Cedar Crest Inn

Cedar Crest Inn is that rare Maine accommodation that knows exactly what it is and doesn't apologize for it. Built in the 1950s and still standing strong, this two-star property on Elm Street operates as a no-frills motel that happens to be exactly where you want to be when you're spending a night before hitting downtown Camden's shops and restaurants. It's not trying to be a boutique hotel. It's not trying to be luxury. It's trying to be honest, affordable, and convenient - and for the most part, it delivers. Guests consistently praise the staff for genuine helpfulness, the location for its quiet proximity to the harbor, and the surprisingly generous room sizes for the price.

The inn pulls off the neat trick of feeling authentically retro without being precious about it. A couple from Germany called it a "good value vintage motor inn," noting the mix of mid-century modern headboards paired with traditional motel furniture and lots of outlets. The heated outdoor pool draws families in summer. The on-site restaurant, when open, gets real praise for breakfast sandwiches and dinner. What you'll find here is a clean, comfortable base camp for exploring one of Maine's prettiest coastal towns - not Instagram moments, but real value.

Staff that actually takes care of you. Dimitri, Jake, and Crystal are named specifically in multiple reviews. Guests describe them as "casual and professional," quick to problem-solve when the TV acts up (a recurring quirk of the older sets), and genuinely friendly. One traveler from Israel stayed 14 nights and singled out the receptionist for being "super friendly and helpful." A couple from Germany praised Dmitry for making "everything easy and enjoyable." This isn't generic hospitality - these are people who work here and know the guests' names.

Location that actually saves you money. A mile from downtown Camden sounds close until you realize it means a 12–15 minute walk, or five minutes by car. You're far enough from the tourist crush to have quiet grounds and free parking, but near enough that you're not isolated. The property sits on tree-lined Elm Street with flowers and gardens, a buffer between you and the highway. Couples consistently rated the location as a major draw.

Rooms that are bigger than you'd expect. Most motel rooms feel cramped. These don't. Guests mention "generously roomy" double queens, good desk space, lots of outlets, and - surprisingly often - excellent water pressure in the shower. The standard Double Double and Double Queen configurations work for couples and small families. Yes, the bedding is aging. Yes, some rooms are dated. But the bones are solid, and the square footage is real.

A heated pool in season, and honest pricing. The outdoor pool is seasonal (May through September, roughly) and heated - a major draw for families in peak summer. Guests appreciate that Cedar Crest doesn't pretend to be something it isn't, which makes the price feel fair. One solo traveler called it "the cheapest place we could find within walking distance of downtown Camden" and was happy with the tradeoff.

Parking that's actually free and easy. Free on-site parking included. No lot-hunting, no meters, no hassle. The lot is easy to navigate.

Cedar Crest Inn is a traditional single-story motor-inn layout with rooms opening directly onto the grounds and parking lot. The oldest section of the property faces the field; newer wings face the parking area. Rooms are larger than typical motels, with full private bathrooms, air conditioning, free WiFi (though one guest reported intermittent connection), and in-room coffee makers. Most rooms include a refrigerator and microwave. Expect dated décor - mismatched lamps, worn carpets, possibly a mix of light bulb styles - but clean surfaces and working basics.

• Double Double - Two full beds, suits families or groups; most popular room type.
• Double Queen - Two queen beds, roomiest option for couples or small families.
• Single Queen - One queen bed, efficient for solo travelers or couples wanting less space.
• Single King - One king bed, rare but available; one guest called it "large and well-appointed."

One honest note: multiple guests flagged that beds show wear - some sagging in the middle or feeling firm beyond comfortable. The furniture is spare and genuinely old. One guest described the overall aesthetic as "tired" but clean. If you're sensitive to dated surroundings or old mattresses, book a recent guest review with an 8+ score that specifically praises the bed quality.

Outdoors & Grounds · Heated outdoor swimming pool (seasonal, May–September) with shallow end, pool/beach towels, and lounge chairs · Sun terrace · Picnic areas · Garden with flowers · Fenced pool area · Outdoor play equipment for kids

In Your Room · Air conditioning · Heating · Flat-screen TV (though it may require manual restart) · Tea and coffee maker · Refrigerator · Microwave · Iron and ironing board · Private bathroom with bathtub and shower · Free WiFi · Free toiletries · Hairdryer · Balcony or patio (select rooms) · Lots of outlets and socket near bed

Services · Free on-site private parking, including accessible spots · Daily housekeeping · Pet-friendly rooms with pet bowls and baskets · Laundry facilities (guest appreciated this for longer stays) · Vending machine (drinks) · Wake-up service · On-site restaurant (hours vary)

Safety & Accessibility · Non-smoking rooms · Designated smoking area (note: some guests reported smoke odor from outside) · Smoke alarms · Key access · Carbon monoxide detector · Upper floors accessible by stairs only (no elevator)

The property has an on-site restaurant that opens for dinner and sometimes breakfast, though hours vary seasonally. Guests who ate there praised breakfast sandwiches and one reviewer called the dinner experience "wonderful" with "an awesome chef." However, the restaurant does not consistently serve lunch, and several guests were surprised to find no breakfast included with their room. Hannaford supermarket is a 1–2 minute drive away, and downtown Camden's restaurants are a walk or short drive.

Summer (June–September) The peak season and the inn's best draw. The heated pool is open; Mount Battie hiking is ideal; downtown shops and restaurants are in full swing; the Opera House hosts performances. Expect the most crowds, the highest rates, and families. Leaf-peeping season begins in late September, when foliage colors intensify in the Camden Hills.

Fall (September–October) Shoulder season with excellent foliage color, cooler weather, and fewer tourists than mid-summer. The pool remains open through early September. Many guests in the review sample stayed in late September and early October; reviews are consistently positive. Ideal for couples and anyone wanting Camden without the peak summer surge.

Winter (November–March) The pool closes; the restaurant may reduce hours or close. The surrounding Midcoast becomes quieter and colder, suitable for holiday visits or off-season travelers seeking lower rates. The property is open year-round.

Spring (April–May) Quiet time before summer. Gardens begin to bloom; pool preparation begins. The restaurant may still be on limited hours. A good time for budget-conscious visitors.

"Friendly staff, clean room, and a great location. Come see us soon!" - Brien, United States · Couple · 9/10

"Rooms are generously roomy. Very clean and the bed comfortable. Location and parking perfect." - Darrell, Germany · Couple · 9/10

"The highlight of my stay was Dmitry at the front desk - super friendly, helpful, and professional. Thanks to him, I'll definitely come back." - Achraf, Germany · Family · 8/10

"Convenient location and really nice room. Everything was clean. Good value and very helpful front desk staff. I even got a free banana!" - Brenda, United States · Solo traveler · 9/10

"Great hotel with clean rooms and a perfect location. The property was wooded, with many flowers, quite attractive overall." - Peter, Australia · Family · 9/10

"The room was spotlessly clean. It's an older wooden motel, nothing fancy and a bit worn down, but nothing to complain about." - Joel, United States · Couple · 7/10

A note on the experience: The most consistent minor complaint is that the inn shows age. Multiple guests flagged outdated décor, worn carpeting, dated furniture, and - in a few cases - slow drains or mold in the bathroom. These are genuine observations, not dealbreakers for guests who rate the place 7–9/10. The trade-off is clear in the reviews: you get honest value and friendly staff in exchange for accepting that this is a 1950s motor inn, not a renovated boutique hotel. Guests who expect that going in are delighted; those surprised by the age are less satisfied.

• Mount Battie - Less than a five-minute walk; hiking trail with views of Penobscot Bay and the islands. Park at the trailhead on Mountain Street.
• Laite Memorial Beach - 19-minute walk; small, rocky beach good for swimming or sunset picnics.
• Camden Harbor Park and Amphitheater - 1.1 miles; waterfront park with benches, summer concerts, and harbor views. Walkable or a quick drive.
• Downtown Camden - 12–15 minute walk (or five-minute drive); Dock Square, shops, galleries, restaurants, and the Camden Opera House.
• Off-leash dog park - Close by; guest mentioned it's perfect for small dogs.
• Hannaford supermarket - 1–2 minutes by car; convenient for groceries or quick meals.
• Rockport - 3 miles south; working fishing village with galleries and restaurants.
• Waterbury - 4 miles north; small village near Waterbury Lake.

Is Cedar Crest Inn on the water? No. It's a mile inland from Camden Harbor, on Elm Street. Laite Memorial Beach (19-minute walk) and Camden Harbor Park (1.1 miles) offer water access.

Is breakfast included? No. The property has an on-site restaurant with breakfast sandwiches, but breakfast is not complimentary. Downtown Camden and Hannaford supermarket are nearby alternatives.

Is the pool heated year-round? No. The outdoor pool operates seasonally, roughly May through September, and is heated during that period. In winter, the pool is closed.

Are pets allowed? Yes. Cedar Crest Inn is pet-friendly. Rooms include pet bowls and baskets. One guest mentioned the nearby off-leash dog park as a bonus.

How far is it to downtown Camden? About a mile; roughly 12–15 minutes on foot or five minutes by car. There are sidewalks on some stretches of Elm Street, but not all the way. A car is convenient but not essential.

Is there free WiFi? Yes, though one guest reported intermittent connection. A few rooms may have better signal than others.

Is there on-site parking? Yes, free and included. Parking is easy to navigate, and accessible spots are available.