Holiday Guest House Bed & Breakfast

The Holiday Guest House isn't trying to be a resort. It's a 1814 colonial home on Post Road in Wells, decorated room by room with period care, run by an owner named Patrick who actually cooks breakfast and remembers his guests' names. Most inns hide behind corporate polish. This one leans into its history - Eleanor Roosevelt slept in one of the rooms; the floorboards creak; the stairs are steep; and somehow that's exactly why couples, solo travelers, and families keep coming back.

The property sits in that perfect liminal space: close enough to walk toward Ogunquit and Kennebunkport in 10–15 minutes, far enough from the summer crush that you can hear yourself think. The outdoor pool opens seasonally. Breakfasts are made to order each morning - not continental, not a buffet line, but actual omelets and pancakes and bacon served in a sun-filled room where guests and the innkeeper talk.

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Patrick is the kind of host who elevates the whole experience. He greets guests as if he actually wants them there. He cooks breakfast from scratch, accommodates dietary restrictions without hesitation, and offers insider advice on where to eat, where to park in high season, and which beaches have the shortest lines. Multiple guests from the UK and Canada mentioned that staying here felt like being invited to a friend's house rather than checking into a room.

The breakfasts are genuinely exceptional. This isn't continental-plus. Guests report blueberry pancakes with bacon, challah French toast, waffles with fresh fruit, eggs cooked to order, pastries, and coffee that's worth getting out of bed for. One couple returned for six nights partly because they didn't want to miss breakfast. Another solo traveler said the morning meal was "a good way to start the day while having a chat with the host and fellow travelers."

The home itself has real history and character. Built in 1814, each room is decorated in a different period style with its own color theme and furnishings - not as a gimmick, but as genuine curation. Rooms retain original features like hardwood floors and fireplaces. You'll find a small refrigerator in the room, quality linens, working showers with good pressure, and enough thoughtful touches (garden views, sitting areas) that it doesn't feel cramped despite the intimate scale of a historic property.

The location works for active travelers and quiet ones alike. It's a 15–20 minute walk to public beach access, a short drive to Moody Beach and downtown Ogunquit, and roughly an hour from Portland. For cyclists and explorers, it's the base camp - you can bike to three towns without fighting the downtown traffic. For people who came to sit with a book, the grounds and sun room offer refuge from the crowds.

The seasonal pool and grounds give it resort ease without resort noise. There's a sun deck, garden furniture, and an outdoor pool (open May through September). The property is maintained with visible care - landscaping is meticulous, interiors spotless to the detail of hairdryer placement and fresh toiletries.

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Holiday Guest House has five or six guest rooms, each with a personality. The main building is period colonial, which means upper-floor rooms are accessed by steep stairs - a genuine trade-off for staying in a house from 1814. Ground-floor units tend to have external private bathrooms, which some guests prefer for privacy; upper rooms have en-suite baths. All rooms are non-smoking, air-conditioned, and equipped with flat-screen TV, free WiFi, and garden views.

• Queen Room with Fireplace - The most popular option. Period décor, working fireplace, comfortable bed. Mentioned by name across dozens of reviews for its charm.
• Queen Room with External Private Bathroom - A ground-floor option with separate bath access and shower. Several guests noted walk-in showers on this level.
• Standard King Room - Slightly larger, suited for couples or those who want more space. Also available with fireplace.
• Eleanor Roosevelt Room - Named for its famous historical guest. Period-styled with queen bed and all standard amenities.

A few guests noted rooms are modest in size - not sprawling suites, but thoughtfully appointed. One visitor from Canada mentioned the rooms skew toward the intimate end of the spectrum, which works if you're planning to spend time downstairs and out exploring rather than holed up inside. The steep stairs between floors are a feature of the historic structure; if mobility is a concern, request a ground-floor room when booking.

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Pool & Grounds - Seasonal outdoor swimming pool (May through September) · Sun deck and lounge seating · Manicured gardens and outdoor furniture · Peaceful grounds away from main traffic · Evening entertainment / nightclub on-site

Guest Rooms - Fireplaces in select rooms · Free WiFi throughout · Air conditioning · Flat-screen TV with satellite channels · Private bathrooms with good water pressure · Small refrigerators in rooms · Garden views from all rooms

Practical Services - Free parking · Daily housekeeping · Hair and beauty salon available · Special diet meals on request · Invoice provided

Common Spaces - Cozy sun room for breakfast and socializing · Sitting areas and sofas · Board games and puzzles for rainy days

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Breakfast here operates as both meal and social anchor. Patrick cooks fresh each morning - pancakes, omelets, waffles, French toast, bacon, sausage, pastries, fresh fruit, cheese, juice, and excellent coffee. The dining happens in a sun room where guests from different rooms naturally end up in conversation.

One British couple described it plainly: "It felt more like we were staying with friends than in a B&B." An Australian visitor called it "delicious," and a French guest noted "local breakfast served every day." The only consistent criticism came from a group visit where portions felt small midway through the morning - but solo travelers and couples consistently reported the opposite. Patrick also accommodates special diets and allergies on request.

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Summer (June–August) - Peak season. Pool is open. Ogunquit and Kennebunkport are fully active with restaurants, shops, and events at the Playhouse. Beaches are busy; the inn's quieter location becomes an asset. Book early; the property fills with couples and families planning multi-night stays. One guest extended a three-night stay to four simply because they didn't want to leave.

Early Fall (September–early October) - Exceptional time to visit. Summer crowds thin out, but restaurants and attractions remain open. Weather is still warm enough for beach walks. The inn sees international visitors during this shoulder period, drawn by foliage and the comfort of a slower pace. Pool may still be open depending on weather. Many reviews are dated late September through October, suggesting strong repeat visitation.

Spring (May) - Pool opens. Wildflowers and fresh landscaping. Fewer tourists; locals reclaim Ogunquit and the beaches. Shoulder pricing applies. Good window for solo travelers and couples seeking quiet.

Winter (November–April) - The inn remains open. Off-season rates. Limited nightlife and restaurant hours in surrounding towns, but a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude or a winter getaway. Some seasonal businesses close or reduce hours; confirm restaurant availability when booking.

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"It felt more like we were staying with friends than in a B&B." - Michael, United Kingdom · Couple · 9/10

"Patrick is a great host. Homemade breakfast is served every morning. A good way to start the day while having a chat with the host and fellow travelers." - Nikolaus, Canada · Couple · 10/10

"Beautiful old house and equally beautiful guest room with many of the original features. Delicious homemade breakfast each morning." - Jeremy, United Kingdom · Couple · 10/10

"The owner was phenomenal and really made the experience extra enjoyable." - Patrick, United States · Couple · 10/10

"Patrick goes above and beyond to make his guests feel comfortable. The place is beautiful. Fabulous breakfast; he is a great cook." - Kathleen, United States · Couple · 10/10

"Gorgeous interiors respectful of this historical property yet offering all the comforts and conveniences of today. The innkeeper Patrick is the perfect host." - Lisa, United States · Solo traveler · 10/10

The consensus across 145 reviews is striking: Patrick's attentiveness and the breakfast are the two anchors. A handful of guests flagged steep stairs as a mobility consideration, and one group found breakfast portions smaller than expected on their visit. Those caveats aside, complaints are nearly nonexistent. One repeat concern across a few reviews was the absence of afternoon coffee or tea service - a minor convenience some guests from other countries expected. The rooms are small by modern hotel standards, but guests consistently describe them as charming rather than cramped, and many book multiple nights or return annually.

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• Moody Beach - 1.1 miles. A manageable walk or short drive; less crowded than central Ogunquit beaches in peak season.
• Ogunquit Beach and downtown - ~2 miles or a 15-minute drive. The heart of summer activity: restaurants, shops, the Ogunquit Playhouse, and the famous Marginal Way coastal walk.
• Footbridge Beach - ~15 minutes on foot. Quieter option; parking fills early in summer, so walking here from the inn is strategic.
• Kennebunkport village - ~5 miles. Browse galleries, dock square shops, and upscale restaurants. Bike-friendly route.
• Mount Agamenticus - 2.2 miles. Hiking and nature trails with views; about 20 minutes by car.
• Marginal Way Walk - Part of Ogunquit's scenic trail system. A coastal clifftop path perfect for an afternoon stroll.
• Portland waterfront - ~1 hour. Worth a day trip for dining, museums, and Old Port atmosphere. Several guests took afternoon trips and raved about lunch on the water.
• Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge - ~15 minutes south toward Kennebunk. Quiet trails, wildlife viewing, salt marshes.

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Is the inn on the water? No, but it's less than a mile from Moody Beach and a 15–20 minute walk from public beach access. You can bike to Ogunquit's waterfront in about 10 minutes. The location trades a water view for quiet grounds and lower peak-season pricing.

Is breakfast included? Yes, a full hot breakfast cooked fresh each morning is included with your room. Special diets and allergies are accommodated on request; let Patrick know when you book.

Are the rooms air-conditioned? Yes, all rooms have air conditioning, which is standard in summer. The inn is also heated for cooler months.

Is there a pool? Yes, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool is available May through September, weather permitting. It's a pleasant amenity on warm afternoons rather than a waterpark-scale facility.

Are there stairs, and is the inn accessible? Yes, this is a historic 1814 colonial home. Upper-floor rooms are accessed by steep stairs. If mobility is a concern, request a ground-floor room at booking. Upper floors are not accessible by elevator.

Can I bring my bike? Yes, absolutely. Several guests mentioned bringing bikes and exploring Ogunquit, Kennebunkport, and Wells by pedal. The location works well for cyclists navigating summer crowds without parking hassles.

What's the parking situation? Free on-site parking is included. This is a major advantage compared to downtown Ogunquit, where parking fills quickly and costs money during peak season.

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