America's Best Value Inn Scarborough Portland

You know the type: a motel that's been around long enough to have real character but honest enough to charge prices that won't make you wince. America's Best Value Inn Scarborough Portland sits squarely on Route 1 between the highway and the real world - easy to find, hard to justify leaving once you're in the room. It's the kind of place repeat guests come back to, not for the fanciness (there isn't any), but because the beds are genuinely comfortable, everything actually works, and the staff seems to actually care about the property.

The inn caters almost equally to couples, families, and solo travelers on a budget or short layover. The rooms are larger than you'd expect for a two-star, the bathrooms are roomy, and the water pressure is shockingly good - multiple guests have called it the best shower they've ever had. It's dated in the way older motels are, but scrupulously maintained. The location on a busy stretch of Route 1 means traffic noise if you're ground-floor-facing the road, but most guests find the rooms surprisingly quiet once the door closes.

Couples rate this place highest (8.4/10), and for good reason: it's affordable, close to Portland's Old Port and restaurants, and the beds deliver genuine comfort. Families appreciate the playground and spacious rooms; solo travelers like the value and convenient location. It's not a destination unto itself - it's a smart base camp.

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The beds and water pressure are genuinely excellent. This isn't standard-issue motel gear. Reviewers consistently rave about mattress quality and pillow comfort - and the shower pressure is almost meme-level praised. One guest called it "the best water pressure I've ever seen." For a budget property, that's not nothing.

The rooms feel bigger than they should. A two-star motel with genuinely spacious bedrooms and large bathrooms with proper natural light is rare. You get armchairs with footstools, a real work desk, and actual counter space in the bathroom. The rooms are dated - thin curtains, older TV, basic finishes - but there's real square footage here.

It's aggressively clean and well-maintained. Not aspirational cleanliness; actual cleanliness. The housekeeping team and owners (who apparently plant flowers on the grounds) keep things in working order. Reviewers repeatedly say "clean" unprompted. That matters more in a budget motel than thread count.

The location trades hustle for convenience. Route 1 in Scarborough is loud during the day, but it puts you 10 minutes from downtown Portland, walking distance to Cafe Luna and other restaurants, and close to Scarborough Beach State Park. If you need to be near Portland and don't mind moderate road noise, the location is actually strategic.

Staff go above and beyond for small requests. Reviewers mention employees carrying luggage up stairs, managers accommodating late arrivals after midnight, and front-desk staff being genuinely friendly. In a two-star motel, that's the difference between a stay you endure and one you're okay recommending to a friend.

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The inn has one main building with rooms on multiple floors - no elevator, so expect stairs if you're on the second level. All rooms are nonsmoking. The building's age shows, but rooms are remarkably spacious, with firm mattresses that most guests praise, large bathrooms with good water pressure, and simple furnishings that work. Expect dated decor: thin white curtains that don't block much light, older cable TV, and basic finishes. Air conditioning works well; heating can be loud if you're near the unit.

• 1 King Bed, Nonsmoking – Comfortable mattress, armchair with footstool, full bathroom with great water pressure. Ground floor or second floor options.
• 2 Queen Beds, Nonsmoking – Spacious layout, two queen mattresses that guests praise, good for couples sharing or small families. Armchairs and footstools in most units.
• Accessible Rooms (1 King or 2 Queens, Nonsmoking) – Same spacious layout with accessible bathroom. Staff accommodating about placement requests.

One consistent note: if you're on a ground floor facing Route 1, you will hear traffic, particularly during afternoon and morning hours. Rooms facing the parking lot or back side are noticeably quieter. The walls are reasonably soundproof between units, though ground-floor guests occasionally report hearing neighbors' showers or footsteps from above. The air-conditioning unit can be loud on low mode; some guests find it noisy. Door locks occasionally stick and can be difficult to operate; the staff (especially Jay, who appears in multiple reviews) are very responsive to requests for help.

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Summer (June–August). Peak season. Route 1 is busier, the playground gets use, and the rooms fill quickly. The barbecue facilities and patio get real action. Expect warmer weather and higher nightly rates, but also the most traffic noise from the busy highway.

Fall and early winter (September–November). Shoulder season. Leaf-peeping crowds pass through; the motel still fills on weekends. Road noise tapers slightly as summer traffic dies. Weather is cooler but pleasant for a quick Portland visit.

Winter (December–February). Quietest season. Road noise is reduced; fewer guests mean better availability and lower rates. The playground closes informally. Heating works well, but the HVAC system can be audible. Good for budget-conscious travelers visiting for medical appointments or holiday getaways to Portland.

Spring (March–May). Moderate traffic and weather improving. Easter and school breaks drive bookings. Nature is green again around Scarborough's parks and nearby trails.

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"Clean, comfortable bed, great water pressure. Good value for the price and location."

• Elizabeth, United States · Couple · 9/10

"The room was very large with two big comfy chairs. Very clean, everything in working order. Bed was mostly comfortable."

• Frank, United States · Family · 7/10

"Big clean rooms, very comfortable. Nothing to dislike."

• Regina, Ireland · Couple · 8/10

"The bed was VERY comfortable and cozy. The location was right off the main road so it was easy to find and very quiet."

• Jennifer, United States · Couple · 9/10

"Bed and pillows were so comfy! Best water pressure in the shower I have ever had!"

• Robin, United States · Family · 9/10

"For the price, this hotel is a fantastic deal."

• Che-wei, Canada · Couple · 8/10

Minor criticisms center on three things: First, the in-room breakfast experience. The hotel offers a very basic "continental breakfast" - coffee, tea, and a choice of packaged cereals plus fruit - available in the office starting at 7 AM. Several guests found this minimal and wished for pastries or bread. If you rely on breakfast, plan to eat elsewhere. Second, some ground-floor rooms face Route 1 directly and pick up daytime traffic noise; even the property acknowledges this. Ask for a room away from the main road if road noise bothers you. Third, the lack of a coffee maker in rooms is a consistent complaint - guests have to walk to the office for morning coffee, which is inconvenient if it doesn't open early or if you're an early riser.

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Is there a pool? No. The property has a patio and barbecue facilities, but no pool. The nearby Scarborough Beach State Park and Crescent Beach State Park are about 6 miles away if you want beach access.

Is breakfast included? Yes, but it's very basic. Continental breakfast (coffee, tea, cereal, fruit) is offered in the office starting at 7 AM. There's no in-room coffee maker. If you need a better breakfast, Cafe Luna and other restaurants are within walking distance or a short drive.

Is there a coffee maker in the room? No. Coffee and tea are available in the office. Many guests wish there were in-room makers; this is a real gap. The office opens at 7 AM, which may be too late if you're an early riser.

How far is it from Portland? About 10 minutes by car to downtown Portland and the Old Port. The motel is also 7 miles from Scarborough Downs and roughly 6 miles from Scarborough Beach State Park.

What about parking? Free parking is included, but the lot is somewhat tight. Some guests note that finding a space can take a moment, especially during peak season. Parking is first-come, first-served.

Is there an elevator? No. Second-floor rooms require stairs. If mobility is a concern, request a ground-floor room when booking. Staff are accommodating about placement and will help with luggage.

Is the room quiet? Mostly, but it depends on placement. Ground-floor rooms facing Route 1 will hear traffic, especially during the day. Back rooms and second-floor rooms are noticeably quieter. Soundproofing between units is decent, though ground-floor guests sometimes hear neighbors' showers or upper-floor footsteps.

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