York, Maine is one of the oldest towns in the state—second only to Kittery—and includes the villages of York Beach, York Harbor, and Cape Neddick.
Having vacationed in these areas throughout my childhood, I associate York with feelings of sheer, unadulterated, summertime joy—and many folks share these sentiments.
Maine IS Vacationland, after all, and when so many visitors flock to these rocky shores every year, you can bet there are ample accommodations to…well, accommodate.
A note of caution: If you choose to make your oceanside trek in the off-season, be sure to verify your lodging of choice is open year-round.
Map of the Best Hotels in York
Whether you’re planning for a weekend trip or looking for a longer stay, this map of York hotels will help you be sure your lodgings are local to everything you want to look at in York:
Union Bluff Hotel
The grand dame of York, the Union Bluff has held court over Short Sands Beach since 1868—long before I was traipsing about, buying taffy at the historic Goldenrod candy shop and playing Skee-Ball at the Fun-O-Rama across the street.
With three buildings and 18 different room types, you certainly have options here—and if sweeping ocean views are your thing, this is the place for you. Breakfast is included, and there are two in-house dining options, as well.
Location: 8 Beach St, York Beach, ME 03909
Website: Union Bluff Hotel
York Harbor Inn
Strung along Coastal Route 1A like a string of pearls, the seven well-appointed buildings that make up the York Harbor Inn campus provide all manner of single rooms and suites, many with amenities like Jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces, kitchenettes, and balconies.
The main inn houses two dining options—the Ship’s Cellar Pub and the 1637 Dining Room—where there is live music on weekends.
There is also seasonal dining available at the Chapman Tavern, located in the Inn’s Chapman Cottage building, just a half-mile from the main inn and campus.
Location: 480 York St, York Harbor, ME 03911
Website: York Harbor Inn
Stage Neck Inn
All but surrounded by the sea, the Stage Neck Inn boasts one of the most breathtaking spots to spend a night (or seven).
Leave your white noise machine at home—you’ll be listening to the real deal as the waves lull you to sleep each night at this upscale hotel and spa.
With an abundance of recently-updated guestrooms to choose from (as well as a 7-bedroom, 3-story cottage for large groups) as well as a full-service restaurant, indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub, sauna, and spa, there is plenty here to keep the whole family happy.
Location: 8 Stage Neck Rd, York Harbor, ME 03911
Website: Stage Neck Inn
The Lighthouse Inn & Carriage House
Only a half-mile walk to all that York Beach center has to offer, this quaint-yet-updated inn is also just a short stroll to two of York’s iconic beaches—Long and Short Sands.
Continental breakfast is included with your stay, and if you don’t feel like making your way to the beach, The Lighthouse Inn also features an outdoor pool.
The common spaces are bright and inviting, and there are comfortable, welcoming spots on the grounds to just sit and relax with friends and family.
Location: 20 Nubble Rd, York Beach, ME 03910
Website: The Lighthouse Inn & Carriage House
Albracca
Sister property to the Lighthouse Inn, this family-run, early 1900s landmark features seven deluxe king rooms, each painstakingly updated and refurbished while remaining architecturally faithful to their era of origin.
The hotel is only a half-mile from York Harbor Beach, and the extensive, beautiful lawns and gardens create an island of serenity.
Location: 560 York St, York, ME 03909
Website: Albracca
Sea Latch Inn
Mere steps to Long Sands beach, the Sea Latch Inn features both motel-and hotel-style guest rooms, some with balconies and direct ocean views.
With dining options nearby in both York Harbor and York Beach center, this casual, bright inn also has a seasonal outdoor pool, making it a family-friendly spot as well.
Location: 277 Long Beach Ave #1A, York Beach, ME 03910
Website: Sea Latch Inn
Cutty Sark Motel
Family-run since 1975, the Cutty Sark rests like a stalwart sentinel at one end of Long Sands Beach.
Many of the recently-updated rooms at this oceanfront lodging feature doors that lead directly onto the lawns overlooking the Atlantic—so when you wake up, take your complimentary coffee and muffin outside, take in the view, and take a deep breath of fresh, salty air.
Location: 58 Long Beach Ave, York, ME 03909
Website: Cutty Sark Motel
Anchorage Inn
The Anchorage Inn offers three separate buildings with over 200 guest rooms, including ocean- view suites featuring fireplaces, hot tubs, and balconies.
Just across the road from Long Sands Beach, this popular resort boasts two indoor and two outdoor pools, as well as a seasonal full-service restaurant and poolside bar/café.
Location: 265 Long Beach Ave, York, ME 03909
Website: Anchorage Inn
Cliff House Maine
This world-renowned, high-end resort recently closed for a year of top-to-bottom renovations—and the results are nothing short of spectacular.
As if the location wasn’t enough of a draw (70 sprawling, oceanfront acres atop Bald Head Cliff; it’s not called Cliff House for nothing), the world-class spa, guest rooms (each with an ocean view), and dining options only sweeten the deal.
Relax in the infinity pool or pool-size outdoor hot tub; take in a movie in the screening room; toast marshmallows at one of the fire pits…so many options, so little time.
Location: 591 Shore Rd, Cape Neddick, ME 03902
Website: Cliff House Maine
Grand View Hotel
For the last 50 years, guests have returned summer after summer to this perennial favorite.
Family-owned and oceanfront, the Grand View features comfortable, clean guestrooms and an indoor, ocean-view pool for those days when it’s too rainy (or too hot) to sit on Long Sands Beach—which is just across the street.
Offering in-room coffee and refrigerators as well as views from every patio/balcony, the Grand View is just a two-minute drive to the center of town.
Location: 800 York St, York Harbor, ME 03909
Website: Grand View Hotel
ViewPoint Hotel
This uber-upscale hotel is on my bucket list—and if you’re as enamored with oceanfront luxury properties as I am, one peek at their website will certainly add it to yours as well.
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the iconic Nubble Lighthouse, the ViewPoint is truly a work of art, with every detail of the décor and landscaping carefully considered and curated.
And while there aren’t dining options here, the ViewPoint’s more casual, seasonal sister property, Stones Throw, is located just a few minutes away and features a delightful bistro.
Location: 229 Nubble Rd, York, ME 03909
Website: ViewPoint Hotel
As I mentioned, there are a plethora of lodging options in York—too many for me to review here. But be sure to click around on the sites below before you decide on where to book your York, Maine, vacation. After perpetual pandemic delays, the York Beach Surf Club is scheduled to open in 2022—and it looks like a really lively, family-friendly spot.
The Inn on the Blues ticks all the boxes—location, in-house dining, and upscale, modern rooms—while
2 River Road Inn & Cottages features homey, casual rooms and cabins.
If you enjoy bed and breakfast-style accommodations, try The Inn at Tanglewood Hall, Bittersweet Bed and Breakfast, or Dockside Guest Quarters; if you’re a fan of motel-style lodging, then check out the Sea Turn Motel, Long Beach Motor Inn, Sunrise Motel, or Sands by the Sea Motel; and if nothing but the familiar will do, then there’s always the Best Western or Microtel.
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