You’re probably looking at a map of Maine and thinking Ogunquit looks tiny. It is. It’s barely four square miles. But here’s the thing: picking the wrong spot for where to stay in Ogunquit can turn a relaxing coastal escape into a logistical nightmare of hunting for $25 parking spots and sitting in "The Crawl" on Route 1.
I’ve spent enough time on the Southern Maine coast to know that Ogunquit isn't just one big beach town. It’s a collection of very specific vibes. You have the bustling village center, the salty air of Perkins Cove, and the quieter, marshy stretches toward the north. If you want to wake up and smell the lobster boats, you don’t stay near the Footbridge. If you want to stumble out of a piano bar at midnight, you don't stay in the North Village.
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Honestly, the "best" place to stay depends entirely on how much you hate moving your car.
The Geography of Your Stay: Neighborhood Breakdown
Most people think "downtown" is the place to be. It’s where the shops are, sure. But Ogunquit is long and narrow.
Ogunquit Village (The Center of Everything)
This is the heart of the action. Stay here if you want to be within a five-minute walk of the Front Porch piano bar or the local bookstores. It’s loud, it’s vibrant, and it’s the most "walkable" in the traditional sense.
- The Vibe: High energy, heavy foot traffic, classic New England.
- Best For: First-timers and anyone who wants to drink a blueberry martini without worrying about an Uber.
Perkins Cove (The Artist’s Hook)
Located at the very end of the Marginal Way, this is a tiny, postcard-perfect harbor. It’s basically a peninsula filled with fish shacks, galleries, and the famous drawbridge. Staying here feels more secluded, even though it’s packed with day-trippers until 5:00 PM.
- The Vibe: Salty, scenic, and slightly more "old Maine."
- Best For: Couples on a romantic getaway and photographers.
North Village & Footbridge Beach
As you head north toward Wells on Route 1, things spread out. The hotels get bigger, the prices often drop a bit, and the crowds thin out. Footbridge Beach is much quieter than the Main Beach, but you’ll likely be relying on the trolley or a longer walk to get to the "good" restaurants.
- The Vibe: Suburban beachy, family-oriented, peaceful.
- Best For: Families with kids who just want to dig in the sand all day.
Where to Stay in Ogunquit for Pure Luxury
If you’ve got the budget, Ogunquit has some of the most iconic properties in New England. We aren't just talking about clean sheets; we're talking about clifftop views that make you feel like you're in a movie.
Cliff House Maine is the big name. Now, technically, it’s just over the line in Cape Neddick, but everyone associates it with Ogunquit. It’s perched on Bald Head Cliff. You’re looking at $500 to $1,000 a night depending on the season, but the spa is world-class and the infinity pool looks straight into the Atlantic. It’s a resort in the truest sense—you don't really have to leave.
For something closer to the village but still upscale, Anchorage by the Sea is a massive favorite. It’s right on the water and the Marginal Way. They have everything from standard hotel rooms to independent cottages. The reason people obsess over it is the location. You can walk out your door, hit the paved Marginal Way path, and be in Perkins Cove in 15 minutes.
If you want something smaller and more "boutique," look at The Trident Inn. It’s a newer player on the scene, recently renovated, and it sits right above downtown. It has that "modern coastal" aesthetic that looks great on Instagram but actually feels comfortable, too. They have a saltwater pool which is a nice break from the chilly Maine ocean water.
Best Mid-Range and Family-Friendly Picks
Most of us are looking for that sweet spot: clean, walkable, and won't require a second mortgage.
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- The Meadowmere Resort: This is a classic choice for families. It’s on the southern end of the village. They have an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, and even a tiny movie theater inside. It’s a bit of a walk to the beach (about 10–15 minutes), but the amenities make up for it if it rains.
- Gorges Grant Hotel: Located on the northern side of the village, it’s known for being incredibly consistent. The rooms are large, which is a blessing if you’re traveling with teenagers or a lot of gear. Plus, the Raspberry’s breakfast on-site is actually good, not just "hotel food" good.
- The Colonial Inn: This is one of the last "Grand Dames" of Ogunquit. It’s a historic Queen Anne Victorian right on Shore Road. It was renovated a few years back, so it feels fresh while keeping the creaky-floorboard charm. It’s the perfect halfway point between the main village and Perkins Cove.
The "Secret" Budget Strategy: Motels and B&Bs
Ogunquit is expensive. There’s no way around it. But you can find deals if you know where to look.
Check out the Sea View Motel or The Milestone. These are more traditional roadside motels. They’re clean, they have pools, and they sit right on the trolley route. The trolley is your best friend. For a few bucks, it loops through the whole town. If you stay a mile out of the center at a place like Ogunquit Tides, you save money on the room and just hop the trolley to the beach.
For a more intimate experience, the Dragonfly Guest House is fantastic. It’s a B&B that doesn't feel "stuffy." The hosts actually care about your trip. It’s tucked just far enough off the main drag to be quiet, but you can still walk to the beach in under 10 minutes.
Common Misconceptions About Ogunquit Lodging
"I can just find a place when I get there."
No. You really can’t. Not in July or August. If you show up on a Saturday in mid-summer without a reservation, you’ll be sleeping in your car or driving back to Portland. Book at least 4–6 months out for the best spots.
"Oceanfront means beach access."
A lot of places, especially on Shore Road or near Perkins Cove, are "oceanfront" but sit on rocky cliffs. They are beautiful. They have amazing views. But you can’t swim there. If you want to put your toes in the sand without a long walk, you specifically need to look for "beachfront" or properties near the Beach Street entrance.
"The North Village is too far."
People act like the North Village is in a different state. It's a 20-minute walk. If you enjoy a morning stroll and want a little more peace and quiet, the North Village (near Footbridge Beach) is actually a better value than the cramped quarters of the downtown center.
Actionable Tips for Booking Your Stay
- Check the Trolley Schedule: If you’re staying anywhere on Route 1, make sure you’re near a trolley stop. Parking at Ogunquit Beach can cost $30+ per day and fills up by 10:00 AM.
- The Marginal Way Factor: If your hotel is near an entrance to the Marginal Way, your experience will be 10x better. It’s a 1.25-mile cliff walk that connects the town. It’s the best "commute" in the world.
- Sunday–Thursday Savings: Most hotels in town have massive price hikes for Friday and Saturday. If you can swing a Tuesday–Thursday trip, you’ll save enough for a few extra lobster rolls at Barnacle Billy’s.
- Look for Kitchenettes: Places like Sea Rose Suites offer small kitchens. Maine dining is pricey; being able to eat breakfast in your room or keep local craft beers cold saves a lot over a week-long stay.
Ogunquit is one of those places that people return to for thirty years straight. You’ll see the same families at the same resorts every summer. Whether you choose the luxury of the Cliff House or a quiet room at the Dragonfly, the key is knowing how you want to spend your days. If you want the beach, go North. If you want the harbor, go South. If you want the nightlife, stay in the middle.
To make the most of your trip, start by pinning your "must-do" activities on a map. If the Ogunquit Playhouse is your priority, stay at The Admiral's Inn or The Meadowmere. If you're there for the surf, focus on properties within walking distance of Footbridge Beach. Secure your dates early, especially for the peak months of July and August, and always verify if your chosen spot includes "on-site parking," as it's the most valuable commodity in town.