Cheap Sleeps: Down East, budget-friendly lodging on the way Down East Maine Coast

Once you pass the Acadia region, prices drop significantly, but if you’re seeking true budget lodging on the Maine Coast, accommodations that provide character, are clean, and pass my sniff test, then check into these inexpensive lodgings.

Pleasant Bay Bed & Breakfast, Addison

How cool is this? Stay at Leon and Joan Yeaton’s rural, waterfront B&B, and for $15, you can take a llama for a morning walk. Pleasant Bay B&B doubles as a 110-acre llama farm, raising pet, breeding stock, and guard llamas. The modern, elongated cape has just four guest rooms, all with peaceful water views and Wifi. Downstairs is plenty of living space, including decks overlooking the Pleasant River and Pleasant Bay.

Blueberry Patch Motel, Jonesboro

For inexpensive digs, you can’t beat this clean and bright motel and tourist cabins, with three efficiency units. All have been nicely updated. Frills include air-conditioning, satellite TV, Wifi, inroom phones, and even an outdoor pool. A continental breakfast is included, but there’s a restaurant next door if want something more. One hint: If you’re taller than 6 feet, opt for the motel instead of the cabins—bathrooms in the latter are tiny.

Milliken House B&B, Eastport

Eastport is actually an island, tethered to the mainland by a causeway from Pleasant Point. In recent years, artist studios and galleries have brought new life to the downtown, which edges tidal wonder Passamquoddy Bay. Just two blocks up from the waterfront is The Milliken House, built as a grand private home in 1846. The interior drips with Victorian architectural embellishments and furnishings. Nods to the present include private bathrooms, TV in the double living room, and Wifi throughout. Rates include a huge breakfast in the formal dining room. Kids are welcome.

The Lakeside Country Inn and Cabins, Princeton

Set back from Route 1 and edging Lewy Lake, in the Grand Lakes region, The Lakeside caters to anglers, but it makes a fine stop for unfussy travelers who value a comfy bed and a lakefront location at a very reasonable price. Only two rooms in the main inn have private bathrooms, but almost all have at least a sink in the room. Also on the premises are cabins, many fronting right on the lake—also a good deal, but require a 3-day minimum. Amenities include a hot tub, games room with pool table, rental motor boats, free use of canoes and paddleboats, and, of course, lake access. American Plan-—breakfast, box lunch, and dinner—for all guests, and B&B for inn guests, are available.