Hotels & GuesthousesSouth Portland

Maine Motel

Maine Motel: A Straightforward Budget Stop in South Portland

Overnight stays
a sign for a mime motel in a parking lot at Maine Motel in South Portland
a sign for a mime motel in a parking lot at Maine Motel in South Portland

Why Stay

Why Maine Motel

The Maine Motel sits on Main Street in South Portland, a five-minute drive from Portland International Jetport and within walking distance of restaurants and a Walmart. It's not a destination hotel - it's the kind of place you book when you need a clean, quiet room for the night at a price that won't hurt. Over 33 reviews, guests consistently praise its value, cleanliness, and lack of frills, though they're equally consistent about what you won't find: updated mattresses, fresh amenities, or a high polish.

The motel attracts a mix of families, couples, and solo travelers - mostly people passing through Maine or staying for work conferences rather than vacationing. That matters, because it shapes what the Maine Motel does well: it's reliable for a one-night stop, less so for a week-long stay.

Clean rooms at a price that works. Reviewers repeatedly call out cleanliness and room size - "surprisingly large" and "very clean" appear often enough to trust. Families note the refrigerator and microwave are standard, which saves money on food runs. Free parking and free WiFi round out the budget basics.

Quiet and convenient for a night. Multiple guests mention the motel as genuinely quiet, with easy check-in and a front desk that doesn't hassle you. It's two miles from the jetport, making it useful for early-morning flights or late arrivals. Main Street location means restaurants within walking distance and quick access to I-95.

Staff that shows up. The innkeeper and front desk staff reply to every review, even the critical ones, and guests who interact with them note friendliness and efficiency. That kind of presence matters at a budget property.

Rooms

The rooms

The Maine Motel offers straightforward, no-frills accommodations in two main configurations. Rooms are carpeted, air-conditioned, and outfitted with a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, dining table, refrigerator, microwave, and work desk. Expect functional rather than fashionable; the style is early-2000s motel standard.

  • King Room: Larger layout, popular with couples and solo travelers on longer stays.
  • Queen Room: Most common configuration; good for families or pairs who don't mind a tighter footprint.

One honest caveat: mattresses and pillows are a sore point. Several guests describe beds as stiff, and pillows as hard. If you sleep light or have back issues, bring your own pillow or ask the front desk about extras when you check in.

At a Glance

At a glance

Style

Budget motel, no frills

Best for

Overnight stays, families on a budget, business travelers, jetport proximity

Price tier

Budget (typically $60–$100/night depending on season)

Open

Yes

Guest score

6.7 Pleasant

Standout amenities

Free parking · quiet · convenient location · good value

Details

606 Main Street, South Portland, ME 04106

Check-in / out

Check-in15:00 – 22:00
Check-out07:00 – 11:00
ReceptionOpen 24 hours

Amenities

On-site amenities

Practical: Free on-site parking · 24-hour front desk · Room service · Tour desk · Daily housekeeping · 24-hour security

In Your Room: Air conditioning · Heating · Private bathroom with bathtub and shower · Refrigerator and microwave · Dining table · Flat-screen TV with cable · Work desk · Iron · Drying rack for clothing

Services: Wake-up service · Vending machine for drinks · Free WiFi

Seasons

When to visit

May through October: Peak travel season. Summer is busiest, with families heading to nearby beaches and amusement parks. Fall brings leaf-peepers and conference travelers. Expect rates at the high end of the motel's range.

November through April: Shoulder and winter seasons. Fewer tourists, lower rates, and easier parking. Cold weather; heating is included. Christmas and New Year can spike demand from holiday travelers.

June, July, September: Warmest and busiest months. Air conditioning and free parking are especially valuable if you're splitting time between the motel and day trips to Portland or the coast.

Reviews

What guests say

"Clean and convenient. Absolutely did the job. Good supply of hot water."

  • Tracy, United Kingdom · Couple · 7/10

"Great value and clean. Room was surprisingly large. Beds were comfortable."

  • Byron, United States · Family · 7/10

"Small but very clean!"

  • Ricardo, United States · Solo traveler · 8/10

"It was a basic room near where we were conferencing. Clean and quiet. Restaurants within walking distance."

  • Rebecca, United States · Couple · 8/10

"La chambre est super grande, lit confortable."

  • Chantal, Canada · Couple · 9/10

"Good price. Staff was friendly."

  • Qisheng, United States · Family · 9/10

On the flip side: A small but notable group of guests flagged dirty towels, mattresses and pillows that need replacing, and occasional noise from other guests. One reviewer noted the location as "sketchy" and cited people living at the motel long-term creating an environment different from a typical overnight hotel. The motel's response - that it's an independent property serving all guests equally - is honest, if not entirely reassuring. If quiet and cleanliness are non-negotiable, read recent reviews carefully and call ahead to check occupancy.

Location

Things to do nearby

  • 1.9 miles to Portland International Jetport - direct drive, roughly 5 minutes.
  • 0.5 miles to downtown South Portland shops and restaurants - walkable if you're comfortable on Main Street.
  • 5 miles to Portland Observatory - 10-minute drive for city views and maritime history.
  • 4.3 miles to Merrill Auditorium - Portland event venue; check their calendar for concerts and shows.
  • 7 miles to Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse - scenic coastal drive and classic Maine photo stop.
  • 12 miles to Funtown Splashtown USA - water park popular with families in summer.
  • 15 miles to Old Orchard Beach Pier - boardwalk, arcade, and wide sandy beach.
  • 20 miles to Ogunquit - coastal village with beaches, shops, and restaurants.

FAQ

Good to know

Is Maine Motel pet-friendly? The booking.com listing doesn't mention pets. Call the front desk at the property directly to confirm current policy.

Is breakfast included? No breakfast is served at the motel. Coffee and a microwave in your room can help; nearby restaurants and a Walmart are within walking distance or a short drive.

How far is it from downtown Portland? South Portland is five miles from downtown Portland, roughly a 15-minute drive via I-295. The waterfront and Old Port are accessible but not walkable from the motel.

Is there parking? Yes. Free on-site parking is included. Street parking is also available if the lot is full.

Is WiFi included? Yes. Free WiFi is standard in all rooms.

What's the check-in and check-out policy? The motel has a 24-hour front desk, so early check-in or late check-out may be negotiable depending on occupancy. Call ahead if you need flexibility.

Is there a shuttle to the airport? The motel doesn't list a shuttle service. The jetport is 1.9 miles away - roughly a 5-minute drive or $10–15 by taxi.

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