Inn by the Sea

First impressions at check in could not have been worse...especially for an iPrefer property. Came in at 3 pm or so... room not ready. Not really the issue. Issue was the sarcastic, negativity of Front Desk...older woman with Grey streaked hair pulled tightly back. Her very unfriendly response after telling me it is a 4pm check-in, and I asked if housekeeping could get the room ready as soon as possible: "well, we don't want to rush her through your room, and nit have it clean." Seriously??? That's the first impression at an iPrefer property to a longstanding iPrefer member. Go the the bar to get a drink and possibly food. One other couple in bar eating. TOTALLY ALOOF... almost passively aggressive bartender... two feet from me at the bar. No eye contact, no greeting. Tall, curly short hair, about 40ish. I asked for a menu. Gives it to me with one word. I had to engage him again. Like... going out of his way to serve and talk with me. This is your hospitality? From there, through our 3 night stay. I wanted nothing to do with any of you. Young lady serving us dinner was very nice. Younger boy/man at Front Desk, nice. But the first impression ruined everything. I travel all over the world. I lived in Maine for three years. This is lousy training and not holding your employees accountable for their behavior. In season or out. You are only as good as your reputation. Your property doesn't deserve its iPrefer status. I don't care about your location or amenities. I care about how I am treated.

Inn by the Sea is one of our very favorite New England hotels. We enjoyed everything from check-in (Betsy was a delight) through checkout. The property is pristine and cozy for our fall season stay. The fall Halloween decor on the grounds and common spaces was just right. Plenty of good dogs (leashed) were on property too. Our room was so comfortable I didn't want to leave!

Beautiful resort. High season and highest prices start in May and run through October. We stayed in March and most recently in September. March was a fraction of the cost. There is an ongoing "glitch" - that's how on site staff explained it in March and in September with the connection between rates they quote you if you call, rates you see online on their own website and communication if you are an I-Preferred member. I am a Titanium I prefer member that comes with a list of perks. I redeemed a few points to reduce my nightly rate on my most recent trip. It was a headache trying to see a confirmation from the hotel ahead of my trip that confirmed my new nightly rate. They said they cannot see what I-Prefer is doing with regard to that. We did utilize an I-Prefer perk and upgraded to a larger room based on availability for this recent trip. We were not greeted at check in as I-Prefer guests and were not offered the on-site perks - gift, candy, free complimentary cocktails, etc.. Othere than that, it's a beautiful setting with a lovely walk to a beach. The rooms are very nicely decorated, super comfy beds and linens and really superb housekeeping on every visit.

A beautiful, perfect first time Maine experience, away from the big town of Portland, but and capturing that perfect fall feeling that we were hoping for. Staff was really nice and funny!

Inn by the Sea stands out for its beautiful oceanfront location, bright and comfortable rooms with large windows overlooking the sea, and its attentive, caring staff. The Sea Glass restaurant offers excellent cuisine, both for breakfast and dinner, with a relaxing view of the ocean.