Maine

12 Magical & Unique Places to Stay in Maine

Posted by
Sarah Lamagna
July 18, 2022
Updated February 22, 2023

unique places to stay in maine
Photo: Under Canvas

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In a place that sees the first sunrise in the United States, Maine is home to incredible beauty and endless adventures.

Maine is home to large swaths of pine forest, bountiful lobster fests, and the largest moose population in the United States. Magic seems to ooze from the ground here so you can easily unwind and relax. Maine also houses New England’s most popular national park: Acadia. Whether you’re visiting the Park, taking some scenic drives, hiking around the state, or simply lounging on the 3,500 miles of coastline, make sure you pick the right vacation rental for you.

Maine has something for everyone’s tastes including high-class resorts for those not wanting to give up luxury, quaint Victorian lodging to reminisce about the good old days, and off-grid cabins for the more adventurous ones. Find the ideal vacation to suit your needs in these unique places to stay in Vacationland below.

1. The Trellis House

unique places to stay maine - trellis house
Photo: The Trellis House

Why you should stay: there’s a private lobster dinner party you’re invited to every Saturday night.

  • Nearest town: Ogunquit
  • Sleeps: 2 guests
  • Minimum Stay: 1 night
  • Rates from: $219/night

You’ll have the pick of the litter if you stay at The Trellis House in downtown Ogunquit. With eight delightfully adorned rooms to choose from, this bed and breakfast will give you the best place to rest your head after a day of beachcombing. Start your day with a full gourmet breakfast served on the screened in porch and then head to the beach located just a few minutes walk away.

No need to worry about packing a beach bag, beach chair, or towel since the accommodations provide those for every guest free of charge. When you’re nice and crispy (although hopefully not too crispy) from a day in the sun, head back to the inn for complimentary hors d’oeuvres each evening before calling it a day.

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Related Read: The 10 Best Pet-Friendly Cabin Rentals in Maine

2. Swedish Cottage on Joy Bay

unique places to stay maine
Photo: VRBO

Why you should stay: close enough to Acadia National Park but also far enough to avoid crowds.

  • Nearest town: Gouldsboro
  • Sleeps: 2 guests
  • Minimum Stay: 3 nights
  • Rates from: $200/night

The waterfront property of the Swedish Cottage on Joy Bay provides the serenity and solitude that personifies the “Down East” personality of this area of Maine so perfectly. This area of Maine — located just north of Acadia National Park — is known for its laidback feel and go-with-the-flow attitude.

Even for the most high-strung people, staying at the Swedish Cottage will melt your worries away the minute you hit the dirt road to the home. Whether you stay at home and watch the tides go in an out or head out to the many scenic areas, you’ll be in awe the entire time.

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Related Read: Create a Whimsical Experience in These Maine Treehouse Rentals

3. Beachfront A-frame Cabin

unique places to stay maine - a frame
Photo: Hipcamp

Why you should stay: you’ll compare every sunset you experience afterward to the one you get while staying here.

  • Nearest town: Gouldsboro
  • Sleeps: 2 guests
  • Minimum Stay: 2 nights
  • Rates from: $175/night

It’s worth stating twice that the sunsets while you stay at this off-grid A-frame cabin are exquisite. A stay here might not include the usual amenities that you might be used to but what it lacks in Wi-Fi and heating more than makes up for in beauty and solitude.

For the most part, you’ll have the place to yourself. There may be an occasional hiker that walks by on the beach (it isn’t a private beach) but you’re more likely to encounter soaring eagles or friendly deer. The beach is steps away and, during low tide, it’s perfect for finding sea critters amongst all the tide pools.

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Related Read: 10 Super & Secluded Maine Cabin Rentals

4. BREEZE Treehouse

unique places to stay maine - treehouse
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: experience privacy like no other on 120 acres plus 1,300 acres of conservation land bordering the property.

  • Nearest town: Appleton
  • Sleeps: 2 guests
  • Minimum Stay: 2 nights
  • Rates from: $179/night

Those with a fear of heights might actually have a tough time staying here as the sleeping loft in the BREEZE Treehouse is 40’ off the ground! But if you can get past your wobbly knees, staying at this unique treehouse will be a breeze (ha, see what I did there).

This isn’t your average treehouse or anything like the ones that might’ve been in your backyard as a child. Instead, it’s got a real toilet (it flushes and everything!), electricity, full kitchen, and even air conditioning. Oh, and there’s also a private hot tub and a sauna. This place has it all – except Wi-Fi, it doesn’t have that. But you won’t need it when you’ve got nature and wildlife surrounding you to entertain.

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5. Under Canvas Acadia

unique places to stay maine - under canvas
Photo: Under Canvas

Why you should stay: complimentary s’mores and fire pit hangs every night.

  • Nearest town: Surry
  • Sleeps: 7 guests depending on tent type
  • Minimum Stay: 1 night
  • Rates from: $339/night

Get all the street cred of staying in a tent without having to give up the glamor of staying at a five-star resort. You can have both at Under Canvas Acadia. Stay with your large family in the Cadillac Mountain tent or snuggle up with your partner in the Stargazer tent. Regardless of the tent you choose, you’ll never want to leave.

On top of all the usual amenities you’d receive at any hotel, Under Canvas Acadia also provides daily morning yoga, children activities, and live music. You’re welcome to use their Experience Coordinators to help you plan the perfect vacation or simply stay on-site and enjoy your stay.

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Related Read: 8 Spectacular Glamping Spots Near Acadia National Park, Maine

6. Micro A-frame Cabin

unique places to stay maine - micro cabin
Photo: Hipcamp

Why you should stay: it might be the smallest of spaces, but it’s got the biggest of skies overhead.

  • Nearest town: Passadumkeag
  • Sleeps: 2 guests
  • Minimum Stay: 1 night
  • Rates from: $68/night

If space is what you’re after, you won’t find it at this tiny A-frame cabin. Instead, you’ll encounter jaw-dropping night skies filled with sparkling stars and a glittering Milky Way. Yes, you will be able to see it with the naked eye here.

And for every ounce of night you experience, you’ll get just as much sun to soak in throughout the day. There isn’t a whole lot of shade so make sure to bring the sunblock and spend time down by the river to beat the heat of the day. It’s hard to choose which time is best: day or night. Book this place now and find out for yourself.

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7. Cedar Brook Cabin

unique places to stay maine - tiny house
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: there’s a cidery just down the road so you won’t have to Uber home.

  • Nearest town: New Gloucester
  • Sleeps: 4 guests
  • Minimum Stay: 2 nights
  • Rates from: $261/night

A modern but cozy feel abound in the Cedar Brook Cabin. It’s tiny home living at its finest including two full bedrooms. Thoughtful touches are scattered throughout the surfaces of the tiny house including air plants, incense, and beautiful crystals.

You might not even need the incense, though, when you cook up a gourmet meal in the extra large kitchen (even large for a regularly sized home). What makes this place top all the others is that you can (encouraged really) bring your four-legged companion too.

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Related Read: 8 Best Airbnbs in Maine for the Coolest New England Getaway

8. Berry Manor Inn

unique places to stay maine - berry manor
Photo: Berry Manor Inn

Why you should stay: there’s a bellhop — I mean, come on!!!

  • Nearest town: Rockland
  • Sleeps: 3 guests
  • Minimum Stay: 1 night
  • Rates from: $179/night

Are you obsessed with Jane Austen? Or maybe you’ve watched too many Bridgerton episodes. Either way, staying at the Berry Manor Inn will transport you to a time known for its regality, ornateness, and propriety. Crash in a bed so large, even the King himself would be impressed.

Before you know it, you’ll greet everyone with a “good morrow, sir!” or “’tis a fine evening, is it not?” You might get some funny looks when you stroll around downtown Rockland but just tell them that you’re staying at the Berry Manor Inn and they’ll understand.

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9. Cabin By the Bay

unique places to stay maine - cabin views
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: easy access to Acadia National Park.

  • Nearest town: Ellsworth
  • Sleeps: 2 guests
  • Minimum Stay: 1 night
  • Rates from: $187/night

Are you a fan of Stephen King? When you stay at this modern A-frame cabin, you’ll be only three miles from where the original Pet Semetary was filmed! Too creepy for you? Not to worry, there’s plenty of beauty to go along with the spooky.

The A-frame comes with a complimentary tandem kayak that you can take on the bay which is just across the road. Explore the hidden coves that seals, bald eagles, and great blue herons call home.

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Related Read: Where to View the Best Fall Foliage in New England

10. Lakefront Cabin

unique places to stay maine - lakefront cabin
Photo: VRBO

Why you should stay: where else are you able to bring not one, not two, but THREE dogs?

  • Nearest town: Greenville
  • Sleeps: 6 guests
  • Minimum Stay: 2 nights
  • Rates from: $161/night

Floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall wood paneling adorns this gorgeous lakefront home. It might seem like it should be too much but, for some reason, it works in this space. The home is a combination of rustic hunting cabin and glitzy Ritz Carlton vibes.

The property comes with a private dock on First Roach Pond – don’t worry, there are no cockroaches to be found. Just down the road is the famous and popular Moosehead Lake known for its water activities and jaw dropping scenery.

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11. Waldo Emerson Inn

unique places to stay maine - waldo emerson inn
Photo: Waldo Emerson Inn

Why you should stay: the “bars” are unlike anything you’ve seen — from bread to candy to even books.

  • Nearest town: Kennebunkport
  • Sleeps: 3 guests
  • Minimum Stay: 1 night
  • Rates from: $354/night

Kennebunkport is known for its coastal, small-town charm and better-than-life-itself lobster. The six quaint guest rooms at Waldo Emerson Inn combine these two qualities perfectly.

Seriously, try the lobster grits for breakfast — you won’t be disappointed. After getting your fill for the day, find inspiration scattered throughout the region and be prepared to channel the Inn’s namesake and write some poetry of your own.

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Related Read: 8 Best Beach Camping Spots in New England for an Oceanfront Getaway

12. Sunrise Cove Lodge

unique places to stay maine - lodge
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should stay: unparalleled views of Saddleback Mountain and the Appalachian Trail.

  • Nearest town: Rangeley
  • Sleeps: 12 guests
  • Minimum Stay: 7 nights
  • Rates from: $600/night

The moment you walk into Sunrise Cove Lodge you’ll wonder if you’re staying in a five-star resort. The great room looks like a hotel lobby complete with oversized leather furniture and a welcoming fireplace. Just like a resort, there’s a game “room” located in the garage and a private, permanent dock on Rangeley Lake.

Plus, there’s a bar where you can sling drinks while the rest of your party mingles on the patio next to the waterfall and lily pond — bull frogs included!

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