Elmwood Resort Hotel

The Elmwood Resort Hotel sits squarely on Route 1 in Wells, a location that doubles as both practical and social. You're steps from shopping, dining, and the beach - no winding back roads required. What sets it apart, though, is the unit design: one, two, and three-bedroom townhouse suites with full kitchens, living areas, and sofa beds, not typical hotel rooms. This is the kind of place where a family of five can spread out, cook breakfast without leaving the property, and let kids burn off energy at the outdoor playground and dual pools instead of staring at four walls.

The property draws a steady mix of families who return, couples on getaways, and groups booking for reunions or girls' weekends. Fall is peak season, but summer drives the biggest crowds - and the highest rates. Guests consistently praise the cleanliness and friendly staff; many come back year after year. A small but vocal group flags maintenance issues (temperamental TVs, noisy AC units, some dated appliances) and note that summer pricing is steep. Still, with a 9.2 overall rating from 360 reviews, the Elmwood delivers reliable comfort at a mid-to-upper price point.

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Full kitchens turn a hotel room into a home base. Every suite has a stove, oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, and dining table. You can stock snacks, prepare coffee on your schedule, and feed kids without a $40 breakfast tab. Reviewers consistently highlight this freedom - especially families who plan to cook some meals and eat out others.

Two heated pools and a lounging culture that feels intentional. One indoor, one outdoor. The property also stocks fire pits with blankets, a sauna, lawn games (ping pong), and an outdoor movie setup. Guests don't just swim; they settle in for an evening. Fall guests love the outdoor fire pits; summer families appreciate the covered entertainment area.

Staff who handle problems fast and with a smile. Multiple reviews mention staff members by role - the receptionist, the maintenance person, the front desk - coming to fix a TV, answer a question, or simply greet you warmly. Horkun, who visits every fall, noted feeling secure because staff was always close by. This isn't a remote chain operation.

Spacious townhouse suites with multiple rooms to spread across. A two-bedroom townhouse lets a family or group occupy separate floors and spaces, reducing the claustrophobia of a single hotel room. Jennifer stayed with her family and appreciated "a whole townhouse with a full kitchen." Multiple guests mentioned the quiet - rooms are soundproofed well enough that you won't hear neighbors constantly.

Proximity to Wells Beach, Ogunquit, and York without feeling remote. Route 1 means constant access: Dunkin across the street, galleries and shops a short walk, the beach just minutes away. The property offers a beach shuttle for hire if you want to skip parking hassles. Couples rated the location 9.5 / 10.

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The Elmwood's suites run from Queen Suites (one bedroom with sofa bed and living room) to Deluxe Two-Bedroom Townhouse Suites with separate living areas and sometimes multiple bathrooms. All include full kitchens, air conditioning, balconies, and furnishings that lean toward comfortable rather than cutting-edge. The two-bedroom units are spread across 1.5 or 2 floors, ideal for families who want separation.

• Queen Suite - One bedroom, full kitchen, sofa bed, living and dining areas. Best for couples or small families.
• Superior Suite / Superior King Suite - Queen or king bed, living room, full kitchen, upgraded finish. Mid-range family option.
• Two-Bedroom Townhouse Suite - Two separate bedrooms, kitchen, living area, often split across floors. Sweet spot for groups of four to six.
• Deluxe Two-Bedroom Superior Townhouse - Larger two-bedroom with premium finishes and furnishings.

A few consistent notes from reviews: some mattresses are aging and create noise when you move; a small number of rooms have dated appliances (stoves, Keurigs); TV remotes occasionally need troubleshooting (staff resolves this quickly). Lighting in some rooms skews dim. None of these issues appears in more than 15% of reviews, so they're not dealbreakers, but worth knowing.

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Two heated pools - one indoors (year-round), one outdoors (seasonal) - are the centerpiece of the guest experience. The outdoor area includes fire pits with blankets stocked in rooms, picnic tables, a gas grill, and games (ping pong, lawn games). The sauna and fitness center (off-site membership included) round out the wellness picture. An outdoor movie screen runs seasonally. Multiple guests called the grounds "immaculate" and "well-kept," suggesting the property takes maintenance seriously despite occasional repair hiccups.

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Summer (June–August): Peak season. Both pools are full, outdoor movie nights run, live entertainment is scheduled. The beach and Ogunquit attractions are bustling. Rates are highest. Families dominate. Indoor pool becomes a secondary option - everyone's at the beach.

Fall (September–October): The sweet spot for many repeat guests. Fewer crowds, weather still warm, foliage peaking in late September and early October. Outdoor pool and fire pits are still operational. Rates drop slightly from peak summer. Couples and small groups favor this shoulder season.

Winter (November–January): Indoor pool only. Off-season rates make this appeal to budget-conscious travelers and those escaping snow elsewhere. Live entertainment sparse. The location on Route 1 remains convenient for shopping and dining.

Spring (April–May): Mild and quiet. Both pools open by late April or early May. Good for families wanting fewer crowds and couples looking for a peaceful overnight stop between Boston and Down East Maine.

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"The fact that it was a whole townhouse with a full kitchen. Peace and quiet with the right amount of fun included."

• Jennifer, United States · Family · 10/10

"It exceeded my expectations! Extremely spacious, clean, comfortable. Indoor pool, outdoor pool, outdoor games, grill, picnic tables. All within 5 mins to the beach!"

• Bisson, United States · Family · 10/10

"We felt secure and always knew staff was close by. I come every fall and will continue to do so."

• Horkun, United States · Couple · 10/10

"Largest suite was excellent. Laid out very well with plenty of space for all guests. Rooms are quiet and cannot hear any neighboring guests."

• Linda, Italy · Group · 10/10

"The beds were comfortable. I loved the balcony with the chairs for sitting outside and relaxing. Fire pit was a nice touch."

• Michelle, United States · Family · 9/10

"Clean, comfortable, and pleasant stay close to Wells Beach. Two pools, outdoor lounge area. Beach shuttle available for hire."

• Heidi, United States · Solo · 10/10

Most criticism centers on minor maintenance gripes: a noisy AC unit, temperamental TV remote systems (resolved by staff within an hour), and a few hard-to-open doors. Some guests noted the property is motel-style with outdoor walkways, so rainy weather means a dash to your car. One couple flagged excessive noise from children in rooms above them - typical for a family-focused resort. These are edge cases, not patterns.

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Is breakfast included? No. The fully stocked kitchen is your breakfast solution, or grab coffee and a donut at Dunkin across the street. Some guests buy one or two pods of coffee per night - not enough for heavy caffeine users.

Is there a beach shuttle? Yes, but it's for hire, not complimentary. A refrigerator magnet advertises the service. This helps guests avoid Route 1 traffic and summer parking hassles at popular beaches like Wells Beach and Ogunquit Beach.

Are dogs allowed? The JSON doesn't specify. Contact the property directly to confirm pet policy and any fees.

What's the nearest airport? Portland International Jetport (PWM) is 27 miles away, roughly a 45-minute drive. Boston Logan (BOS) is about 90 minutes away.

Is Wi-Fi free? Yes. Free Wi-Fi throughout the property.

Can I cook in my room? Yes. Every suite has a full kitchen with stovetop, oven, dishwasher, microwave, and dining table. Kitchenware and utensils are provided.

Is there parking? Yes, free on-site parking. The property has ample lot space and is noted as "plenty of parking" by guests.

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