I frequently travel with my furry sidekick, Bernie, a 97-pound Leonberger. Both of us can vouch for these dog-friendly Maine accommodations that extend not only a welcoming paw, but also often a treat.
NOTE: All require proof of vaccinations, and most charge a fee to cover cleaning and extras (some by night, others by stay). Most provide poop bags, but it’s wise to bring a stash with you. None limit dogs by size.
PAW PRINT: Bernie crossed the Rainbow Bridge in July 2017. In 2019 Bo, our chocolate lab, has assumed review duties.
Dog-friendly inns are wonderful, but don’t abuse them: Do not bring your dog is he or she is aggressive, not friendly with other animals, not housebroken, or is an incessant barker; find a kennel, instead.
Last updated May 30, 2022.
NOTE: Here are more dog-friendly accommodations
Inn by the Sea, Cape Elizabeth
All I have to do is whisper the words Inn by the Sea and Bernie perks up. This upscale, boutique inn, bordering Crescent Beach, pampers dogs as well as their owner. Not only does it supply bed, bowls, and turn-down treat, it also offers a doggy dining menu (Bernie recommends the meat ruoff) and spa services.
We’ve stayed in the spa suites as well as one of the Beach House Suites (which have full kitchens).
While dogs are not permitted in the restaurant, they are allowed in the lounge and on the deck, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in those locations, too.
Dogs can walk on the beach in the off-season; in season, pad along the beach’s service road or over to nearby preserves for nice walks. The inn is about 15 minutes to downtown Portland, where there’s a good fenced-in dog park. While the inn isn’t exactly budget-friendly, especially in summer, winter rates are far lower and the annual spring Habitat for Humanity promotion is a win-win all around.
Here’s a recent review of the Inn by the Sea’s annual Pool Pawty.
Harraseeket Inn, Freeport
Rodger Dodger is the official spokesdog for the Harraseeket Inn, which is conveniently located within steps of L.L. Bean, Freeport’s gazillion outlets, and all the action downtown.
Rooms in the Carriage House and some two-bedroom townhouses are pet friendly. A portion of the nightly pet fee is donated to the Coastal Humane Society, another plus.
Bernie gives a high paw to the Carriage House, where his dog-friendly room included a wet bar and a fireplace—cozy for napping. Also provided were a dog bed, small can of food, clean-up bags, and bowls.
Sebasco Harbor Resort, Phippsburg
Another oceanfront gem, Sebasco is a 550-acre family pleaser, a full-service resort blending old fashioned charms with contemporary amenities. With two restaurants, an outdoor saltwater oceanfront pool, boat trips, a spa, recreation hall, and a nine-hole golf course, the resort’s appeal is broad.
Sebasco has three dog-friendly cottages. We stayed in Dogwood, which offered two bedrooms, bathroom, living room, and kitchenette; perfect for Bernie. The resort’s expansive grounds provide plentiful walking opportunities.
This is an especially wonderful family resort, so it’s wonderful that all members of the family are welcome.
Pentagoet Inn, Castine
I adore Castine, a serene New England seaside village with a rich history and outstanding architecture. Smack downtown is the lovely Pentagoet Inn, a butter-yellow, classic Queen Anne Victorian with a turret, wrap-around porch, and harbor views.
What most people don’t realize, is the inn also includes an adjoining 18th-century cottage, which offers pet-friendly rooms. All rooms are beautifully furnished with antiques, and a full breakfast is included (the inn is justly renowned for its dining room and its cozy pub).
While you can’t bring your pooch into the dining room, you can dine with him or or her on the porch. Castine’s quiet streets invite strolling, and the signs placed throughout town detailing the tumultuous past add interest. Or head over to Witherle Woods, a preserve, for walks in the woods.
The Wonder View Inn & Suites, Bar Harbor
Sited on the former 14-acre hillside estate of America’s Agatha Christie, Mary Reinhart Roberts (she’s credited with coining the phrase “The butler did it” and inspiring the character Batman), the Wonder View delivers on its name with panoramic views over Bar Harbor and out to the Porcupine Islands. It comprises four older motels on estate-like grounds with grassy lawns and mature shade trees, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant, with a pet-friendly deck.
Guest rooms vary widely, and rates reflect both the style of accommodation and views; all have a refrigerator, TV, Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. Those in the upper buildings have the best views. Tea and coffee are always available in the lobby, where a continental buffet breakfast is spread in the morning (packaged muffins, bagels, bread, hard-boiled eggs, waffle-making station, etc.).
Dogs are welcomed with a letter penned by the inn’s non-resident mascot, a water bowl, disposal bags, a Bark Harbor treat, a listing of dog-friendly restaurants, and info on dog sitters, kennels, and recommendations for pet-friendly touring. Bernie would return again just for the large bone-shaped treat (we, of course, stopped in at Bark Harbor, downtown, too). We also appreciated being able to dine on the deck, enjoying the views.
Flying Eagle Lodge, Princeton
Simple cabins smack on the shores of Big Lake make it easy for dogs to swim and play at the Flying Eagle Lodge (previously, The Lakeside Country Inn and Cabins; this review dates from The Lakeside). Although the rooms in the country inn aren’t pet friendly, those in the five one- and two-bedroom housekeeping cabins are. Guests have use of docks, canoes, and paddleboats at no charge. Motorboat rentals and licenses are available.
Bernie thought the firepit would be a great place to hang in the evening and toast marshmallows after a day at the nearby Grand Lake Stream Folk Arts Festival. Alas, after grooving to the music all day, he (we?) was (were) too exhausted to think about it.
Paws Inn, Bethel
With a name like Paws Inn, you know it’s going to be dog friendly. Carolyn Bailey and her canine sidekick outfit their canine guests with dog beds or crates, plentiful treats, and lots of love.
Dogs can play in the 2,000-square-foot fenced-in yard and barn areas. They also are allowed to remain in guest rooms unsupervised. Another plus: dog sitting is available.
Human guests enjoy a generous continental breakfast and access to a guest refrigerator stocked with juices and water.
Guest rooms are on the second floor, so this might not be the best choice for dogs that have problems with stairs. Rooms have air-conditioning and cable TV. The B&B, sited on a knoll, 2 miles south of downtown Bethel, is convenient to Sunday River and Mt. Abrams. No credit cards.
Admiral Peary Inn Bed and Breakfast, Fryeburg
I love innkeeper Donna Pearce’s philosophy. “Dogs are welcome to stay free, as long as they can vouch for the behavior of their people.” Bernie gave us a good recommendation, so we checked in. What distinguishes this intown B&B is its expansive and plentiful public rooms. No matter how many dogs or humans are in residence, there’s always a place to find a private nook.
Choose from the well-stocked library, the parlor, the dining room, the humongous kitchen, or the truly great room, tricked out with a fireplace, 50-inch TV, and pool table nook (and a big wrap-around couch that’s perfect for cuddling with your pooch). There’s also a large three-season porch, as well as a back deck and spacious back and side yards.
The inn, by the way, is named for the famed Arctic explorer who briefly resided here.
