Lobster Trap

If you're planning a week in Maine and want the independence of a private house without the formality of a hotel, Lobster Trap offers exactly that. This two-bedroom rental sits just steps from Boothbay Harbor's working waterfront - close enough to walk to the village square and its cluster of restaurants and shops, yet far enough back to feel genuinely quiet. It's the kind of place where families unpack groceries, couples grill dinner on the patio, and groups spread out across rooms without anyone tripping over anyone else.

The appeal, according to guests who've stayed here, is simple and specific: location, space, and a kitchen fully stocked with what you actually need. There are hitches - some related to maintenance, others to the reality of an older building - but the property has clear strengths if you're the type of traveler who values independence and proximity to town over hotel polish.

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Walking distance to Boothbay Harbor's village square and waterfront park. The property sits in that sweet spot: a three-minute walk down the street gets you to the footbridge that crosses into downtown, where you'll find restaurants, galleries, and the harbor itself. Guests consistently praise this location as a major selling point - you're not isolated at an inn two miles out, but you're also not in the noise and congestion of the main drag.

A fully equipped kitchen and outdoor grill for self-catering. The rental includes a complete kitchen with cookware, dishes, and utensils, plus a barbecue on the patio. Travelers with kids especially appreciate this; you can buy lobster at the harbor's fish markets, grill it yourself, and eat on the patio. Laundry detergent and dish soap are provided - a detail that matters when you're six days into a trip.

Spacious layout with room to spread out. Two bedrooms, a separate dining area, and a sitting area mean groups and families don't feel cramped. Multiple travelers noted the "spacious rooms" and smart floor plan, particularly on longer stays when privacy matters.

Ground-floor unit with direct patio access. A private entrance and outdoor seating area mean you're not navigating stairs or shared hallways to grab morning coffee. The patio is small but usable - a place to have breakfast or a drink as the evening cools.

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The rental is a single two-bedroom house, not a multi-unit building (though there is an upstairs tenant). The ground floor hosts the living, dining, and kitchen spaces, plus easy access to the patio. Bedrooms are described as spacious, though guests have noted that mattresses are an issue - see "Good to Know" below.

• Two-Bedroom House: Primary rental unit, sleeps up to 4–6 depending on configuration. Ground-floor access, full kitchen, dining and sitting areas, private patio.

A heads-up: mattresses here are older and have developed significant sag over time. If you have a bad back or simply need firm support, this is a real problem - at least one guest left early because of it. The property would be markedly better with new mattresses. Windows are also sparse, and the A/C is a single unit, though guests confirm it does cool the space adequately even on warm days.

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Kitchen & Dining: Full stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator, dishware, cookware, dining table for six, tea and coffee maker.

Living & Comfort: Flat-screen TV with streaming services (Netflix, etc.), sofa, sitting area, desk, linens, towels, hairdryer, iron and board.

Outdoors & Cooking: Barbecue grill, patio with outdoor furniture, fire-safe property with smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detector.

Utilities & Practical: Washer and dryer (though recent guests report it has been broken and not repaired), Wi-Fi implied by the work desk and TV streaming, parking on property.

Pet-Friendly: The property accepts pets; pet bowls are provided.

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Summer (June–August): Peak season. Weather is warm and dry. The harbor and town are in full swing - restaurants open late, boat tours run daily, and the Botanical Garden offers evening hours. Expect higher prices and more foot traffic downtown. This is leaf-peeping season prep time; locals start planning fall trips in August.

Fall (September–October): Shoulder-to-peak season for visitors. Foliage colors peak late September through early October. Daytime temps are cool and crisp; mornings and evenings are cold. Restaurants remain open; tourist crowds are moderate. Ideal for walking and outdoor activity. Several recent reviews are from September and October guests.

Winter (November–February): Quiet season. Many restaurants and attractions close or reduce hours. The Botanical Garden is closed. Daytime temps hover near freezing; snow is possible but not guaranteed. This is when locals and serious off-season travelers book rentals. Heating is essential; confirm the property has adequate heat.

Spring (March–May): Shoulder season. Temps gradually warm from cool to mild. Foliage is budding but not full; some water-view attractions may not be running. Fewer tourists, lower prices. A good time if you want a quieter harbor experience.

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"Great location. Close to town. Quiet. Had everything one might need in a rental. Comfy."

• Kelly, United States · Group · 10/10

"The area itself was perfect. Minutes away from the square. Plenty of restaurants to choose from. The property exceeded my expectations."

• James, United States · Couple · 10/10

"Close to walking bridge to get in town, yet set back so peaceful and quite. A cozy house."

• Sandra, United States · Family · 9/10

"What a great house to rent. Very close to the bay and a beautiful park."

• Stephanie, United States · Couple · 10/10

"Kitchen had all of the utensils and dishes we needed. There was a binder with all the info we needed on things like restaurants and activities."

• Devin, United States · Solo traveler · 9/10

A note on recurring issues: Guests have flagged a few consistent problems. The mattresses are very soft and have sagged significantly, causing discomfort for some sleepers - especially important if you have back issues. Housekeeping is spotty; a few reviews mention spider webs in corners and animal hair on carpets. The property smells of mothballs, which some find overwhelming. There's also a persistent issue with the washer/dryer breaking down and not being repaired promptly, which matters on week-long family stays. An upstairs neighbor exists, and one guest reported noise early in the morning. None of these are dealbreakers, but they're real and worth factoring into your decision, particularly if you're booking for a longer stay.

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• Walking bridge to downtown (3 min walk): Crosses into Boothbay Harbor village square, where restaurants, shops, and galleries cluster.
• Boothbay Harbor waterfront (5 min walk): Working fishing harbor, lobster shacks, ice cream shops, and coastal views. Perfect for an evening stroll.
• Coastal Maine Botanical Garden (2.7 mi): 270 acres with walking trails, gardens, and water views. Drive or bike in 10 minutes.
• Boothbay Theater performances (downtown): Community theater hosting musicals and plays spring through fall.
• Fishing charters and boat tours: Several outfitters operate from the harbor. Book a half-day trip or sunset cruise.
• Hiking trails nearby: The region has dozens of short forest walks. Montsweag Preserve and Morse Mountain are 15–20 minutes' drive.
• Golf: A course sits within 2 miles - casual and walkable for golfers.
• Lobster and fish markets: Multiple docks sell fresh catch at harbor prices. Pick your own dinner.

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Do I need a car? Yes, for anything beyond the immediate harbor area. Downtown Boothbay Harbor is walkable from the property, but attractions like the Botanical Garden, hiking trails, and other towns require driving.

Are the mattresses comfortable? This is the property's weakest point. Multiple guests report the beds are very soft and have sagged significantly. If you need firm support or have back pain, consider this a real risk. Bring your own mattress topper if you're sensitive.

Is there an on-site owner or front desk? No. The property is self-managed; you receive check-in instructions and a binder with local information. Questions or maintenance issues require a phone call, not in-person assistance.

Is the house truly private? There is an upstairs tenant, so it's not completely isolated - though most guests report hearing little to no noise. One recent guest mentioned an early-morning truck noise from a neighbor's vehicle.

What's the Wi-Fi like? The property lists a desk and streaming TV, implying internet access, but reviews don't specifically praise or complain about it. Confirm bandwidth if you need to work during your stay.

Is breakfast included? No. The rental is self-catering only. You shop, cook, and clean. This is typical for vacation rentals and appeals to travelers who want independence.

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