When you are visiting a town as charming as the seaside village of Kennebunkport in Maine, you want your accommodations to be equally delightful. If you are looking for the perfect spot to lay your head on a romantic getaway or girl’s trip to Maine, The Inn at English Meadows will cuddle your coiffure in comfort and luxury.
I stopped for the night at this elegantly renovated bed and breakfast in Kennebunkport on my recent solo road trip through Maine this spring. I’ve made my way through Kennebunkport many times in recent years, but this was my first time staying overnight, so finding the right accommodations was important to me.
For a one night stay, I knew I wanted to be within walking distance to town and I wanted a place with character. When I saw The Inn at English Meadows, and noticed it was a member of the Distinctive Inns of New England and Select Registry, I knew I found what I was looking for.
The Inn at English Meadows Review
Note: my stay at The Inn at English Meadows was complimentary to facilitate this review. I’ve provided my honest opinion below.
The Inn at English Meadows is a former Greek Revival style home that was built in the 1800s, which has been lovingly restored with comfortable elegance. The modern style feels both comfortable and coastal, without being kitschy or stuffy.
Today, the Inn offers twelve rooms and suites, including a private two-bedroom bungalow that would be well-suited for families. In addition, there are two common rooms, both with gas fireplaces and stocked with coffee and tea, along with a dining room, for guests to spread out and enjoy, which is especially welcoming for groups traveling together.
Outside, there is a lovely patio, which is where I took my breakfast in the morning, along with an expansive lawn with English style gardens. The Inn is located just a short half-mile walk from Kennebunk’s Lower Village and the heart of downtown, offering ample parking on-site and even an electric vehicle charger.
Sea Glass
My visit started off on the right foot with a confirmation call from Elizabeth, the Inn Keeper, to talk about my arrival time and as we chatted, I learned how she came to purchase the Inn just a few years ago. When I arrived in Kennebunkport, I already felt welcomed by a familiar voice and that sense of welcome continued throughout my stay.
I stayed in the Sea Glass room, which is a queen room on second floor of the main house. The room was beautifully finished in soft grey-greens and rose tones, with a lovely sunrise view of the Lower Village if I had rallied to rise for it.
The room had all the comfort amenities that make me so happy in a hotel or inn — from plush robes to a carafe of cold water. I had trouble rising from the comfortable Vera Wang bed made up with luxurious linens from Frette.
The room also offered modern amenities such as a flat-screen television, free WiFi, and even a Nespresso machine (if you just can’t wait until the delicious breakfast spread downstairs). I loved everything about the room from the soft, smooth bed linens to the wide-plank wood floors and the soft coastal colors.
What really surprised me was the size of the bathroom! So many inns have tiny bathrooms, as they have struggled to convert existing rooms to create en-suite bathrooms. But the Sea Glass bathroom was quite large, and offers a soaking tub and shower, toiletries by Malin+Goetz, along with a heated tile floor and heated towel bar. I felt so cozy snuggling into my warm, soft robe after a long day on the road.
My only complaint about the room was that it was a bit bright at night for a light sleeper like me, due in large part to the light coming in under the door from the hallway beyond. But that can be easily solved with a rolled up towel (and I’m also someone who thinks the cable box lights make a room too bright.)
Breakfast at the Inn at English Meadows
If you are staying at the Inn at English Meadows, you don’t want to rush off early in the morning. Give yourself time to enjoy a leisurely, three-course breakfast first. My breakfast started with a delicious scone, followed by a fruit cup and fresh homemade pancakes and maple syrup, which filled me up for hours.
And if you do get hungry later, Elizabeth and her team provide freshly-baked cookies in the afternoon!
Location Near Kennebunk’s Lower Village
The Inn at English Meadows has an ideal location for anyone wanting to stay close to town but a bit out of the fray, especially during high season when just driving and parking around town can be such a challenge. It is an easy half-mile walk and there are some restaurants even closer.
You will want to take the time to enjoy the sights, shopping, and dining in Kennebunk during your stay. For casual dining, stand in line for a lobster roll or fried clams at The Clam Shack or add your name to the Yelp waitlist for Allison’s, a local favorite. Other great choices are Federal Jacks, Chez Rosa, Pearl, and The Boathouse.
I would happily return to the Inn at English Meadows on future visits to Kennebunkport so keep this B&B on your radar for your next weekend getaway!
