The Landings Inn and Cottages at Old Orchard Beach

Walk out your door and the Old Orchard Beach Pier is a five-minute stroll away. The Landings sits close enough to hear the arcades and smell the salt air, yet set back from the main strip in a quiet pocket that keeps the chaos at arm's length. You're choosing between rooms in the main inn and freestanding cottages - older structures built in the 1950s, the ones that give Old Orchard its reputation as America's most nostalgic beach town. The pool is seasonal and ringed by picnic tables and grills. It's the kind of place where families return year after year, where couples find a deal that doesn't disappoint, and where first-timers often walk away surprised they paid so little.

The property's best guests are couples and families on 1–4 night stays, chiefly in summer and early fall. The owner is present and replies to almost every review - a telling sign of genuine hands-on management. Complaints cluster around housekeeping consistency (floors, leftover items), heating in shoulder season, and the reality that cottages are small. Praise is unified: location, location, location. Also friendly staff, comfortable beds, and a working grill when you need one.

The location is genuinely unbeatable for Old Orchard Beach. You're 1,600 feet from the pier, 1,300 feet from Palace Playland, and within walking distance of every shop, arcade, and soft-serve stand on the boardwalk. Reviewers mention it dozens of times as the deciding factor - not hyperbole, but a real convenience that saves parking hassle and lets families with kids move around on foot.

Cottage rentals offer privacy and kitchenettes that justify the fee. One-bedroom and two-bedroom cottages come with their own grill, picnic table, and a sitting area separate from the bedroom. Coffee maker, microwave, refrigerator, and stovetop mean you can cook breakfast or stash leftovers from dinner. Couples and families who book cottages report sleeping well and feeling like they had their own small home, not a hotel room.

The staff knows the town and the property in detail. Multiple reviews name Ron, the check-in attendant, as friendly, helpful, and willing to accommodate last-minute requests or early arrivals. The owner is visible and responsive - replying to reviews personally, reminding housekeeping of issues, and making genuine efforts to fix problems.

Rooms and cottages suit solo travelers, pairs, and larger groups without breaking the budget. A couple can book a Queen Room for less than a mid-range hotel in Portland; a family of four fits comfortably in a two-bedroom cottage with grill for roughly the same price. The value proposition attracts repeat visitors who care more about location and function than finishes.

The seasonal pool and BBQ facilities are genuinely used and enjoyed. Reviewers who visited in summer consistently mentioned a clean, inviting pool. The picnic areas with grills and outdoor furniture turn a stay into something closer to a summer house rental than a transient hotel experience.

The main building houses traditional hotel rooms; cottages are standalone units scattered across the property, each with its own entrance and outdoor space. Rooms are small to modest - a deliberate trade-off for price and proximity to the beach. The cottages vary in layout: some are single rooms with kitchenettes, others have separate bedrooms. Furnishings and finishes are dated; the property leans into its 1950s heritage rather than fighting it. Beds are generally praised as comfortable; bathrooms are notably small in both rooms and cottages.

• Queen Room - Standard hotel room with flat-screen TV and shower. Balcony option available. Sleeps 1–2.
• Double Room - Two beds, similar footprint to Queen Room, with or without balcony.
• Deluxe Queen Room with Two Queen Beds - Larger traditional room, two beds, better for families of 3–4.
• One-Bedroom Cottage - Separate bedroom, living/kitchen area, full bathroom, private patio with grill and picnic table. Sleeps 2–3 comfortably.
• Two-Bedroom Cottage - Two bedrooms, one full bathroom, living/kitchen area, grilled patio. Sleeps 4–6, though guests report tight quarters with more than 4.
• Large Two-Bedroom Cottage - Marketed as roomier; still compact by modern standards.

One honest note: bathrooms throughout are small - reviewers mention knees touching the wall when using the toilet. It's not a design flaw; it's the reality of 1950s construction. Cottage floors occasionally show dirt upon arrival despite claimed pre-check-in mopping; request a ground-floor unit if mobility is a concern, as some units are raised. Heating in shoulder season (April, October, November) relies on portable space heaters; request additional blankets proactively.

Summer (June–August). The pool is open, the beach is warm, and the pier is in full swing. Peak pricing and occupancy; book early. Weather is reliably warm; nights cool enough to justify the lightweight bedding.

Shoulder Season (May, September–early October). Fewer crowds, comfortable air temperatures, but pool may be closing. Early May and late September are ideal for couples seeking quiet. Heating is intermittent; bring a sweater or request a room-mounted heater. Beach is swimmable but cool.

Off-Season (November–April). The property remains open year-round, but the pool is closed and the boardwalk is quiet. Heating becomes essential; many visitors report cottage chill despite heaters. Best for adults or couples seeking solitude, not families hoping for beach activity. Winter storms can affect the pier and nearby attractions.

Foliage Season (October). New England's peak fall colors draw visitors inland and to coastal perches. Old Orchard Beach fills with day-trippers; the property benefits from overflow. Nights turn cold; heating and blankets are mandatory. Leaves don't turn dramatically at sea level, but nearby Brunswick and Boothbay are a short drive for peak color.

"The location was close to downtown. Enjoyed having our own picnic table and BBQ grill. Staff was very nice." - Melissa, United States · Couple · 8/10

"Great location, about a 7 minute walk to the beach and arcade/amusements. Bed and loveseat were both comfortable." - Paul, United States · Couple · 7/10

"I like the location close to everything. Easy walking distance to the beach and boardwalk. Staff was incredibly helpful, friendly." - Michelle, United States · Family · 7/10

"It was roomy and clean." - Gail, United States · Family · 8/10

"The cottage was very nice, very cozy. Best night's sleep we had on vacation." - Julie, United Kingdom · Couple · 8/10

"We loved the surprise upgrade. Cabin was cozy, great location, and there was a pool." - Nimtz, United States · Family · 8/10

The honest caveats. A notable minority of guests (roughly one in five) report finding the property dirtier than expected upon arrival - dirt on floors, leftover items in bathrooms or kitchenettes, or a musty smell in cottages. The property's reply indicates a switch in cleaning products and practices over recent years, suggesting ongoing attention. Housekeeping consistency remains the most common complaint. Additionally, some guests find the rooms and bathrooms smaller than photos suggest; this is accurate and worth accepting as a trade-off for the price and location. Noise from neighboring units is occasionally mentioned; earplugs are worthwhile in peak season.

Is breakfast included? No. The owner has noted that office space does not allow for a breakfast service. Nearby Downtown Old Orchard Beach has multiple cafes and bakeries within a 5–10 minute walk. The room includes a coffee maker; bring filters and grounds from home or request them at check-in.

Is there daily housekeeping? No. The property does not offer daily room cleaning during stays. Housekeeping cleans before check-in and on checkout. If you need towels, toiletries, or other items during a longer stay, request them from the front desk - staff have reported these items are available.

Can I bring my dog? Yes. The property is pet-friendly. There is a dog park on the adjacent path, a real advantage for travelers with dogs. Multiple reviewers specifically praised this feature.

Is the pool heated or year-round? No. The pool is seasonal, typically open June through Labor Day. It is fenced and regularly cleaned. Water temperature is natural; plan accordingly.

What's the parking situation? Free parking is on-site and private. No lot is mentioned as full or inadequate. Parking is included in your rate and is not competitive in Old Orchard Beach, where street parking near the boardwalk is paid or restricted.

Can I use my own grill or cook in the room? Cottages include a propane grill and picnic table. Rooms have access to a communal barbecue. Kitchenettes in cottages are equipped with a stove, but one review notes that prolonged cooking can trigger the fire alarm; keep windows open or use the grill instead.

Is there a front desk available 24/7? Office hours are not stated as 24/7. Multiple reviews mention difficulty reaching staff outside office hours for urgent needs (keys, noise complaints, housekeeping requests). Plan accordingly and raise issues during business hours if possible.