Beau Rivage Motel

The Beau Rivage sits on East Grand Avenue in Old Orchard Beach, separated from the sand and surf by a single street. That proximity - to both the beach and the pier's arcade, shops, and eateries - is what keeps guests returning, often year after year. It's a two-star motel that makes no pretense of luxury, but the location is genuine, the pool and hot tub work well in summer, and couples score the property especially high for couples getaways. The staff shows up in nearly every positive review, often by name.

For families wanting to walk to the arcade without the fuss of parking multiple times a day, or couples seeking an affordable base within steps of the Maine coast's liveliest beach town, the Beau Rivage delivers on the core promise. The catch - and reviews are honest about this - is that the rooms are dated, beds run quite firm, and you'll hear trains that rumble behind the property several times a day. Those facts matter, and they're worth knowing before booking.

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Unbeatable location - 305 feet from the beach, steps from the Old Orchard Pier. You can cross the street and be on sand in under a minute. The pier sits 1,640 feet away on foot; arcade games, fried dough vendors, and waterfront restaurants cluster around it. Families especially cite the ability to walk to attractions rather than drive and circle for parking.

Pool, hot tub, and sauna open seasonally (June through mid-September). The greenhouse-enclosed hot tub and sauna are named repeatedly in positive reviews as standout features. The pool draws families with kids, and reviewers note it's rarely crowded. One guest called the hot tub and sauna area "amazing."

Staff that remembers you. Multiple reviews mention individual staff members by name - Aussie is called out specifically for going above and beyond - and property replies often feel personal, not templated. Check-in is consistently described as easy and welcoming, even for late arrivals.

Rooms with kitchenettes and in-room jacuzzis available. Choose from standard rooms, or upgrade to units with full kitchenettes (fridge, microwave, stove) or in-room jacuzzi tubs. A one-week stay reviewer praised the kitchenette setup for cooking, storing food, and feeling more homely than typical motels.

Fair pricing for beachfront. A couple's review notes "close to the beach at a reasonable price." At peak season, ocean-view rooms run $400 per night; standard rooms cost less. For direct beach access in July and August, the rate is competitive.

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The Beau Rivage occupies a low-rise structure with rooms on two floors. Main Building units are the backbone of the property; Deluxe units add kitchenettes and slightly more space. Ocean-view rooms on upper floors tend to be quieter (see caveat below). Ground-floor rooms are convenient but can feel close to hallway activity.

• Main Building King or Queen Bed (First Floor) - Standard oceanfront unit, compact, air-conditioned, private bath. Some have ocean views; first-floor placement means easier loading but closer to common areas and potential train noise.
• Main Building 2 Double Beds (Various Floors) - Family-friendly layout, sleeps up to four comfortably for a night or two, less roomy for longer stays.
• Main Building King Bed Jacuzzi (First Floor) - In-room jacuzzi tub, popular with couples seeking a relaxation upgrade without full kitchenette.
• Deluxe with Kitchenette - Full kitchen setup (stove, full fridge, microwave), ideal for week-long stays or families cooking their own meals.
• Deluxe with Kitchen & Futon (Corner Units) - Spacious, sleeps five or more, perfect for groups; stairs required to access.

Important caveat: Beds throughout the property are consistently described as very firm or hard. Nearly one in four reviews mentions mattress discomfort. Reviewers who stayed longer (3+ nights) flagged this more often than those on one-night stands. If you're sensitive to firmness, request a room with a jacuzzi or kitchenette upgrade, as these may have newer furnishings. A few guests also reported musty or smoky smells in some units; open windows immediately upon arrival.

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Grounds & Water - Outdoor seasonal pool (fenced) · Sun deck with lounge chairs · Hot tub/jacuzzi (indoor, enclosed) · Sauna · Picnic area · BBQ facilities · Beach directly across the street

For Families - Family rooms · Flat-screen TV · Non-smoking rooms · Vending machine (drinks) · Daily housekeeping

Practical - Free parking · Free WiFi · Air conditioning · Heating · Private bathroom · Private entrance · Desk in room · Tea/coffee maker in all rooms

Kitchen Options - Microwave in all rooms · Refrigerator in all rooms · Full stove (kitchenette units only) · Coffee machine (office also stocks K-cup options per staff)

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The seasonal pool and enclosed hot tub/sauna area (June–mid-September) are the motel's strongest amenities. Reviewers use words like "amazing," "great," and "clean" for these facilities. The greenhouse-like structure keeps the hot tub pleasant even when ocean air is cool. Lounge chairs, fenced pool, and sun deck encourage lingering. One family noted the pool rarely felt crowded, even in peak summer.

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Summer (June–August): Peak season. Pool and hot tub are open. Beach is warm for swimming. Old Orchard Pier is alive with arcade traffic and vendors. Parking and rooms fill quickly; book ahead. Expect families with kids, occasional late-night noise from guests.

Shoulder Season (May, September): Quieter, good value. Pool and hot tub close mid-September. Sea temperature is cool but swimmable in early September. Fewer crowds, easier parking. Many reviewers cite late August and September as their preferred time. Weather is still warm.

Off-Season (October–April): Year-round property, indoor amenities only. No pool or hot tub. Rooms are less expensive. Amusement park is closed. The pier remains open with reduced vendor hours. Best for couples seeking solitude or travelers on tight budgets. Train noise is more noticeable in winter silence.

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"Location was perfect. Beach access across the street. The staff were very friendly. Enjoyed the sauna and jacuzzi."

• Tammy, United States · Couple · 9/10

"Kids enjoyed the pool, wasn't crowded. Location was great, walking distance from beach, shops, and arcade."

• Alysia, United States · Family · 7/10

"The greenhouse with the hot tub and dry sauna are amazing! Minutes away from the beach and pier!!"

• Michelle, United States · Group · 9/10

"Convenient location. Friendly staff. Clean and comfortable rooms. Kids loved having the pool."

• Heather, United States · Family · 10/10

"It's right on the beach, which is a really great location. Wi-Fi was reliable. It gave you everything you needed for a weekly stay - full-size fridge, baskets for fruit, and soap and shampoo bottles."

• Destynnie, United States · Solo · 8/10

"Staff was extremely helpful. Every issue was corrected. All good in the end."

• Ronald, United States · Couple · 8/10

What keeps some guests from returning: A few reviewers report cleanliness lapses - stained or dirty tub/shower, broken bathroom tiles, dirty floors - though these seem sporadic rather than systematic. Parking is tight and assigned by vehicle size; some guests feel cramped or annoyed by tight maneuvering. A handful mention finding cigarette butts in non-smoking rooms or lingering smoke smell. Train noise is real and frequent (every 4–6 hours); it doesn't bother light sleepers much, but sensitive sleepers should know about it. Hot water has failed for at least one guest. The staff replies in property responses suggest these issues are taken seriously and are not the norm.

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• Old Orchard Beach Pier - 1,640 feet (5-min walk). Arcade games, fried dough stands, gift shops, waterfront restaurants, and the iconic Atlantic Ocean views.
• Old Orchard Beach (beach itself) - 305 feet (cross the street). Two miles of sandy public beach, lifeguards in summer, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or an evening stroll.
• Amusement Park - Walking distance. Rides, games, and carnival atmosphere. Families frequently cite it as a draw for staying here.
• Dock Square shops and restaurants - Short walk. Independent cafés, ice cream shops, and casual dining.
• Old Orchard Beach Historical Society Museum - 1,640 feet. Local maritime and social history, good for a rainy afternoon.
• Seaside getaways (Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough) - 15–25 min drive. Rocky coves, lighthouses, and quieter beaches nearby.
• Dunegrass Golf Club - 1.2 miles. Championship-level course if you're golfing.
• Portland - 9.3 miles (15 min drive). Larger city with museums, breweries, restaurant scene, and Old Port waterfront district.

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Is breakfast included? No. The motel does not serve breakfast. Nearby cafés and delis within walking distance serve coffee and pastries. Rooms with kitchenettes allow you to prepare your own meals.

Is there a shuttle to Portland Jetport? The motel does not mention or offer an airport shuttle. Portland International Jetport is 9.3 miles away (15–20 min drive by car). Ride-share services operate in the area.

Can I bring my family with young children? Yes. Family rooms are available, the pool is kid-friendly, and the amusement park and pier are steps away. Note that some guests have mentioned unsupervised children in the hot tub; if this concerns you, plan your soak times outside peak afternoon hours.

Will I hear the trains? Yes. A commuter rail line runs behind the property; trains pass every 4–6 hours and blow the horn, especially at night. Earplugs or white-noise apps help. Upper-floor or ocean-view rooms are slightly quieter than ground-floor units.

Is parking included? Yes, free parking is included. Spaces are limited and assigned based on vehicle size. If your assigned spot feels inconvenient, ask the desk staff to reassign you - reviews note staff are accommodating about this.

Can I request a room upgrade or specific bed type? The motel lists room types (King, Queen, 2 Double, Jacuzzi, Kitchenette). Contact the property directly at 207-934-4668 before arrival to request a preference or note any bed-firmness concerns; they may have newer units or alternatives available.

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