HomeAwhile

HomeAwhile is the kind of place you book when you need to be near Portland International Jetport but don't want to pay airport-hotel rates or sleep in a chain box. It's a family-friendly property on Southborough Drive designed for people who plan to actually use their rooms - cooking breakfast, working from the desk, spreading out. No pretense. Just functionality at a reasonable cost, with the kind of amenities (kitchenettes, free parking, EV charging) that suggest the owners understand what travelers actually need.

Scarborough sits just south of Portland, which means you're positioned for day trips across the Midcoast without being in the tourist crush of downtown. The jetport is walkable by car. Local beaches are fifteen minutes away. If you're the type who rents a car and explores, this location works better than staying closer to the city.

The property is small and staffed for efficiency rather than fuss. Private check-in and check-out are options - useful if you're catching an early flight or arriving late. The building is smoke-free and non-smoking rooms are standard. Families appreciate the dedicated family rooms, board games, and outdoor picnic area. Dog owners will note the pet-friendly policy.

Kitchenettes in every room mean you can skip restaurant markup on breakfast. Most hotels in the airport zone don't offer this. You get a stovetop, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, and kitchenware. Overnight oats, scrambled eggs, coffee - all possible. If you're traveling with kids or on a tight per diem, this pays for itself in two meals.

Free parking and EV charging make it easy before or after travel. Unlike airport hotels where parking fees compound daily, parking is included. If you drive electric, the charging station is a practical plus that most Maine properties still don't have.

The location balances airport convenience with actual Maine. One mile from the jetport, but also ten to fifteen minutes from Old Orchard Beach, Scarborough beaches, and the pine-and-salt-air Maine coast. You're not trapped in a concourse zone. You can breathe.

Dedicated family rooms and yard space appeal to groups. A shared lounge, outdoor seating, picnic area, and board games give families and small groups actual space to decompress. The terrace isn't a postage stamp.

Family rooms are the property's strength. Each includes air-conditioning, a private bathroom with a shower, and either a kitchenette or full cooking facilities depending on room type. Bedding, wardrobe storage, a work desk, and a flat-screen TV are standard. Rooms are carpeted and plainly decorated - think motel-modern rather than boutique. The kitchenette setup and multiple beds per room justify the "family" designation.

Accessibility is built in: wheelchair-accessible rooms, raised toilets, lowered sinks, and elevator access to upper floors. The property markets itself as disability-friendly, and those amenities appear to be real rather than checked boxes.

Practical Necessities: Free WiFi · ATM on site · Private check-in and check-out · Express services · Convenience store · Laundry facilities

Outdoor & Recreation: Garden · Terrace · Picnic area with tables · Outdoor seating · BBQ facilities

Inside: Shared lounge with TV · Fitness center · Board games and puzzles · Vending machines (snacks and drinks)

Accessibility & Safety: Wheelchair-accessible rooms · Braille and tactile signage · CCTV outside and in common areas · Smoke alarms · Fire extinguishers · Carbon monoxide detector · Key card and key access

Guest Comfort: Free toiletries · Kitchenware provided · Non-smoking throughout · Air-conditioning and heating · Pet-friendly policy

Spring (April–May): Moderate crowds. Portland is waking up - galleries reopen, outdoor patios come alive. Jetport traffic is steady but not peak. Good for families avoiding summer vacation rates.

Summer (June–August): Warmest season, peak tourism. Beaches are swimmable. Old Orchard Beach and Funtown hit their stride. Hotel fills quickly. Book ahead if you're not locked to a flight date.

Fall (September–October): Leaf season draws visitors. Cooler weather makes picnic and patio time pleasant. Fewer families than summer, but business travelers heading to conferences. The best blend of weather and manageable crowds for exploring coastal towns.

Winter (November–March): Quietest season, lowest rates. Pool (if applicable) may not operate; verify at booking. Good for travelers who want solitude or are using the hotel as a pure airport hub. Holiday season (late November through December) brings some lift.

• 1.2 miles: Portland International Jetport - direct drive or short taxi
• 3 miles: Downtown Portland - Old Port shops, restaurants, galleries, walkable waterfront
• 4 miles: Cape Elizabeth - headlands, lighthouses, scenic coastal drives
• 6 miles: Merrill Auditorium - concerts, theater, symphony
• 8 miles: Funtown Splashtown USA - water park, rides, family destination
• 10 miles: Old Orchard Beach Pier - amusement park, beach town, classic Maine summer feel
• 12 miles: Two Lights State Park - rocky coastline, hiking, photography

Is HomeAwhile on the water? No. The hotel is inland on Southborough Drive, about three miles from the coast. Old Orchard Beach is ten minutes by car; Cape Elizabeth headlands are fifteen. You're not beachfront but are close enough for easy day trips.

Is breakfast included? No, but kitchenettes in rooms let you cook your own. A convenience store is on-site for grab-and-go options.

Is there airport shuttle service? Not mentioned in property amenities. The jetport is 1.2 miles away - a short taxi or rental-car drive. Ride-share works well from the property.

Can I bring my dog? Yes. The property is pet-friendly, though specific pet fees or size restrictions should be confirmed at booking.

Do rooms have air-conditioning? Yes, all rooms have AC and heating, plus you control the thermostat.

Is parking really free? Yes. Free parking is included in your rate. EV charging is also available if you drive electric.

Are family rooms worth it over standard rooms? If you're traveling with kids or need more space, yes. Family rooms include multiple beds and a full kitchenette, making them better value than booking two smaller rooms.