Keeping up with what’s new or changed is never easy, but staying on top of what’s in store for Maine summer 2022 has been especially challenging. And while most of the changes are in lodging, I’ve found a few worth noting in experiences and transportation.
Regarding accommodations: Many properties have changed ownership since September 2021. I’m sure there are others, but I’ve confirmed those below. And I know of others in the works. When they change hands, I’ll add them to this list.
So, if you’re relying on one of previous reviews here or in one of my Moon-serious guidebooks, a friend’s recommendation based on a visit last year, or review sites such as Trip Advisor, the experience may be different. And, if you’re a returning guest, expect changes.
And expect more changes as the employee crisis combined with Maine’s demographics and lack of affordable housing is hitting the state’s tourism hotspots especially hard.(Updated July 21 2022)
Maine summer 2022 changes by region
Southern Maine Coast (Kittery through Old Orchard Beach)
- Union Bluff Hotel, York Beach (sold to Giri Hotels, a hotel management group that’s actively acquiring Maine properties)
- Nevada Motel, York (new owner; reopening in 2023)
- Sunrise Motel, York (new owner)
- Lighthouse Inn, York (new owner)
- Hartwell House, Ogunquit (new owner)
- Stage Run by the Sea (new owner)
- Well-Ogunquit Resort, Wells (new owner)
- America’s Best Value Inn, Wells (now Anchor Inn and Cottages Wells-Ogunquit; sold to Giri Hotels, a hotel management group that’s actively acquiring Maine properties)
- Kennebunk Inn and Academe Restaurant, Kennebunk (new owner)
- Wanderer, Kennebunk (new owner; older cottage property renovated and upscaled, opening in June)
- Lincoln Hotel, Biddeford (opening August)
- The Gull Motel, Old Orchard Beach (new owner)
- Old Colonial Motel, Old Orchard Beach (new owner)
- Beach Motel & Suites (new owner)
- The York Trolley and the Seashore trolleys will not operate the beach service this season.
Greater Portland (Scarborough through Freeport)
- West End Inn, Portland (new owner)
- Inn on Carleton, Portland (new owner)
- Press Hotel, Portland (new owner)
- Jones Landing, Peaks Island (new owner), open daily with restaurant/bar/Milly’s Food Truck; Saturday concerts and Sunday Funday with reggae.
Mid-Coast (Brunswick through Waldoboro)
- Newcastle Inn, Newcastle (new owner)
- Grey Havens Inn, Georgetown (new owner)
- Sebasco Harbor Resort, Phippsburg (sold to Giri Hotels, a hotel management group that’s actively acquiring Maine properties)
- The Federal, Brunswick (former Capt. Daniel Stone; $35 million renovation)
- 555 North, in The Federal, Brunswick (yes, same owners/chefs as the much lauded and missed Portland restaurant)
- OneSixtyFive, Brunswick (same owner, new name and concept for the renovated Brunswick Inn)
- Cod Cove Inn (new owner)
- Ocean Point Inn, East Boothbay (purchased by Lark Hotels; operating normally this season; will undergo renovations and updating before reopening in 2023 under Lark’s Bluebird Hotel banner).
- Topside Inn, Boothbay Harbor (now managed by Lark Hotels)
- Mid-Town Motel, Boothbay Harbor (now managed by Lark Hotels)
- The Tipsy Butler B&B, Newcastle (new owner)
Penobscot Bay (Thomaston through Bucksport)
- East Wind Inn, Tenants Harbor (new owner)
- Cafe Miranda, Rockland (closing June 25 due to employee crisis)
- Hartstone Inn and Restaurant, Camden (new owner)
- Hawthorn Inn, Camden (now private home)
- The Norumbega Inn, Camden (new owner)
- The Crews Quarters at Lyman-Morse marine complex, Camden (three 1-bedroom boutique dockside accommodations at the marina)
- Salt Wharf restaurant and raw bar at Lyman-Morse marina complex, Camden (opening in June)
- Blue Barren Distillery, Lyman-Morse marina complex, Camden (reopening this summer)
- Black Horse, Camden (reopening as extended-stay property)
- The Youngtown Inn and Restaurant (restaurant to be renamed Aster and Rose)
- Seascape Motel and Cottages, Belfast (new owner)
- Homeport Inn and Tavern, Searsport (new owner)
- Spouter inn, Lincolnville (new owner)
Blue Hill Peninsula & Deer Isle
- Dennett’s Wharf, Castine (new owner NYC chef Max Katzenberg also purchased the Harbor Cafe, Stonington)
- Pentagoet Inn, Castine (new owner)
- Blue Hill Inn, Blue Hill (new owner)
- Pilgrim’s Inn, Deer Isle (new owner) and the Whale’s Rib Tavern is back and serving dinner
- Inn on the Harbor, Stonington (new owner; moving to self check-in model)
- Harbor Cafe, Stonington (new owner NYC chef Max Katzenberg also purchased Dennett’s Wharf, Castine)
Acadia region: (Ellsworth through Gouldsboro)
- The Maples Inn, Bar Harbor (new owner)
- Salt Cottages (complete high-end renovation of existing property at Hull’s Cove; opening July)
- The Inn at Bay Ledge, Bar Harbor (new owner)
- Windward Cottages, Bar Harbor (new owner)
- The Cat Ferry is back in service. The car-and-passenger ferry cruises between Bar Harbor, Maine, and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.
- Diver Ed’s Dive-In Theater: After a season in Eastport, he’s returned to Bar Harbor
- Elsa’s Inn, Prospect Harbor, Schoodic peninsula (new owner)
Aroostook County
- Grammy’s Country Inn, Linneus (new owner reopening)
- Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center (new owner)
Kennebec River
- Lockwood Hotel, Waterville (opening in August)
- The Solon Hotel, Restaurant, & Pub (undergoing renovation, expected to open late 2022)
Western Lakes & Mountains
- Noble House Inn, Bridgton (new owner)
- Herbert Hotel, Farmington (now Sugarloaf employee housing)
- Bethel Inn, Bethel (now a Giri hotel)
- Bear Mountain Inn, Waterford (new owner)
Maine Highlands (Katahdin Woods & Waters, Moosehead Lake, Bangor)
- Blair Hill Inn, Greenville (new owner)
- Charles Inn, Bangor (currently closed for renovations; will reopen under new name)
- Ramada Inn, Bangor (will reopen after renovations as the Bangor Grand Inn & Suites)
