Stucco Lodge

If you're driving toward Acadia National Park, stopping in Orono for a University of Maine event, or just need a clean bed in central Maine, Stucco Lodge is the kind of place that reminds you why independent motels still matter. It's older - no pretense there - but maintained with real care by owners who actually know your name at check-in. The rooms are straightforward. The pool is real. And the morning coffee and pastries aren't a marketing gimmick; they're just part of how the owners run the place.

Stucco Lodge sits on a quiet, tree-lined lot just off State Street in Bangor, set back enough from downtown that you get peace and quiet without feeling stranded. Couples especially rate it highly - 9.1 out of 10 - and guests return year after year, which tells you something about the hospitality here.

The owner actually cares, and it shows. This isn't a corporate chain where staff rotate through. Multiple guests mention the owner by name, upgrading rooms, checking that everything is perfect, and stopping by to chat. One solo traveler said the owners checked the room before she entered to make sure everything was good. Another guest's car wouldn't start, and the owner came out and jumped it without asking for payment.

Rooms are clean, comfortable, and genuinely quiet. Even guests who note that the motel is older universally praise the cleanliness and how well it's maintained. Beds get specific praise - multiple reviewers raved about the comforters and pillows. The property feels like someone's home, not a transient operation. You'll find plenty of towel hooks in the bathroom, sitting areas, and thoughtful touches like hangers and storage.

Excellent value, especially for longer stays and group travel. Families, groups heading to Acadia or visiting campus, and couples on a budget consistently call out the price-to-quality ratio. One reviewer noted it was "a great value compared to other accommodations in Bangor" - and they'd been upgraded to a king room at no extra charge.

The morning pastries and coffee are a real perk. This isn't continental breakfast theater. Guests mentioned fresh donuts, apple fritters, bananas, and strong coffee waiting in the office each morning. One traveler specifically praised the apple fritters as "perfect for on the run if you're driving into Acadia or Bar Harbor."

Peaceful location away from downtown noise. The motel sits in a park-like setting with mature trees, maintained lawns, and a quiet outdoor seating area. It's close enough to Bangor and Orono to be convenient (10 minutes to UMO campus), but removed enough that you don't hear traffic or night life.

All rooms at Stucco Lodge are styled as Deluxe Double Rooms with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and either garden or pool views. The building has a classic motel layout with direct outdoor access - some units are end rooms backed against wooded hillside, others overlook the pool area. Rooms include flat-screen TV, refrigerator, microwave, coffee setup (though not in every room), and a sitting area. Bathrooms feature a bathtub and shower, private toilet area, and good counter space for toiletries.

The motel is older, and a few guests note dated finishes - plumbing that requires a light hand, bathroom fans tied to lighting, an air conditioner that's functional but vintage. But "dated" here means traditional and well-maintained, not neglected. One couple staying multiple nights said it plainly: "The good far outweighed the bad."

• Deluxe Double Room - Standard configuration with double bed, full bathroom, garden or pool view
• King Upgrade - Owners occasionally offer free king-room upgrades for longer stays; inquire at check-in

Parking & Access · Free on-site parking · Accessible parking available · Free WiFi in public areas · Express check-in/out · Private check-in available

Pool & Outdoors · Seasonal outdoor swimming pool · Beach chairs and umbrellas · Picnic area · Barbecue facilities · Garden seating areas

In Your Room · Air conditioning · Heating · Private bathroom · Bathtub and shower · Flat-screen TV with cable channels · Refrigerator, microwave, phone · Free toiletries and hairdryer · Sitting area · Fold-up beds available for families

Practical Services · Daily housekeeping · Shared lounge/TV area · Vending machine (drinks) · Wake-up service available · 24-hour security · Fire extinguishers and smoke alarms throughout

The seasonal outdoor pool is a genuine draw, especially for families and summer travelers. It's clean, has a shallow end, comes stocked with loungers and umbrellas, and overlooks the surrounding gardens. Pool hours are limited (closing around 3 p.m. in some seasons), so plan accordingly if an evening swim is important. The grounds include a picnic area, barbecue facilities, and a pleasant outdoor seating area with tables and chairs - good for coffee in the morning or conversation after checkout.

Summer (June–August). Pool is open and well-used by guests. Peak season for families and Acadia traffic. The motel books up on weekends and around holidays. Warm enough to enjoy the outdoor seating areas. Best for pool swimmers.

Fall (September–October). Shoulder season for leaf-peepers heading to Baxter State Park or hiking. Fewer crowds than summer but still popular for Acadia day trips. Pool may close by late September. Crisp mornings, comfortable temperatures. Great value compared to peak season.

Winter (November–February). Off-season for leisure travel. Open year-round, but pool is closed. Quiet and affordable. Useful primarily for business travel, holiday visits to UMO, or connections to Acadia during winter hikes.

Spring (March–May). Modest traffic; pool usually closed until Memorial Day. Mud season in the region. Less of a destination season, though useful for weekends and family events at UMO.

"The owner is so awesome! Always accommodating and happy to help! Location to UMO is perfect. Great price and always clean!" - Denise, United States · Group · 10/10

"The rooms were very clean, stylish, spacious, cozy, convenient, well-arranged, and quiet. The owner was very kind and personable, made me feel very welcomed and responsive; he's such a nice guy!" - Cedric, United States · Solo traveler · 10/10

"Clean, quiet and comfortable bed. Nice owner, very helpful with dinner suggestions. Great value." - Patti, United States · Couple · 10/10

"Super cute independently owned place. It is older, but well maintained and clean. The owner was super friendly and we enjoyed learning about the history of the property. It was located away from the main downtown area, so it was nice and quiet." - Kimcooks, United States · Group · 9/10

"The owner was wonderful! Fresh, hot coffee and fresh, delicious donuts in the lobby in the morning were very appreciated. The bed and pillows were comfortable, there was plenty of space and storage areas in the room, and the comfy side chairs were a nice bonus." - Kristen, United States · Couple · 10/10

"We stay here every summer, love this place and the owners are wonderful." - Melanie, Canada · Family · 10/10

The only recurring criticism is minor: One guest noted the pool closes early in the afternoon (around 3 p.m.), which disappointed those hoping for an evening swim. Another mentioned WiFi can be spotty. A small number of guests found the rooms dated, though they all acknowledged the property is clean and well-maintained. If you're particularly sensitive to vintage plumbing or want cutting-edge modern design, this won't be the fit. But for genuine hospitality and reliable comfort at a fair price, the trade-off is worth it.

• 10 minutes to University of Maine Orono campus - excellent for family weekends and graduation trips
• 45 minutes to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor - a strategic stop if you're coming from southern Maine
• 3.7 miles to the Great Fire of 1911 Historic District, an often-overlooked downtown Bangor neighborhood
• 5 miles to Cross Insurance Center, where concerts and events happen year-round
• 15 minutes to downtown Bangor restaurants and shops along Kenduskeag Stream Walk Trail for a riverside stroll
• 30 minutes to Orono Bog Boardwalk, a unique 1.75-mile elevated walkway through old-growth forest
• Nearby lunch stops: Local diners in Orono and along State Street (ask the owner for recommendations - guests consistently praise the local knowledge)

Is Stucco Lodge right on the water? No. The motel is located on State Street in Bangor, a few miles from the Kenduskeag Stream. You're in the Penobscot River valley but not oceanfront. The pool and gardens are the water features on-site.

Is breakfast included? No formal breakfast is served, but complimentary coffee and fresh pastries (donuts, apple fritters, bananas) are available in the office each morning. It's a nice gesture, not a full meal.

How far is it to Acadia National Park? About 45 minutes to the park entrance and Bar Harbor. Many guests use Stucco Lodge as a convenient stopover before heading down the coast - the central location and morning pastries make it useful for an early start.

Is there a shuttle to the airport? No shuttle service is offered. Bangor International Airport is 7.5 miles away (about 15 minutes by car). Ride-share and rental cars are your options.

What are the pool hours and seasons? The pool is seasonal (open roughly June through September, depending on weather). Hours are typically 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during summer. Confirm exact dates at booking or call ahead.

Is the motel good for families with kids? Yes. Interconnecting rooms are available, the pool appeals to children, and the quiet location means less traffic noise. Guests with families consistently rate it highly. The staff is accommodating about special requests.

Is there a restaurant on-site? No. But the owners are known for offering local dining recommendations. Downtown Bangor and Orono have various options within 10–15 minutes. The pastries and coffee in the morning help if you're heading out early.