Portland, MaineCape Elizabeth
Inn by the Sea
Eco-minded seaside inn
Cape Elizabeth Portland, Maine
Renovated
2008
Price
$$$
Rated for
Wellness Resort LocalOutside the door
Eco-minded seaside inn
The property runs entirely on solar power, balancing classic New England beach holidays with wildlife conservation and shelter-dog fostering.
“Inn by the Sea is an idyllic beach getaway on the Atlantic coast.”
What it’s good at
Notable
A private boardwalk crosses coastal dunes to Crescent Beach beside seaside fire pits.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
It’s contemporary-classic in style but as crisp and fresh as a new build, and its rooms and suites are luxurious, but unpretentiously so.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Crescent Beach State Park borders the grounds, and downtown Portland is a fifteen-minute drive north.
The rooms
Rooms come with gas fireplaces and private decks, while two-story loft suites add deep soaking tubs.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The outdoor saltwater pool is solar-heated, set on the lawn with sun loungers looking toward the ocean.
The spa and gym
Treatment rooms include a couples suite with an aromatherapy tub, and the lower-level gym has Peloton bikes.
At the table
Sea Glass serves local Maine seafood in an ocean-facing dining room and out on an umbrella-shaded deck.
Sprawling, sustainable, and stylish, this Cape Elizabeth property a 15-minute drive from downtown Portland, Maine, seamlessly blends topnotch service with laid-back chic.
How it began
The grounds hosted seaside lodgers as the Crescent Beach Inn from the 1930s until a full rebuild in 1985.
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.