Beach Motel and Suites

This is the kind of motel where you wake up, walk eight minutes, and you're on the sand. The Beach Motel and Suites sits on Summit Street in the heart of Old Orchard Beach, close enough that families with kids can make it to the boardwalk without loading a car. It's a older property - the bones are dated, the bathrooms are small, and the beds are nothing special - but for travelers who care more about location than luxury, and who understand what a mid-budget Maine motel is, it works. The staff are genuinely friendly. The pool opens seasonally. You can book a two-bedroom suite with a kitchenette for a fraction of what the new hotels charge. If you're measuring success by proximity to the beach and your wallet afterward, you're in the right place.

That said: read the reviews first. This property polarizes. Some guests think it's a steal given the location and the owner's hospitality. Others found the rooms grubby, the maintenance lagging, and the photos on booking sites misleading. The difference often comes down to expectations. Treat it as an affordable motel a block from the beach, and you'll be fine. Expect a boutique inn, and you'll be disappointed.

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Location beats everything else. You can walk to the beach, the boardwalk, Palace Playland, and the bars and restaurants along Old Orchard Street in under ten minutes. Guests remark on this repeatedly - it's the single most consistent praise in the reviews. Walgreens is across the street. If you're vacationing with kids and want to cut down on driving, this is the main reason to book.

Two-bedroom suites with kitchenettes make sense for families. Unlike cookie-cutter hotel rooms, the suites have a real kitchen setup (full fridge, stovetop, sink) and separate bedrooms, which means you're not staring at your kids or your partner across a single room. For stays of three nights or longer, especially with children, the suite layout pays for itself compared to renting multiple standard rooms. You can prep breakfasts, pack lunches, reheat takeout.

The owner and staff care and are actually friendly. Across the reviews, staff members - particularly Amber, who works the front desk - appear by name over and over, with guests calling her "wonderful," "exceptional," and "accommodating." She remembers repeat guests, upgrades rooms when she can, and talks to families personally. This is not a chain where nobody knows your name. That warmth does show up in how your stay feels, even if the rooms themselves are modest.

The seasonal pool and courtyard are real draws for families with young kids. It's small, but it's clean, and children love it. The property has picnic tables and grills in the backyard, so you can grill if you're in a suite with a kitchenette. For a one- or two-night beach trip with kids, the pool alone justifies the booking.

Price. You'll spend less here than at the new coastal hotels and significantly less than Portland alternatives. If you're flexible on amenities and can forgive dated décor, this motel is genuinely affordable for a location this close to the action.

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The motel occupies a simple multi-building setup. Rooms are compact and show their age - peeling paint, worn finishes, and furnishings that have weathered decades. The Two-Bedroom Suites are the best bet for families; they include a separate living area with kitchenette, two bedrooms, and a bathroom. Economy Double and Budget Double rooms are smaller, designed for couples or solo travelers, and sacrifice space to hit lower price points. Deluxe Double Rooms sit somewhere in the middle.

• Two-Bedroom Suite: Separate bedrooms, full kitchenette, main bath. Sleeps four to six depending on configuration.
• Deluxe Double Room: Private bathroom, kitchenette, slightly larger footprint than Economy options.
• Economy Double Room: Compact, kitchenette, private bath. Best for couples or short stays.
• Budget Double Room: Minimal setup, tight bathroom, lowest price point.

Honest context: The bathrooms in all rooms are genuinely small - so small that standing in front of the sink while the toilet is in use is awkward. Reviewers are not exaggerating this. If small bathrooms are a dealbreaker for you, this property won't work. Many guests also note that beds are uncomfortable and worn; a few mentioned mattresses that sag noticeably. The air-conditioning works well. Rooms are cleaned between guests, though older décor and occasional maintenance delays mean the overall impression is "motel" rather than "refreshed."

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Pool & Grounds · Seasonal outdoor swimming pool · Picnic tables and grills in courtyard · Outdoor dining area · Inner courtyard view

In Your Room · Air conditioning · Free WiFi · Private bathroom · Kitchenette or full kitchen (suites) · Tea and coffee maker · Refrigerator · Free toiletries · Non-smoking rooms

Guest Services · Friendly and accommodating front-desk staff · Pet-friendly (additional fee applies)

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The outdoor swimming pool operates seasonally (typically late May through Labor Day, weather permitting) and welcomes all ages. It's small and shallow, perfect for young children; older kids and adults should expect a lap pool alternative elsewhere. The pool has drawn consistent praise for cleanliness. The property includes an inner courtyard with picnic tables, an outdoor dining area, and grills available for guest use. Free WiFi covers the property.

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Summer (June–August): Peak season. Beach weather, pool open, boardwalk bustling with families and nightlife. Old Orchard Street packed with visitors; rooms book quickly and rates climb. Best for families and groups, though crowds are substantial.

Shoulder Season (May, September–early October): Quieter than summer. Pool may still be open (call to confirm). Weather is mild to warm. Foliage arrives in late September. Fewer tourists, easier parking, better rates. Good for couples and small families.

Fall & Winter (October–April): Pool closes. Beach is cold and gray. Few visitors. Rates drop significantly. Winter is quiet; summer holiday weekends (Thanksgiving, Christmas) see brief upticks. Useful for budget travelers and those seeking solitude, less ideal for beach-focused trips.

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"Location is great. Short walk to beach." - Melanie, United States · Family · 8/10

"The staff in the location was perfect for us." - Kerrirents, United States · Family · 8/10

"Close to the action at OOB, short walk away from the beach/bars. The staff was super nice and amazing to deal with." - Dylan, United States · Group · 10/10

"Very close walk to boardwalk and beach. The manager was really nice and accommodating." - Hinkel, United States · Couple · 10/10

"The owner was super kind and showed us to our rooms personally. The amenities were a huge bonus." - Massoom, United States · Family · 10/10

"I loved having the pool, and it was a pleasant stay." - Kerri, United States · Family · 8/10

On the flip side: Many guests noted small bathrooms, uncomfortable beds, and rooms that looked older or less maintained than expected. Several mentioned broken appliances (faulty fridges, non-working TVs), thin walls, and lack of outlets or a need for extension cords. A minority reported cleanliness concerns or found the property didn't match online photos. The owner and staff consistently offer to address complaints in real time; if something is broken, contact the front desk immediately rather than leaving it unaddressed.

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• 8-minute walk: Old Orchard Beach sand and surf; main beach entrance and lifeguard station in summer
• 5-minute walk: Old Orchard Street shops, bars, restaurants, and ice cream parlors
• 5-minute walk: Palace Playland amusement park (seasonal rides and games)
• 10-minute walk: Pier Playland and the historic Old Orchard Pier
• 2 miles: Pirate's Cove mini-golf and family entertainment
• 10 miles: Funtown Splashtown USA water park and amusement rides
• 16 miles: Portland attractions, dining, and Old Port
• 16 miles: Portland International Jetport (airport)
• 20 miles: Aquaboggan Water Park

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Is there a beach really right next to the motel? The motel is an 8-minute walk from the main beach entrance. Old Orchard Beach is walkable, flat, and sandy. Not oceanfront, but genuinely close.

Is breakfast included? No. Each room has a tea and coffee maker and a refrigerator. Suites include a kitchenette for simple meal prep. Many restaurants and cafes are within walking distance on Old Orchard Street.

Are pets allowed? Yes. The motel is pet-friendly. An additional fee applies per pet. Call ahead to confirm current rates.

What about laundry facilities? There is no on-site laundry. Some guests have noted this as a limitation for multi-night stays. Plan accordingly or locate a nearby laundromat.

Is there parking? Yes, parking is easy and convenient, according to reviews. Free parking on the property.

Does the motel have a shuttle to the airport? No. Portland International Jetport is 16 miles away (roughly 30 minutes by car). Arrange your own transportation or use a rideshare service.

How small are the bathrooms really? Small enough that several guests mentioned being unable to change clothes comfortably with the door closed or sitting on the toilet without the sink or shower enclosure directly in your way. If you value bathroom space, this is a notable trade-off.

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