Finding cheap sleeps in Maine’s Western Lakes & Mountains region is easier than on the coast. Accommodations here tend to be less expensive and less fussy and frilly. Whether you’re oohing and aahing at the foliage; skiing at Sunday River or Sugarloaf, snowmobiling in Rangeley; antiques shopping in Cornish; visiting Bates College in Lewiston; or touring the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Community and Poland Spring, there are decent rooms for less—often far less—than $100 per night, with rates usually including breakfast. Here are my picks for budget-friendly lodging in western Maine. (Updated March 8, 2024)
Three Stanley Guesthouse, Kingfield
This antiques-filled Victorian (built by Bayard Stanley, younger brother of the famed Steamer twins) has three first-floor guestrooms with private baths and three second-floor rooms sharing two baths. It’s all very welcoming, with comfortable wicker chairs on the front porch and a traditional gazebo (ex-bandstand) in the backyard. Don’t expect anything fussy or frilly, and there is no public space, but the location is ideal, and room rates begin at $80.
Hostel of Maine, Carrabassett Valley
The former Nestlewood B&B reopened in 2018 as the Hostel of Maine, offering cheap sleeps at the base of Sugarloaf. Choose from family rooms, private rooms, and bunk rooms, with the latter qualifying as a cheap sleep. All are paneled with real pine. There’s also a nice fireplace; ideal for warming cold tootsies after skiing or riding. The hostel, located just off Route 27 near Hugs Restaurant, is on the Sugarloaf shuttle route, which makes skiing easy. A continental breakfast is included. Summer rates from $49 in a bunk room and from $149 in a private room.
Paws Inn, Bethel
Carolyn Bailey extends a welcoming hand (and paw) to those traveling with pooches. Two second-floor guest rooms are equipped with dog beds and/or crates. Other dog amenities include a fenced yard and barn play areas, and plentiful doggie snacks and love. You only need to bring food for your dog. Dog-sitting is available. Carolyn prepares a generous continental breakfast and guests have kitchen privileges. Read more about it on my dog-friendly review page. Find it two miles south of Bethel. Rates begin at $110 in summer, $115 in winter, and include breakfast and your dog.
Bethel Village Motel, Bethel
For clean, cheap, and convenient, check into this cheery motel, with a smack downtown, walk-to-everything location behind Ruthie’s boutique. Rooms are pleasantly decorated, and all have a/c, TV, fridge, and Wi-Fi. Rates from $95.
Jeremiah Mason Bed & Breakfast, Limerick
Here’s a real budget find. The handsome, brick, Greek Revival-style home, built by a wealthy banker in 1859, retains the elegance of a bygone era. Spacious, antiques-accented rooms have chandeliers, marble fireplaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Rates include a full breakfast. Some private bathrooms are detached, and the least expensive rooms share a full bath. This is an excellent cheap sleeps location for autumn foliage fans. Rates from $133.
Poland Spring Resort, Poland Spring
For inexpensive digs with few services, check in here. Rooms are split between the Maine Inn, Presidential Inn, Lodge, and cottages. Packages that include buffet-style breakfast provide the biggest bang for the buck. Facilities include an on-site pool, an 18-hole Donald Ross championship golf course, a driving range, a pool, and frequent entertainment. The Poland Museums edge the premises. Not for everyone, but a reliable, cheap sleep for non-fussbudgets. Peak season rates from $129 (but check out the packages for the best deals).
More budget-friendly hotels in Maine:
These Maine inns look so good I want to stay in every one of them.
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