Misty Harbor Resort

Most hotels on the Maine coast cram you into a room and call it done. Misty Harbor Resort gives you the opposite: each unit is outfitted like a small apartment, with a full kitchen, separate living area, and enough square footage to actually spread out. It's built for people who want to stay a week or three days without eating every meal at a restaurant or sitting on top of each other. The property sits just over a mile from Wells Beach, and you're surrounded by good local restaurants, a grocery store across the street, and quick access to Ogunquit and Kennebunkport. The indoor pool and hot tub are year-round draws - especially in shoulder season when everyone else is scrambling for outdoor options.

Guests have left 639 reviews averaging 9.1 out of 10, with couples rating it 9.3 for two-person stays. The consistency is striking: people return year after year, specifically naming cleanliness, location, and the apartment-style layout as reasons why.

You get a full kitchen, not just a hot plate and a sink. One-bedroom and two-bedroom suites come equipped with a dishwasher, oven, stovetop, refrigerator, and all the basics - meaning a family or group can actually cook breakfast together, eat lunch at their own pace, and not drop three hundred dollars a day on restaurants. Reviewers consistently mention loving the kitchen and the separate dining area; it's not a throwaway amenity, it's the reason many people book here.

The rooms genuinely stay clean, and housekeeping respects your privacy. A housekeeper who's worked in the field for over two decades told us the attention to detail was rare enough to mention. The resort does not enter your unit during your stay unless you request it - meaning you come and go without that intrusive mid-morning knock. Beds are made, floors are spotless on arrival, and the complaint bucket stays nearly empty.

The location cuts drive time and lets you walk to basics. Hannaford grocery store is across the street. Congdon's donuts and Billy's Chowder House are a few blocks away. Wells Beach is a five-minute drive. From here, you're 4.3 miles to Ogunquit and 7.7 miles to Kennebunkport - close enough for a day trip, far enough that you're not in a crowded tourist trap. Several guests mentioned the central locale as the reason they keep coming back.

The indoor pool and hot tub work year-round. In July and August, kids love it. But the real win is shoulder season - April, May, September, October - when you want to stay in Maine but the ocean is still cold. Pool is heated, it's indoors, and nobody's fighting for a lane.

Staff respond to problems fast. One couple called about an appliance issue at 6 p.m. on a Sunday. Someone was at the door in ten minutes. That kind of service isn't automatic at resort properties; it happens when management actually cares.

Units are configured as one-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom suites, or king suites. All feature air conditioning, a full kitchen with a dishwasher, a dining area, and living room seating - essentially a home away from home rather than a traditional hotel room. Most sit on the ground floor (one-bedroom units) or second floor (two-bedroom units), and some have views of the marshlands and ocean, though sight lines vary by location.

• One-Bedroom Apartment or Suite - Full kitchen, separate bedroom and living room, sleeps 2–4 comfortably. The gold standard for couples and small families who plan to stay several nights.
• King Suite - Larger sleeping space with king bed, kitchenette or full kitchen depending on unit, living area. Popular with families.
• Two-Bedroom Suite - Two separate bedrooms, full kitchen, dining area, living room. Best for multi-family gatherings or groups of 6–8.

One consistent note: several guests flagged thin comforters and lightweight towels. If you run cold or prefer plush linens, bring a blanket or request heavier bedding at check-in. Some units lack a television in the bedroom, which bothers some people and matters zero to others. A few guests noted that one or two rooms had noisy AC units, so mention noise sensitivity when booking if it's a deal-breaker.

Pool & Water · Indoor heated pool open year-round · Hot tub/Jacuzzi · Beach chairs and loungers · Pool and beach towels provided

Recreation & Family · Outdoor playground for kids · Barbecue area with picnic tables · Board games and puzzles in rooms

Practical · Free WiFi (note: one guest reported weak signal; ask for a room closer to the router if you work remotely) · Free parking at your unit · Fitness center · Sauna · Laundry facilities (coin-operated) · Business center · Fax/Photocopying · Vending machines (drinks)

Rooms & Comfort · Non-smoking throughout (no smoking on porches) · Air conditioning · Heating · Flat-screen TV in living areas · Telephone in room

The heated indoor pool and hot tub are open year-round and are the resort's biggest off-season draw. Multiple families mentioned the pool specifically as a reason their kids had a great time; it's not Olympic-sized but it's functional, and having a hot tub on-site means you can warm up afterward without driving anywhere. The pool area has lounge chairs and towel service. In July and August it's busier, but in June, September, and October it's nearly yours alone.

Summer (June–August) Pool is packed with families; beaches are warm and crowded. Rates peak. Book early if you want a specific unit type. The location near Ogunquit and Kennebunkport means easy day trips without staying in the thick of the tourist zone.

Shoulder Season (April–May, September–October) This is the sweet spot. Indoor pool and hot tub are huge because the ocean is still cold. Leaf-peeping in fall drives rates up in mid-October, but early September and late April are quiet and pleasant. Restaurants and shops stay open. Weather is unpredictable but often beautiful.

Winter (November–March) The resort stays open year-round. Indoor pool is your main activity, but rates drop significantly. Good for a quiet winter getaway or extended stay. Some seasonal restaurants may have reduced hours.

"Location was perfect, everything was very clean and updated." - Anne, United States · Group · 10/10

"Very clean and comfortable. Good value." - Carol, United States · Couple · 9/10

"One of the nicest places we have ever stayed in Maine! The pool was a bonus and really close to everything including beaches and restaurants!" - Amelia, United States · Family · 10/10

"Room was very spacious, I loved the kitchen and separate bedrooms. Having an indoor pool and jacuzzi was such a bonus." - Laurie, United States · Couple · 10/10

"Location is wonderful - walking distance to the grocery store, Congdon's donuts, Billy's Chowder House, mini golf, and several other restaurants." - Jessica, United States · Family · 10/10

"We like everything about Misty Harbor. We have not stayed anywhere else." - Elaine, United States · Group · 10/10

The main minor frustrations that come up: WiFi can be patchy (request a room near the main office if you need reliable connection). Stairs from the parking lot to upper-floor units are steep - have luggage help available or book a ground-floor one-bedroom if you're traveling with children or mobility concerns. Towels are functional but thin; extra sets are available on request. One guest flagged a noisy AC unit in one room, so mention noise sensitivity at booking. A handful of families found rates on the higher side during peak season, which is fair - you're paying for space, kitchen access, and a 9.1 rating.

• 0.2 miles - Hannaford supermarket (across the street; grab groceries and coffee for your room)
• 0.3 miles - Congdon's Donuts (Maine institution, worth the walk for breakfast)
• 0.5 miles - Billy's Chowder House (clam chowder and fried seafood, always crowded for good reason)
• 1.1 miles - Wells Beach (5-minute drive; quieter than Old Orchard, more accessible than some of the Midcoast options)
• 2 miles - Mini golf, ice cream, local shops (small village retail strip with beach-town standards)
• 4.3 miles - Ogunquit (Marginal Way cliff walk, Perkins Cove, galleries, restaurants, and postcard-ready scenery)
• 7.7 miles - Kennebunkport (Dock Square shops, lobster rolls, beaches, and significantly more polished than Wells)
• 30 miles - Portland (Old Port, museums, breweries, full-service city amenities)

Is there breakfast included? No, there is no breakfast service. The kitchen in every unit is designed for you to make your own, and grocery stores and restaurants are within walking distance or a short drive.

Is WiFi reliable? The property offers free WiFi, though one guest reported weak signal in their room. Request a unit closer to the main building or office if you work remotely.

Can I cook in my room? Yes - that's the whole point. Every unit has a full kitchen with dishwasher, oven, stovetop, refrigerator, microwave, and basic cookware. This is not a mini-fridge situation.

Is there a shuttle to the beach? No. Wells Beach is 1.1 miles away (roughly a 5-minute drive or a 20-minute walk depending on traffic and sidewalk access). Having a car is highly recommended, though the grocery store and some restaurants are walkable.

Is the pool heated year-round? Yes. The indoor pool is heated and open all year, which is one of the main reasons guests choose this property in shoulder and winter seasons.

Are there handicap-accessible rooms? The property has standard accessibility features, but one guest noted that more handicap-equipped rooms with walk-in showers and grab bars would be welcome, and the wheelchair ramp entrance needs attention. Call ahead to discuss your specific needs.

Is there a restaurant on-site? No. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are your responsibility. Nearby options include Billy's Chowder House, Congdon's Donuts, and various casual spots within a few blocks or a short drive.