Complete Guide to The Best Island Hotels, Inns, and Vacation Rentals

Within lakes and along the coast, Maine is home to thousands of islands — most of which are remote and uninhabited. Some islands — those of Casco Bay, Monhegan Island, Mount Desert Island, or Deer Isle — have established hotels, campgrounds, and inns to take advantage of the exquisite natural presentation of the land.

Maine island lodging is like no other. Imagine emerging from an island inn and exploring the nooks and crannies of the alienated land, watching the waves crash into the rocks, or taking a scenic boat tour to discover the beauty of the coast in all its glory.

Featured Maine Island Lodging | Hotels, Resorts, Inns, & Vacation Rentals

Bailey Island Motel | Modern Getaway on Bailey Island 207-833-2886 | 2041 Harpswell Islands Rd, Bailey Island, Maine

Nestled on tranquil Bailey Island and serviced by the world's only cribstone bridge. The Bailey Island Motel has 19 spotless mini-suites with private baths, sitting area, smart tv, mini fridge, microwave, coffee maker, A/C, heat and more. Sit outside your room in your own Adirondack chairs sipping your morning coffee and plan the day's adventures. Enjoy the island's local fare at our wonderful restaurants. Perfect for a couples getaway, family outing, or Maine staycation! Learn More

Boothbay Harbor Summer Cottages | Boothbay Harbor 800-762-8433 | 50 Sugar Maple Lane, Boothbay, Maine

Experience the vacation of a lifetime with our selection of the finest cottages in the Boothbay Harbor Region. Come stay at our 5 star cottages and get all the exclusive membership benefits at Boothbay Harbor Country Club and discounted green fees. Enjoy the new Wellness Center and its fitness room, tennis courts, pickleball courts, heated salt water pool, hot tub and poolside bar. Embark on a private coastal tour on one of our boats – See historic lighthouses, seals, puffins or simply explore our quaint harbors and beautiful coastline. Learn More

Attean Lake Lodge | Jackman 207-668-3792 | PO Box 457, Jackman, ME

Located on Attean Lake, "the most beautiful lake in Maine", we offer all inclusive lodging on a 24-acre island. Our secluded lodge is the perfect place to unplug and enjoy nature's escape. Here, there is no electricity or cellphone service, however, our lodge does have solar power and WiFi 24/7. For generations, Attean Lake Lodge has included all meals, daily housekeeping, activities, and entertainment to provide a fun, stress-free vacation where you can unplug and relax! Learn More

Trailing Yew | Monhegan Island 207-596-0440 | 8 Lobster Cove Road, Monhegan, Maine

Visit the unsurpassed beauty of Monhegan Island. Monhegan is a nature lover's paradise from the past and lodging at the Trailing Yew is rustic but relaxing. Daily rates include home cooked breakfast and dinner in the main house, taxes and gratuities. Guest houses are equipped with shared baths and a heated common room. Families are welcome. Open mid May to mid October. Learn More

More About Maine Island Hotels & Inns

Maine is marked by the retreat of glaciers from the last ice age, leaving behind thousands of islands separated by land within lakes and ponds and along the Atlantic coastline. The state hosts many islands — some wild and remote, some bustling with summer tourists, and others laid back and peaceful.

What all of these islands have in common is a romantic and idyllic landscape. When staying on a Maine island for vacation or a getaway, where you find lodging doesn’t entirely matter. Vacationing on an island inspires intrigue and is an entirely novel experience from the mainland. It’s exciting yet tranquil, and the bucolic nature of island lodging is certain to give you a memorable vacation.

Casco Bay Islands

The islands of Casco Bay offer a distinct setting from most islands along the coast and within Maine lakes. With proximity to Portland and ample ferry lines, they offer a removed setting from the city without being too far away. These islands are quite residential and populated with island hotels and inns.

These islands — including Peaks Island, Diamond Island, and Long Island — have a thriving summer scene with restaurants and events, including Reggae Sunday on Peaks Island.

Eagle Island in Casco Bay is a must-visit destination as well. This former summer home of Arctic explorer Admiral Robert Peary is now a State Park and museum. Pack a picnic, take the ferry to explore the scenic island, and tour the cottage full of artifacts from Perry’s Arctic expedition — including the only polar bear in Maine. The views of Casco Bay from this high island are fantastic as well.

Monhegan Island

About 12 miles south of Port Clyde at the tip of St. George, Monhegan Island is a popular Maine island destination. It’s a breathtaking place that has remained relatively unchanged from its natural state when Native Americans inhabited it. Monhegan is a blast from the past — like you stepped off the ferry boat and into a bygone era. Here, visitors can explore the trail system and visit the museum and Monhegan Light.

The quaint village has a neat cultural atmosphere with art galleries and craft shops and one general store. Visitors can ask their innkeepers for dining suggestions to get the best lobster and fresh-caught fish served at seaside shacks. Also, wear hiking boots or good walking shoes because the trails around Monhegan are steep and rugged in spots. Despite that, the views are extraordinary from some of the high sea cliffs.

Mount Desert Island

Likely to be the most visited Maine island is Mount Desert Island, which is better known as home to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. It has a fascinating history, dating back to the Explorers Cadillac (hence the name of the tallest mountain) and Samuel De Champlain.

Make your own exploration of the island — Sand Beach; Seal Harbor where Rockefellers, Fords, and Martha Stewart have mansions; Cadillac Mountain; Bass Harbor Light; Southwest Harbor; and of course, the bustling seaside port of Bar Harbor.

Often regarded as the most stunning natural geographic location on the East Coast, it’s little wonder why many inns, resorts, motels, and hotels have been established on Mount Desert Island to support the throng of year-round visitors. Vacationers can find resorts directly on the harbor, campgrounds nestled on the outskirts of the national park, and peaceful bed and breakfasts removed from the hubbub of town.