"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe?You'll find old school New England decor in a 1850 Greek Revival. Wood-burning fireplaces and antiques at nearly every turn, and lush, technicolor gardens. The cozy, relaxed elegance of The Haraseeket sits in contrast to the energy of Freeport's well-known shopping center, yet it's just a two-minute walk away. What's the backstory?It's refreshing to see a top-level property that hasn't been sold to a hotel chain. It's owned by the inimitable Nancy Dyer Gray—now in her 80s, she's won countless hospitality awards and is a champion and pioneer of Maine tourism—and her family, including her grandchildren. Their personal dedication is evident in details throughout the hotel and you see it in the staff, and their connection to the regulars who visit from inside and outside of the state. (Many of the employees have worked for the hotel for more than two decades.) Tell us all about the rooms. Any tips on what to book?Like many of the 82 rooms at The Haraseeket, ours had a Federal-style wooden bed with a draped quarter canopy and a wood-burning fireplace. Appointments are well maintained—like the richly colored Persian rugs, oversized Jacuzzi tub in a bathroom covered with delicate floral wallpaper, and blanket throws woven at local mills. Rooms like this are found in both the main section and the pet-friendly Carriage House. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi?It's included in all the room rates and works well in every room on the property. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at?Maine Harvest is the property's more formal option, and Chef Troy Mains's menu is one of the reasons the restaurant is a destination for locals and those staying at nearby hotels. He serves New England dishes that borrow from Continental traditions and a few contemporary flavors, like the pan-roasted halibut with lemon-sesame miso and wild mushroom toast on brioche with raclette. If the lobster stew with chives is available, don't miss it. Meanwhile, over in the Broad Arrow Tavern, things get notably more casual. There are no reservations and the brick-oven pizzas and epic all-you-can-eat daily lunch buffet are the biggest draws. In the fall and winter, its hunting and fishing lodge-inspired decor exudes cozy charm, and in the summer, try to grab a table on the outdoor patio. All rooms booked directly with the hotel include a breakfast buffet with everything from house-made (and extremely popular) granola to fresh-made frittatas. How was the service? The pleasant and personable service is easily one of the nicest things about The Harraseeket. With a staff full of people who have worked here for decades, the Inn has an unusually warm, authentically caring approach to welcoming guests, and takes clear satisfaction in making sure they're comfortable and happy. That can be seen in everything from greetings guests who've been coming back for years by name to making sure guests find their cars in the parking lot after a big dinner. What type of travelers will you find here?The majority of Haraseeket guests return year after year—to hike and fly fish in the summer, snowshoe in the winter, and shop in Freeport. Weddings and corporate retreats are common on the property too. But there's a certain wholesomeness that's a little old fashioned afoot here, in a way that’s missed these days in many upscale establishments. And the clientele both appreciates and reflects that quality. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene?The Haraseeket fits in perfectly on its stretch of Main Street. Set ever so slightly apart from the town's renowned retail shops (it's an extremely short walk away) it looks more like a large and refined home than a looming resort or hotel. Any other hotel features worth noting?Between the free parking, the complimentary afternoon tea by the fireplace, the heated indoor pool and outdoor fire pit, the fantastic locavore breakfast that's included in your room rate, the beautiful garden and nearly immediate access to Freeport's shops, there's plenty to set this property apart. But at the end of the day, the personal service from the entire staff may be the most special amenity it has. Bottom line: Worth it?100 percent worth it. For its bevy of perks and unusual touches, but mostly its personal charm." - Alexandra Hall
