Hotels & GuesthousesYork

The Nevada

The Nevada: A Retro-Modern Escape Right on Long Sands Beach

Couples
an aerial view of a building with chairs and tables at The Nevada in York
an aerial view of a building with chairs and tables at The Nevada in York

Why Stay

Why The Nevada

The Nevada isn't trying to be something it isn't. It's a 1950s-era hotel that someone cared enough about to restore with real intention - keeping the vintage Las Vegas lounge aesthetic while quietly updating everything underneath. You get ocean-view rooms with comfortable beds and walk-in showers, a restaurant-bar downstairs serving hand-crafted cocktails and food that matters, and direct access to Long Sands Beach through the front door. For couples looking to spend a night or a weekend on Maine's southern coast without the resort-chain feel, this is the place. The staff knows your name by the end of check-in. The bed is actually comfortable. The view doesn't disappoint.

Couples particularly love it here - they rated the hotel 9.7 / 10 across 35 reviews. The overall guest score sits at 8.8 / 10 from 44 reviews.


Direct access to Long Sands Beach. The hotel sits steps from one of Maine's longest and gentlest beaches. Wake up, walk across the lawn, and you're in the sand. Reviews mention the "awesome view," the "perfect location," and the proximity to the water so often it becomes its own argument. Several guests booked their next stay before leaving because the beach access alone justified the trip.

Lulu's restaurant and bar set the tone. This isn't a generic hotel dining room. The tiki-lounge vibe, hand-crafted cocktails, and creative food (think Japanese and Mexican cuisines alongside vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options) anchor the entire property. Guests praise the "amazing" food and drinks repeatedly. One reviewer called it "one of the best stays I've ever had" partly because of what was happening in the bar downstairs.

The retro-modern design actually works. The 1950s-Vegas aesthetic - neon signage, period details, polished tile and hardwood - feels intentional, not kitsch. Guests describe the restoration as returning the property to "its original splendor." One couple booked their anniversary stay specifically for the "retro 50s feel." It's a design choice that gives the place character and tells a story.

The staff remembers you. Valerie and other team members are mentioned by name in reviews. Guests note exceptional helpfulness, genuine warmth, and attention to detail. For accessibility, the elevator is a genuine asset - one guest recovering from spinal surgery called it "a big plus." After-hours self-check-in (via the bar when the desk is closed during off-season) works smoothly.

The rooms are genuinely comfortable. Beyond the ocean views, guests rave about comfortable beds and quality linens. The Deluxe King rooms have private bathrooms with walk-in showers, air conditioning, and balconies or patios. A family traveler noted an "outstanding handicap shower." These aren't sacrifices; they're actual comforts.


Rooms

The rooms

All guest rooms are Deluxe King configurations with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs. Many offer garden or sea views, and rooms feature balconies or patios - some with direct ocean sight lines. Bathrooms include walk-in showers, free toiletries, and hairdryers. You'll find a coffee maker and mini refrigerator in the room. The style is clean and modern with retro touches throughout.

  • Deluxe King Room: Ocean or garden view, balcony or patio access, walk-in shower, flat-screen TV

One note from multiple guests: window blinds have been problematic. The hotel is aware and working on replacements, but if blackout shades matter for your sleep, mention it at check-in. One guest also flagged limited counter space in the bathroom and no in-room desk or dining table - something to know if you plan to work or eat takeout in the room during a longer stay.


At a Glance

At a glance

Style

Retro-modern beachfront, 1950s aesthetic

Best for

Couples, small anniversaries, weekend beach escapes

Price tier

Upper-mid to luxury · ~$200–350/night depending on season

Standout amenities

Direct beach access · Lulu's restaurant · retro design · staff hospitality

Details

141 Long Beach Avenue, York, ME 03909
Nearest airport: Portsmouth International (16 miles)
Parking: Free on-site

Check-in / out

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

Amenities

On-site amenities

Pool & Grounds · Beach umbrellas and loungers available · outdoor seating areas with ocean views · direct beach access · patio and garden spaces

Dining & Drinks · Lulu's restaurant (Japanese and Mexican cuisines) · Full bar with hand-crafted cocktails · Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free menu options · Coffee maker in all rooms · Tea/coffee service

Practical · Free WiFi throughout · Free on-site parking · Private check-in and check-out available · Express check-in/out · Baggage storage · Daily housekeeping · Elevator to upper floors

Accessibility & Safety · Wheelchair-accessible rooms · Grab rails in accessible bathrooms · CCTV outside and in common areas · Fire extinguishers and smoke alarms · Carbon monoxide detectors · Key card access

Guest Services · English-speaking staff · Families welcome (note: property does not offer cribs or cots; confirm any special requirements in advance)


The on-site restaurant is a genuine draw. Guests call it "amazing," "wonderful," and a major reason to book. The menu spans Japanese and Mexican cuisines, with committed options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets. Hand-crafted cocktails are mentioned specifically. One guest recommended Rick's Blue Jay Café nearby for breakfast if you're looking for additional options. The bar has a welcoming, convivial tiki-lounge atmosphere. Lunch and dinner are served daily (though hours may be reduced during winter months).


Seasons

When to visit

Summer (June–August). Peak season. Long Sands Beach is warm and busy. Lulu's is fully operational. Rooms with ocean views book earliest. Expect more families and groups. The weather is reliably warm, though bring a light layer for evenings.

Fall (September–October). Excellent season. Water is still swimmable early in the period. Crowds thin out post-Labor Day. The retro vibe of the hotel pairs well with coastal autumn light. One guest took a winter beach trip in March and said it was "still perfect" despite rain and snow.

Winter (November–February). Quiet and intimate. Hotel operates with reduced front-desk hours (check-in moves to the bar). The restaurant and bar remain open. This is when couples book anniversary trips. Beach walks are peaceful. One guest stayed New Year's Eve and called it "very nice."

Spring (March–May). Shoulder season. Unpredictable weather. Fewer guests. Good for travelers seeking solitude and a discounted rate. The beach begins to feel accessible again as temperatures climb.


Reviews

What guests say

"The bed and linens were very comfortable. Location right across from the beach."

  • Lisa, United States · Couple · 10/10

"It was cozy and warm and inviting. The staff was excellent. Food was great and drinks were amazing."

  • Toby, United States · Couple · 10/10

"Direct access to beach. View from room. I think you'll be pleased."

  • Rocco, United States · Couple · 9/10

"Rooms were gorgeous and clean. The staff was so wonderful and the on site restaurant was amazing!"

  • Rebecca, United States · Couple · 10/10

"Amazing staff. Super clean. Great ambiance and attention to detail. Perfect location."

  • James, United States · Couple · 10/10

"Not what we expected for a beach hotel. So beautiful and modern with a retro style. So welcoming at check-in. Hand crafted cocktails and delicious food."

  • Tanya, United States · Couple · 10/10

Most criticisms are minor and largely addressed. Window blinds have malfunctioned for some guests (the hotel is replacing them). A few guests noted noise from adjacent rooms or the bar downstairs during evening hours - something to discuss at check-in if quiet is essential. One guest flagged a refrigerator that made noise; another mentioned limited counter space in the bathroom. Two low scores (1 and 4 stars) involved reservation-handling issues and an unresolved ceiling leak - outliers in an otherwise consistent run of 8–10 ratings, though worth noting if you're booking a multi-night stay during heavy rain.


Location

Things to do nearby

  • Long Sands Beach - directly across the street · sandy, gentle, family-friendly · extends nearly two miles
  • Rick's Blue Jay Café - 10-minute walk · local breakfast favorite
  • Downtown York - 15-minute drive · shops, additional restaurants, galleries
  • Ogunquit Beach and town - 10-minute drive · larger resort town with boardwalk, shops, restaurants
  • Ogunquit Museum of American Art - 5.6 miles · contemporary and historical American art in a coastal setting
  • Ogunquit Playhouse - 6.2 miles · summer theater programming
  • Hiking trails - 10-minute drive to nearby trails mentioned in reviews; Bald Head Cliff and Mount Agamenticus are popular in the region
  • Portsmouth International Airport - 16 miles · easiest major airport for regional access
  • Cape Neddick Light ("Nubble Light") - 5 miles · iconic Maine lighthouse and scenic viewpoint

FAQ

Good to know

Is breakfast included? No. The on-site restaurant serves lunch and dinner. Rick's Blue Jay Café nearby is a recommended breakfast spot.

Is there beach access? Yes. The hotel sits directly across from Long Sands Beach. Guest reviews emphasize the direct access and the views from rooms.

Does the hotel have a pool? No. The focus is beach access. Beach chairs and umbrellas are provided.

What's the off-season check-in process? During winter months (November–February), the front desk operates with reduced hours. Check-in takes place at the bar. Guests report this works smoothly and feels efficient.

Are there rooms for families with children? Yes, the property welcomes families. Important: the hotel does not provide cribs or cots. Confirm your needs when booking if traveling with infants.

Can I get a room with an ocean view? Ocean-view rooms exist but availability varies by booking platform and season. Reserve directly with the hotel if a specific view is important.

Is the hotel accessible for guests with mobility needs? Yes. There is an elevator, wheelchair-accessible rooms, and grab rails in bathrooms. One guest recovering from spinal surgery called the accessibility "excellent."


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