The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel, Kennebunkport

Location 

The summer retreat of the first president George Bush, the historic town of Kennebunkport has a spectacular location on the Maine coast, and enough packed into its small-town surrounds to keep shoppers, foodies, art lovers, beach goers and adventurers entertained for weeks. This charming hotel is in the centre of the action, on the harbour side of the Kennebunkport River and just steps from Dock Square.

Accommodation 

Spread across two buildings – Main and Wharfside – the hotel’s 25 rooms and suites are simple, modern and tastefully decorated, with shades of the sea offsetting the more neutral tones and tipping a hat to the hotel’s maritime history. Contemporary touches include Keurig coffee makers, Maine-made Cuddledown bedding and plush robes, Frette linens, iPod docking stations, gleaming white bathrooms with Malin+Goetz bath products, flatscreen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi. Several rooms have private balconies overlooking the water, the largest of which belongs to the wonderfully spacious Admiral’s Suite – well worth a splurge if you’ve a fondness for great views.

Dining 

With celebrated Portland chef and restaurateur David Turin at the helm, it’s no surprise that the waterfront restaurant David’s KPT has quickly become a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Of course native Maine lobster is the star of the show, appearing in as many guises as chilled from the Raw Bar, blended into seafood sausage, captured in ravioli, torn into a toasted roll, or simply steamed with melted butter. Other local restaurants worth visiting during your stay include The Dory at The Lodge on the Cove, Earth at Hidden Pond, and the aptly named Ocean at the Cape Arundel Inn & Resort.

Facilities 

As a guest at The Boathouse, you’re free to take advantage of the many activities available at the hotel’s sister properties, all members of the Kennebunkport Resort Collection. Popular options include hands-on cooking classes and wine, spirit and beer tastings at Table; fishing for bass, sharks and Bluefin tuna with Striker Charters; getting pampered and massaged at the treetop spa at Hidden Pond; and renting kayaks, canoes, powerboats and more from Kennebunkport Marina.