Lodging in Ogunquit, Maine

Sometimes in the northeast we feel as if the word ‘vacation’ is literally defined by going south. Unfortunately, with the price of gas skyrocketing this can sometimes mean a very expensive car trip. Further, many of us take our vacations in the summer, a time when the southeastern coasts of Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia are hotter than. . .

Well, you know.

So what’s the alternative? If a long car trip or very hot summertime weather isn’t for you, where do you go to relax?

How about a trip north to Maine’s southern shores? Specifically, why not try Ogunquit Beach, a place sure to please beach- goers looking for soft sands, blue surf, and beautiful scenery (especially along the Marginal Way).

And if you’re wondering where to stay, here are some options, starting first and foremost with a place I got to know very well.

The Mariner Resort

Location: Though not directly on the water, The Mariner is only a couple of blocks away from Ogunquit’s beautiful Footbridge Beach (½ mile). The hotel is situated close to everything but not right in the middle of town. Thus, it allows the opportunity to feel part of the bustle (it’s only about 1.5 miles from the center of town), if you want to, but doesn’t force this upon you. Across the street is a mini- plaza with a pizza restaurant and other shops.

The View: Each hotel room has a gated porch/ balcony in front of it. Over the marsh and river, on a sunny day, a very nice view of the beach is available (see the attached picture). Further, these balconies were quite clean, current, and furnished with outdoor chairs and a small table. Funny that when we first showed up the fog was pea soup thick, hiding the ocean view until the next sunny morning. If you’ve never been to Maine then you may not understand just how fast and all encompassing the fog can be. Still, there’s a beauty to even that.

Each room also overlooked the courtyard where the pools were housed. This was nice because you could see what you were getting into before leaving to swim (in terms of the crowd, children, and such).