Smuggler's Cove Inn

The Smuggler's Cove Inn sits on Linekin Bay with the kind of view that makes you understand why people stay here twice. A family-run property - the kind where the owner's hands are visible in both the garden and the kitchen - it caters equally well to couples seeking quiet mornings on the water and families who want their kids occupied without much effort. The rooms vary in size and layout, but the bay-facing orientation is consistent: wake up to water, geese calls, and the promise of a breakfast spread that guests reliably call "the best hotel breakfast I've had."

The 8.6 out of 10 rating across 211 reviews reflects genuine affection. Couples rate it 9.3, and there's a thread of repeat visitors throughout the reviews - people who came once and are already planning their return. It's not a polished chain; it's a working waterfront inn that takes pride in the details.

The breakfast alone justifies the stay. This isn't continental pastries and coffee. Guests describe an "extensive" spread with made-to-order items, replenished fruit and breads, and a kitchen team that moves with purpose. One visitor from the UK singled out the chef - described as also handling grounds work - as the standout. Multiple families flagged breakfast as a money-saver, especially given the nearby restaurant dining options.

Waterfront access without the waterfront price tag. A private beach, saltwater pool, free kayaks, and paddle boards mean you don't need to leave the property to feel like you're on vacation. The bay view is available from most rooms, and the grounds are walkable - there's a fire pit, mature landscaping with flowering gardens, and geese that apparently serve as morning entertainment.

The owners and staff make the difference. Unlike larger properties, repeat guests name staff members. Roxie, Aisa, and Ken appear in reviews as people who went "above and beyond." When a guest's smoke detector beeped at night, staff replaced it immediately and "with grace." When someone booked the wrong date, management did "the right thing." This level of attentiveness comes through consistently.

Location strikes a balance. Boothbay Harbor - with its crowds, restaurants, and shops - is a 5-8 minute drive. Ocean Point, a favorite rocky-shoreline walk, is even closer. You're removed enough to feel quiet and away, but not isolated.

On-site restaurant with live music. The restaurant serves dinner and hosts happy hour with music. Many guests appreciated not having to venture into town after arrival, and the dinner quality was praised repeatedly. Complementary gift certificates for drinks were mentioned in reviews as a welcoming touch.

The property has been partially renovated in recent years, and rooms are described as "newly renovated and clean" with ocean themes and modern amenities. Rooms range from studios to classic quadruple rooms, each with a private bathroom, air conditioning, and a balcony or patio. Most have water views; a few overlook the grounds.

• King Rooms with Sea View - The most popular option; most have a balcony or patio overlooking the bay.
• King Studios with Sea View - Compact, with a kitchenette (microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker). Tight but well-organized.
• Deluxe Queen Rooms with Two Queen Beds - Larger layout with kitchenette; best for families or guests wanting more space.
• Classic Quadruple Rooms - Multi-bed configuration with sea views; several guests noted they're comfortable but on the smaller side.
• Standard Queen Rooms - Simpler layout; quieter locations on the property.

A handful of reviews flagged thin walls - you may hear neighbors' conversations or footsteps at night. Vinyl tile flooring in some units gets visibly dirty over a few days. Mattresses have been upgraded recently, though one fall visitor felt they could still use improvement. Small rooms mean limited outlets near the bed; pack a power strip if you're charging multiple devices.

Pool & Grounds · Outdoor heated saltwater pool (open year-round, though seasonal closures noted in summer for maintenance - book ahead to confirm availability). Sun deck with loungers and beach umbrellas. Fenced pool area. Private beach with lifeguard in summer. Fire pit with seating and blankets. Mature gardens and walking paths on property.

Water & Recreation · Free kayaks and paddle boards. Canoeing. Rowboat (bring your own oars or check availability). Beach access.

Dining & Social · On-site restaurant with dinner service and happy hour. Complementary breakfast. Bar with wine and spirits. Vending machines for snacks and drinks.

Family-Friendly · Kids' meals available at restaurant. Board games and puzzles. Flat-screen TV in rooms. Shallow pool area for young swimmers.

Practical · Free Wi-Fi throughout property. Free parking (though steep/gravel lot; some guests found it "a bit tough" during peak times). Private entrance to rooms. Non-smoking rooms. Meeting and banquet facilities available for events.

The restaurant deserves its own attention. Breakfast is complementary and served in the dining room overlooking the bay, with a pianist or acoustic musician often playing in the background. Entrees are made to order - eggs cooked how you like them, specialty pancakes, smoked salmon - alongside a self-service bar of fresh pastries, fruit, cereals, and yogurt. Guests regularly said it eliminated the need to eat out at lunch due to how filling and varied it was.

Dinner service is available in the evening, with a view of the sunset and access to the bar. Happy hour draws an after-work crowd and works well for solo travelers or families wanting a low-key evening. One guest mentioned missing a lunch option during their stay; currently, the restaurant is dinner and breakfast only.

Summer (June–August) · Peak season with warmest water, restaurant and pool fully open, live music in the evenings, and organized activities like Fourth of July fireworks viewing (guests specifically praised this). Parking and availability are tight; book early.

Fall (September–October) · Leaf-peeping season and shoulder comfort. Many guests visited in late September and early October and found the weather pleasant, though water temperature drops. Pool remains heated and open. Restaurant continues dinner service. This is when repeat visitors return.

Spring (May) · Opening season (property was closed or in soft opening in 2025). Quieter, with staff finalizing upgrades. Good for a peaceful getaway if you're flexible on restaurant hours.

Winter (November–April) · Limited information in reviews, but the property is described as open year-round. Pool remains heated. Winter storms and cold mean fewer outdoor activities, but the quiet appeal holds for off-season travelers.

"Absolutely gorgeous area - the cottage was clean, comfy, and very considerate with accommodations."

• Viki, United States · Couple · 10/10

"We were treated exceptionally well by Roxie, Aisa, and Ken. Spectacular view from our room and deck of the bay."

• Nicholas, United States · Couple · 9/10

"The breakfast takes the prize. The bloke who wears the cookie hat also appears in the garden with the mower but he knocks out a delicious breakfast."

• Keith, United Kingdom · Solo traveler · 10/10

"Free kayaks and paddle boards was a great perk. AMAZING breakfast - arguably the best hotel breakfast I've had."

• Dayle, United States · Family · 9/10

"Beautiful location and room was very comfortable. The sunset was incredible!"

• Sueanne, United States · Couple · 8/10

"The breakfast had just about all the options you could want. The staff were always busy taking care of guests: cleaning up, replenishing, and greeting."

• Valerie, United States · Family · 9/10

Minor criticisms emerge across a small percentage of reviews: thin walls and overhead noise, thin water pressure in showers, and occasionally drained or empty shampoo dispensers in bathrooms. A handful of guests felt parking was difficult or that rooms, while clean, run small for the price. One family mentioned a faint smell of dog in their room. These are outliers, not patterns, but worth knowing if you're noise-sensitive or have mobility concerns (the property sits on a hill with multiple buildings, and there's no elevator).

• Boothbay Harbor - 5–8 minutes · Quintessential Maine coastal town with galleries, shops, lobster rolls, and the iconic footbridge.
• Ocean Point - 2–3 minutes · Rocky shoreline walk with tide pools, dramatic views, and sunrise/sunset spots. A local favorite mentioned by multiple guests.
• Coastal Maine Botanical Garden - 6 miles · 270 acres with walking paths, water views, and seasonal plantings. Beautiful in rain or sun.
• Grimes Cove Beach - 1 mile · Small, local beach ideal for swimming or a walk.
• Linekin Bay kayaking - On-site · Free kayaks and paddle boards available directly from the property; the bay is calm and scenic for beginners.
• Hiking trails - 5–15 minutes · Several wooded and coastal trails in the surrounding Boothbay Region, including the Range Trail system.
• Burnt Island Light - 15 minutes by car, then boat · Historic lighthouse with tour access in summer months.

Is breakfast included in the room rate? Yes, a full complementary breakfast is served daily in the restaurant. It's substantial enough that many guests skip lunch. Made-to-order items plus self-serve pastries, fruit, and cereals.

Can I use the kayaks and paddle boards? Yes, free kayaks and paddle boards are available on-site for guests. The bay is calm and suitable for beginners. No rentals or advance reservations required, though availability may be limited during peak times.

Is the pool open year-round? The pool is heated and open year-round, though it occasionally closes for maintenance (usually brief). Confirm dates when booking if the pool is important to your stay.

How close is the property to Boothbay Harbor? About 5–8 minutes by car. You can easily drive into town for shopping and dining, but the inn is set apart enough to feel quiet and secluded.

Is there a restaurant on-site? Yes. Breakfast is complementary for guests. Dinner service is available nightly with a full bar. Happy hour is offered in the evening.

Are there mobility or accessibility considerations? The property sits on a hill with multiple buildings and no elevator. Rooms are accessed by stairs or paths. Parking is on a steep, gravel lot. Not ideal for guests with significant mobility limitations, though ground-floor rooms are available.

What's the check-in and check-out policy? Standard check-in is 3 p.m. and check-out is 11 a.m., though one guest noted they expected 10 a.m. and had to clarify.