We just spent 24 hours at an unexpected treasure of a boutique hotel called The Lodge on the Cove, part of the Kennebunkpost Resort Collection, in Kennebunkport, Maine. Tucked away in a secluded part of this famous seaside town is this simply sublime and stylish resort. It’s also extremely welcoming to families with its spacious rooms, spread throughout a property that edges a tidal cove one mile from the center of town, as well as its activity offerings.
The hotel is a converted motor lodge that re-opened last year. The owners commissioned local artists and artisans to achieve a retro-chic look and its reflected in the eclectic artwork and accessories all over the property, from the bed boards in the rooms to the bookshelves and cushions in the public spaces. The result is simply soothing. During the short time we were there, we were able to unwind, relax and truly disconnect. What else do you want from your time out with your kids?
Here’s the low-down on the resort, from a family perspective.
The Rooms
Each one of the thirty rooms at The Lodge at the Cove has a semi-private deck, patterned wall treatments, a mix of vintage and contemporary furnishings, cozy bedding and a private bath. The entire resort bases its colors in white and earth tones with touches of coral and lime, making it very contemporary and Pottery Barn/Elm – esque, and it’s as appealing to the eyes as it sounds. All rooms are air-conditioned and have small refrigerators, microwaves, free Wi-fi, flat-screen TVs, and a sink vanity separate from the bathroom. Curtains outside allow guests to privatize their section of the shared porch. The rooms have a small table and two chairs near the door to get organized on, but I liked setting up my computer on the porch and working outside.
What to Do
A beautiful pool overlooking a sea (at high tide) is in walking distance to every room and has a ping pong table, a bar/cafe called The Dory, complimentary beach chairs, lawn games and live music (Reggae on Friday nights). The hotel also offers yoga classes, bicycles for bike rides, aqua aerobics classes, movie nights, and daily bonfires for making s’mores. My husband sat by the pool, sipping mojitos from The Dory and read books, while our kids swam in what was n unusually warm pool. The hotel offers blueberry picking now through October 19th (prime picking season) but it happened to rain on our full day, so we were unable to go. Right by reception is a sitting area with cozy seating around a fireplace, board games, free coffee/tea and Wifi access for people to hang out, socialize or play games.
The hotel offers free shuttles to town at night and the hotel is only a short stroll away from downtown Kennebunkport’s famous Dock Square where guests can find shops, boutiques and restaurants, as well as opportunities to take boat rides or ride their bike along the water. Kennebunkport is a really sweet town, full of family-friendly eateries, gift shops, ice-cream shops and more.
Where to Eat
We had several delightful meals during our stay at The Lodge on the Cove. The Dory is its pool side bar and restaurant that offers all kinds of burgers, salads, hummus, fahitas, homemade shakes, a kid’s menu and ice-cream sundaes. They have seafood items like lobster salad, fish & chips and haddock. They also have yummy cocktails, a Happy Hour daily and popsicles for the kids (they give each child a coin when they check in that can be exchanged for a pop). The menu pricing is actually very reasonable, the portions substantial and the options quite healthy and delicious. It can’t get easier for a parent than staying local and eating in, avoiding long waits, crowds and possible melt downs. It worked for us and gave us more pool time. Click HERE to view the menu.
The hotel treated us to a lovely meal at one its sister establishments, One Dock, which features tapas and other small plates, including a great wine list. The kids had what they loved, we had what we loved. We sat outside underneath an incredible summer sky and decorative ouand sampled fish tacos, baked halumi & ouzo, agnolotti with ricotta, port marinara, roasted beets with goat cheese, sweet & spicy brussell sprouts, garlicky & lemonny broccolini, while the kids munched on traditional kid’s items (chicken nuggets and steak) and drank mocktails. Check out their menu HERE.
The Verdict?
Planning a Visit?
This summer, travelers can find both in abundance at The Lodge on the Cove, an original motor lodge completely refurbished with a playful, “retro chic” vibe. With the resort’s new PYOB (Pick Your Own Berries) package, guests can collect their own berries at local farms before savoring creamy ice cream topped with the berries picked that day.
The PYOB package includes two nights’ accommodations, breakfast daily, a packed lunch, a pail that can be used to collect fresh berries (pre-stocked with Maine blueberry goodies), a map to pick-your-own farms, and post-picking, complimentary cleaning and packing of the berries and a bowl of ice cream to enjoy with the freshly gathered fruit.
Available now through October 19, 2014 (certain blackout dates apply), prices for the PYOB package start at $382 for two adults and $415 for two adults and two children, ages one to 15, and can be booked by visiting www.lodgeonthecove.com or calling 1-800-879-5778. As blueberry season in Maine lasts from mid-July to mid-August, guests will be directed to seasonal berry farms during the other months.
Disclosure: My family and I received free accommodations and a few complimentary meals to facilitate this review and others but all opinions are my own.
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I would like to go to Maine one day but it is so far away from New Mexico. My son is station in Virginia and went there for a party.
When my husband & I were planning our wedding, I wanted to go to Maine for our honeymoon. No idea why, it just called to me. Unfortunately, we ended up eloping & never took a honeymoon. But maybe we can check this place out for out 10 year anniversary in April.