Lodging questions for Sept 2025

Question

Hello All:

We are planning a trip this fall. It seems that lodging needs to be booked well in advance. That said, here is our tentative itinerary. The details of specific stops has not been determined yet. But looking forward to hiking, maybe a boat trip and immersing in the natural beauty of the area.

We are hoping to nail down accommodations (hopefully under$300 per night including tax and breakfast). We prefer being walking distance to the town, but do not necessarily need waterfront. Your feedback and help is appreciated.

Day/night 1 - land in Portland. After some stops, will stay in Boothbay. Looking at Tugboat Inn.

Next 4 nights in Bar Harbor - probably staying at Bar Harbor Motel. Seems to have a good location.

Here is where we are undecided. On the way back south, do we spend 1 night in Camden & 1 in Portland? Or do we spend 2 nights in Portland? In Portland, it appears that hotels and parking in the Old Town historic area are pricey. Does it make sense to stay closer to the airport and drive in or do we bite the bullet and stay downtown?

Planning on 7 full nights total.

Thank you very much.

Answer

Hello,

Your trip sounds wonderful, and it's great that you're planning well in advance, especially for a beautiful area like Maine in September. The natural beauty and outdoor activities will definitely make for a memorable trip. I’ll break down some thoughts on your accommodations, routes, and Portland options based on your itinerary and preferences.

Day/Night 1: Portland and Boothbay

Starting in Portland is a great choice. If you’re flying in, there are several convenient accommodations in the city. Portland has an excellent food scene, so you'll want to explore the Old Port area. Since you're staying in Boothbay the first night, the Tugboat Inn is a good option. It’s right on the water and has easy access to Boothbay Harbor’s charming downtown area. It's often recommended for its prime location and good value. The hotel is within walking distance to restaurants and shops, which makes it convenient for a brief stay.

Next 4 Nights: Bar Harbor

The Bar Harbor Motel is indeed in a great location, just a short distance from the town center and close to Acadia National Park. The motel offers simple, comfortable rooms with breakfast included, which is ideal for exploring the park and the town. The price point should fall within your budget, though it’s best to book well ahead, especially in September when the area sees a fair amount of visitors for the foliage season. If you want a slightly more upscale experience, consider other options in Bar Harbor, but Bar Harbor Motel will give you great value.

Camden vs. Portland on the Return

When deciding whether to stay 1 night in Camden and 1 night in Portland, or spend 2 nights in Portland, it comes down to what you prefer:

Camden is a picturesque town, known for its harbor views, outdoor activities, and quaint atmosphere. If you're looking to explore more of Maine's coastal beauty, Camden is worth considering. You can visit the Camden Hills State Park for hiking and enjoy walking around the small town.
Portland is a larger city with a vibrant food and arts scene. If you have a strong interest in food, museums, or shopping, Portland could be worth spending two nights in. The Old Port has a lot to offer, but as you mentioned, parking and lodging can be a bit pricier. If you're willing to explore and pay for parking, you can easily stay downtown.

If you decide to spend 1 night in Camden and 1 night in Portland, the drive from Camden to Portland is scenic and takes about 1.5 hours, so it’s doable if you don’t mind a bit of travel on the last leg of your trip.

Staying Close to the Airport in Portland vs. Downtown

As for staying closer to the airport versus downtown Portland, here’s a breakdown:

Closer to the Airport: There are budget-friendly options closer to the Portland International Jetport, such as the Comfort Inn Airport or La Quinta Inn & Suites, which offer easy access to the airport and parking. If you don’t mind a short drive into town, this is a good option for saving on accommodations.
Downtown Portland: Staying in the Old Port area will put you right in the middle of Portland’s vibrant district. This is where you’ll find the best restaurants, shops, and access to the waterfront. However, parking can be challenging and expensive. Hotels such as the Portland Harbor Hotel or The Press Hotel are both highly rated, but expect to pay more for the location.

Ultimately, if your main priority is being close to the action and exploring the food scene, staying downtown is worth the extra cost. But if you're okay with driving into town for meals and sightseeing, staying near the airport could save you money and offer more relaxed parking options.

Summary of Recommendations:

For Boothbay: Tugboat Inn is a solid choice, close to the harbor and walking distance to downtown.
For Bar Harbor: Bar Harbor Motel offers good value and location near Acadia and the town center.
For your return: Consider staying in Camden for 1 night if you enjoy scenic views and small-town charm, then head to Portland for the last night to explore the city. Alternatively, staying in Portland for 2 nights offers more options for dining, shopping, and sightseeing.
If staying near the airport in Portland, the Comfort Inn Airport is affordable, but downtown Portland provides the best experience if you can afford the extra cost.

I hope this helps! September is a fantastic time to visit Maine, so you’re sure to have an amazing trip with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty, great food, and charming towns.

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