By the Sea

By the Sea sits where most travelers want to be: a four-minute walk from Old Orchard Beach's pier and boardwalk, yet set back enough to feel like a real home rather than another hotel corridor. If you're planning a Maine beach week with family or a couple of friends and you're tired of compact rooms and continental breakfasts, this property pivots hard in the opposite direction - full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and a saltwater pool overlooking the beach. It's the kind of place where you cook breakfast on your own schedule and eat dinner on the patio if the evening's clear.

The property trades the boutique-hotel polish you'd find in Portland for straightforward, functional comfort: think comfortable apartments rather than curated suites. Guest score: 9.0 / 10.

Two-bedroom layouts built for groups or families. Standard hotel rooms disappear here. Each unit is a full apartment with two bedrooms, a living room, and a dining area - the kind of space that lets four people (or two families sharing) spread out without stepping on each other. Families particularly appreciate the ability to put kids to bed and still have a common room to yourself.

Saltwater pool and sauna year-round. The saltwater pool is a genuine amenity; it's less chlorine-heavy than indoor pools and feels closer to a natural ocean soak. The sauna is there for shoulder-season visits when the water's too cold for swimming but you still want that relaxed, resort-adjacent vibe.

Full kitchens with real cookware. Every unit has a full kitchen: stovetop, oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, coffee machine. If you're staying a week or splitting groceries with friends, this pays for itself versus eating every meal out. The patio or outdoor dining area means you can grill and eat outside.

Walking distance to the beach and Old Orchard Pier. Four minutes on foot to Old Orchard's iconic pier, the boardwalk, and the long sandy beach. Pirate's Cove is 0.6 miles away; Palace Playland is a 17-minute walk. This isn't a resort you're trapped in - it's a base camp for the beach.

Two-bedroom apartments with living areas, dining tables, and full kitchens. Rooms feature private bathrooms with bathtubs, air conditioning, and views. Most units include a sofa bed in the living room, so they can accommodate a third party comfortably. The décor leans practical and dated rather than Instagram-ready - think 1990s beach condo rather than modern renovation - but everything works.

• Two-Bedroom Apartment: Full kitchen, separate living room, private patio or patio access.

A note on setting expectations: this is a direct-to-guest apartment rental. There's no daily housekeeping or front desk staff; you're given keys and trusted to take care of the space. For some travelers, that's exactly the appeal. For others who expect hotel service, it's a mismatch.

Pool & Leisure: Saltwater swimming pool · Sauna · Outdoor seating area.

Dining & Kitchen: Full kitchens in every unit with stove, oven, dishwasher, and refrigerator · Outdoor barbecue facilities · Outdoor dining area.

Entertainment & Connectivity: Streaming services (Netflix and similar) available in units · TV · Blu-ray player.

Practical Perks: Air conditioning and heating · Fitness center · Washing machine and dryer in units · Free toiletries and hairdryer · Iron and ironing board.

Family & Activities: High chair available · Fishing opportunities · Beach access · Cycling routes nearby · Golf course within 2 miles.

Summer (June–August): Peak season. The saltwater pool is at its best. Old Orchard Pier and boardwalk are fully operational with live music, food vendors, and amusement rides. Days are long and warm; expect crowds and higher nightly rates.

Shoulder Season (May & September–October): Mild weather, fewer tourists, and the beach is still swimmable in early fall. Palace Playland operates through Labor Day. Spring is quieter but less reliably warm; fall has better weather and fewer families.

Winter (November–March): The property remains open, but the saltwater pool is best for hardy swimmers or those using the sauna. The beach is windswept and cold; it's a walker's paradise if you like solitude. Ideal for couples seeking a quiet retreat.

• Old Orchard Beach Pier & Boardwalk – 4-minute walk · Amusement games, fried dough, arcades, live music in summer.
• Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf – 0.6 miles · Mini golf with a pirate-ship theme; fun for kids and easy win on a rainy afternoon.
• Palace Playland – 17-minute walk · Historic amusement park with rides, go-karts, and bumper cars. Open seasonally (Memorial Day–Labor Day typically).
• Ogunquit Beach & Marginal Way – 10 miles · Dramatic cliff-side walking trail and a wide, family-friendly beach just south of Old Orchard.
• Biddeford Pool & Camp Ellis – 5 miles · Quieter beaches better suited to wildlife watching and long walks.
• Portland Observatory & Portland Head Light – 16 miles · Iconic lighthouse and harbor views; combine with a walk through Old Port.
• Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge – 15 miles · Marshland trails near Wells; excellent for bird-watching and hiking.
• Sebago Lake State Park – 30 miles · Swimming, picnicking, and hiking if you want to venture inland.

Is breakfast included? No. There's no on-site restaurant, though the JSON description mentions one. You have a full kitchen, so self-catering is assumed. Stock groceries in Old Orchard Beach town center or nearby chains.

Is there a washer and dryer in the unit? Yes. Every apartment includes a washing machine and dryer, which is essential for longer stays and families.

How far is it to Portland International Airport? 16 miles, roughly a 25-minute drive. Ground transportation is not provided; arrange a rental car or rideshare in advance.

Can I use the grill? Yes. BBQ facilities are available on-site. Check with the property about fuel and cleaning expectations when you check in.

Is the pool heated or saltwater year-round? The pool is saltwater year-round, but it's warmest June through September. Off-season use is possible but bracing. The sauna is a good alternative for cooler months.

Are there activities for kids? Yes. Fishing, cycling, beach access, and nearby attractions like Pirate's Cove and Palace Playland (seasonal) make it family-friendly. The property itself is quiet; it's the location that drives entertainment.

Is there a fitness center on-site? Yes, though it's described as basic. Expect modest equipment rather than a full gym.