Smuggler's Cove Inn in East Boothbay, Maine

Smuggler's Cove Inn sits right on the water in a secluded cove about ten minutes from downtown Boothbay Harbor. It's a seasonal, family-run spot where the owners and staff genuinely seem to care about your stay. Rooms are clean and comfortable with water views, and the included breakfast spreads are substantial. You get the use of kayaks, paddleboards, a rowboat, and a heated pool without extra charge.

• Included breakfast with many options, including gluten-free choices.
• Waterfront location with direct kayak and paddleboard access.
• Attentive staff and owner who go above and beyond.
• On-site restaurant with consistently good quality food.

The breakfast buffet is the main draw here. Regulars pile plates with scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, bacon, and fresh fruit. Pancakes, French toast, pastries, and bagels round out the spread. The restaurant itself serves dinner, though reviews focus more on the quality and care than specific dishes.

The inn has a quiet, peaceful feel right on the water. Mornings are calm with water views; evenings bring sunsets and a fire pit where guests gather if they want company.

This is for people who want quiet mornings and sunsets over the water without driving into town every night. The restaurant serves quality food, and if you've got dietary needs, they work with you. Families who've been coming back for years keep booking the same rooms.

Guests return year after year, calling it one of their favorite places to stay. They praise the owners' genuine hospitality, the clean rooms with water views, and the included amenities that make you feel looked after. One recent visitor said the staff takes "such pride in their place."