Footbridge North Hotel

Footbridge North Hotel is the kind of place you book for location and value, not for design magazine spreads. This old-school motel sits a short walk from Long Sands Beach and literally across the parking lot from shops, pizza, and a grocery store - the real conveniences that matter when you're traveling with kids or just passing through Maine. It's family-run, the rooms have kitchenettes, there's a seasonal pool, and the price doesn't sting. Couples give it an especially warm rating (8.4/10), likely because a quick night here costs a fraction of what you'd spend three miles north in Ogunquit.

You won't mistake Footbridge North for a resort. The property is genuinely dated; walls are thin; some mattresses lean soft; and housekeeping can be spotty. But if you're the type who needs clean, functional, and cheap more than you need luxury, and you understand that a 40-year-old motel built to last will look its age, this is exactly where you belong.

Unbeatable location for Wells Beach access. The motel is tucked just off Post Road, genuinely two minutes by car from Long Sands Beach and close enough to walk on foot if you're patient with traffic. Summer visitors and families planning a beach weekend rate the location so consistently high that it's the single biggest reason people book here. You can grab coffee at the motel, walk to the beach, and be back for lunch.

Kitchenette rooms keep food costs down. Every room includes a kitchen sink, fridge, and microwave - not a full kitchen, but enough to prep breakfast and store leftovers. Families especially mention this feature. One couple visiting from Germany noted they saved money not just on the room but on meals. If you're traveling with young kids or on a tight budget, the ability to make coffee in your room and store grocery-store lunch fixings makes a real difference.

Free parking that's actually close to your door. Unlike downtown Ogunquit or Dock Square where you hunt for spots, Footbridge North gives you private on-site parking right outside your room. Reviewers repeatedly cite this as a practical win, especially for one-night stays when you don't want to unload and reload the car.

Genuinely friendly, accessible owners. The property is clearly owner-managed, not a chain. Multiple reviewers mention the owner or manager by name, offering flexibility with checkout times, responding to problems quickly, and treating guests like neighbors rather than transactions. That personal touch doesn't cost extra; it's just how small motels used to work.

Pool and grill for easy summer fun. The seasonal outdoor pool is well-maintained and gets regular praise, especially from families. There's a gas grill on site if you want to cook out. It's not a resort-level amenity, but it's clean and adds a layer of activity without leaving the property.

Footbridge North is an older motel with studio-style and modest one-bedroom units. Rooms are laid out more like small apartments than traditional hotel rooms, with a separate kitchen and dining area plus a distinct sleeping zone. All rooms have air conditioning, TV, and a private bathroom. The layout - with a kitchen step down or up from the main room - can feel slightly awkward, especially for guests with mobility concerns, but most visitors find it practical.

• Deluxe King Room - Most common room type; one king bed, kitchenette with sink and appliances, good-sized bathroom, available on first and second floors.
• Deluxe Queen Room - Smaller footprint than the king; one queen bed, same kitchen setup, good for couples or solo travelers.
• Queen Room with Two Queen Beds - Two queen beds, kitchen, typically for families or groups needing two sleeping surfaces.
• Double Room with Two Double Beds - Two double beds, kitchen, second-floor units often feature balconies or seating areas.

Honest caveat: The rooms are dated. Baseboards sometimes need cleaning; mattresses are on the soft side (several guests literally said "marshmallow"); window blinds are showing their age and can be broken or flimsy. Walls are thin enough that you'll hear neighbors moving and coughing. If you're sensitive to noise or need modern finishes, this motel isn't the answer. If you need clean, functional, and cheap, you'll be fine.

Pool & Grounds · Seasonal outdoor swimming pool · Gas grill · Seating areas · Parking close to rooms

In-Room · Kitchenette (sink, fridge, microwave, coffee maker, toaster) · Air conditioning · TV with cable · Private bathroom · Balcony or patio (select rooms)

Services · 24-hour front desk · Daily housekeeping · Free WiFi in public areas · Private on-site parking (free)

Practical · Fax/photocopying available · English-speaking staff

Summer (June–August): Peak season. The pool is open, beaches are warm, and the motel fills with families. Long Sands Beach is at its best. Book well in advance; rates climb. The motel does close for part of the off-season, so confirm dates if traveling in late October or winter.

Shoulder Season (May, early September–October): Excellent time. Summer crowds thin out, the pool is still open or just closing, and rates drop. Fall foliage pulls leaf-peepers inland to Mount Agamenticus (5.6 miles away), but the coast is quieter. Early October can still feel summery.

Spring (April–May): Unpredictable Maine weather, but increasingly mild as May arrives. The pool may not be open yet. Good for budget-conscious travelers willing to trade amenities for value. Some rooms may still be prepped after winter closure.

Winter (November–March): The motel closes seasonally. Not available during these months.

"Great location. Perfect for our weekend visit to the area for the beach and dinners." - Barry, United States · Family · 8/10

"The motel was back from the road, so it was quiet. The room was spacious, clean and comfortable. The pool area was well kept and looked very nice." - Robin, United States · Solo traveler · 8/10

"It was very clean, quiet, and the beds were comfortable. The owners were very friendly and accommodating." - Stacy, United States · Family · 9/10

"YOU HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED; FRIDGE, MICROWAVE, SINK, COFFEE MAKER, CABLE TV, TABLE AND CHAIRS ON THE FRONT DECK, JUST LIKE AN APARTMENT!" - Tina, United States · Couple · 9/10

"Second floor, balcony with seating... a great value clean also friendly." - Michael, United States · Group · 9/10

"The property was very clean and nice for an older motel. No chain owned. The parking was small spaces but could park. Pool was very clean. Very quiet." - Jayne, United States · Couple · 8/10

Most criticism centers on three consistent points: mattresses are too soft (a recurring comment from guests who prefer firm support); walls are thin (noise carries easily between rooms); and the property is visibly dated (carpet wear, broken blinds, dusty baseboards). These aren't anomalies - they're real trade-offs of an older, independently run motel. One family flagged an occasional pest issue (a bee incident in September), and another noted mold in the shower; these appear to be isolated rather than systemic. Housekeeping quality varies, so room readiness isn't guaranteed.

• Long Sands Beach - 2 minutes by car; wide sandy beach perfect for families, swimming, and walking.
• Congdon's Donuts - 1 mile; legendary Maine institution for breakfast and coffee runs.
• Ogunquit Playhouse - 5.6 miles; summer theater with Broadway-level productions, June–October.
• Mount Agamenticus - 5.6 miles; hiking trails, scenic summit views, fall foliage destination.
• Ogunquit Museum of American Art - 6 miles; Ogunquit village center with galleries, restaurants, and shops.
• Perkins Cove - 7 miles; charming Ogunquit waterfront with boat rides, lobster shacks, and coastal scenery.
• Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge - 8 miles; easy walking trails through salt marshes and nesting habitat.
• York Beach - 10 miles; bigger, busier beach with an amusement park and Short Sands Beach for surfers.

Is Footbridge North on the water? No. The motel is set back from the road on Post Road in Wells, about 2 miles inland. Long Sands Beach is only 2 minutes away by car, but it's not a beachfront property.

Is breakfast included? No. There is no on-site restaurant or included breakfast service. Rooms have coffee makers and kitchenettes, so you can prepare your own. Congdon's Donuts is 1 mile away for a quick morning pastry.

Do rooms have full kitchens? No. Rooms include kitchenettes with a sink, refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker - enough to prep simple meals or store takeout. There's no stove or full oven.

Is there a shuttle to the airport? No. The motel does not offer shuttle service. Portsmouth International Airport is 25 miles away (about 40 minutes by car). You'll need a rental car or ride service.

When is the pool open? The pool is seasonal and typically open June through early September, depending on weather. Confirm specific dates when booking if pool access is important to your stay.

Can I bring my dog? The JSON does not specify a pet policy. Contact the motel directly to ask about dogs or other animals.

Are there outlets in the rooms? Yes, but several guests note there are fewer outlets than expected, especially near the bed. If you're traveling with multiple devices, bring a power strip.