Hotels & GuesthousesWells

Seacoast Motel

Seacoast Motel: No-Fuss Lodging on Maine's Mid-Coast

Couples
a hotel with a swimming pool in front of a building at Seacoast Motel in Wells
a hotel with a swimming pool in front of a building at Seacoast Motel in Wells

Why Stay

Why Seacoast Motel

It would be easy to dismiss the Seacoast Motel as just another aging roadside property on Route 1. But that's exactly the point. For couples, families, and solo travelers who want a clean bed, a heated pool, and a location close enough to Ogunquit and Wells Beach to walk or drive in minutes - without paying $250 a night for it - this family-run motel delivers. The rooms are straightforward: carpeted floors, king or queen beds, fridges, microwaves, and coffee makers. The staff remembers your name. The pool stays heated even in shoulder season. And reviewers consistently call it excellent value for the money in an expensive stretch of Maine coast.

The Seacoast sits on Route 1, the main commercial corridor linking Wells to Ogunquit. It's noisy at rush hour and unremarkable to drive past. But that location is precisely why guests return: everything is five minutes away. You're not isolated in the woods; you're planted in the middle of the action, which suits a motel designed for one- to three-night stays, not week-long retreats.


The location is unbeatable for the price. You're steps from restaurants, mini golf, and shops along Route 1, and a short drive from Ogunquit's Perkins Cove, Wells State Park, and the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge. Multiple guests noted being able to walk to restaurants and the trolley stop that connects to downtown Ogunquit. One couple who arrived on a sold-out summer weekend called it "just right" - easy to find, close to everything that mattered, without the chain-hotel price tag.

Couples rate the motel significantly higher than the overall score. At 8.6 out of 10, couples have consistently praised the clean rooms, comfortable beds, friendly staff, and pool. Solo travelers also return - one noted it as a "reliably comfortable spot" after her three-night stay in late September. The homey, small-property feel matters; staff know guests by name and actually help when something goes wrong.

The heated pool stays open into fall and operates year-round. For families with young children, the 3.5-foot depth makes it safe for toddlers and an easy dip for everyone else. Multiple guests mentioned the pool as a highlight, especially those visiting during Maine's peak summer season when indoor breaks from heat and crowds are welcome. The pool deck has loungers, a grill, and picnic tables - invest in your own comfort here, not just the room.

It's genuinely clean and the beds are comfortable. This is repeated across 40+ reviews in different words. One guest noted the staff even changed their linen daily without being asked. Another praised "excellent bed, towels, and shower." For a motel, consistent cleanliness is not guaranteed; here it is.

The price-to-value proposition is real. Reviewers often mention being pleasantly surprised by what they got for the money, especially those booking during peak season. One couple staying in July called it "all you need" and appreciated supporting local business in an area where nightly rates can hit $300 easily.


Rooms

The rooms

The Seacoast is a single-story (or split-level) motel with rooms organized by floor and view. All rooms have air conditioning, private bathrooms with shower and tub, refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers. Most overlook the pool, garden, or parking area. Rooms are compact but not cramped for overnight stays; families with young children may want the queen-bed options for extra space. The decor is dated - wood-tone furniture, older headboards, dated fixtures - but reviewers consistently note that cleanliness compensates. Room-darkening curtains are standard, and beds are firmer and more comfortable than the vintage aesthetic would suggest.

  • King Room (First or Second Floor): The workhorse option, with a single king bed, seating area, and views toward the pool or gardens. Second-floor units are quieter.
  • Queen Room with Two Queen Beds (First or Second Floor): Best for families or friends traveling together; same amenities as the king, just more sleeping surface.
  • Deluxe Queen Studio (First Floor): Includes a kitchenette with hotplate and more counter space. One family noted the wiring and appliances looked dated and the dishes were uninviting; this room appeals most to travelers who plan to stay 3+ days and need to self-cater.

A consistent caveat: walls are thin. Multiple guests mentioned hearing neighbors walking at night or TV sound traveling through. This is normal for a motel but worth knowing if you're a light sleeper. Route 1 traffic is audible too, especially in rooms facing the road, though reviewers said it wasn't severe enough to ruin a stay.


At a Glance

At a glance

Best for

Couples, families with young children, budget-conscious travelers, one- to three-night stays

Price tier

Budget to mid-range ($80–$180 per night depending on season)

Open

Year-round

Guest score

7.6 Good

Couples score

8.6 / 10

Standout amenities

Heated pool · friendly staff · excellent value for location · close to restaurants and attractions

Details

40 Post Road, Wells, ME 04090
Parking: Free on-site

Check-in / out

Check-in15:00 – 22:00
Check-out07:00 – 11:00
ReceptionOpen 24 hours

The heated pool is a genuine draw. At 3.5 feet deep, it's shallow enough for children to wade and splash but deep enough for adults to cool off. The pool operates year-round on a seasonal schedule (typically May through September, with extended hours in summer). Surrounding the pool are loungers, a picnic area, a grill available for guest use, and a sun deck. One family who stayed in August raved about sitting on the porch with a grill, and a longer-stay guest in late summer appreciated the BBQ and outdoor dining for multiple nights. The grounds are maintained - one reviewer staying seven nights in August said the pool and outdoor setup were "the best part."


Seasons

When to visit

Summer (June–August). Peak season brings families and couples on beach weekends. Expect higher rates and full capacity, especially in mid-July through mid-August. The pool is at its busiest and most inviting. Ogunquit's trolley runs daily, and restaurants stay open late. The trade-off: Route 1 is congested, rooms book fast, and you're competing with tourists.

Shoulder Season (May and September–October). These are the sweet spots. The pool stays heated and open. Rates drop 15–25 percent. Weather is still pleasant - warm enough to use the pool, cool enough for leaf-peeping and hiking. Fall foliage peaks in late September and early October. One solo traveler in late September called the value "exceptional" and the walking distance to the beach (1 mile) perfect for a three-night stay.

Late Fall and Winter (November–March). The pool closes. The motel remains open but operates at minimal capacity. Route 1 quiets down significantly. Rates are lowest here, making it viable for a budget getaway or a base for holiday shopping in nearby Portland. Weather is unpredictable; you're not here for beach time.

Spring (April–May). Muddy and still cool, but Easter and school break weeks can drive occupancy. The pool opens in May. Asparagus and strawberry season at local farms is worth timing your visit around.


Reviews

What guests say

"Clean and comfortable. Microwave and fridge a plus. Ice machine as well." - Tim, United States · Couple · 9/10

"Really appreciated room-darkening curtains, excellent bed, towels, shower. Walking distance to beach. Price for area very good." - Suzanne, United States · Solo traveler · 9/10

"Last minute reservation during busiest summer weekend. Very clean and comfortable, right on main road close to all there is to do in Ogunquit. Pool looked very nice." - Diane, United States · Couple · 8/10

"Host and staff were very friendly. King size bed extremely comfortable and the pool was very nice. Temperature was perfect!" - Wilson, United States · Family · 9/10

"Owners very cordial. Great location. Room was very clean. Staff very helpful and friendly." - Laurie, United States · Group · 9/10

"The location and price are excellent." - Suzanne, United States · Couple · 8/10

Minor criticisms surface across stays: Rooms are dated, a few report thin walls and audible neighbor noise, and TV remotes occasionally malfunction. One family noted the Deluxe Studio's kitchenette felt unsafe with mismatched wiring. Another guest mentioned shower pressure was weak. These are edge cases, not patterns - but worth knowing if you're sensitive to noise or need a full kitchen.


FAQ

Good to know

Is breakfast included? No. The motel does not serve breakfast. Most guests bring coffee makers or use the in-room machine. Nearby diners and cafes on Route 1 are within walking distance.

Is there a pool year-round? The heated outdoor pool is seasonal, typically open May through September. Water temperature is maintained, so it's comfortable even in May and early September. Winter stays do not include pool access.

Is the motel on the water? No. The Seacoast is on Route 1, about 1 mile from Wells State Beach and Ogunquit beaches. It's close but not oceanfront. Several guests mentioned walking to the beach in under 25 minutes.

What's the parking situation? Free parking is available on-site. One early review noted a parking issue during construction, but recent reviews do not mention this. Parking is standard motel-lot style - no reserved spots, first-come basis.

Is WiFi included? Yes. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Some guests reported connection issues, but it's complimentary.

Can I use the grill? Yes. A BBQ grill is available for guest use on the grounds. One reviewer appreciated this for a multi-night stay. The grill is maintained and ready to use.

Are rooms accessible for guests with mobility issues? The motel lists accessible parking. Some rooms are ground-level, but there is no mention of ADA-accessible rooms in facility listings. Contact the property directly to confirm specifics for your needs.


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