The Nonantum Resort

The Nonantum is not trying to be something it isn't. This family-owned waterfront property - all traditional bones and carefully tended grounds - sits on the Kennebunk River and charges a price that feels almost apologetic given what you get. The breakfast is genuinely exceptional. The staff moves through the days with an ease that suggests they actually like being there. The Adirondack chairs on the back lawn face the water. Couples rate it 9.7 out of 10. If you're coming to the Midcoast to decompress, not to chase luxury signifiers, this is the place.

The breakfast will reset your standards for what a complimentary meal can be. Guests don't just praise it - they describe it as competitive with top-tier European restaurants. Think smoked salmon slices, avocado mash, overnight-soaked oats studded with premium chocolate chips, fresh organic arugula to garnish your eggs, multiple cooked options daily, and coffee that tastes like someone cared. The menu rotates, so return visits reveal new spreads. One frequent traveler called it "exceptional value I have not experienced in my 30 years in the US."

The location is walkable to town but genuinely peaceful. You're 0.7 miles from the shops and restaurants of Dock Square - close enough to stroll in, far enough that you're not hearing bar noise from your balcony. The water views from most rooms are actual selling points, not afterthoughts. The free shuttle runs summers to the beach and downtown so you can skip the parking hunt entirely.

The grounds invite you to stay put. Lit fire pits scattered across the property come with blankets stocked in your room. Adirondack chairs face the river. The heated outdoor pool operates seasonally. Guests with kids praise Camp Nonantum, the on-site activity program that keeps ages occupied without feeling corporate. Bicycle rentals let you loop the coast on your own terms.

The staff sets the tone. Multiple reviews specifically name Ro (front-of-house), Jean Ginn Marvin (the innkeeper), and Peter (the pianist who plays evenings). This is not a chain where you're a room number. The team notices special occasions and leaves notes. They remember repeat guests by name. One solo traveler from the UK wrote that the staff made the difference between a good stay and an unforgettable one.

It's genuinely family-friendly without pretension. The resort hosts families, couples, and solo travelers in the same buildings, which means noise can travel (see caveats below). But kids' meals, the activity center, canoeing, and fishing access appeal to families planning a real getaway, not a parents'-night-out scene.

The Nonantum spreads across the main building (called the Carriage House) and a separate Portside structure, both traditional in style. Rooms are compact but organized, with plush bedding, gas fireplaces in select rooms, cable TV, and climate control. Most come with a private bathroom, hairdryer, and free toiletries. The building's age means some rooms on upper floors feel dated in décor - nothing broken or dirty, just lived-in - and a few guests noted the elevator sits at the back of the property, a walk from some rooms.

• Carriage House Queen/King Waterview: River-facing with balconies; the most requested category.
• Carriage House Queen/King Village View: Face the road or gardens; quieter interior placement.
• Carriage House Two Double: Family rooms with two beds; slightly less cramped than queen doubles.
• Portside King/Queen Waterview: Separated building; more modern finishes; popular with those wanting distance from family areas.
• Portside Two Queens Waterview: Family-sized; good for groups traveling together.
• Portside Premium King: Top-tier category with upgraded appointments and prime views.

Honest caveat: Queen beds are genuinely queen-sized, not doubles (some guests accustomed to king beds found them snug). A small percentage of rooms have bouncy mattresses. Walls between rooms are thinner than soundproof - you'll hear neighbors on busy nights. A few waterview rooms were blocked by temporary construction (ongoing issue). None of this is a deal-breaker for most; it's just the trade-off of staying at a historic property that prioritizes character over modernization.

Pool & Grounds · Heated outdoor swimming pool (seasonal, all ages) with lounge chairs, beach umbrellas, and towel service · Landscaped gardens with fire pits and blankets · Adirondack chairs scattered across manicured lawns overlooking the river · Sun deck and terrace · Beach access via summer shuttle.

Activities & Entertainment · Bicycle rental · Live music performances by pianist Peter · Evening entertainment (seasonal) · Walking tours available · Yoga classes · Canoeing and fishing · Kids' club (Camp Nonantum) with outdoor play equipment and board games · Organized events like lobster boat tours.

Food & Drink · Full bar with wine and champagne service · Restaurant (Latimer) with lunch and dinner · Snack bar · Room service · Tea/coffee makers in all rooms · Complimentary breakfast.

Practical · Free WiFi throughout · Free parking (on-site) · Complimentary summer shuttle (within 8 km radius) to downtown, beach, and shops · 24-hour front desk · Baggage storage · Business center with fax and photocopying · ATM on site · Elevator access to upper floors.

Family & Accessibility · Family rooms available · Kids' meals on request · Facilities for disabled guests · Elevator access · Accessible parking · Electric vehicle charging station.

Breakfast dominates the guest experience here - mentioned as exceptional in nearly 75% of reviews. The spread rotates daily and includes pastries (fresh sourdough bread for toasting), fresh fruit, yogurt, smoked salmon, overnight oats, eggs cooked to order, premium milk pods for coffee, and garnishes like organic arugula and bacon. It tastes homemade because, as the innkeeper notes, the team eats it too each morning. Lunch and dinner are served at Latimer, the on-site restaurant and bar. A few guests mentioned small dining room space and narrow bar seating, but food quality and service staff drew consistent praise. Peter the pianist performs evenings, a touchstone for repeat guests. The poolside restaurant serves casual fare during summer months.

Summer (June–August): Peak season. The heated pool is open, shuttle service runs daily to the beach and downtown, live music happens nightly, Camp Nonantum operates at full strength, and the grounds are in full bloom. Expect crowds at the pool and busier dining reservations. Perfect for families.

Fall (September–October): Foliage season brings excellent color to the Midcoast. The pool closes Labor Day, and the shuttle stops then too (note this when planning). Weather is crisp; fire pits and room fireplaces become appealing. Fewer families; quieter overall. Many consider this the sweet spot - leaf-peepers crowd southern Maine but not as heavily as peak summer.

Winter (November–February): Quieter still. The property stays open year-round. Fewer on-site activities; focus shifts to location and local dining. Good for couples seeking solitude. Some amenities (pool, shuttle) are unavailable.

Spring (March–May): Shoulder season with unpredictable weather. Fewer guests. Gardens begin blooming late May. Not as polished as summer but less crowded.

"The location, the view, the amazing breakfast buffet!" - Joanne, United States · Couple · 10/10

"Phenomenal location right on the water and walkable to shops. The staff were what made the visit - superbly friendly and out of their way helpful." - Maureen, United Kingdom · Solo traveler · 10/10

"Exceptional value I have not experienced in my 30 years in the US. Smoked salmon, avocado mash, overnight oats with premium chocolate, fresh organic arugula. Breakfast blew my mind." - Tonmoy, United States · Couple · 10/10

"Fire pits lit and ready for guests. Blankets in the room so we can enjoy them. Views! The breakfast tasted homemade by a mom, not a commercial kitchen." - Carol, United States · Couple · 10/10

"Great location and fabulous breakfast. Attentive service throughout. Everything was perfect." - Julia, United Kingdom · Couple · 9/10

"The people make this place. The amenities are excellent but the staff was exceptional." - Don, United States · Couple · 10/10

A few guests flagged thin walls between rooms, especially on upper floors - sound carries, particularly late at night on weekends when some rooms host gatherings. A handful noted the queen beds feel smaller than expected if you're accustomed to kings, and one or two mentioned slightly bouncy mattresses. The family-resort atmosphere means daytime noise from kids and activities; if silence is essential, request a quieter floor. The temporary construction mentioned by one guest appears to be ongoing maintenance. These are minor trade-offs for the price and location; most guests don't mention them at all.

• 0.7 miles to Dock Square, Kennebunkport's village center - galleries, boutiques, lobster rolls, restaurants clustered along the water.
• 2 miles to Cape Arundel Golf Course, one of Maine's oldest and most photographed links (perched on the rocks).
• Walking distance to the Kennebunk River for waterfront strolls; the resort rents bicycles for loops around St. Ann's Church and Walker's Point (the historic compound visible from water).
• 5 miles to Central Kennebunk, a larger town with additional shopping and dining if you need to venture further.
• Nearby boat tours: lobster boat rides depart from the resort area; a few guests mentioned these as highlights.
• Gooch's Beach, accessible via the summer shuttle, is a wide sandy beach 2 miles away - perfect for families.
• Webhannet Golf Club, a 10-minute drive, offers another seaside course option.
• Fall foliage loops and hiking trails inland in the Midcoast region are 15–30 minutes away depending on your starting point.

Is breakfast included in the room rate? Yes, a complimentary full breakfast buffet is included daily. It rotates seasonally and features both cold and hot options, fresh fruit, pastries, and premium coffee. Arrival times vary; check with the front desk for service hours.

Is there a shuttle service? Yes, complimentary shuttle service operates during summer months (roughly June–Labor Day) within an 8-kilometer radius of the property. This includes trips to Dock Square, Gooch's Beach, and downtown Kennebunkport. Winter shuttle service is not available; plan on using your own car.

Is the property on the water? Yes, The Nonantum sits directly on the Kennebunk River with waterfront views from most rooms. It's not oceanfront, but river views and easy water access are part of the appeal.

What rooms are best for families? Carriage House Two Double and Portside Two Queens rooms are sized for families. Camp Nonantum (the kids' activity center) operates summers and keeps children occupied. Canoeing, fishing, and bicycle rentals appeal to families. Note that the family-friendly atmosphere means daytime activity noise; quieter rooms are on upper floors away from the main building.

Can I bring my electric vehicle? Yes, the property has electric vehicle charging stations available on site.

Is the pool heated? Yes, the outdoor pool is heated and operates seasonally (roughly May–October). It's all ages. Pool access depends on room type; check when booking if pool use is important to your stay.

What's the nearest town center? Dock Square in Kennebunkport is 0.7 miles away (about a 12-minute walk). It has restaurants, galleries, shops, and serves as the village hub. Central Kennebunk is 5 miles south for larger shopping and dining options.