Linekin Bay Resort

Linekin Bay Resort sits on its own wooded peninsula in Boothbay Harbor, where the water laps at granite ledges and the landscaping - recently overhauled - feels more like a private camp than a coastal hotel. Most guests are couples returning for a second or third time, which tells you something about the place. It's not trying to be a luxury resort; it's trying to be the kind of destination you don't want to leave. The rooms are large and straightforward, many with water views and Adirondack chairs on private decks. The breakfasts are genuinely excellent - a full buffet included with every stay. And the activities - kayaking, boat tours, paddleboarding, fishing off the dock - are woven into the everyday rhythm rather than add-ons.

The property feels caught in time, somewhere between a mid-century fishing lodge and a contemporary small hotel. That hybrid works for people who want Maine without the boutique-hotel markup, and who'd rather spend their evening watching the bay than hunting for restaurant reservations.

The water views are genuinely arresting. Rooms in the Linekin Building have private balconies that face directly onto the bay, where small islands and moored boats drift past. Most guests camp on their decks with morning coffee and don't leave until checkout. Ground-floor rooms open directly onto manicured lawns and granite outcroppings - ideal if you want to step outside without stairs.

Breakfast isn't an afterthought. The buffet includes made-to-order eggs, French toast, smoked salmon, overnight oats, and fresh fruit. It's included in your room rate and served in a dining room with water views. Multiple guests called it the best part of their stay, and the kitchen clearly takes it seriously.

Activities are genuinely free and genuinely available. Row boats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, fishing poles, tennis courts, badminton, and pickleball are at your disposal. There's also a complimentary 45-minute boat tour of the bay for guests. This isn't a kids' activity menu; adults book multi-night stays specifically to paddle around Linekin Bay.

The staff remembers your name. Front-desk staff are noted repeatedly for being attentive and solution-oriented. If you book a room without AC and the weather turns warm, they'll find you a fan or move you to an air-conditioned room. The tone is genuinely helpful rather than transaction-focused.

It's close to town without feeling touristy. Boothbay Harbor's downtown - shops, restaurants, the harbor itself - is a short drive, but the resort feels secluded enough that you're not hearing traffic or crowds. Several guests specifically praised being "outside the main section of town" while still having easy access to everything.

The resort spans multiple buildings - the main Linekin Building, cottages, and bungalows - so room types vary widely. Most have water or garden views; many have private balconies or decks. The Adirondack chairs are part of the package. Rooms are large and comfortable, though furnishings trend traditional rather than design-magazine sleek. Most don't have air conditioning, but the property lists which ones do on its website, and you can request an AC room at booking.

• King Rooms with Water View - Private balcony overlooking bay or garden; the workhorse room type across the property
• King Rooms with Sea View - Similar layout, slightly different vantage; both water-view categories are the most requested
• One-Bedroom Cottages - Separate living areas, ideal for longer stays or guests who want more space
• One-Bedroom Bungalows - Cabin-style with modern updates; popular with families
• Junior Suites with Ocean View - Separate living room and couch, mini fridge, more hotel-like amenities

Real note: About 60% of rooms have air conditioning; the property is gradually adding more. If you visit in summer and heat sensitivity is an issue, request an AC room when booking. Several guests who stayed during warm weather without AC mentioned discomfort, though the front desk will provide fans. Some rooms don't have TVs - the property notes this, so check the listing before confirming. Beds received mixed reviews: some guests found them very comfortable; others said they were firm or slightly hard. If mattress preference matters to you, call after booking.

Water & Recreation · Heated saltwater outdoor pool (seasonal, typically May–September) · Row boats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards (all complimentary) · Dock fishing · Tennis court · Badminton · Pickleball · Complimentary bay tour boat · Canoeing directly from property

Grounds & Atmosphere · Extensive gardens and landscaping with natural granite ledges · Multiple terraces and sun decks · Outdoor fireplace · Picnic areas · Well-maintained lawns overlooking water

Practical · Free WiFi throughout · Free parking · Restaurant and bar · Fitness center with sauna · Daily housekeeping · Non-smoking rooms · Wheelchair accessibility · Designated smoking area · Facilities for disabled guests (though some guests noted that rock steps lack handrails)

For Families · Outdoor play equipment · Kids' meals available · Board games and puzzles in game room · Playground area

Breakfast is included and exceptional - something worth noting because it genuinely differentiates the stay. The buffet rotates but typically features a carving station, egg dishes, French toast, pastries, smoked salmon, fruit, yogurt, and coffee. The dining room overlooks the water, so you're eating with a view.

The on-site restaurant serves dinner with full bar service. Reviews are enthusiastic about the food quality but split on value - some called it excellent and reasonably priced; others found it expensive relative to portion or menu range. Wine and champagne are available. The game room has a fireplace and board games, a gathering spot on cooler evenings.

Late May through early June - Spring shoulder season. Weather is warming, gardens are blooming, and the pool opens (typically Memorial Day weekend). Fewer crowds than summer. Breakfast is still excellent. Several guests specifically praised late May and early June stays.

July through August - Peak season. Pool is open and heated. All water activities are in full swing. The property is busiest, and weather is reliably warm (sometimes hot - AC becomes relevant). This is when families and multi-night visitors dominate. Boothbay Harbor itself is in full tourist mode.

September and October - The sweet spot for many regulars. Weather remains warm through September; foliage peaks in mid-October. The pool stays open through September. The property is less crowded than summer but full on weekends. Multiple guests specifically noted September and October as ideal. This is leaf-peeping season for the region.

November through April - The property is closed seasonally. The pool shuts down, and the resort hibernates until spring reopens the cycle.

"The location was beautiful and the facilities were all inclusive. We kayaked, had a room with a view of the water and beautiful sunrise. I would definitely go back!" - Barbara, United States · Couple · 10/10

"Love the location and will return next year. Love to play tennis and it's very beautiful. Nice staff, clean and delicious breakfast." - Birgitta, United States · Couple · 10/10

"Lots of activities included free: boat ride, paddleboarding, kayaking, pickleball, etc. Excellent breakfast. Outstanding rooms with bay view and large balcony, easy access to town." - Andrea, United States · Family · 10/10

"This was our third stay, so obviously we love being there. Rooms are very spacious. The buffet breakfast is wonderful and the dining room food is excellent." - Muriel, United States · Couple · 10/10

"Lovely location, terrific staff, very comfortable ground floor room that was perfectly equipped, modern and clean. Spacious and huge bed. Being on the ground floor you can walk right outside to gaze at the amazing views of small islands and boats." - Leslie, France · Solo traveler · 10/10

"The beautIful siting of the rooms overlooking Linekin Bay, the manicured lawns and gardens interspersed with natural granite ledges are simply gorgeous. The Staff are caring and ready to address any guest needs. The breakfast was varied and delicious. The restaurant food was excellent and reasonably priced." - Kim, United States · Family · 10/10

On the flip side: A handful of guests flagged comfort issues - beds that were too firm, minimal seating in rooms, and a few instances of housekeeping lapses (dirty rugs, dust on ceiling fans). These are outliers rather than patterns, but worth noting if you're sensitive to room condition or mattress firmness. The property has been responsive in reviews, acknowledging these concerns and noting ongoing renovations and improvements. Air conditioning availability remains the most common hesitation for warm-weather visits, though the resort is actively adding AC rooms.

• 0.3 miles - Boothbay Harbor waterfront, public docks, and harbor walks
• 1 mile - Dock Square shopping district and downtown restaurants
• 2 miles - Marine Research Institute and working lobster wharves
• 4.7 miles - Coastal Maine Botanical Garden, 270 acres of trails and gardens (seasonal)
• 8 miles - Reid State Park, a sandy beach with Atlantic views (15-minute drive)
• 12 miles - Squirrel Island, accessible by ferry; day trips for kayaking and exploring
• 20 miles - Boothbay Railway Museum, vintage train rides through coastal Maine
• 31 miles - Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, iconic Maine icon with dramatic coastal scenery

The peninsula location means you're slightly removed from the town bustle - which guests love - but Boothbay's attractions are a 5-to-15-minute drive. The area is popular for fishing charters, boat tours, and casual exploration of the Midcoast region.

Is the resort on the water? Yes, directly on Linekin Bay. Most rooms have water views, and the property includes private dock access, a boat launch, and waterfront trails. This is genuinely a waterfront experience, not a land-locked backdrop.

Is breakfast really included? Yes, a full hot and cold buffet is included with every room rate, served daily in the dining room overlooking the water. It's one of the major selling points and consistently praised.

Can we use kayaks and boats without an extra fee? Yes, all water sports equipment - kayaks, canoes, row boats, paddleboards - are complimentary for guests, as is the 45-minute bay tour. Fishing poles are also provided if you want to fish off the dock.

Does the pool have a seasonal schedule? Yes, the heated saltwater pool opens around Memorial Day and closes after Labor Day (typically September 1–2). Multiple buildings and different room types mean availability varies; confirm open dates when booking if the pool is essential to your stay.

Is there air conditioning? About 60% of rooms have AC. The property lists which rooms have it on the website and is gradually adding more. If AC is important, request it at booking. Otherwise, expect fans and breezes in warmer months.

Is the resort accessible for people with mobility concerns? The property has wheelchair-accessible rooms and facilities, though one guest noted that rock steps on the grounds lack handrails. Ground-floor rooms avoid stairs entirely. Contact the resort directly if you have specific accessibility needs.

Do we need to drive into town for dinner? The resort has an on-site restaurant, but it's noted as pricey and limited-menu by some guests. Boothbay Harbor's downtown restaurants are a 2–5 minute drive. Many guests eat breakfast and dinner at the resort and explore town for lunch or casual meals.