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Kennebunkport Maine Bed and Breakfast Accommodations and Cottages

Posts Tagged ‘budget travel’

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Midweek Maine Vacations

Monday, August 9th, 2010

It’s hard to believe that it’s August already, and for many people the pressure’s on to sneak in that Maine Summer Vacation.  And in a time when everyone is searching for the most bang for their buck, consider taking a mid-week jaunt up to Kennebunkport Maine.  The perks extend well past lower rates at our Kennebunkport bed and breakfast.

So here are my top five reasons to visit the Maine Stay Sunday through Thursday:

  1. Other guests – because the “hurry up and relax” attitude is much less prevalent during the week, guests at the Maine Stay Inn and Cottages linger over breakfast, socialize at tea time, and generally enjoy one another’s company, which, after all is a great perk of staying in a Maine bed and breakfast.
  2. Smaller crowds – locals flock to town on the weekends, as do day trippers, meaning that the shops, streets, and beaches are comparatively cleared out during the week. Looking to frolic in the surf?  There’s no better time than a late Sunday afternoon swim on the Kennebunk beaches – parking’s a breeze and the view’s as stunning as ever!
  3. Restaurants – hate to wait?  Reservations are easy to come by, waits are shorter, and most offer mid-week dining deals.  (Check out On the Marsh’s Wednesday night prix fixe special.)  The same goes for outdoor activities like the Schooner Eleanor, kayak rentals, and horse-drawn carriage rides.
  4. Personal attention – if you’re looking for some one-on-one time to make your Maine vacation extra special, don’t think twice about booking your reservation during the week.  The laid back atmosphere that permeates Sundays through Thursdays allows us to spend more time getting to know you, the guest, and how best to customize your stay.
  5. Lodging –  not only are rates lower on weekday nights, but you’re more likely to snag that favorite room or suite!

So book your reservations today at the Maine Stay Inn, your favorite Maine bed and breakfast – see you soon!

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When Nothing But Chinese Will Do

Saturday, July 31st, 2010

While I refuse to believe there is such a thing as “too much lobster,” sometimes you just have to have Chinese.  I had one of those nights recently and headed out from our Kennebunkport bed and breakfast in search of the perfect place to satisfy my craving.

Driving down Route 1, a Japanese maple leaf caught my attention.  Just 5 miles from the Maine Stay Inn – could it be?  Maple Leaves Garden, a Chinese and Japanese restaurant and bar, isn’t much to look at, but I ventured inside.  The lack of cars out front wasn’t promising, but I took a gamble.  And, boy, did it pay off!

Although I was hankering for some traditional Chicken with Broccoli, I started with a miso soup.  I had to try something from their Japanese selection, right? (Rationalizing when it comes to food is one of my specialties.)  The miso was cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of seaweed and firm silken tofu.  Next came the chicken and broccoli I had been craving.  The broccoli had been steamed just right, brilliantly green and exactly enough crunch.  The chicken was similarly delicious, smothered, but not drowning, in a not-too-sweet and not-too-salty brown sauce.  Yum!  Their family style bean curd followed suit, and the often-ruined Vegetarian Delight was light and fresh.

A staple for many locals, the decor is not upscale by any means.  But when the food is good and the price right (plus, there’s never a wait), who is to argue!  So next time you are “lobster-ed out” or looking to squelch that Chinese craving on your Maine vacations, look outside the Kennebunkport restaurants, and head to Wells, Maine for a budget-friendly meal at Maple Leaves Garden.

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Kennebunkport Dining: On the Marsh

Saturday, May 22nd, 2010

On the Marsh Restaurant is know for its fine cuisine, inventive pairings, and intimate atmosphere.  But what it should be known for is its incredible value.  With cooking that is always divine and service that can’t be beaten, any dining at On the Marsh Bistro is well worth it.  But for luxury on a budget, visit Kennebunkport, Maine on Wednesdays (let’s not forget the unbeatable mid-week rates at the Maine Stay Inn, a premier Kennebunkport bed and breakfast) and take advantage of their prix fix menu special.  Create your own incredible dining experience with three courses for just $29.95 (beverage, tax, and gratuity not included). Choose from soup or salad, one of three choice entrees (vegetarian pasta, fish or chicken/duck), or any dessert.  For fine dining (or really any kind of dining) it’s the value of the century – and the perfect excuse for a Kennebunkport vacation!

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Mother’s Day Savings

Sunday, May 2nd, 2010

How about a weekend away instead of flowers this year?

What better way is there to honor “mom” than by treating her to a weekend of leisure at the Maine Stay Inn?  Springtime is spectacular in quaint Kennebunkport, Maine, and with all (or nearly all) of our area shops and restaurants open for the season, there’s no reason to miss out on these last minute savings!  So this Mother’s Day Weekend, book a two-night reservation in the Main House and save a whopping 20%!  And for each child she has, save an additional percent (up to five)!  But here’s the catch – you must bring along a family photograph to share with us.

To take advantage of this incredible springtime offer, book before April 3, 2010 over the phone.

Happy Mother’s Day!

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Stay, Save, and Support a Good Cause!

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

Spring is an extraordinary season to visit Kennebunkport and Southern Maine.  The flowers are blooming and the days are long.  The shops are open and everyone is gearing up for summer, but the area isn’t crowded.  That means parking at the beach and theHospitality for Habitat ability to drop in to your favorite restaurants!  But the Maine Stay is making your springtime getaway even sweeter with incredible discounts on our most romantic rooms.

Kennebunkport’s Maine Stay Inn will offer guests 50% off weekend room rates Monday through Thursday between April 26th through May 28th 2010 in support of ‘Hospitality for Habitat’, a Maine Innkeepers Association program, originally designed to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity projects in Maine. This year, after the devastating earth quake in Haiti, part of the funds raised will also be distributed to help support Habitat for Humanity projects in Haiti.  In exchange for steep discounts, guests must contribute a $35 donation check written out to Habitat for Humanity.

The Maine Stay Inn will join participating members of The Maine Innkeepers Association all across the state to help build homes for deserving families.  In 2009 Hospitality for Habitat raised over $16,000 for Habitat for Humanity, and the Association has raised over $30,000 since the program began in 2004.

To enjoy a 50% reduction in room rates between April 26th and May 28th 2010, and be part of Hospitality for Habitat,  please make reservations in advance and acknowledge your intention to participate. Your tax deductible donation for $35 should be made out to Habitat for Humanity in the form of a check and given to the innkeeper. For more information, or to make a reservation in support of Habitat for Humanity please go to www.mainestayinn.com or call 207.967.2117.

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March Getaway: 3rd Night Free!

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

For the entire month of March, enjoy three nights for the price of two at the Maine Stay Inn in Kennebunkport.  It’s like two seasons for the price of one!

Is it Spring?

Experience our charming winter one day and glorious springtime the next.  Although this is how New England weather works year round, March is particularly prone to rapidly changing weather. We’re not even through the first week of March and we have already seen gentle snow with blustery winds and fifty degree days with ample sunshine!  But take advantage of our incredible “Third Night Free” package and you’re sure to experience a little of everything.

...Or Still Winter?

If anything is certain, though, it is that you will want to curl up by our cozy fires at night with your special someone, relax in our jetted tubs, and dig into our hearty gourmet breakfasts each morning.  So join us for three nights this winter (or is it Spring?) for the price of two, because two nights at the Maine Stay Inn just isn’t enough!

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Maine Restaurant Week 2010!

Sunday, February 28th, 2010

The much awaited Maine Restaurant Week is fast approaching and two excellent restaurants in the Kennebunks are participating this year!  From March 1-10, 2010, the Kennebunk Inn‘s Academe and Kennebunkport Inn‘s One Dock are both serving 3 course dinners for just $30.10. These prices don’t include beverage or gratuity but pack an amazing value when considering their menu selections.

At the Kennebunk Inn, choose from their signature salad, incredible butternut squash soup, or lobster croquette to start.  Follow with braised short rib, roast chicken (served with their smoked sweet potato souffle – my absolute favorite thing on their menu), or organic salmon.  And if you can manage to make room for dessert, choose between peanut butter molten chocolate cake, cheesecake, and homemade reverse root beet float.  Talk about value!  They can certainly count on me to take advantage.

One Dock, just a short stroll from the Maine Stay Inn, boasts a similarly exquisite menu. For starters choose (if you can) among crab cakes, crispy risotto balls, or goat cheese and mesclun salad.  Follow with grilled salmon, New York strip steak, or mushroom risotto and finish with your choice of apple brownie sundae, flourless chocolate torte, or carrot cake cheesecake.  Talk about indulgence without the sticker shock (a mediocre three course dinner anywhere else will run you at least that much)!

And while there are only two participating locations in the Kennebunks, there are innumerable restaurants dishing out incredible values in Portland and surrounding communities, including famed Street and Company and Fore Street, both serving 3 course dinners for just $40.10.  This means that early March is the perfect time to plan a short getaway to Maine!  Take advantage of the Maine Stay Inn‘s “Third Night Free” package and ring in the savings!

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Posted in Events at the Inn, Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfasts, Kennebunkport Dining, Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, maine inn, maine inns, seasons | No Comments »

Early Booking – A Traveler’s Best Friend

Saturday, February 27th, 2010

With the advent online reservations, TripAdvisor, and Expedia, it has gotten easier and easier for travelers to book last-minute vacations and weekend getaways.  And while it may be getting easier, it certainly isn’t getting better.  Yes, you can sometimes find “deals,” but most often this is to the detriment of the traveler.  Hands down, the best values can be had by booking early, often, and over the phone.  Here’s why:

  • The best rooms go first (how many innkeepers have their best booking room available for Valentine’s Weekend on the Saturday before?).  And “best” can mean most expensive, but always means the room that packs the best value (maybe it’s the only room with its own porch in the summer, but the smallest room with a jacuzzi and fireplace in the winter; or maybe it just got renovated and the new pictures aren’t online yet).  And at a time when everyone is traveling smarter, those best value rooms are a must!
  • When you book early and over the phone, innkeepers have the opportunity to get to know you and your needs.  That’s because when you’re booking a summer reservation in March, they have the time to talk to you and figure out which room or suite is going to suit you perfectly.  Not to mention that that “perfect” room is probably available.  Booking early means you won’t have to compromise on the amenities that are essential to giving you the best vacation possible.  Not to mention, they may feel more inclined to throw in something special for that anniversary, birthday, or honeymoon celebration.
  • Booking repeatedly at one place makes you special.  You become a guest that we look forward to sharing our renovations with, that we think about when telling stories about favorite guests, and a guest that we check in with throughout the year. But as a repeat guest, you get the inside scoop on special packages, promotions, and steep discounts throughout the year.  Don’t delete our newsletter now, you hear?

So while it may seem passe, pick up the phone for your next reservation, talk to the innkeepers, and let us make sure that your next getaway is absolutely perfect.  And call early to make sure that you get the best bang for your buck and best experience imaginable in Kennebunkport.  Because at the Maine Stay Inn we strive to make your getaway exceed all your expectations!

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Posted in Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfasts, Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport recreation, Maine Summer Vacation, maine inn, maine inns, seasons | No Comments »

The Maine Stay Helps Habitat for Humanity

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

The Maine Stay Inn and Cottages Supports ‘Hospitality for Habitat’ with Deeply Discounted Rates for Visiting Guests

Maine Stay Inn Teams up with Maine Innkeeper Association program to raise funds for Habitat for HumanityHospitality for Habitat

Kennebunkport, ME – February 2010 – Kennebunkport’s Maine Stay Inn will offer guests 50% off weekend room rates Monday through Thursday between April 26th through May 28th 2010 in support of ‘Hospitality for Habitat’, a Maine Innkeepers Association program, originally designed to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity projects in Maine. This year, after the devastating earth quake in Haiti, part of the funds raised will also be distributed to help support Habitat for Humanity projects in Haiti.

Visitors to the Maine Stay Inn and Cottages will receive the deeply discounted room rates in exchange for a $35 donation check written out to Habitat for Humanity.

“With today’s challenging economy we are delighted to offer guests the opportunity to experience a wonderful Maine getaway at half the regular room rate,” said Judith Hauer, owner/innkeeper of the Maine Stay. We appreciate

this opportunity to partner with our guests in support of such a worthy cause.”

The Maine Stay Inn will join participating members of The Maine Innkeepers Association all across the state to help build homes for deserving families.  In 2009 Hospitality for Habitat raised over $16,000 for Habitat for Humanity, and the Association has raised over $30,000 since the program began in 2004.

To enjoy a 50% reduction in room rates between April 26th and May 28th 2010, and be part of Hospitality for Habitat,  please make reservations in advance and acknowledge your intention to participate. Your tax deductible donation for $35 should be made out to Habitat for Humanity in the form of a check and given to the innkeeper. For more information, or to make a reservation in support of Habitat for Humanity please go to www.mainestayinn.com or call 207.967.2117.

For a complete, and constantly updated list of participating properties, visit The Maine Innkeeper Association’s web site at www.maineinns.com and click on the “Hospitality for Humanity” logo. Direct Links to each property will provide information on specific room rates, availability, and restrictions.

About Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity International, based in Americus, Ga., is an ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing. Habitat has built more than 300,000 houses around the world, providing more than 1.5 million people in more than 3,000 communities with safe, decent, affordable shelter, they helped build and had bought with the assistance of no-profit, zero-interest mortgages. More information can be found online at www.habitat.org.

About the Maine Innkeepers Association

The Maine Innkeepers Association, a leading provider of tourism information to both Maine’s lodging industry and its visitors, represents nearly 700 B&Bs, camps, cottages, hotels, inns, motels and resorts across Maine, and their suppliers. Through communication, education, promotion and government affairs, the Association helps its members achieve prosperity and deliver a quality product to the consumer. Maine Innkeepers Association is located in Freeport, ME and can also be found at www.maineinns.com.

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Posted in Events at the Inn, Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfasts, Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport recreation, maine stay happenings, seasons | No Comments »

Fall in New England

Thursday, September 17th, 2009

Although autumn doesn’t officially begin for five days, fall has clearly arrived in the Kennebunks.  On my evening run last night, I happily donned on a long-sleeved shirt.  I even noticed the first hints of color on the leaves!  A few trees are incredibly vibrant, but for most, the changing is just beginning.  And the first frost may even make an appearance tonight in central areas of the state.

Even our beaches our seeing the change – they are sparsely populated and no sand toys are to be found. Few people are brave enough to dive into the water, but when they do, most are clad in wetsuits.  Don’t misconstrue this, however, the water is incredibly warm – it’s the air that causes a slight chill!

Fall Sunset In Kennebunkport, Maine

Fall Sunset In Kennebunkport, Maine

Fall is the perfect time to visit New England and the Maine Stay, so check out our current specials and visit us soon!  We have packages and deals available for every traveler on almost every budget.  And don’t hesitate to pick up the phone to find out what we’ve got on our back burner!

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