204 at the Shore

204 at the Shore strips away the hotel experience and gives you what many travelers actually want: an apartment with a kitchen, a living room, and room to breathe. The property sits in Wells, a quieter stretch of the southern Maine coast, close enough to Ogunquit's attractions and beaches but far enough from the crowds. Each one-bedroom unit has a full kitchen (not a kitchenette with a hot plate), a private entrance, and a patio - the kind of setup that feels like you've borrowed a friend's place for a week.

The pool and hot tub are modest but genuine. The playground is there if you're traveling with kids. Mostly, though, this is about location and self-sufficiency. You can cook a real dinner, sit on the patio, and be at Wells Beach in under five minutes.

A real kitchen, not a kitchenette. Every unit includes a full suite: stovetop, oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave, and proper counter space. One guest noted the kitchen "had everything you would need if you cared to cook." That's the difference between reheating takeout and actually preparing meals - which over a week-long stay saves money and lets families eat on their own schedule.

Bright, clean, and thoughtfully decorated. Reviewers consistently mentioned the condo's cleanliness and natural light. One guest described it as "bright, very clean and nicely decorated." The housekeeping team's attention to detail matters in a rental where you're opening cabinets and drawers yourself.

Walking distance to Wells Beach. The property sits 1.3 miles from Wells Beach - a five-minute drive or a reasonable walk. Nearby are the Marginal Way Walk (5 miles), a clifftop trail in Ogunquit with no equal on the Maine coast, and the Ogunquit Playhouse (5 miles), a summer-stock theater that has drawn serious audiences for decades. Mount Agamenticus (4.3 miles) offers hiking and views across the region.

A base for exploring the coast. One couple stayed six nights and found the location "super easy to find and a great base to see the area from." Portsmouth is 25 miles north if you want a city meal or gallery walk. Cape Neddick and Kennebunk are nearby for antiquing and upscale dining.

All units at 204 at the Shore are one-bedroom apartments with a living room, full kitchen, and dining area. The layout is straightforward: bedroom with a queen bed, sofa bed in the living room (though one guest flagged it as uncomfortable), and a full bathroom. Each unit has a private entrance and patio access - you're not walking through a lobby or a common hallway.

• One-Bedroom Suite: Queen bed in the bedroom, sofa bed in the living area, full kitchen, dining table, living-room seating, and private patio.

Honest note: Two of three reviewers mentioned the mattress feeling hard. One also noted limited closet space and found the sofa bed uncomfortable - practical details if you're planning a longer family stay. Ask about mattress options or bring a memory-foam topper if you're sensitive.

Relaxation & Recreation · Heated outdoor swimming pool · Hot tub/Jacuzzi · Outdoor seating area · Patio

For Families · Children's playground · Fishing nearby · Cycling and hiking

Dining & Kitchen · On-site restaurant · BBQ facilities · Picnic area

In Your Unit · Full kitchen with stovetop, oven, and dishwasher · Coffee machine · Dining table and living-room seating

Practical · Private entrance · Private bathroom · Free toiletries and towels · Smoke-free property

The heated outdoor pool and hot tub are modest amenities, but they're genuinely appreciated. The pool is open seasonally; the hot tub provides a place to relax after beach days. The property also has a picnic area and barbecue facilities - useful if you're cooking out rather than dining out.

Summer (June–August): Peak season. Beach weather is reliable, restaurants and attractions are fully open, and the pool is at its busiest. Book early; rates are highest. Ideal for families with school-age children. Expect crowded beaches and playgrounds on weekends.

Shoulder Season (May, September–October): Fewer crowds. Water is cool but swimmable in September. Early autumn brings lower rates and occasional leaf-peeping trips. Many families prefer this window for a quieter experience.

Fall (October–November): Foliage peaks in mid-October. Days shorten, but the light is sharp. The pool closes; the hot tub may operate seasonally. Restaurant hours contract after Columbus Day.

Winter (December–March): Off-season rates. The pool is closed. Nearby attractions keep limited hours. Best for couples seeking solitude or families with flexible schedules who want affordability. Weather is unpredictable; some weeks are mild, others icy.

The condo was bright, very clean and nicely decorated. The kitchen had everything you would need if you cared to cook.

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

The location was great, it was super easy to find and a great base to see the area from.

• Kathleen, United States · Couple · 10/10

Location was good, it was cute and clean.

• Svjetlana, United States · Family · 7/10

On trade-offs: The space works well for couples or small families on shorter stays. Reviewers with larger groups or longer bookings noted that storage is tight and the sofa bed isn't ideal for nightly use. The mattress is firm - worth discussing with the owner before booking if you prefer softer support. One guest found dishes left in a cabinet after cleaning, a one-off issue the owner acknowledged in their reply.

• Wells Beach: 1.3 miles - the closest sandy option, quieter than Ogunquit proper.
• Marginal Way Walk, Ogunquit: 5 miles - a clifftop footpath with coastal views unmatched anywhere in southern Maine.
• Ogunquit Playhouse: 5 miles - Broadway-caliber summer theater; book ahead.
• Mount Agamenticus: 4.3 miles - a low peak with hiking trails and far-reaching views across the region.
• Cape Neddick Nubble Light: 7 miles - a postcard lighthouse on a rocky promontory; best photographed at sunset.
• Kennebunk: 8 miles - upscale village with galleries, bookstores, and strong restaurant scene.
• Portsmouth, New Hampshire: 25 miles - historic riverfront with dining, shopping, and museums.

Is this a full apartment or a hotel room? It's a full one-bedroom apartment with a kitchen, living room, dining table, and private entrance. You're renting a self-contained unit, not booking a hotel room. Housekeeping is not daily; turnover cleaning happens between guests.

How far is it to Wells Beach? 1.3 miles, roughly a five-minute drive or a 20-minute walk depending on your pace. Other nearby beaches include Ogunquit Beach (8 miles) and Old Orchard Beach (20 miles), both more crowded during peak summer.

Is breakfast included? No. The property has an on-site restaurant, but breakfast is not part of the nightly rate. The appeal is your own kitchen - you can brew coffee and cook whatever you want.

Is the pool heated? Yes, the outdoor pool is heated. It's open seasonally (typically June through early September). The hot tub may operate year-round; confirm when booking if you're visiting outside summer.

Are there activities for kids? There's a children's playground on-site. Nearby are Mount Agamenticus for hiking, fishing opportunities, and cycling trails. Ogunquit (5 miles away) has a small amusement park and family-friendly attractions.

Can I cook in the unit? Yes. Every unit has a full kitchen with a stovetop, oven, dishwasher, microwave, and all standard kitchenware. One guest specifically praised having "everything you would need if you cared to cook."

What's the closest airport? Portsmouth International Airport (PSM) is 25 miles away, roughly a 40-minute drive. Boston Logan (BOS) is 90 miles north if you're comparison shopping on airfare.