Grasshopper Inn

Ogunquit's lodging scene tilts heavily toward old New England charm - weathered shingled cottages, colonial inns with crooked floors, the whole carefully aged aesthetic. The Grasshopper Inn breaks that mold. It's contemporary without being cold, spacious without feeling empty, and comfortable in a way that makes you want to stay another night. Guests do stay another night, in fact. Repeatedly.

What matters most here isn't that the inn looks freshly renovated (though it does). It's that the staff seems genuinely invested in whether you have a good time. Front-desk staff know the local restaurants by heart and will fight for you to get a reservation on a Saturday. The kitchen serves made-to-order breakfast - not continental eggs left in a warmer, but a cook making your omelet while you decide between smoked salmon and overnight oats. Small touches pile up: board games in the lobby, cookies with your coffee, beach chairs and umbrellas stocked for guests heading to the sand.

The inn sits on Route 1, which brings a trade-off. You're half a block from downtown Ogunquit and a 13-minute walk to the beach. But early mornings on that stretch of highway can carry truck traffic. Rooms facing the road hear it; the management suggests using the in-room fan to mask the noise, and most guests don't complain. Those facing the quieter side barely notice.

The breakfast is the real draw here. Not a continental spread of sad croissants, but a daily spread of fresh-baked pastries, fruit, cheese, and juice - with a cook in the kitchen ready to make your eggs, omelet, or scramble to order. Reviewers call it "superb" and "the best morning breakfast spread we have seen." Smoked salmon, bacon, ham, overnight oats: if you want it cooked, they'll cook it. If you're celiac, they have gluten-free options ready.

Staff remember your name and your needs. Mark (the concierge and front-desk regular) appears repeatedly across reviews as someone who will help you make last-minute dinner reservations, recommend local hikes beyond the obvious tourist loop, and genuinely seem to care whether your stay is memorable. Rosie works breakfast and has a reputation for warmth. Gloria at the desk moves mountains when there's a problem. These aren't faceless hospitality scripts - they're people who like their jobs.

Rooms are genuinely spacious and modern. No dated floral bedspreads or dark wood paneling. Expect clean lines, quality linens, good beds, and actual working showers. Most rooms have balconies or patios. The building feels new because it was recently renovated. Families of four say their Queen Suite felt comfortable, not cramped. Couples consistently praise the space.

Location is walkable without being on top of everything. You're about half a block from downtown shops and restaurants - close enough to stroll in sandals, far enough that you're not hearing bar noise at midnight. Ogunquit Beach is a 13-minute walk downhill. Mount Agamenticus is under a mile for hiking. The Ogunquit Playhouse is nearby for summer theater. You can get to Kennebunkport in 20 minutes if you're willing to drive.

Small touches suggest the owners actually care. Board games in the lobby. Coloring books and crayons for kids. Complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas. Free parking (rare for Ogunquit). EV charging if you need it. These aren't amenity-list items - they're the result of someone thinking, What would make guests feel at home?

The inn's units range from King Studios to Queen Suites, all recently renovated with modern finishes and plenty of light. Rooms include private bathrooms with quality fixtures, kitchenettes with coffee makers and refrigerators, flat-screen TVs, and in-room safes. Most have private balconies or patios facing either the grounds or the quieter side of the property. Large walk-in closets and sitting areas are standard, even in the smaller studios.

• King Suite - Spacious corner or side-facing rooms with premium bed and large bathroom; balcony or patio included
• Deluxe King Studio - Similar to King Suite but slightly more compact; still feels roomy with separate sitting area
• Queen Suite - Ideal for families of 3–4; two-room setup with comfortable beds and plenty of floor space
• King Studio with Sofa Bed - Efficient layout for couples who want flexibility; sofa bed noted as thin, but the bed itself is excellent

One honest note: A handful of reviews mention thin pull-out sofas. If you're planning to use a sofa bed for a second sleeper, ask about room configuration when booking. The main beds, however, receive universal praise for comfort.

Grounds & outdoor space · Sun terrace and outdoor dining area · Picnic spots · Seating scattered around the property · Beach umbrellas and lounge chairs for guests

Practical services · Free on-site parking · Electric vehicle charging station · Express check-in and check-out · Private check-in available · Daily housekeeping · Laundry service

Common areas · Shared lounge with TV and streaming services · Lobby with board games, puzzles, and children's books · Coffee and cookies in the lobby throughout the day · Snack and beverage vending machines

Family-friendly extras · Kid-friendly buffet at breakfast · High chair available · Streaming services (Netflix) in rooms · Board games and coloring supplies for children

Accessibility · Facilities for disabled guests · Wheelchair-accessible common areas · Raised toilet and grab rails in select rooms

Breakfast feels like the centerpiece of your stay here, and the reviews make clear why. The daily spread includes fresh-baked pastries, quiches, breads, fruit, cheese, juice, and coffee made to order. If you want eggs - scrambled, over-easy, an omelet with fillings - the kitchen will make them while you wait. Gluten-free options are available. The dining room is comfortable and doesn't feel rushed, even during peak mornings.

One small criticism: A couple of guests wished for more fresh fruit or granola options, and one mentioned missing full hot entrées. Most, however, say the spread is exceptional and goes well beyond what standard "complimentary breakfast" typically means.

Summer (June–August). Peak season. Ogunquit Beach is in full swing, the Playhouse is at capacity, and downtown bustles. It's warm and perfect for swimming, but rooms book quickly and prices reflect demand. Arrive early for parking.

Fall (September–October). Shoulder season hitting its stride. Weather is still warm; the beach is swimable through mid-September. Leaf-peeping brings a second wave of visitors in mid-to-late October. Fewer crowds than summer; rooms more available. The inn's grounds are particularly beautiful with changing foliage.

Late spring (May–early June). Mild weather, lighter crowds, and reasonable rates. Everything is open. Some beach and water activities may not yet be in full swing, but walking and dining are excellent.

Winter (November–March). Quiet season. The Playhouse closes after October. Some restaurants have reduced hours or close for winter. The inn remains open and offers lower rates. It's peaceful if you're seeking solitude or don't mind colder weather for exploring the rocky coastline.

"The front desk staff member was extremely friendly and helpful, checking with us to make sure we had everything we needed." - Kerianne, United States · Family · 10/10

"Breakfast was superb. Nice variety and great taste." - Gary, United States · Couple · 10/10

"Mark, the concierge, was absolutely phenomenal. Being local, he gave us great advice on local attractions and tailored them for us." - Richard, United States · Couple · 10/10

"Newly redone and very fresh. Excellent, friendly staff. Delicious breakfast fruit and baked goods." - Kimberly, United States · Couple · 10/10

"The property is extremely clean, modern, and a breath of fresh air compared to older inns." - Doreen, United States · Couple · 10/10

"My daughter and I loved your inn - clean, thoughtful touches in the rooms, friendly staff, good coffee." - Moira, United States · Family · 10/10

The few criticisms worth noting: A small number of guests staying in rooms facing Route 1 mention early-morning truck traffic. Rooms on the back or quieter side don't have this issue. One or two guests wished for a swimming pool or gym, which the inn doesn't offer. Two reviewers noted the pull-out sofa beds are thin (but the main beds are consistently praised). One guest thought the location was slightly farther from the beach than expected - it's a 13-minute walk, not a 5-minute one. Overall, these are minority views among 168 reviews, and most guests don't mention them at all.

• Ogunquit Beach - 13 minutes on foot; sandy, walkable, patrolled by lifeguards in summer
• Dock Square, Ogunquit - 5-minute walk; shops, galleries, restaurants, and the pier
• The Crooked Pine - local restaurant just minutes away; staff will recommend it and help with reservations
• Mount Agamenticus - under a mile; hiking trails with ocean views, accessible by car or mountain bike
• Ogunquit Playhouse - 1.2 miles; Broadway-caliber theater productions June through October
• Kennebunkport - 20 minutes by car; another quintessential Maine coastal town with its own beaches and dining
• Marginal Way - scenic 1.25-mile cliff-top walk in Ogunquit; dramatic rocks and ocean views
• Wells Beach - 10 minutes by car; quieter, sandier alternative to Ogunquit Beach

Is Grasshopper Inn on the water? No, it's not oceanfront, but it's close. The beach is a 13-minute walk downhill. You have ocean views from some rooms and definitely feel the coastal location without the premium price of true waterfront properties.

Is breakfast included? Yes, a complimentary American buffet with made-to-order eggs, pastries, fruit, juice, and coffee is served daily. Gluten-free options are available. It's one of the property's standout features.

Is there parking? Yes, free on-site parking is included. There's also an EV charging station if you need it. Parking in downtown Ogunquit can be tight in summer, so having it included is valuable.

Can I check in early or late? The inn offers express check-in and check-out, and private check-in is available. Call ahead to request early arrival or late departure - staff are generally accommodating.

Are pets allowed? The JSON doesn't specify. Contact the inn directly to confirm current pet policy.

Is there a shuttle to the airport? The JSON doesn't mention a shuttle service. Portsmouth International Airport is about 19 miles away (roughly 30 minutes by car).

Do kids stay free? The JSON doesn't clarify children's rates. Families report very positive experiences here, so contact the inn for family packages or pricing details.