Cape Arundel Inn & Resort

We decided to stay here last minute on our anniversary. The minute we walked in, it was so warm and inviting. The fireplace was lit, wine and cheese were laid out. We had an room with a gorgeous view of the ocean and the garden. It was so nice to be close to the main town center, yet far enough from all the traffic going through the center. Breakfast in the gorgeous dining room was perfect and our server was so sweet. She did a great job. We will stay there again if we are in the area.

We stayed here for one night about a week ago (just got back). A bit of background:- we were scheduled to arrive between 7:00 - 8:00 pm and had made a dinner reservation at Ocean accordingly. Unfortunately our flight into Logan was delayed, and when it became obvious there was no way we could make our dinner reservation I called the hotel to let them know we were unavoidably delayed. We eventually arrived a little after 9:00 pm and after checking in made our way to the restaurant/bar. The hotel had already arranged for a Charcuterie board for our room (v comfortable well appointed) since the kitchen closed at 9:00 pm. We decided to sit at the bar and first enjoy a drink after our 5+ hr flight and ~2 hr drive. The bartender was delightful and arranged with the kitchen staff to provide us with a couple of hors d'oeuvres, which took the edge off our somewhat stressful journey. In essence, we were made to feel very welcome, and the friendliness and understanding of the entire kitchen/bar staff quickly enabled us to relax and to put our day into perspective. If I had not already reserved a place in Acadia for the next few nights we would most definitely have been happy to stay and enjoy this wonderful property (and their staff) for a while longer. Thanks for making the start to our vacation so memorable - T&S.

I was a little hesitant to book here after reading a few reviews. I did a ton of research on the Kennebunkport hotels, but ultimately settled here. I am so glad that we did. We stayed in an ocean front bungalow with king, bed and fireplace and it was absolutely beautiful. We could not have asked for a more gorgeous view. The room was beautifully decorated with hardwood floors the bathroom, although a bit small was perfectly fine for a short stay. We had breakfast in the restaurant and the food was delicious as well as a gorgeous view while eating. The staff was very attentive. Anything we needed they brought right away. I am admittedly a hotel snob so this very much met my expectations. They do not offer to help you with your bags to your room upon check-in so just to note I had my husband and did not need any extra help but if you do it is not offered, maybe upon request. The only two things I would recommend is that there needs to be more than two towels put in the bathroom. Every hotel, including a Holiday Inn express gives you at least 4 towels . We requested more towels, and they did bring them immediately. The one other thing I would recommend is getting rid of the area rug in t the room. I had actually saw another person mention the rug in their review and they are right it is a bit stained and really takes away from the beautiful decor of the room. It is not needed. The hardwood floors are beautiful as well as the other furnishings in the room. I am an interior designer and it really does cheapen the look of the room.

I really wanted to like the Cape Arundel Inn, but there were definitely some issues on my recent 2 night stay. While it is a pretty location- it just felt like they did the absolute minimum. You had to ask for everything- water, where things were located, ice, towels, a fork, a pen, etc. It was the simple things that totally missed- no one even said “good morning” or acknowledged your existence. We paid $1400 a night for the bungalow which was just ok. The bed was very uncomfortable as others noted if that matters to you. Based on reviews my expectations were already low and went in knowing I was not going to get 5 star service even at that price point but was still let down a bit. We did have breakfast one day and that was delicious food and the waitress was kind and trying her best. The drinks on the front porch were nice too. Again it wasn’t terrible but you should just know what to expect. The location of the main property where we stayed was beautiful, but the other location (club house) did not look as nice. It had some nice amenities like lawn games and pool though. I think the club house is much cheaper to stay at, so for 1/3 the price I probably wouldn’t care about the lack of service which seemed to be lacking at both locations. While I still had a nice trip I wouldn’t be able to recommend this experience for the price- but if you lower your expectations and don’t care about the money it will be fine but do not “splurge” and expect 5 star treatment.

Beautiful location with great views that made for a peaceful comfortable stay. Helpful personnel. But I think my best memory of Cape Arundel Inn will be the watercolor class with Diane. They sent us home with a gift bag with chocolate covered blueberries and gummy lobsters!

The inn was a perfect place to propose to my now fiancé. Albert in concierge even took pictures for us! The inn offers incredible views and is very quiet and romantic. The pool at the Club house is also a great place to relax!

The inn has absolutely spectacular views (be sure to get an ocean view room). Every staff person was utterly lovely, helpful, and nice.||However. To pay over $900/ night for a small room this basic is not worth it. There's nothing luxurious about it. The bed itself was ok, but it barely fit in the room. Add poor lighting (we had to request a lamp, without which it was impossible to read). A shower, no bathtub. We had to request a dresser (no place to put folded clothes; they graciously provided one, but really. What hotel doesn't provided shelves to put clothing?) Add to that there's only one night table and outlet on one side of the bed (the room was too narrow for two. I had no way to leave a glass of water next to the bed or keep my phone plugged in and accessible. The furnishings are old and very worn. The TV doesn't have streaming options. RE Food: Worst cocktails we've ever ordered. Didn't try dinner. Breakfast (OK) is extra; at these rates it would be gracious to include it. So if you're willing to pay $900+ for the view of a lifetime, you won't be disappointed. Otherwise, you won't come back.

Fabulous location, but overrated and overpriced. I booked this Inn using points, otherwise we would not have stayed here due to the high cost of our room. The room was very nice, and we had a full view of the ocean. But rack rate in shoulder season…$600-plus? No, not worth that. The staff was helpful and cheerful. The breakfasts were very good. The dining room is gorgeous, with big windows looking out to the ocean. We had dinner once here, and would not recommend it except that it was convenient. Fixed price, three or four courses, incredibly over-priced average food. Aside from the scallop appetizer, the rest of the meal was so-so in my and my partner’s opinions. |In contrast, we had a fabulous meal at Chez Rosa in the town of Kennebunkport that cost less than half what we paid at the Arundel — with wine and desserts.

After reading many negative reviews about the Cape Arundel Inn Clubhouse, we arrived with trepidation. However, we were pleasantly surprised. The room was lovely and the grounds had a nice pool. The staff was very attentive. We did not find the Clubhouse old or shabby. While the accommodations are not fancy, they are clean and well-cared for. We enjoyed all of the the Inn's amenities and had a good time. I'm glad we went.

Careful when making a reservation. This is a bait and switch situation. The photos on their website show ocean front & ocean view rooms. You could end up like we did with an old musty room that is in major need of repairs 1/4 mile from the ocean at a separate remote property at a ocean front room rate. Learned the ownership is aware of this and they continue to run this scam.

Arrived and very disappointed. Was really looking forward to with all the great reviews and was happy I even got a room, until I arrived. At first glance the property is nice and the town is so cute. Then arriving at the room is another story. The older building is very dark and dingy. First impressions are important and the immediate odor released when I opened the door was not a good one. The rooms are good sizes but there is minimal air conditioning and the room is very old. The entire building needs major renovation and insulation. Too much money for what it is.

If you have ever stayed at the Old Fort Inn before, you are in for a very surprising, bittersweet experience. New owners have taken over and in our view stripped the Inn of its identity. Once a quintessential New England Bed & Breakfast, it is now like a sterile, chain-like hotel. The new owners ought to tell people what all they have done to this place, especially for those many repeat customers who have come over the years, such as us. We have been coming for twenty years, with our last visit 3 years ago. If only we had known of all the changes. Sadly, we won't be back. While the front desk clerk did note some of the changes, she tried to downplay it by saying, "See, we left the wooden walls in the main building." Yes they did, but our guess is the walls are silently weeping at the changes. Even in the carriage house where all the room are located, the long hallway has been made bare of decor and the rooms have had much of the antique furniture and accessories removed. No charm is left. The much looked forward to full buffet breakfasts are no more. Instead of freshly cooked entrees, breads, fresh fruit, local jams and preserves, and granolas, now one is faced with cold muffins, cold sweet breads, one dried out entree, and boxed cereals. Straight from the supermarket bagels, bread, and smuckers jelly are offered. Oh yes, then there is the processed lunch meats and cheese slices. Unlike before, eating breakfast is limited to the porch/patio area, and no longer is the great room used for eating and/or socializing. We stayed in a room at the end of the hall. Each morning we were greeted around 7:30 - 8 AM with an electric garage door opening and closing every 20 - 30 minutes or so, sometimes more frequently. The noise was loud, noticeable, and irritating enough to leave the room and stay gone. When we asked about it, we were simply told, "The staff have to work; we thought people are gone during the day."

I was extremely disappointed in this property. Upon arrival we were sent to a property off site that was a much older building. Did not have an elevator and no one to help carry luggage upstairs. Rooms were very old and needed updating. The front desk lady was very nice but the Housekkeeper was extremely rude and seemed very aggravated when I asked for an extra washcloth after running. The fire alarm went off in the room across the hall middle of the night and there is no one on site. Had to wait for maintenance for over 30 minutes before they came. They told us just to unplug it. Makes you wonder what the fire Marshall would say about that. The dinner was fantastic...one of the best I have ever eaten. However, at breakfast it took 20 minutes for anyone to come to our table and the service was very slow. Food was good but had to clear our own dishes(we had 4 people at our table and there was no room). We travel very often and this truly was one of our most disappointing stays. We had just left the Woodstock Inn in Vermont and it was a fabulous experience. Was hoping for the same here, but it did not happen.

Such an elegant, hidden gem in Kennebunkport! Conveniently located close to the beach and only 5 mins away from Kennebunkport, this B&B was everything we asked for to escape to a peaceful vacation from our busy city lives. The Old Fort Inn is much more peaceful than the others B&Bs and hotels around. The rooms are spacious and clean! The staff was so friendly and helpful! The pool is well maintained! What else could one ask for??? The Old Fort Inn is a Kennebunkport treasure! Perfect gateway location! We will most certainly be back!

We had a very nice stay at the Ivy Cottage (a 3-bedroom house on the Old Fort Inn property managed by the Inn). The house was nicely appointed and spotlessly clean. The staff was extremely helpful and friendly. They gave us great advice on things to see and do. The house is located in a quiet residential neighborhood away from the hustle of town. It was walkable to the beach, Walker's point and St. Ann's. The Inn runs a shuttle to and from the beach and another hotel (for breakfast), which was convenient. If you are considering staying in the Cottage with children, I would not recommend it. There is a steep, narrow staircase leading up to the second floor that even adults have to navigate with caution. There is an open landing on the second floor that a child could easily fall over. Also the front door doesn't lock from the inside, and my three year old almost escaped into the road when my back was turned. Additionally, the main part of the Inn is adults only, and we felt really uncomfortable using the pool, although we technically were allowed to. It was a quiet atmosphere and it's impossible to keep a kid quiet in the pool. We felt awkward. The front desk recommended going to a pool at a hotel up the street, which we ended up doing. It was inconvenient, but better than being the annoying people with a kid at the adults only pool. The cottage does have a wireless internet connection, but the signal is very weak and the connection was slow as a result. One day it didn't work at all. I think the main router is located in the inn, which is far from the cottage. Thankfully we didn't have to log in for work, but if we did it would have been a problem. The management should do something about this. One other criticism we had was the kitchen appliances, which were in working order, but old. The microwave was from 1983. Not sure is it's even safe to use because of radiation. Also the washer was ancient and kept needing to be reset mid-cycle. The management should consider replacing some of these, particularly because they charge so much to stay there (over $700 per night during the summer!). There were some negatives to the cottage, but we had a nice time overall.

We celebrated our anniversary here. The staff, rooms, pool and location were all perfect. This Inn is a hidden gem.

My wife and I stayed at this Inn a few years ago under the previous ownership. I have a friend from prep school who is good friends with the former owners and it was wonderful stay with what obviously felt like family, my friend even stopped by our last day and we all had a great time catching up. Today the Inn is in equally perfect condition, may be better managed as it is run by a professional woman with years of hospitality experience, and the breakfast was PERFECT. If you are staying in Kennebunkport , this is my first choice and I say this nervously because I don't ever want to call and be told that there are no vacancies when we want to stop by, as can happen with places very highly rated on TripAdvisor. This Inn is beautifully maintained, cleaned, decorated, managed, landscaped, everything is in perfect order for a night or two away. It will meet the strictest standards of the most discerning travelers and, it all comes with the very pleasing attitude of its manager Mindy and her wonderful staff.

We stayed at the Old Fort Inn years ago and it was one of our best memories of that vacation. It broke our heart that we needed to cancel our trip this year due to health issues but they were so accomodating to us. Lovely place to stay.