Friendship Oceanfront Suites

Old Orchard Beach isn't quiet. The pier, the carousel, the saltwater taffy shops - they're all there if you want them. But if you want to watch the Atlantic roll in from your own balcony without the noise of the boardwalk outside your room, the Friendship Oceanfront Suites knows what you're after. Perched directly on the beach, it's the kind of place where families return year after year, and couples book anniversary trips three seasons ahead.

The hotel trades modernization for location - a 1970s-era building with character that guests consistently call "clean," "comfortable," and refreshingly unpretentious. Rooms are suites with living areas, kitchenettes, and views that justify the price if you know what you're paying for: direct access to sand, a heated saltwater pool, and the sound of waves instead of traffic. It's not a boutique resort. It's a straight shot to what matters: the ocean, a comfortable bed, and enough space to spread out.

Guests rate it 8.7 / 10 Excellent from 550 reviews. Couples especially - 9.3 / 10 - love it. Families do too. Solo travelers are starting to discover it. The data is clear: people come back.

The location is genuinely unmatched - you're literally steps from sand and surf. Walk out your door onto the beach. Sit on your balcony and watch the sunrise or the full moon over the Atlantic. Several guests mentioned watching waves and moonlight from their rooms; one visitor noted the sun rising directly from the balcony was "magical." This isn't a hotel near the beach. This is a hotel on it.

The pool and grounds offer quiet escape from the carnival-like pier just a mile away. The heated saltwater pool draws families and couples alike; it's fenced, shallow-ended, and set amid green space that one guest called "open" and "peaceful." You get the fun of Old Orchard without the crush of the boardwalk's crowds. A lifeguard tower sits in front of the property, which families with children noted as reassuring.

Rooms are genuinely spacious suites with living areas and kitchenettes - not just motel rooms. Most come with a separate sitting area, sofa, dining table, and small kitchen with a microwave and refrigerator. Beds are consistently described as comfortable (one guest spent six nights solo and called it "super clean" and "nice"). Balconies are standard on most units, and oceanfront views command the attention they deserve.

The staff are genuinely helpful, and the property is meticulously kept clean. Across 550 reviews, guests rarely mention housekeeping failures. Front-desk staff earned individual praise for accommodating special requests (one family asked for ground-floor rooms near each other for an 80-year-old guest; staff arranged it). One solo traveler called the property "an older hotel but the rooms are nice."

It's positioned perfectly for access to Portland without staying in the city. About 25 minutes north of Portland International Jetport and within easy reach of downtown Portland's restaurants and shops, the Friendship lets you escape urban congestion while staying close enough to explore. Guests mentioned using it as a base to attend Portland weddings.

The property consists of several interconnected sections (A, B, C, and corner suites), arranged mostly on two floors. All are non-smoking, air-conditioned suites with private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and balconies or patios. The dominant room type is a King bed suite with a separate living area, sofa bed or fold-up bed, and kitchenette. Oceanfront and pool-view variants offer different perspectives.

• A-Section Suites (King, Ocean View, Second Floor with Balcony): Directly oceanfront, balcony views of the Atlantic, most requested across reviews, rates at premium.
• A-Section Suites (King, Pool View): Same layout, views of the heated pool and grounds instead of ocean - a solid option if oceanfront is booked.
• B-Section Suites (King, Partial Ocean View): Partial sightlines to water, slightly smaller footprint, good middle-ground pricing.
• C-Section Suites (King, Oceanfront, Second Floor with Balcony): Oceanfront, premium positioning, noted by one guest as "the cutest hotel" with magical sunrise views.
• Corner Suites (King, First or Second Floor, No View or Partial View): Ground-floor and upper options without ocean views, trades view for convenient access or family-friendly spacing.

One caveat appears consistently: bathrooms are small. Multiple guests called them "cramped" or flagged that showers are tight. Reviewers who stayed longer (3+ nights) more often mentioned the dated aesthetic - wood finishes, older fixtures, small kitchenettes - but nearly all acknowledged the rooms were clean and functional. Think 1970s beach lodge, not 2020s design refresh.

The heated saltwater pool is a genuine asset, especially in shoulder seasons. Family reviewers consistently highlighted it. One guest brought kids in early July and noted the pool plus ocean access made it "excellent for a family." Another called it "great big." It's fenced for safety and has a shallow end - built for families, not lap swimmers. One minor note: in August, one visitor wished it were warmer, and the property's reply acknowledged that feedback.

The lawn and picnic area are open and quiet enough to feel like an escape from the pier's chaos just down the road. Barbecue facilities are on-site if you want to grill. Lounge chairs and lawn space encourage settling in for the afternoon.

Summer (June–August): Peak season, peak pricing ($300+ per night noted in reviews). The pool is at its best. The pier and boardwalk are in full swing - shops, restaurants, and the historic carousel all operating. Weather is warm and reliable. Families dominate; expect full property.

Early Fall (September–October): The sweet spot for many guests. Water is still warm enough for ocean swimming, the pool is heated, summer crowds thin out, and prices drop. Foliage begins mid-to-late October. The property was busiest in reviews from this window - lots of 9s and 10s from October stays. The pier and carnival begin to close by mid-month, but the beach itself doesn't change.

Late Fall–Early Winter (November–April): Off-season. The pool remains heated. Many shops, restaurants, and attractions close; the pier is quiet. Prices are lowest. Weather is cool but not prohibitive - guests still took walks on the beach. One solo traveler did a six-night stay in early July (actually summer) and another in October; both praised the peace and "just hang out" vibe. If solitude is your goal, November through March is your window.

Spring (May): Shoulder season. Warming up but inconsistent. Less-crowded alternative to summer. Schools may still be in session, so weekday rates may dip.

"Right by the beach with a lovely view! Close enough to walk to the pier area. Beautiful view of the moon from the beach at nighttime."

• Nikki, United States · Solo traveler · 9/10

"This is our go to spot. Amazing views, good size rooms and great staff. I have stayed here three times now."

• Ashley, United States · Family · 10/10

"Excellent views and the staff were amazing. The best ocean view."

• Julie, United States · Couple · 10/10

"Location location location! Property was very nice with open green space, great big pool, steps from the ocean, rooms were just what we needed and clean."

• Zachary, United States · Family · 10/10

"The location of this hotel is wonderful. It's right on a beautiful beach. We had a balcony room and it was so nice to sit out and watch the ocean."

• Vicki, United States · Couple · 10/10

Small-print reality check: A handful of guests flagged dated aesthetics, mattress firmness, and small bathrooms. One visitor gave 10/10 for location and free parking but noted the room was "uncomfortable [and] outdated." Another mentioned parking logistics - cars sometimes parked outside room windows, and one guest complained of early-morning noise from slamming doors and car alarms. These are minority experiences (roughly 10% of reviews), not systemic failures, but worth knowing if you're light-sleeping or texture-sensitive to retro décor.

Is the hotel directly on the beach?
Yes. You walk directly from the property onto sand. Multiple guests mentioned stepping out of rooms onto the beach or watching the sunrise from their balconies.

Is breakfast included?
No, but rooms have tea and coffee makers, and some guests noted the property provides coffee and snacks. Many reviewers brought groceries to use the kitchenette.

What's the heated pool situation?
The saltwater pool is heated year-round, fenced, and shallow-ended for families. It's operational in all seasons, though some off-season guests may find limited hours.

How far is the pier and boardwalk?
About a mile on foot, roughly a 15–20 minute walk. A trolley serves the property hourly during peak season (one guest wasn't aware and felt frustrated; staff replied that the trolley does stop in front of the motel at the top of each hour).

Is parking included and how does it work?
Yes, free parking is included. It's on-site but can be tight. Some guests noted difficulty securing a spot near their unit in peak season; a few wished for assigned parking to eliminate confusion.

Are there restaurants on-site?
No restaurant or bar on the property. The boardwalk and nearby shops are within a mile walk or short drive. Several guests mentioned packing food to offset eating out every meal.

What are checkout and cancellation policies?
Checkout is 10 a.m. (one guest noted this is an hour earlier than some competitors, so plan accordingly). Cancellation and deposit policies should be confirmed at booking, as they weren't detailed in the scraped data.