Anchorage by the Sea

If you're hunting for a place where you can watch the Atlantic from a lawn chair with a drink in hand, wake up to ocean views, and walk to dinner without moving your car, Anchorage by the Sea delivers exactly that. This three-star oceanfront property sits directly on the water in the heart of Ogunquit, a village that doesn't ask much of visitors except to slow down and look around. The resort feels like a place where multiple generations of Maine visitors have learned to unwind - which, judging by the reviews, they have.

The property runs two pools, four hot tubs, an on-site restaurant, and a bar with actual character. Rooms range from street-view basics to ocean-view suites, and the lawn overlooking the water is the kind of amenity that justifies the whole trip. Couples especially love it here; they've rated their stays 9.5 out of 10. Yes, some rooms have thin walls and dated finishes, and the restaurant's service can stumble during peak season. But nearly everyone who stays here comes back, or says they will.

The location is genuinely hard to beat. You're steps from the Marginal Way, a 1.5-mile cliff-side walking path that's among Maine's finest free attractions. Restaurants, shops, and galleries are within a short walk or a five-minute drive. Beach access, though not direct to Anchorage's own property, is minutes away. Couples consistently praise how walkable everything is, and families appreciate not needing a car for the day.

Outdoor space and fire pits change the whole mood of a stay. The lawn overlooking the ocean with Adirondack chairs and blankets gets mentioned in review after review. Four hot tubs - one indoors, one outdoors - give you options for any season. Fire pits dotted across the property (with blankets stocked in rooms) become the social center on cool evenings, especially in fall and spring.

Breakfast and the on-site restaurant remove friction from your day. The restaurant, Surf Point 360, serves three meals overlooking the water and specializes in fresh seafood. Breakfast draws particular praise - smoked salmon, overnight oats, and coffee that tastes like it came from somewhere other than a warming plate. Service can be uneven during summer weekends, but the food quality and ambiance keep people coming back.

Staff genuinely remember who you are. Individual names recur across reviews: Tricia in breakfast service, Blake in the restaurant, the front desk team. This isn't a property where you feel like a room number. Small touches - upgrades without upselling, luggage help, reservations for local restaurants - signal a team that's invested in your experience.

The property feels well-maintained and cared-for. Rooms are clean, grounds are manicured, and the building doesn't feel tired. This matters in a three-star oceanfront property where you're paying for location and amenity rather than high-end furnishings.

The resort occupies multiple buildings. Some rooms are in the main oceanfront structure; others are in towers across the street with little or no view. Room layouts range from king beds to two-queen configurations, and a handful have partial or limited ocean views - though "limited" here often means you can glimpse the water from a corner or if you lean out.

• King Room with Partial Ocean View - Second-floor, most popular choice, some water visibility
• Queen Room with Two Queen Beds and Limited Ocean View - Ground or first floor, good for families or those needing accessible features
• Double Room with Two Double Beds – Ocean View - Across-the-street location, street-side, minimal or no view, better for budget-conscious travelers
• Double Room with Two Double Beds – Non Ocean View - Same category; rooms feel dated relative to price, per some guests
• King Room – Disability Access - Ground-floor accessible rooms available
• Double Room – Street View - Least expensive option; across the street from main property

Honest caveat: Multiple guests mention paper-thin walls. You may hear neighbors, especially in summer. Bathrooms are modest and some lack vanities (just a sink on the wall). Rooms aren't lavishly updated - the property trades on its setting and amenities rather than interior design. If you're paying close attention to room decor for the price, you'll likely notice the disconnect. But if you're here for the view, the hot tub, and the lawn, the room itself is fine.

Pools & Grounds · Two swimming pools (one heated year-round, one seasonal) · Four hot tubs (one indoor, one outdoor) · Lawn with Adirondack chairs and ocean views · Outdoor fire pits · Sun deck · Terrace · Garden

Food & Drink · Surf Point 360 restaurant (breakfast, lunch, dinner) · Upstairs bar with views · Pool bar (seasonal) · Room service · Tea and coffee makers in all rooms

Activities & Recreation · Live music and performances (seasonal) · Cooking classes (on request) · Happy hour · Golf course within 2 miles · Board games and puzzles in rooms

Practical & Comfort · Free parking (accessible spaces available) · Free WiFi throughout · 24-hour front desk · Express check-in/out · Air conditioning and heating · Non-smoking rooms · Facilities for disabled guests, including accessible parking and accessible rooms · Elevator · Iron and ironing board

Family-Friendly · Kids' meals available · Kids' board games and puzzles · Flat-screen TVs in rooms · Appropriate for all ages at pools and grounds (though adults-only sections exist at certain times or areas)

Surf Point 360, the seasonal restaurant, is one reason many guests don't venture into town for meals. Breakfast stands out - fresh pastries, smoked salmon, custom eggs, coffee quality above the resort-standard. The restaurant also handles lunch and dinner with a focus on local seafood. Reviews of dinner are mixed; quality and service consistency aren't guaranteed, especially during July and August when the place can feel understaffed. But the setting - overlooking the water - and the menu ambition justify trying it at least once.

The bar upstairs has a different vibe: strong drinks, reliable happy hour, and the kind of low-key energy that makes lingering easy. A pool bar handles drinks by the pools during warm months.

One note: Several guests mentioned the coffee in rooms was either weak or minimal. Bringing your own grounds or instant isn't unreasonable if you're particular.

Summer (June–August) - Peak season. Pools are fully operational, both restaurant and bar are open with full hours, and the lawn is packed with guests. Ogunquit fills with tourists; parking and restaurant seating fill fast. The weather is warm and beach-perfect, but expect crowds and noise. Rates are highest. Best for: families, groups, and anyone wanting guaranteed activity.

Fall (September–October) - Excellent shoulder season. Weather is mild, foliage peaks late September through mid-October, and crowds thin after Labor Day. The outdoor hot tub becomes more appealing than the pool. Restaurant and bar are open and less hectic. Rates drop. Best for: couples, photographers (leaf-peeping), and anyone wanting to stay without fighting summer masses.

Winter (November–March) - Quiet and contemplative. The outdoor hot tub is a genuine draw when surrounded by cold air and, ideally, stars. One side of the hotel sometimes closes for maintenance, which can mean the open side is crowded. Both pools operate, though the outdoor pool may be seasonal. Restaurant and bar remain open. Rates are lowest. Best for: couples seeking solitude, winter travelers, and anyone who enjoys dramatic coastal weather.

Spring (April–May) - Transitional and less predictable. Weather can be warm or still cool. Foliage is returning, and the property feels refreshed. Fewer tourists than summer or fall. Restaurant and amenities are open. Good for: budget-conscious travelers and those wanting pleasant weather without crowds.

"Excellent location, great view, friendly staff, lovely rooms, hot tubs are wonderful, bar has a cool vibe & yummy drinks."

• Jennifer, United States · Couple · 10/10

"We loved everything about the Anchorage. The view was beautiful. We had dinner and breakfast in the restaurant, and the staff was very friendly. The food was delicious. The room was comfortable and immaculate."

• Costa, United States · Couple · 10/10

"Fabulous location! Well kept facilities; tastefully updated. Very comfortable."

• Kim, United States · Group · 10/10

"Staff was incredibly pleasant and accommodating. Needed help with luggage. Hung up the phone and they were there."

• Samuel, United States · Couple · 9/10

"Loved spending time on the lawn overlooking the water. The hot tub was wonderful."

• Lorie, United States · Family · 10/10

"Being able to walk. Great experience. The view was spectacular. The room was very clean."

• Thomas, United States · Couple · 10/10

A consistent thread across all reviews is the location and views, which genuinely justify the stay for most visitors. The minor criticisms that surface are: rooms in the off-ocean side of the property are pricey for what you get; walls are thin, so noise carries; and restaurant service during peak season isn't always smooth. A few guests noted that housekeeping on longer stays comes on a three-day cycle, which some found inconvenient. One family mentioned the pool can feel crowded in summer with limited seating. These are worth knowing but don't typically prevent repeat visits.

• Marginal Way Trail - 1.5 miles of dramatic cliff-side walking, starts 0.3 miles away, free and iconic
• Perkins Cove - 0.7 miles, working harbor with restaurants, galleries, and the famous Marginal Way trailhead
• Ogunquit Playhouse - 0.7 miles, professional summer theater (seasonal, June–October)
• Ogunquit Beach - 0.5 miles, 3.5 miles of sandy public beach, lifeguard-patrolled, parking available
• Downtown Ogunquit - 0.3–0.5 miles, local restaurants, galleries, and shops (many walkable or a short drive)
• Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge - 3 miles south, trail system through salt marshes and coastal forest
• Cape Neddick Lighthouse (Nubble Light) - 10 miles north in York, Maine's most-photographed lighthouse, viewable from a park
• Golf at Old Marsh Golf Club - 2 miles, full 18-hole course; resort facilitates booking

Is the hotel directly on the beach? The property sits oceanfront on a grassy bluff overlooking the water, not a sandy beach. The nearest public beach (Ogunquit Beach) is a short walk away. The trade-off: you get dramatic water views without sand in your room.

Is breakfast included? Breakfast is not included in the room rate but is available daily at Surf Point 360 for an additional charge. Most guests find it worth the cost.

Are the pools heated? One indoor pool operates year-round and is heated. The outdoor pool is seasonal, typically May–September, and is heated in summer. All four hot tubs are heated and accessible year-round.

Is there a shuttle to town or attractions? No regular shuttle service. You'll need your own car or be prepared to walk. The property is walkable to Perkins Cove and downtown Ogunquit, but if you're not comfortable walking a mile or more, a car is essential.

Are rooms ocean-facing, or do some face the street? The resort has two sections. Oceanfront rooms offer water views; tower rooms across the street have little to no view. Always confirm which side you're booking when reserving.

What's the cancellation policy? Booking directly with the hotel may carry stricter cancellation terms than third-party sites. Ask at time of booking to avoid surprises.

Is there a resort fee? Yes. Additional daily resort fees apply beyond the room rate, typically $25–$40 per day. This isn't always clearly stated upfront on booking sites, so verify before finalizing your reservation.