The Dunes on the Waterfront

My partner and I had a magical getaway at The Dunes. From the moment we arrived, everything felt peaceful and welcoming. We stayed in a water view cottage and waking up to the sunrise over the water each morning from our patio was absolutely breathtaking. The staff were so friendly and made the experience feel even more special. Each afternoon, we loved taking the cabana boat down to the beach—it was the perfect way to relax and soak up the serene atmosphere. In the evenings, gathering around the fire pit added such a cozy, thoughtful touch. We felt especially lucky to enjoy the stunning pool during our September stay—it was still warm enough to lounge and swim, and the setting was gorgeous. Overall, The Dunes offered the perfect mix of comfort, beauty, and tranquility. We couldn’t have asked for a better vacation.

Dunes on the Waterfront is pure magic…a gorgeous slice of heaven that feels like stepping back in time to a place you never knew existed. Everything about this property radiates warmth, care, and timeless charm. Each morning begins with hot coffee, delicious pastries, and a peaceful view that simply can’t be matched. Even the soaps and self-care items smell divine. Truly every detail is so thoughtfully curated. The décor is top-tier, blending coastal elegance with cozy comfort, and the view of the water is nothing short of breathtaking. A very special thank you to Katie, the manager, who made my wedding weekend unforgettable. She went above and beyond, upgrading us to the Sandcastle, where I truly felt like a princess. We even took their boat down the river to my ceremony… it was absolutely stunning and straight out of a dream. I can’t recommend Dunes on the Waterfront enough. It’s not just a place to stay! It is an experience, a feeling, a moment in time you’ll never want to leave. I can’t wait to return.

My husband and I stayed at the Dunes On the Waterfront for 5 days. It was a wonderful and relaxing vacation! The grounds, river, beach, and sunrises all beautiful. Relaxing in the porch was peaceful looking at the water and the grounds. The front staff were welcoming, helpful and friendly. We had a problem with the lock on the door and we went to the front desk, they came to the cottage and saw that the lock was broken and sent for a locksmith who arrived within minutes and fixed/replaced the lock. Great and quick service!|There are plenty of nice restaurants within walking distance from the Dunes. The Lobster Pound Restaurant, which was recommended by the Dunes - is a five minute walk from the grounds, it was great!|The whole experience at the Dunes was fantastic from the moment we arrived until the day that we left. Highly recommend the Dunes when visiting Maine/Ogunquit! We can't wait to go back! Thank you Dunes!

First time visit to The Dunes and it was great despite the blustery weather. The warm hospitality and little touches included a hot thermos of coffee, local pastries and The NY Times newspaper every morning was a joy to look forward to. The fireplace, lots of sunlight, amenities including s’mores at the fire pit and hot apple cider in the afternoons at the Lodge. A shout out to Lynn for her help, warmth and friendliness during our stay!!

Our stay absolutely wonderful! The cottage was so cozy and comfortable, including the most incredible bed. From the bathroom amenities to the morning coffee delivery, every detail of my stay felt thoughtful and well taken care of. Everyone I interacted with went out of their way to be helpful and kind, and it really made the stay feel special. I will always recommend this property to anyone visiting Maine!

My husband and I brought our kids here for the first couple of days of our fall break. We had never been to Maine but heard great things about Ogunquit. As soon as we checked in we already couldn’t wait to come back. This property is pristine and the little details, cleanliness and the friendliness of the staff are truly what make this a 5 star property. From the welcome champagne and cookies, to the complimentary snacks and drinks, to the morning delivery breakfast bag with coffee and pastries, this place runs like a well oiled machine. We had unseasonably warm weather for early October and my kids loved the pool and sitting at the bonfire at night enjoying the s’mores! Had we stayed longer I would have loved to take the little boat across the river at High Tide to check out the beach. Can’t wait to come back! Highly, highly, highly recommend. :)

Magical! My 2nd weekly stay; i shall be returning in 2026 for another week! The Dunes team are effortlessly efficient & wonderful! The cottages are beautifully appointed, the setting is sublime & I arrive over the top stressed and depart restored! There aren't enough adjectives to describe The Dunes property and how wonderful the team is!! The Dunes Team is the magical "pixie dust" to ensure an extraordinarily restorative stay!

Stayed here on a vacation with our family. The cabin exceeded our expectations. The view was incredible and the decor was gorgeous. The daily pastries and coffee were delicious - a really nice touch. And the staff was super helpful. We can’t wait to come back.

AMAZING! I have no words. We had the most wonderful stay here. They think about every detail. The cottage was just beautiful and so cozy. The location is insane. You're by the water and it's a quick 10 minute walk to the beach (when it's low tide). They have paddle boards, kayaks and you can even go on the pontoon when it's high tide. This is by far the best hotel we stayed at.

Don't be fooled... the positive reviews on here are from 4,5 even 9 years ago before new management ABSOLUTELY DESTROYED this gem of a generational vacation spot. My husband, sons and I had been going to the dunes for 8 years as returning customers to our cottage at the dunes. it was what everyone in our family always looked forward to. Both of my sons could not wait to take our yearly family trip. it was our forever spot, where we envisioned our family generations going every summer. When my oldest went to college he would still come to the dunes, even flying from his internship in California out to our yearly two week dunes vacation because, yes, it was that special. I can't understate that it was an absolutely magnificent place, untouched by corporate greed, a little family operation. The only thing to mark the property was an un-assuming wooden sign, small and simple but well done - just like the dunes. if you went fast enough on the bustling touristy road you would miss it. beyond the threshold of pines that shield your view to this little ideal world, are incredible ocean views, simple little cottages, green grass, and lots of space, it was a simple little paradise. the dunes was simple, elegant and already expensive. now imagine 2x the cost and you get the idea. what used to be around 8,000usd for a two week stay ( and a full kitchen) is now around 20,000$ (with no kitchen)........ absolutely insane. whats more disappointing is the rebranding of the property as some luxury cottage getaway when the original architecture and entire feel WAS ALREADY MORE GENUINE than this rebrand!!! The whole idea of the dunes cottages were things are simple, like going back in a time machine, units aren't about new interior renovations and luxury finishes. its about time to connect with family outdoors, get away to a simpler time and remember what truly matters. shame on new ownership - truly commercialism at its finest. Well done management, you lost an 8 year returning client, and just know, we have since visited and this place lost what made it special.

Like many other former guests of the Dunes, we also came with our dog for the past 5 or 6 years. We would stay in our 'favorite' cottage and always book-ended our summer with a stay in June and again in early September to celebrate our Anniversary. We loved our stay at the quaint cottages, owned and operated by the previous family owners and friendly staff. It was always an annual highlight for us. We received a call in early 2024 informing us that it was under new ownership. Not only could we not bring our beloved dog, but if we chose to return, the prices would be increased 3 to 4 times what we were paying all these years. We had already left a deposit in June '23 to return in June '24 and were told the rates we booked our deposit under would not be honored. It was a shockingly "all business" attitude, with seemingly no regard for customer loyalty. How disappointing. After perusing so many reviews from fellow, past guests, it was so disheartening to read that kitchens and porches were removed. Part of the magic of our cottage stay was to wake up on a sunny morning and make a wonderful breakfast to be enjoyed on our porch before we started the day. And how disheartening to know that former Dunes guests from years past were so abruptly dismissed, all to make room for a new clientele with much deeper pockets. What took the original Dunes' family years to build has been so sadly extinguished.

Great service. Beautiful settings. Friendly staff. Great location. So many amenities!

New ownership has killed the soul of The Dunes. Turned it into a commodified, totally inauthentic, sanitized caricature of what it originally was. We've stayed here for years and loved the relaxed vibe, the location, family owned, family friendly - you could stay in a solo cottage or they had suites in the other rambling old buildings. It was heaven. That is no more. Now it's insanely expensive and the suites are gone. They basically said to all the old clientele who kept the business alive for decades....we don't need you. Influencers and rich people only from now on.

We have been going to the Dunes for years with our dog. The reason we have gone to the Dunes over other places in Ogunquit (and there are a lot of NICE places in Ogunquit) was because it's very dog-friendly and family-friendly. All of that has changed due to the new owner. We received a phone call late last month (Jan. 2024) that dogs are no longer allowed under the new ownership. We had already put a deposit down to return once again this October, and they wanted to let us know that our dog is no longer allowed. Also, apparently because the rates have greatly increased, people aren't welcome there either unless they're the 1%. Shame on the new ownership. They have ruined what was a great place for years for so many families. (And dogs are part of the family.) I would ignore any Dunes on the Waterfront review prior to 2024. That's before the new owner took over.

Was a 5 star rating from me as we've been going for over 40 years but received call that our cabin went from just under $700 per night to $2900 PER NIGHT!!!. New owner is changing everything and we've talked to a lot of our friends and NO ONE is going back.

The best place to stay in Ogunquit. Take a drive back in time to feel the vibe of a vacation camp. The individual houses are great. Some have fireplaces. Some look out over the water. Not a typical hotel (thank goodness!). When we come to Maine this is where we stay

What a treat it was to stay at 'The Dunes on the Waterfront' a few weekends ago for our 1 year anniversary. The Dunes gave us a complimentary bottle of champagne and nice accommodations for our 2 month old and two dogs. It felt extremely clean and Covid safe. Walking distance to lots of shopping and restaurants.!we'd definitely go back and bring family with us!!

Don't believe the description of the guests rooms. Aside from the high price, they are nothing more than a very small and cheap motel room. You sit there and look out over the parking lot and envy the people in the cottages and wonder why you feel like a third class guest. Don't was your time and money on the guest rooms. The owners should be ashamed for even offering such a misleading description of these rooms.

My family and I have been visiting Ogunquit for almost 20 years and we finally found our forever location. The Dunes is the secret gem of Ogunquit! We had cabin 3 right on the corner of the property. Not only was the view spectacular, but you have everything at your fingertips. My family and I love the outdoors, kayaking, hiking, and to have the ability to walk to the ocean and enjoy those activities without leaving the property was priceless. I only put shoes on when we decided to go out for dinner in town (yes, that's a major perk for me)! The cabin felt like a cottage, with super cozy beds, hardwood floors, and a fully functional kitchen. You can see the water from every window and I cannot say enough of about the screened in porch. That was the best! Having coffee every morning, playing cards at night, all while listening to the waves and watching the sun rise and set. The location is within walking distance of great restaurants, the center of Ogunquit, and of course the trolley has a stop right at then end of their steet. This place is a must stay!!! We are already planning our next stay at the Dunes. I cannot recommend them enough.

We stayed here on possibly the best late September I can remember weather wise. The property is beautifully maintained. They have plenty of open space between the cottages, so although there was no vacancy, it was still very quiet and peaceful. We could see the sunrise over the dunes. I would definitely stay here again.

I stayed here over the weekend, and I was very satisfied with the room. We paid $95/night for Fri, Sat and Sun nights. At the Dunes you have two different options for your accommodations. You can either stay in one of the cute little guest cottages which include kitchens and living rooms and separate bedrooms, or you can stay in the guest rooms. We chose to stay in the guest room because there were only two of us. Our guest room was on the first floor of a two story building, room 1C. The room was very small, but very clean. The bed was very comfortable, although the pillows were a little too soft for me. There was a separate room with a sink, small fridge and coffee machine, and then the stand up shower and toilet were in a separate little room off of that. The shower was really small, there wasn't enough room for me to shave my legs. But they had good water pressure and nice hot water. My only major complaint about this hotel is that the walls are very thin. We were on the first floor and could hear everything the people upstairs were doing. I will definitely request a room on the 2nd floor if I stay here again. I also wish that we were closer to the downtown area. It was a good mile and a half walk to downtown. It wasn't a bad walk, and we didn't really have to deal with parking too much because it wasn't the busy tourist season, but I still would've preferred to be closer. But I think I would stay here again because the prices were very reasonable and it was so clean and well-maintained.

We loved staying here in summer 2015. Great location near downtown, but in a bit quieter area just a little north. Charming property with plenty of open space and friendly staff at the front desk. The small swimming pool is good for kids.

Nice relaxing place to get away. Nice scenery and good service. You have a good amount of privacy. Nice to look out at the water. Well kept.

Quaint cabins, beautiful grounds and a quiet place to call home base. The staff is friendly and helpful. We found that extended families come here to have reunions and spend time together.

The Dunes is Beautiful, relaxing, a great family location. Lots to do...and the cabins are amazing! The cabins are spread out you would never know other families are around. Pool is perfect, heated we cannot say enough about this property. If you have not stayed here... you do not know what you are missing!!!

The Dunes is wonderful! I don't know when I have stayed any place with such attention to detail, cleanliness, and service. Their commitment to their guests is to be applauded. The cottage was perfect, charming and comfortable. My family was only able to stay for three days after my daughter's graduation from Harvard last week, but we can't wait to return. We would love to stay for two weeks in early June next year and can only hope that Cottage 8 will be available. We felt so at home there! We can't wait for next June! Patrice C. Tulsa, Oklahoma

First trip to Maine and Ogunquit and this was a fantastic place to stay. The property has cottages and some adjoined "motel" like rooms. Tons of space for the kids to run around, and right on the ocean with just a short walk across the "river" to the beach. Pretty good location as you can walk to town without too much effort, about a half mile from heart of it. Lobster restaurant right next door! Would definitely return if we go to the area again.

I stayed here for one night with my dad for father's day. The pictures do not do this place justice! We were treated very kindly, and were greeted with smiles and a beautiful, clean cottage. I would highly recommend the Dunes to anyone looking for a quiet getaway. The staff was also kind enough to let us park there even after we had checked out! I will be back!

The Dunes on the Waterfront is a wonderful place. It is filled with a carefree magic, reminiscent of childhoods past. The staff is great. The grounds are gorgeous. The cottages are cozy and sweet, and look like 1930's bungalows. I love it here and go with my family every summer. It is warm and lovely, and fills me with peace and tranquility! Thank you Perkins Family!

Terrific vacation spot. Stunning water-front property, clean rooms, friendly & responsive staff, great amenities (heated swimming pool, complimentary coffee and pastries in the beautiful office, basketball, row boats, shuffle board, maid service, etc. etc.), and even the other guests were friendly too! Located on the tidal river overlooking the ocean, and you can walk (or row!) to the beach. The beach is clean and water crystal clear and not too cold in August - I swam every day. Favorite memories are watching the sunrise and sunset from the Dunes' adirondak chairs overlooking the water. A dream! Plus, Ogunquit town center is an easy walk and full of great restaurants and shops. Highly recommend for a beach vacation!

Wonderfully peaceful and gorgeous setting. Beautiful vista of the ocean. The lawn area is wide and dotted with adirondack chairs make for a great afternoon of reading and listening to the waves. Our room was very clean and had great view of the waterfront. Our guest room had a small refrigerator and coffee maker that was ver convenient. The staff were very friendly and helpful. We would definitely stay there again.

My family and I had a great time at the Dunes and would recommend to absolutely anyone. Classy, clean, peaceful-the quintessential Maine spot away from the Rt. 1 clamor. I'd be really hard-pressed to think of anything else they could do to make the stay even better....I'm pretty hard to please and I travel a lot - their attention to details and all of the "little things" seem to be exceptional.

I can't say enough of how pleased we were with The Dunes. This was our first time there and visiting the Ogunquit area. The cottage (#17) we had, was just fantastic, 1 bedroom, fireplace on living area, great kitchen and even an oven. Beautiful view, and just out of the way enough but close enough for a quick walk to town. The staff was very welcoming and helpful for the few things/questions of the area we had. We will be back!!

We have just returned from The Dunes on the Waterfront. What a magical 2 days we had. The place is an absolute jewel. The setting is beautiful, the staff is incredibly helpful and the cottage we stayed in was absolutely charming.We will return in September because it was such a restorative experience. We have been to Ogunquit before but never found place we wanted to return to.....The Dunes is a wonderful experience .

My friends and I visited "The Dunes" for a girls weekend in October and it was amazing! The staff was beyond accommodating. We rowed boats, played croquet and dined at many wonderful places at the suggestion of "The Dunes" staff. The rooms were extremely clean and comfortable and the location, right on the water was unbelievable! We hope to return again.