The Nonantum Resort

The Nonantum Resort, nestled at 95 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport, ME 04046, USA, is a renowned resort hotel operating within the "Hotels Near Of Me" category, catering to guests seeking a quintessential Maine coastal experience. This historic property, established in 1883, has a long-standing reputation for its picturesque waterfront setting and comprehensive array of services. For inquiries and reservations, the resort can be reached at (207) 967-4050 or via mobile at +1 207-967-4050.

The Nonantum Resort boasts an idyllic and highly desirable waterfront location on the Kennebunk River, offering stunning views of the marina, lobster boats, and the tranquil waterways. This setting provides a serene backdrop for a resort experience, allowing guests to relax amidst the natural beauty of coastal Maine. The property itself comprises two distinct lodging options: the historic Carriage House Inn, which retains its unique 19th-century charm with updated rooms, and the more contemporary Portside Lodge, designed to maximize waterfront views, often featuring private balconies or patios. The grounds are beautifully maintained, featuring outdoor spaces like a sundeck, garden, and areas with Adirondack chairs by the water.

Despite its peaceful ambiance, The Nonantum Resort is ideally situated for exploring Kennebunkport. It's a short, pleasant walk (approximately 1,100 yards or 0.6 miles) to the vibrant Dock Square, the heart of Kennebunkport, where guests can discover unique shops, art galleries, and acclaimed restaurants. Popular beaches, such as Colony Beach and Gooch's Beach, are also easily accessible, with the nearest beach being just 650 yards away. Other nearby attractions include St. Ann's Episcopal Church, Walker's Point (the Bush family compound), and various scenic walking paths like Parson's Way. The resort also offers a complimentary local shuttle service, usually available from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends, to the Kennebunk beaches and Dock Square, helping guests avoid parking issues in town. The resort is approximately 30 minutes south of Portland International Jetport (PWM), making it convenient for air travelers.

The Nonantum Resort offers an extensive range of services and features designed to provide a rich and engaging resort experience for all ages.

• Check-in and Check-out: Check-in is typically from 4:00 PM, and check-out is until 11:00 AM. Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in. The resort operates seasonally, generally from May 1 through mid-December (Christmas Prelude).
• Accommodations: The resort offers 109 individually decorated guest rooms spread across its two buildings (Carriage House Inn and Portside Lodge). Rooms in the Carriage House feature traditional and Victorian decor, while Portside Lodge rooms have a more modern, nautical design, with many offering spectacular river views. Room amenities commonly include air conditioning, flat-screen TVs with cable/satellite channels, complimentary Wi-Fi, coffee/tea makers, and private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries. Some rooms may have additional features like mini-fridges, microwaves, fireplaces, or Jacuzzi baths.
• Dining: The Nonantum Resort prides itself on its dining options.
  • Daybreak Breakfast: A highly-rated complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily (typically 7:30 AM-10:00 AM), featuring fresh fruit, house-made pastries, baked goods, and hot breakfast classics.
  • Heckman's Pub: An intimate pub offering a creative dining experience with thoughtfully crafted dishes, locally sourced drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere. It's open daily, serving food until 9:00 PM.
  • Latitudes Bar & Grill: A seasonal outdoor option located by the pool area, offering relaxed waterfront dining with elevated dishes, refreshing drinks, and sweeping views of the Kennebunk River. It features open-air seating and a rooftop deck for additional views.
  • 95 Ocean: An award-winning fine dining restaurant (often mentioned in older descriptions), which has reportedly undergone complete redesigns and renovations to become a fully enclosed, four-season dining and event space. It focuses on fresh seafood, local flavors, and ingredients from the resort's own organic gardens.
• Recreational Facilities and Activities: The resort offers a variety of amenities and programs for guests.
  • Outdoor Heated Pool: A seasonal outdoor pool with a sundeck, offering a refreshing option for relaxation and swimming.
  • On-site Marina: Provides opportunities for scenic lobster boat cruises, sailing charters, and sport fishing excursions. Guests can also rent kayaks to paddle the Kennebunk River.
  • Bicycles: Complimentary use of bicycles is available for exploring the town and surrounding areas.
  • Lawn Sports & Picnic Facilities: Various outdoor games and picnic areas are available on the grounds.
  • Kids' Club: A seasonal activity center with programs and activities for children, making it a popular choice for families.
  • Evening Entertainment: Live music and performances are often offered.
  • Wellness: Yoga classes are available.
• Guest Services: The resort provides a 24-hour front desk, concierge services, daily housekeeping, luggage storage, a gift shop, and an ATM on-site. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
• Events and Meetings: The Nonantum Resort is a popular venue for weddings, corporate retreats, and other special events, offering over 5,000 sq ft of banquet facilities, including ballrooms and meeting rooms with waterfront views.
• Accessibility: The Portside Lodge building is accessible by elevator, and the resort aims to provide general accessibility.

The Nonantum Resort actively promotes itself as a premier, historic waterfront resort, emphasizing its blend of traditional charm with modern comforts and its comprehensive range of amenities suitable for families, couples, and groups. Within the "Hotels Near Of Me" category, it stands out for its unique location, diverse dining options, and extensive recreational activities. Its commitment to local sourcing for its culinary offerings and its "Maine Environmental Leader Green Certification" are also aspects that may be highlighted.

Guest reviews for The Nonantum Resort are generally positive, with many guests praising the "beautiful location," "great breakfast buffet," and the "exceptional staff," with specific mentions of staff members like Ron and Molly for their "great service." The "cozy rooms" and "beautiful grounds" are frequently noted, contributing to an overall sense of a "perfect getaway spot" and a "beautiful place to stay." The variety of activities, including the outdoor pool and kids' club, makes it a strong contender for family stays.

However, an objective introduction must also address less favorable feedback. One significant review highlights a "thoroughly disappointed" stay due to a "terrible" room. Specific complaints include a bed on a "pretty significant tilt," to the point of causing discomfort, and a severe "infestation with gigantic ants," with numerous ants found over a three-night stay. The guest also noted a lack of effective resolution from the front desk when informed of these issues, receiving only a "sorry about that" response. This particular review suggests a significant lapse in room maintenance and pest control, and a deficiency in service recovery, which starkly contrasts with the generally positive comments about staff. While this might be an isolated incident, it points to potential inconsistencies in guest experience and room quality. The cost of the stay was also perceived as "pretty expensive for what we got," especially given the room issues.

It's important to note that The Nonantum Resort has undergone significant renovations, as evidenced by its official website, which mentions "complete redesigns and renovations of 95 Ocean" (the dining space) and "a full renovation of 20 guest rooms in Portside Lodge" completed in 2013, with further updates to the Carriage House Inn and its bathrooms in subsequent years, and Latitudes receiving a renovation in 2021 with the addition of a rooftop deck. This ongoing investment in the property suggests a commitment to maintaining and enhancing its facilities.

In summary, The Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport offers a compelling experience for travelers seeking a historic, amenity-rich waterfront resort with beautiful views and a range of activities. While many guests report highly positive experiences due to its charming atmosphere, excellent dining, and friendly staff, potential visitors should be aware that inconsistencies in room condition or maintenance, as highlighted in some reviews, could occur, and it is advisable to communicate any concerns promptly upon arrival. The resort's continuous renovations indicate an effort to address and elevate the guest experience.