Guide to Unusual Hotels: Lighthouse Accommodations in Maine

If you are traveling to Maine and are looking for unique accommodations, you might enjoy the experience of staying in a lighthouse hotel. Lighthouses are popular attractions in Maine and have provided inspiration for hotels and inns throughout the state.

So you want to stay in a lighthouse bed and breakfast in Maine? All of the Maine lighthouse inns are very different from each other, so you have several chances of one fitting your needs. Below is a list of four major lighthouse accommodations in Maine with direct links and detailed descriptions of the characteristics which make each one of them most distinct.

Popham Beach Bed and Breakfast
4 Riverview Ave.
Phippsburg, ME 04562
207-389-2409
stay@pophambeachbandb.com

The Popham Beach Lighthouse was built in 1883 and served as the rescue station for the U.S. Coast Guard from 1935 until 1971. It is now recognized as a Popham Beach landmark as well as a quaint and peaceful Maine Inn, unique in its location directly on the beach. Popham Beach B&B lighthouse hotel has four guest rooms and accepts guests year round; rates range from $140 to $235, depending on the season.

Keeper's House Inn
Isle au Haut, Maine 04645
207-460-0257

The Keeper's House Inn was built by the U.S. Lighthouse Board in 1907 and is still operating today as the Robinson Point Lighthouse Station. This lighthouse accommodation would appropriately suit those who wish to get away- far away. The Keeper's House Inn is located on Isle au Haut, a remote island near the fishing village of Stonington and getting to the unique Maine accommodations requires a 36-mile drive followed by a 40-minute boat ride.

Though the Isle au Haut is practically in the middle of nowhere, the Keeper's House Inn lighthouse hotel promises convenient access to many naturalist-friendly activities, such as hiking and wildlife watching at Acadia National Park, tours, swimming, and other low key ways to relax among nature. What it doesn't promise, however, is technology. This Maine lighthouse accommodation does not have access to television, fax, email or internet; there is also no electricity.

While the Keeper's House Inn, Maine lighthouse accommodations has been known as a traditional bed and breakfast for some time, the property has recently been put up for sale and guest rooms at this time are only rented out by the week.

The Lighthouse at Sebasco Harbor Resort
29 Kenyon Road
Sebasco Estates, ME 04565
1-877-389-1161
info@sebasco.com

These lighthouse accommodations are a part of a large resort village on Casco Bay, Midcoast Maine, called the Sebasco Harbor Resort. Guests interested in luxury accommodations that include on-property activities such as golf, spas, dining, shopping, etc. might prefer Sebasco Harbor Resort to other lighthouse accommodations in Maine. Those, on the other hand, attracted to lighthouse inns for their quaintness and charm or historical significance may not appreciate this lighthouse hotel as much. The Lighthouse at Sebasco Harbor Resort was built and has always been used solely for commercial purposes; it has never operated as a real lighthouse.

Once again, though, while some might be turned off by the lack of authenticity of the unique accommodations, those looking for an upscale, amenity-filled getaway may find it to be just perfect. The Lighthouse has 10 guest rooms, which are open to visitors in the Spring, Fall and Summer only. Rates vary according to season and type of room, but generally range between $139 and $389 (2010).

First Light Bed & Breakfast
821 E. Blue Hill Road
Blue Hill, ME 04614
207-374-5879
firstlight@acadia.net

The First Light Bed and Breakfast, though not a real lighthouse, promises breathtaking views of McHeard Cove, McHeard Stream, a salt water pond and a pebbled beach. Located on the waterfront in East Blue Hill Maine, this lighthouse hotel accommodation offers three guest rooms to choose from and breakfast in the dining room each morning.