Harborage inn or smugglers cove inn

Question

Hello!

We are planning a trip to Maine for 5 nights for the second week of September. I’m a yearly visitor to the round pond/ Bristol area with friends who own a house there, but rarely visit with my husband. We are spending a few nights at the Inn at Oceans Edge in Lincolnville, and plan to head up to Acadia one of the days. We also want to spend a couple of nights in boothbay. Pickings are limited at this point and we are deciding between the Harborage Inn and Smugglers Cove. We are in our 50s, love to hike and kayak and want clean and updated with an ocean view. What would everyone suggest if deciding between the two?

Thank you!

Answer

Both the Harborage Inn and Smugglers Cove Inn are excellent choices for a Boothbay Harbor stay, especially for travelers in their 50s who enjoy hiking, kayaking, and ocean views. Your choice will depend on the type of experience you prefer, the specific amenities you value, and the style of the property.

The Harborage Inn is a well-known, boutique-style hotel situated right on the water with stunning ocean views. It has a modern, updated feel while still maintaining a cozy, New England charm. Many rooms offer private balconies or large windows with views of the harbor, which makes it perfect if ocean scenery is a priority. It also has amenities like an on-site restaurant and easy access to local kayaking, boat tours, and nearby hiking trails. Being centrally located in Boothbay Harbor, it’s convenient for walking to shops, galleries, and the harbor area.

Smugglers Cove Inn is smaller and more intimate, with a classic Maine inn feel. It offers ocean views from select rooms and a quieter, more secluded atmosphere compared to the Harborage. While it may not have as modern an interior as the Harborage, many guests appreciate its charm, clean accommodations, and the sense of privacy it provides. It’s also close enough to the harbor to enjoy kayaking and local hikes, but it feels a bit more tucked away.

Here are some points to consider for your decision:

Harborage Inn: Modern and updated, excellent ocean views from most rooms, convenient central location in Boothbay Harbor, on-site dining, lively harbor area.
Smugglers Cove Inn: Smaller, more intimate, classic Maine inn charm, quieter and more secluded, clean and comfortable rooms, some ocean views, slightly more private feel.

If you prioritize contemporary comfort, easy access to restaurants and shops, and spectacular harbor views, the Harborage Inn may be the better choice. If you prefer a quieter, cozier experience with a classic Maine inn vibe and don’t mind a slightly less modern aesthetic, Smugglers Cove would be ideal.

Given your interests in hiking and kayaking, both inns provide good access to the surrounding natural areas. Harborage may be slightly more convenient for walking to kayaking rentals and harbor activities, while Smugglers Cove offers a peaceful retreat after a day of exploring.

Overall, if you want a balance of modern comfort, ocean views, and convenience in Boothbay Harbor, the Harborage Inn would likely be the best fit for your 50s couple getaway. If your priority is a more intimate, quiet, and charming Maine inn experience, choose Smugglers Cove.