PEI to Burlington VT stop

Question

In September will be driving from PEI via bay of Fundy trail (which we would have already seen but I thought if we’d missed anything we would get a second chance going this way) then staying a night somewhere before driving straight through to Burlington, VT.

Bangor ME looked good timing wise but the hotels are US$250. Is there somewhere better to stay which is more reasonably priced? It will be a saturday night unfortunately, in September.

Answer

It sounds like you have a lovely road trip planned from PEI through the Bay of Fundy! When it comes to stopping in Maine, especially on a Saturday night in September, it’s understandable that hotel prices in Bangor might be on the higher side. I can recommend a few alternative places to stay that are both affordable and offer a good base for your drive to Burlington, VT.

1. Brewer, ME (Just outside Bangor)

Brewer is a small town right across the river from Bangor and often offers more affordable hotel options, especially on weekends. You’ll still be close to Bangor and have easy access to I-95 for your onward journey. Here are a few options:

Quality Inn Bangor Airport – This hotel is located just outside of Bangor, offering a convenient and more budget-friendly alternative. It's close to the airport, with a free airport shuttle, and you can find rooms at a lower price compared to downtown Bangor. They also offer a comfortable stay with free breakfast.
Brewer Motor Inn – A more affordable, no-frills option, Brewer Motor Inn offers basic accommodations at a reasonable rate. It's about a 10-minute drive to downtown Bangor, so you won’t be far from restaurants and other amenities.

2. Orono, ME (University Town)

If you’re willing to drive just a little further, Orono, home to the University of Maine, offers additional accommodations and may have lower hotel rates. The town is charming, and it would also provide a good spot to stretch your legs before continuing your journey.

Black Bear Inn & Conference Center – A comfortable and affordable option in Orono, it offers cozy rooms and is a short drive from Bangor. Orono is also a quieter and less touristy option, so hotel prices here may be a little more reasonable.
Ramada by Wyndham Bangor – Located in Orono, this hotel is often priced lower than the more central Bangor hotels and has a convenient location with easy access to the interstate.

3. Stillwater, ME (Near the Bangor area)

If you’re looking for a quieter, smaller town, Stillwater, located just to the northeast of Bangor, can be a great stop. While not as developed as Bangor, it’s still close enough to the city to make it easy to explore during your stay.

The Stillwater Inn – A quiet and affordable option, this inn offers basic amenities in a relaxing setting. It's a great spot for those looking for something a bit more off the beaten path but still close enough to Bangor for convenience.

4. Alternative Stops Further South:

If you’re willing to drive a bit further before stopping for the night, there are other charming Maine towns with more affordable accommodations along the I-95 corridor:

Augusta, ME – About an hour south of Bangor, Augusta, the state capital, offers a good selection of budget-friendly hotels. While it’s a bit farther off your route, it might be a great option for a quieter and more affordable stop.
Waterville, ME – Located a bit south of Augusta, Waterville is a smaller town with a good selection of reasonably priced accommodations. The town is charming, and you could take a quick walk around before getting back on the road.

Things to Keep in Mind:

Booking ahead might help you secure better rates for your stopover, especially since it’s a Saturday night in September.
If you're looking for a less expensive but still comfortable stay, try looking into motels or budget chains like Best Western, Comfort Inn, or Super 8 in these towns, as they tend to offer competitive prices for short stays.

Enjoy your trip to Burlington and have a great time exploring Maine on your way! Hopefully, one of these options will be a good fit for your budget and schedule.