Kennebunk's BEST Kept Secret: Port Inn & Suites! (Ascend Hotel Collection)
Alright, buckle up, because we're diving headfirst into the supposed "best kept secret" of Kennebunk: Port Inn & Suites! (Ascend Hotel Collection). And let me tell you, I've spent a good chunk of time wrestling with this place – not literally, though I did briefly consider it with the overly enthusiastic bellhop – to give you the REAL scoop. Forget the polished brochures, we're talking unfiltered travel truth.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS & ACCESSIBILITY: My Wheelchair, My Rules (Mostly)
Okay, first things first: Accessibility. This is HUGE for me (and should be for anyone considering Kennebunk's options). The hotel claims to be accessible, and honestly, they do a pretty decent job. Ramps? Check. Elevators? Absolutely. Braille signage? Haven't seen that, but the staff are genuinely helpful. The on-site accessible facilities (or lack thereof) are a bit more of a mixed bag. There isn't a restaurant inside the hotel, just a Breakfast [buffet] that's pretty standard. They have a good effort with Facilities for disabled guests, but some of the hallways… well, let's just say my wheelchair had to perform some unexpected slalom maneuvers.
The Internet Tango: Wi-Fi and Me
Yes, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!. Hallelujah! And it actually works, which is a travel miracle in itself. I needed it, too. I'm talking about a relentless need. I needed to binge-watch Schitt's Creek and research the best lobster rolls in the state. The Internet itself was perfectly adequate for streaming, email, and the occasional deep dive into cat videos. Internet [LAN] isn't something I utilized, but it was there, which is a bonus. And the Internet services overall are satisfactory.
The Room: My Cozy Bunker (Mostly)
Let's talk about the actual room. The Non-smoking rooms are a blessing (seriously, some places still smell like grandma's ashtray). The Air conditioning was thankfully blasting. Rooms sanitized between stays, which gives me the peace of mind I need. There's a refrigerator perfect for storing those emergency bottles of wine (you know, for research). The Bathroom, a standard setup, was clean and functional, though I did find the Toiletries a step below my usual luxury standards. I might have requested a room with an Additional toilet if available – just saying. The Bathtub, Separate shower/bathtub, and Shower were all standard and clean. The bathroom was mostly fine, like 90% fine.
Okay, Now for the Real Talk: The Quirks & The Chaos
Here's where things get interesting. Remember, I've seen and experienced a few hotels in my days. No hotel is perfect.
- The Breakfast (Buffet) Shenanigans: This is where things go off the rails in a good way, mostly. The breakfast is your typical Continental fare: the usual suspects of fruits, cereals, bagels, and the dreaded Buffet in restaurant. Okay, yeah, it wasn't the most gourmet thing I've ever eaten. But hey, it helped me start most days. The coffee, however, could wake the dead. Which, considering my sleep habits, was a good thing.
- The Gym: A Quiet Sanctuary (Mostly): Honestly, I'm not a gym rat. But, the Fitness center was pretty decent considering the Hotel's prices. I spent an hour or two there, and it was mostly empty. The Sauna, Steamroom, Spa, and Spa/sauna did not exist, but I did found out, that the Port Inn & Suites! offers MASSAGE. I actually had one, and it changed my life. The masseuse was fantastic, she found knots I didn't know I had. It's a Body scrub, Body wrap, and the Foot bath was heavenly.
- The "Things to Do" Conundrum: The hotel itself isn't exactly a hub of entertainment. Its main goal is to make things easy, so you can relax in Kennebunk. The Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor], and Swimming pool make things even easier.
- The Staff: Varying Degrees of Awesomeness: The staff at the front desk were generally pleasant and helpful. The Doorman and Concierge were pretty awesome. The Check-in/out [express] and Check-in/out [private] are not my jam. I'm not a big fan of Express check-in/out, I need someone to help me. The First aid kit was a plus.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Menu of Possibilities
I went to the the nearby restaurants of Kennebunk's BEST Kept Secret. Port Inn & Suites! had quite a lot to offer, from their Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, and the Vegetarian restaurant. The Bar was pretty great, but the Poolside bar made drinking a lot more enjoyable, even if I did end up drinking a few too many mimosas.
Cleanliness and Safety: Masks, Sanitizer, and My Sanity
Look, I'm a travel skeptic. But the Cleanliness and safety at the Port Inn & Suites! was decent. With the Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Room sanitization opt-out available. The Hand sanitizer was available, and the staff was wearing masks, I felt pretty safe. The Safe dining setup was a nice touch, too.
The Bottom Line: Is It REALLY the "Best Kept Secret"?
Okay, here's my brutally honest assessment: Port Inn & Suites! (Ascend Hotel Collection) is far from perfect. It's got its quirks, its minor drawbacks (the occasionally underwhelming breakfast), and moments that are just… well, a little off.
It’s a perfectly Family/child friendly, with Babysitting service, Kids facilities, and the Kids meal option, this place is a hit.
But…
It's also got a lot going for it. Clean rooms, a convenient location, incredibly kind staff, and a surprisingly charming atmosphere. It's the kind of place that feels like a comfortable basecamp for exploring Kennebunk – a place where you can crash after a day of sightseeing, enjoy a decent breakfast, and then head back out to discover the Maine magic.
The Offer: Your Kennebunk Adventure Awaits!
Tired of cookie-cutter hotels? Crave a genuine Kennebunk experience? Then book your stay at the Port Inn & Suites! (Ascend Hotel Collection) today! Get ready for friendly service, cozy rooms, and a location that puts you at the heart of the action.
For a limited time only, get 15% off your stay AND enjoy a complimentary breakfast! Don’t miss out on the chance to discover Kennebunk’s “best kept secret” – book now using promo code KENNEBUNKEXPLORER!
Here's why you should book now:
- Prime Location: Located at the heart of Kennebunk, you're close to beaches, shops, and restaurants, and a world of adventures will be a breeze.
- Comfortable Rooms: Spacious and well-appointed, each room provided a private sanctuary.
- Value for your Money: More than just a place to sleep, you'll get a Kennebunk experience that won't break the bank.
Click here to book your Kennebunk getaway today! [Insert Hotel Website Link Here]
P.S. Tell 'em the messy travel writer sent you. You might even get an extra slice of bacon at breakfast. No promises, though…
Unbelievable Hotel in Tokushima-Komatsushima: Anan, Japan Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your meticulously-planned, color-coded travel brochure. This is real travel, with all the glorious imperfections and existential dread (kidding… mostly). This is my "adventure" at the Port Inn & Suites Kennebunk, Ascend Hotel Collection, in beautiful, slightly-too-pristine Kennebunk, Maine.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Lobster Roll Debacle
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Portland International Jetport (PWM). The drive to Kennebunk… ah yes, that drive. It's painted in the pastel hues of coastal bliss, punctuated by the soul-crushing reality of needing gas. I swear, I fill up the tank before the trip, and immediately need gas. Is this a superpower? A curse? Whatever. Filled up.
- 2:30 PM: Check into the Port Inn. Okay, first impressions? Clean, maybe a little sterile (not in a fun, sci-fi way). The lobby smelled faintly of lemon Pledge and quiet desperation, which, to be fair, is a mood. The front desk person, bless her heart, probably could tell I was overwhelmed at the journey so far.
- 3:00 PM: Wander around Kennebunkport. The streets were picture-postcard perfect, which, frankly, made me nervous. Where were the actual people? Did they all go on a collective, perfectly-timed lunch break? Found a shop filled with nautical tchotchkes and wanted to buy everything. My credit card was thankful I had a little restraint left.
- 4:00 PM: THE LOBSTER ROLL SAGA BEGINS. Oh, the lobster roll. Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, entire state of Maine… it's all about the lobster roll, right? After some heavy duty internet scouring, I chose a highly-rated place. "Legendary," they called it. I imagined clouds parting and the heavenly chorus as I took that first bite.
- Sigh. The reality? A soggy, lukewarm, overpriced behemoth that tasted faintly of the ocean and profound disappointment. The bun was practically disintegrating, the lobster was… present. I felt like I’d been catfished by a sandwich! My emotional reaction? Near-tears. I swear, the waitress saw my face and looked away, probably to avoid the oncoming wave of my despair. I kept eating, though. Couldn't let the expensive culinary failure go to waste. I felt… betrayed. Betrayed by the gods of seafood. Betrayed by Tripadvisor.
- 6:00 PM: Retreat to the hotel room, defeated. Ate the rest of the lobster roll (with a little ketchup for emotional support). Watched mindless TV and questioned all my life choices. Is this what a "vacation" is? Apparently it is.
- 7:30 PM: Wander down to the outdoor pool for a little bit. It was surprisingly empty. Watched as the sunset slowly but surely took over the sky. The stars were amazing, especially since the sky was so dark due to the distance from the big cities.
Day 2: Beach Day and a Redemption Burger
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. The morning light did a miracle and washed away some of the previous day's gloom. Decided to be optimistic about breakfast. The continental breakfast at the hotel was… adequate. Standard. Nothing to write home about, unless you really love lukewarm coffee and pre-packaged muffins.
- 9:00 AM: Head to Goose Rocks Beach. Ah, this was more like it. The beach was beautiful. The sand, perfect. Some kids were already building elaborate sandcastles. I had a brief, passing thought of joining them, but my inner child, fueled by the previous day's disappointment, was too cynical.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Beach time! Lounged, swam, read a trashy novel, and actually felt… relaxed. The sun warmed my face, the waves whispered secrets to the shore, and I mostly forgot about the lobster roll. A seagull swooped by and tried to steal my book, which was, frankly, pretty on-brand for this trip.
- 1:30 PM: THE BURGER RESURRECTION. Lunch at a casual place in Kennebunkport. (After the lobster roll fiasco, I did my research. Like, intense research). Ordered a burger. Simple, classic, and crucially… delicious. Juicy patty, perfectly melted cheese, and crispy fries. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. The burger saved my trip. My soul. I think I actually teared up a bit.
- 3:00 PM: Explored the shops in Kennebunkport some more. Found an actual quirky, slightly cluttered bookstore. Bought three books and a cat, just to prove I was actually enjoying myself. (Just kidding about the cat).
- 5:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Honestly, the pool area was just so relaxing. I don't care how sterile the hotel is, I'm staying in the pool until closing.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant highly rated for its Seafood. Actually was amazing. I guess I could trust the local restaurants to provide me with perfect food.
Day 3: Farewell (and a Lobster Roll Trial Run)
- 8:00 AM: Another breakfast. I ate my muffin with a little more gusto.
- 9:00 AM: Final stroll through Kennebunkport. One last look at the perfect houses, the cheerful storefronts, the placid harbor.
- 10:00 AM: THE LOBSTER ROLL REVENGE. I decided I still needed a lobster roll, dammit! This time I went to a place that was not legendary, but was recommended by a local. And… it was good. Not perfect, but good. The bun wasn't soggy. The lobster was actually flavorful. I almost felt vindicated.
- 11:00 AM: Checkout. Said goodbye the front desk person, who now probably regarded me with a mix of pity and amusement.
- 11:30 AM: Drive back to Portland. Looked back at the Kennebunk and Kennebunkport sign one last time.
Final Thoughts:
Okay, so Kennebunk was… interesting. The lobster roll experience was an almost-existential crisis. The beaches were magnificent. The quirkiness was a little elusive. The hotel, well, it provided a clean, comfortable place to crash. Was it perfect? Absolutely not. Did I have a good time? You bet. Would I go back? Eventually. After a long, long break from lobster rolls. And maybe, just maybe, I'll finally find the perfect one. Or, you know, just learn to embrace the mess.
Tell City's BEST Budget Inn: Unbeatable Prices & Amazing Stays!
The Port Inn & Suites: Kennebunk's *Not-So-Secret* Secret (But We Love It Anyway!) - FAQs
So, *is* the Port Inn & Suites really a secret? Because, like, I found it on Expedia...
Okay, look, "secret" might be a *slight* exaggeration. It's hardly Area 51. Truthfully, you know those places that still have some charm, that's not so mass-produced and yet you can totally find them online (or, you know, driving through Kennebunkport!). The Port Inn? Yeah, it's that kind of place. Everyone knows about it, in a way. But *knowing* and *experiencing* it are two different things. And honestly, I think a little bit of inside info always makes a place feel special, right? Like, you're in on something, even if it's a moderately-priced hotel with a pool.
Is the location actually good? Like, are you *really* close to everything?
Dude, the location is...*chef's kiss*. Seriously. It's like Kennebunkport and Kennebunk said, "Hey, let's meet in the middle!" You're near both downtowns. Five minutes to the shops and lobster rolls in Kennebunkport. Five minutes to, like, the more functional places in Kennebunk. I swear, one time I needed a pharmacy at *midnight* (don't ask), and it was, like, a three-minute drive. Pure gold. The only downside? Traffic during peak season. Good luck with that. But hey, even a traffic jam is better with a lobster roll in your future.
What are the rooms like? Are they...modern?
"Modern" is... a strong word. Look, don't expect The Ritz. Expect... well-maintained, clean, and with everything you need. The vibe is more "classic New England inn" than sleek boutique hotel. Think cozy. Think maybe a little bit dated, but in a charming, comfortable way. I've stayed in some rooms with fireplaces, which is *amazing* in the fall. The beds are decent (always a major win). And the fact that they have a mini-fridge is a lifesaver for leftover lobster bisque. Seriously. Leftover lobster bisque is a cornerstone of my happiness.
Is the pool area any good?
Listen. The pool area is...perfectly serviceable. There's a pool, a jacuzzi, and a little area to lounge (which is crowded, but that just makes it more fun). It's not exactly a resort pool with swim-up bars and waterfalls, but it hits the spot on a hot day. On my last visit, the kids were a tad disruptive. But, I understand. Kids are kids. Still, I managed to relax and I saw a guy grilling (very carefully) by the pool. So, yeah, it's a solid pool situation.
Is the breakfast actually worth it? Because free breakfast is usually... questionable.
Okay, the free breakfast... it's a mixed bag, let's be real. It's not Michelin-star dining, but it *is* free. And let's be honest, a free waffle is always a good start to any day. They usually have waffles, some kind of breakfast meat (think sausage or bacon), yogurt, fruit, and cereal. My advice? Go early. That way you get the freshest stuff and avoid the rush. I've had some absolutely *terrible* hotel breakfasts in my life. This is not one of them. It's a solid, convenient way to get some fuel down before hitting the beach (or the shops, no judgement). The coffee is passable, which is all that really matters at that hour, right?
Would you *really* recommend it? What was *your* best experience there?
Yeah. I seriously would. It’s not perfect? Is anything, really? But it’s genuinely pleasant, well-located, and priced competitively. And okay, fine, I have to tell you the story that made me *really* fall for the place. It was a few years ago, a freezing cold November, and my then-girlfriend (now wife) and I were looking for a cozy getaway. We booked a room with a fireplace at the Port Inn, and it was *magical*.
We'd spent the afternoon wandering around Kennebunkport in sweaters that really wouldn't cut it for the cold and grabbed some hot drinks. Then we checked in. We got the fireplace going (it took a minute, I'm *not* a fireplace expert), ordered pizza (delivered right to the room!), and just snuggled up. We watched a terrible Christmas movie on TV (which is entirely fitting for the atmosphere). Nothing fancy, nothing extraordinary. But that evening in front of that fireplace – the crackling wood, the smell of pizza, the feeling of complete and utter relaxation – that's a memory that's worth more than anything. It's why I keep going back.
So, yeah, I recommend it. Go. See for yourself. Order the pizza. You’ll thank me later.
Are there downsides? Be honest!
Okay, the truth? Absolutely. The parking situation during peak season can be a nightmare. And honestly, the walls are a bit thin. You might hear your neighbors. Then there's the whole "not-so-secret" thing. Sometimes it *feels* a little crowded. And the price can creep up during the summer (everything in Kennebunkport does). But overall? Those are minor quibbles. I'd still choose it over some of the bigger, more anonymous hotels any day.
Is it dog-friendly? Because, you know...Fido!
Yep! They are dog-friendly, with some rooms designated for pets. Always call ahead to confirm, and make sure your furry friend is well-behaved (nobody wants a barking dog at 3 AM). They usually have bowls and things, too, so it's easy than a hotel that doesn't allow them and doesn't care for them either.
Is it romantic?
Can be. See my fireplace story, above. If you're looking for romantic, book a room with a fireplace. Grab some wine. Leave the phone in another room. It can be. It's all about the *intent*!
Ocean View Inn
