Holiday House Inn

The peaceful patio and the unbeatable spot right on the beach made it easy to relax. The motel has a lot of charm and character, and feels like a home away from home. We’ve stayed at several places along East Grand and West Grand, and this is our new favorite by far. My wife, son, and I already want to come back. Everything was super clean from the moment we arrived, and the staff were warm and welcoming. It’s clear they enjoy their jobs, which says a lot about how the business is run, and it feels good to support a place that looks after its team. The cleaning staff kept everything spotless, greeted us warmly every day, and paid attention to the little details. If you want a laid-back, clean, genuinely welcoming spot by the ocean, Holiday House Inn & Motel is a real find.

The trolley stops right outside the motel, which is handy when you’re ready to go get ice cream. The beach is so close you can step out barefoot with your coffee, or settle into a chaise lounge and enjoy the waves, breeze, and Maine sea air. If you’re not in the mood for sand, the lounge is right there. I’ve made this coastal trip twice each summer for three years, once with my boyfriend for peaceful beach mornings, and once with the ladies: my teenage daughter, her friend, and her friend’s mom, aka the annual teen tornado tour. The Holiday House Inn and Motel has become a tradition. Steve at check-in was a star. I’d bought new bodyboards for the girls, then realized they had no plugs, leashes, or anything, just big colorful boards. Steve grabbed a drill and got them ready to use in no time. Mary is an angel with spare keys and endless patience. I locked myself out three times in two days, and she handled each time like it was no big deal. The staff make you feel like family, the kind you actually like. I’ll be back next summer, twice, as always. Nicole from Vermont.

The people here really care. I’d recommend the place just for how kind and outgoing the staff are. Hannah welcomed us warmly the first time and sincerely asked how our travels were going. After visiting Bar harbor, we decided to stay a couple more nights because of how well we’d been treated, and I’m glad we did. On our second check-in, we met Steve, the owner, who shared the cool story of how the place came to be what it is today. When we left, we met Mary, who was wonderful too. For me, a good attitude can matter more than any amenity. The place is quaint and clearly has been around for a while, but we didn’t mind that. There’s a collection of books in the check-in area that guests can borrow. The beach is right there, so bring your towels, cooler, and drinks. There’s also a kitchen, but my wife and I ate out at The Steakhouse in Wells!!! and didn’t use it. If you’re not high maintenance, give it a try. Thanks for a great stay!

The beach view is the best part, and the service is usually easy-going. The rooms are generally pretty good for the price, though watch out for the corners on the bed. The pictures aren’t exactly from Holiday House. We stayed in the house right next door, so the views are basically the same.