at another hotel and no staff on site but it was inconvenient. I think the resort fee (plus resort fee tax) is a bit unfair since there are really no services to speak of (it covers the use of beach chairs and bikes).
If I come back to the area again I'll stay elsewhere.
Cons: The inn is in need of a facelift and some areas (hallways, elevator) are quite shabby. Our room was not thoroughly cleaned which was the worst of it (mold on bathroom ceiling, very dirty behind the dresser, which I saw when I went to use an outlet, heavily stained carpet). Also the plumbing needs some work - toilet made a lot of noise when flushed; bathroom sink faucet spewed water and needs to be tightened, etc. The breakfast was mainly fruit, yogurt, and muffins even though a staff person had told me on the phone the day before that it would include one hot item per day (e.g. scrambled eggs, french toast, etc.). The basic items they served were ok but they didn't set the right expectation.
I did know what to expect with check-in at another hotel and no staff on site but it was inconvenient. I think the resort fee (plus resort fee tax) is a bit unfair since there are really no services to speak of (it covers the use of beach chairs and bikes).
If I come back to the area again I'll stay elsewhere.
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Date of stay: August 2021
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 Brian Rice, General Manager at The Beach House Inn
Responded Apr 21, 2023
Thank you for your feedback. I’m so sorry to hear you did not have a good experience with us. I am happy to say that the Inn is under new management for 2023, and we have just undergone major renovations and improvements to the inn including new wifi, 14 full room renovations, new furniture and fixtures, and new hallway carpets. On top of the challenges we all faced during COVID, we had a major flood event January of 2022 that impacted over half of our rooms requiring major renovation, and room closures for most of the 2022 season. We are now fully staffed at this location, and look forward to coming back stronger. I’m very excited to be here, and make sure that all stays with us is a great one. I’m so sorry for the challenges you experienced with us in the past, and hope you’ll give us another chance in the future. I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you directly. Please give me a call at 207-967-3850. I would love to invite you back for a complimentary stay.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The building is clean and well maintained, and our room was very spacious with a great view. It would have been nice to have a small refrigerator and microwave in the room (many great restaurants in the area!) but I understand that doesn't really fit the B&B style. The breakfast was a small selection of grab and go muffins, granola bars, etc. I'm not sure if that's just because of COVID or if that's always the way they do breakfast. We didn't really interact with any staff other than check-in at the sister property a few minutes away. Overall it was an enjoyable 3 night stay and I would stay here again!
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Date of stay: October 2020
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 Heather Cox, Owner at The Beach House Inn
Responded May 4, 2021
Thank you for choosing the Beach House Inn for your getaway-- we're thrilled to see you enjoyed your stay! Think of us again the next time your travels bring you to the area.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I had a difficult time rating the property . I have been staying at this hotel for 10 years since I sold my home here. The location could not be better and it has always been my favorite place to stay. It used to feel so homey. Unfortunately, I have seen a decline in this property and I am sad to see it in such disrepair. The rooms are looking tired, my carpet had stains and was very worn, the towel bar in my room was hung at an angle, the sink has a crack in it and there must be air in the water line because when either the room above me or below turned the water on there was a very loud groaning. When I first started coming, there was an amazing breakfast offerings, cookies in the afternoon and cheese and crackers later afternoon. I understand restrictions with Covid, but more could be offered than a cardboard container with a yogurt and donut for breakfast. Even the exterior has not been cared for as much as in the past; there are no screens on the windows and the gardens are full of weeds and look unkempt.
There is no staffing at the complex, so after a 5 1/2 hour trip to get here, you have to fight traffic thru town to pick up room keys at their other location and then fight traffic getting back. That took at least an additional 1/2 hour.
There is no staffing at the complex, so after a 5 1/2 hour trip to get here, you have to fight traffic thru town to pick up room keys at their other location and then fight traffic getting back. That took at least an additional 1/2 hour.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2021
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
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 Brian Rice, General Manager at The Beach House Inn
Responded Apr 21, 2023
Thank you for your feedback. I’m so sorry to hear you did not have a good experience with us. I am happy to say that the Inn is under new management for 2023, and we have just undergone major renovations and improvements to the inn including new wifi, 14 full room renovations, new furniture and fixtures, and new hallway carpets. On top of the challenges we all faced during COVID, we had a major flood event January of 2022 that impacted over half of our rooms requiring major renovation, and room closures for most of the 2022 season. We are now fully staffed at this location, and look forward to coming back stronger. I’m very excited to be here, and make sure that all stays with us is a great one. I’m so sorry for the challenges you experienced with us in the past, and hope you’ll give us another chance in the future. I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you directly. Please give me a call at 207-967-3850. I would love to invite you back for a complimentary stay.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
From the outside this is an idyllic guest house right on the beach and it is in a fabulous location.
To book in you will need a code to access a security box which has your room key in it.
There's no staff apart from 1 young lad to help if needed.
As we weren't give a code the going lad gave us a key to room 102. This room is down stairs next to the laundry room and by some rooms being renovated. Basically it smelt like a building site and as the key wouldn't work we had to negotiate with a man on the phone to get another room.
Eventually after some unnecessary discussions we were give room 202. See pics...enough said
Breakfast is totally DIY I including clearing your table but you do get plastic cutlery and paper plates although there is some
crockery if you can find it.
There is no room service and the toilet flush is incredibly loud.
Good luck when you book in
To book in you will need a code to access a security box which has your room key in it.
There's no staff apart from 1 young lad to help if needed.
As we weren't give a code the going lad gave us a key to room 102. This room is down stairs next to the laundry room and by some rooms being renovated. Basically it smelt like a building site and as the key wouldn't work we had to negotiate with a man on the phone to get another room.
Eventually after some unnecessary discussions we were give room 202. See pics...enough said
Breakfast is totally DIY I including clearing your table but you do get plastic cutlery and paper plates although there is some
crockery if you can find it.
There is no room service and the toilet flush is incredibly loud.
Good luck when you book in
Read more
Date of stay: September 2022Trip 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.
Response from Brian Rice, General Manager at The Beach House Inn
Responded Apr 21, 2023
Thank you for your feedback. I’m so sorry to hear you did not have a good experience with us. I am happy to say that the Inn is under new management for 2023, and we have just undergone major renovations and improvements to the inn including new wifi, 14 full room renovations, new furniture and fixtures, and new hallway carpets. On top of the challenges we all faced during COVID, we had a major flood event January of 2022 that impacted over half of our rooms requiring major renovation, and room closures for most of the 2022 season. We are now fully staffed at this location, and look forward to coming back stronger. I’m very excited to be here, and make sure that all stays with us is a great one. I’m so sorry for the challenges you experienced with us in the past, and hope you’ll give us another chance in the future. I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you directly. Please give me a call at 207-967-3850. I would love to invite you back for a complimentary stay.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Upon arrival, I was told by the front desk, that there is a restaurant close by, but did not go there. I’m not sure how far “close by” is though. There is a trolley that stops out front for $16 to hop on and off all day and can take you into town to easily access dining. There are complimentary bicycles to use on the premises. On many nice days, we saw a good number of people walking to town. I would guess that it’s a good 20 minute walk up Boothby Rd(?), but I’m a slow walker. It’s a beautiful landscape if you enjoy walking.
We will be attending the Fire and Ice at the Nonantum. Is there any transportation to the Nonantum ?
We do not have a shuttle of our own. Trip Advisor does not permit adding links to web addresses in my response. Therefore, I have cut and pasted details from their website regarding transportation to and from the event. I hope this helps.
Hi5 Cab – 207-303-9113
Hydi Drive 207-251-6611
Maine Limousine 207-883-0222
Good Times Shuttle 207-400-4560
Bay Limousine 207-558-2899
Atlantic Limousine 207-856-6400
Custom Coach and Limo 207-797-9100
Limo Maine 207-808-7008
Portland Limo 207-797-2478
Twin City Taxi 207-284-7911
A1 Cab Service 207-284-8768
Seacoast Cab Company 207-646-4222
I'm just a reviewer, a guest of the hotel, not the establishment. You will have to ask them.
Good Afternoon, Thank you for your question. The closet airport to The Beach House Inn is Portland International Jetport (PWM) with a driving time of about 1 hour. Boston's Logan Airport is about a 2 Hour drive.
Please let me know if there is anything more we may assist you with.
Regards,
Lindsey
…
PRICE RANGE
C$329 - C$508 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
the beach house hotel kennebunk
LOCATION
United StatesMaineKennebunksKennebunk
NUMBER OF ROOMS
34
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Beach House Inn
Which popular attractions are close to The Beach House Inn?
Nearby attractions include Wells Reserve at Laudholm (4.7 km), Saint Ann's Church (1.8 km), and Seashore Trolley Museum (6.9 km).
What are some of the property amenities at The Beach House Inn?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free parking, free internet access, and baggage storage.
Which room amenities are available at The Beach House Inn?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a seating area.
What food & drink options are available at The Beach House Inn?
Guests can enjoy complimentary tea during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to The Beach House Inn?
Conveniently located restaurants include Chez Rosa, The Boathouse Restaurant, and Nunan's Lobster Hut.
Are there any historical sites close to The Beach House Inn?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Wallingford Farm (5.9 km), Dock Square (2.2 km), and Perkins Tide Mill (2.5 km).
Does The Beach House Inn have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the harbour view available here.