Tugboat Inn

The Tugboat Inn, nestled in the heart of scenic Boothbay Harbor at 80 Commercial Street, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538, USA, stands out as a quintessential option within the "Hotels Near Of Me" category for travelers seeking an authentic Maine coastal experience. This unique waterfront hotel, built around the original structure of the historic tugboat "USS Maine," offers a distinctive blend of maritime heritage and modern comfort, providing immediate access to the vibrant life of a working harbor.

The most compelling aspect of the Tugboat Inn is its unparalleled waterfront location directly on Boothbay Harbor. Guests consistently rave about the "amazing views" of the inner harbor, with lobster boats tied up right outside their windows, and the constant bustle of marine activity. Many rooms offer private balconies or decks that face over the water, providing an ideal spot for enjoying the "feel of refreshing ocean breezes" and "watching the harbor sights." The scent of the sea and the sounds of seagulls and working boats contribute to an immersive coastal atmosphere.

Beyond its immediate waterfront setting, the Tugboat Inn boasts a "perfect location" for exploring Boothbay Harbor. It is described as being "just steps away" or within "easy walking distance" to "everything" the charming village center has to offer: a wealth of shops, art galleries, diverse restaurants, and various boating activities. The pedestrian-friendly nature of the area allows guests to easily access attractions such as the Boothbay Harbor Marina, Fisherman's Memorial Park, and the historic Opera House at Boothbay Harbor. For those looking to venture further, local and state parks, hiking trails, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (a significant regional attraction), and whale watching tours are all within easy reach, offering a wide array of leisure options.

The inn comprises 64 individually decorated guest rooms spread across five separate buildings, adding to its unique character. While the multi-building layout can sometimes be a minor navigation point for guests (e.g., locating rooms), it also contributes to a varied and distinct lodging experience within the property.

The Tugboat Inn provides a range of services and amenities designed to cater to a comfortable and engaging stay:

• Accommodations: The 64 guest rooms and suites are individually decorated and offer a mix of king, queen, and double beds, often featuring Tempur-Pedic mattresses for enhanced comfort. Many rooms are air-conditioned and include private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations and complimentary toiletries. Standard in-room amenities typically include a 42-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels, a Keurig coffeemaker, a small refrigerator, a hair dryer, an iron and ironing board, and individual climate control. Most importantly, a significant number of rooms feature private or semi-private balconies or decks with "excellent harbor views." While some guests have noted rooms might feel like "an old motel" or that bottled toiletries can be difficult to dispense, the overall feedback for rooms is generally positive regarding cleanliness and comfort.
• Dining: A major draw of the Tugboat Inn is its on-site full-service restaurant, the Tugboat Restaurant. Uniquely built around the original structure of a historic tugboat, the restaurant offers "spectacular harbor views" and specializes in fresh Maine seafood, including Maine lobster, alongside a variety of regional favorites. In addition to the main dining room, the Marina Lounge & Deck provides a more casual setting with food and beverages served inside or on the patio overlooking the inn's own marina, often featuring seasonal live entertainment. A Roof Top Deck offers another vantage point for "spectacular water views," with a pub menu and craft cocktails. Guests consistently praise the food and the friendly atmosphere of the dining establishments.
• Recreational Facilities: The inn features an outdoor waterfront hot tub, providing a relaxing spot with excellent views of the harbor. While some older information might mention a fitness center, more recent updates suggest that spa and gym facilities might be unavailable due to ongoing circumstances or changes in offerings. Guests can enjoy various activities available either on-site or nearby, including hiking, fishing, canoeing, and cycling.
• On-site Marina: A distinguishing feature of the Tugboat Inn is its own sheltered marina, offering seasonal and transient slips and moorings. This makes it an ideal choice for boaters looking to stay directly on the water.
• Connectivity and Business: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available property-wide, both in public areas and guest rooms. A lobby computer with high-speed DSL, fax, printer, and scanner is also available for guest use. The inn also offers meeting/banquet facilities for small groups.
• Convenience Services: The hotel provides a 24-hour front desk (though check-in is typically from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and for some periods, the check-in desk may be at a sister property like Fisherman's Wharf Inn, just 300 yards away). Other services include luggage storage, laundry facilities, an ATM on-site, and vending machines for drinks.
• Parking: Free self-parking is provided on-site. The inn also features an electric vehicle charging station, catering to modern travelers.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: The Tugboat Inn is pet-friendly, allowing dogs and cats in specific designated rooms. There is typically a non-refundable fee per pet per night (e.g., $25) to cover additional cleaning. Pets must be leashed when outside the room and are not to be left unattended to prevent disturbances to other guests.

The Tugboat Inn's primary unique selling propositions are its authentic working waterfront location and the immersive experience it offers. The opportunity to stay directly on Boothbay Harbor, with views of active lobster boats and easy access to the village's amenities, is a significant draw. The historic tugboat-themed restaurant is a memorable feature, combining unique ambiance with quality dining. The presence of an on-site marina further enhances its appeal for maritime enthusiasts. Guests consistently praise the "friendly staff" and "wonderful" service, highlighting their helpfulness and responsiveness, which contributes greatly to a positive stay.

While the inn aims to provide a comfortable experience, some feedback suggests that while the location and views are exceptional, there might be occasional inconsistencies in cleanliness or maintenance in certain rooms, or issues with specific amenities like coffee makers. The multi-building layout, while charming, can sometimes lead to minor confusion for first-time visitors in locating their room. However, the overall sentiment remains highly positive, with many guests expressing a desire to return due to the unparalleled location and the overall "hometown atmosphere."

For current promotional offers and detailed booking information, it is best to contact the Tugboat Inn directly via phone at (207) 633-4434 or by visiting their official website (). As an independent property, specific seasonal promotions or packages may be offered. For instance, guests can purchase gift certificates that can be used at both the inn and the restaurant, with no expiration date. Special rates may be available for AAA members or through various online travel agencies. Prices can vary significantly based on the season, with cheaper rates typically found during the low season (e.g., December and November) and on specific days like Tuesday or Wednesday, while Mondays might see higher prices. Guests should always check the official channels for the most up-to-date information on availability, rates, and special offers. The consistent positive reviews and strong word-of-mouth about the inn's exceptional location and friendly staff serve as a powerful endorsement for future visitors seeking a genuine Boothbay Harbor experience.