The Samoset Resort is a beautiful retreat located in Rockport, Maine, nestled between the picturesque Penobscot Bay and the lush green hills of Camden. I know this sounds like a cheesy description, but it’s really accurate. Offering stunning ocean views and a wide range of amenities and activities, the Samoset Resort is the perfect destination for visitors looking for a next level Maine. Whether you’re coming here in summer or winter, the Samoset Resort is awesome.
Below you’ll find all the info you need for planning your stay at the Samoset Resort. We’ve enjoyed our time here and when we don’t stay here, we still enjoy visiting for brunch or dinner. If you have any questions about staying at the Samoset Resort or need ideas for planning a great MidCoast Maine trip, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more.
Why Stay at the Samoset Resort
There are plenty of options for where to stay when you come to MidCoast Maine, and in particular to the Rockland / Rockport area. What sets the Samoset Resort apart from the smaller inns and hotel is the grandeur in terms of having everything you need for a great visit. If you just want to check into your hotel and relax, the rooms are large and they have wonderful balconies or decks, you can enjoy room service or dine on property. If you want to be someplace with lots of outdoor activities, you’ve got that here at the Samoset Resort.
When it comes to the view, the resort actually looks down towards the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, which you can walk to from the Samoset Resort. The nearby town of Rockland is fun to visit with the Farnsworth Museum, lots of restaurants, the Maine Lobsterfest in summer and so much more.
Room Options at the Samoset in Rockport
Accommodations at the Samoset Resort include spacious guest rooms, suites, and cottages, all designed with modern maritime style and appointed with comfortable furnishings and amenities. From deluxe king and double queen rooms to oceanfront suites with private balconies, there is an option to suit every taste and budget.
We actually got to enjoy a wonderful suite setup during one of our visits where we had a beautiful king room connected to a two queen room with a kitchenette. I loved having this room for several days as we trekked all around MidCoast, as well as for welcoming our friends to come relax with us and enjoy the views.
Here are all the room options at the Samoset Resort:
- One or two queen beds – sleeps 2 or 4
- King room – sleeps 2
- King room w/ sofabed – sleeps 4
- Family king room w/ bunk bends – sleeps 4
- Two queen suite w/ sofabed – sleeps 6
- Hot tub two queen or king suite – sleeps 6 or 4
- One bedroom king suite – sleeps 4
When you go to book a room at the Samoset Resort, you’ll only be able to book directly through the property itself. It’s a part of the Opal Collection of luxury properties and they do not release the room inventory of the Samoset to any 3rd party booking sites.
Find a room at the Samoset Resort here
Samoset Resort Amenities
Like I said, staying at the Samoset Resort means that you have a beautiful property full of amenities and activities. Beyond the comfortable accommodations, the Samoset Resort offers a host of on-property amenities that are sure to keep you busy while you’re there. Here are just a few of the resort’s many features:
Golf Course – The Samoset Resort boasts an 18-hole championship golf course that winds its way through rolling hills and along the rocky coast. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course features stunning ocean views and challenging holes that are sure to delight golfers of all skill levels.
Fitness Center – I like the gym here. The Samoset Resort’s fitness center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art cardio and weight training equipment. The facility also offers group fitness classes during peak season, such as yoga and Pilates, as well as personal training sessions for those seeking a more personalized workout experience.
Spa – The resort’s spa offers a range of pampering treatments designed to rejuvenate the body and mind. From massages and facials to body wraps and scrubs, the spa’s experienced therapists will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.
Indoor and Outdoor Pool – The resort’s outdoor pool is open only during the summer season. Surrounded by comfortable lounge chairs and umbrellas, the pool area is the perfect place to soak up the sun and unwind. There is poolside service if you’re interested. The indoor pool is open year-round and is good sized. There is NOT poolside service at the Samoset’s indoor pool.
Tennis Courts – The resort’s two Har-Tru tennis courts are available for guest use and offer an opportunity to work up a sweat after a walk out to the lighthouse.
Dining at the Samoset Resort
When it comes to dining, the Samoset Resort offers a range of options in the summer. Things are buttoned up a bit during the winter, but you’ll find there are some different experiences then.
La Bella Vita – I really like dining here. La Bella Vita is the resort’s signature restaurant, offering contemporary Italian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. From homemade pastas to fresh seafood dishes, the restaurant’s menu is what I would call upscale Maine Italian. During summer, we love doing brunch here, even when we’re not staying at the resort.
Enoteca Lounge – We always stop in here for a glass of wine when we stay at the Samoset Resort. The Enoteca Lounge is the perfect spot to relax with a cocktail and a small plate. The lounge offers a range of wines by the glass or bottle, as well as a selection of cheeses and charcuterie.
Splash Pool Bar & Grill – Located at the resort’s outdoor pool, the Splash Pool Bar & Grill offers casual dining such as burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The bar also serves up a range of refreshing cocktails and frozen drinks. Poolside service is done through Splash.
Clubhouse Grille – I’ll be honest, we’ve never eaten here. The Clubhouse Grille is located adjacent to the resort’s golf course and offers a range of classic American dishes. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and also features a full bar.
Winter at the Samoset Resort
I know that Maine in winter might not seem like the ultimate trip, but it’s actually really beautiful and quiet. While a lot shops and restaurants have limited hours and the lobster roll stands are all closed, there’s a sort of peace to visiting during the snowy months. Staying at the Samoset Resort in the winter is great and I think I prefer it. There are very few people around, but the ones who are there just want to relax and be cozy, so it’s very lowkey.
During the winter, the Samoset does nightly s’mores in the lobby, they keep the indoor pool area nice and warm, and the wine bar is stocked. For a limited time each winter, usually in January, there is a whole ice bar built outside and guests are invited to enjoy the freezing temperatures and beautiful night air in the wonderland they build. I wish this went all winter long, but it’s a lot to create and maintain.
Visiting the Samoset Resort in winter also means that there are some better room rates. If you visit Maine often and have wanted to stay, you may have seen quite higher nightly rates in summer. Consider winter your invitation to come for a visit and not break your travel budget.
FAQ About the Samoset Resort
We always get lots of questions about the basics of resort and hotel stays, so just in case you need some more specific information that you don’t want to call the hotel for directly, here are what we think are the most frequently asked questions about Staying at the Samoset Resort.
The check-in time at the Samoset Resort is usually at 4:00 PM and check-out time is at 11:00 AM.
Yes, the Resort offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property, including guest rooms and public areas.
Yes, the Samoset Resort features an outdoor heated pool, which is open seasonally.
The Samoset Resort does not offer shuttle service, but guests can arrange for transportation through the resort’s concierge.
The Samoset Resort offers several on-site dining options, including La Bella Vita, a fine-dining Italian restaurant, Enoteca Lounge, a wine bar, Splash Pool Bar & Grill, and Bogie’s, a casual restaurant and pub.
The Resort offers a wide range of recreational activities, including golf, tennis, basketball, swimming, hiking, biking, and kayaking (nearby).
Yes, the Samoset Resort has a full-service spa, which offers a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, and body treatments
Yes, the Samoset Resort is pet-friendly, but restrictions and fees may apply. Guests should contact the resort in advance for more information.
Yes, the Samoset Resort has a team of experienced event planners who can assist with weddings, conferences, and other special events.
The Samoset Resort is located within walking distance of several attractions, including the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, the Maine Lighthouse Museum, and the shops and restaurants of downtown Rockland.
Samoset Resort Operating Information
To complete your planning, here is all the information to plan and book your adventure.
- Operating Dates/Season: year round, some services limited in winter months
- Hotel office phone number: 207-594-2511
- Company website: the Opal Collection site here
- Hotel check-in address: 220 Warrenton St, Rockport ME 04856
Things to Do in MidCoast Maine
There are plenty of things to do in Rockland, Camden, near the Samoset Resort, or wherever you’re staying in MidCoast Maine. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, arts and culture experiences, or family-friendly maritime stuff, there are tons of great options for things to do. Here are ten interesting things to do in the area:
- Camden Hills State Park – Located just a short drive from the Samoset Resort, the Camden Hills State Park offers miles of hiking trails, breathtaking views of Penobscot Bay, and opportunities for bird watching and wildlife spotting.
- Take a Sail on a Schooner – Camden is known as the “sailing capital of the world,” and for good reason. Several schooner companies offer scenic sails out of Camden Harbor, giving visitors the chance to experience the beauty of Penobscot Bay from the water.
- Explore the Farnsworth Art Museum – Located in nearby Rockland, the Farnsworth Art Museum is home to an impressive collection of American art, including works by Andrew Wyeth, Winslow Homer, and Georgia O’Keeffe.
- Visit the Maine Lighthouse Museum – Located in Rockland, the Maine Lighthouse Museum is dedicated to the history of lighthouses and their keepers in Maine. The museum features exhibits, artifacts, and even a working Fresnel lens.
- Go Whale or Puffin Watching – Going out of Camden or Port Clyde, several companies offer whale watching tours, giving visitors the chance to see humpback, finback, and minke whales, as well as dolphins and porpoises, in their natural habitat. I love Monhegan Boat Line from Port Clyde.
- Visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens – Located about 45 minutes from the Samoset Resort, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens features over 300 acres of gardens, woodland trails, and waterfalls. The gardens are open year-round and offer special events and activities throughout the year.
- Visit a Lighthouse – There are so many lighthouses in Maine, and you’re spoiled for choice here in MidCoast Maine. From the Rockland Breakwater Light to Marshal Point, Pemequid or the Squirrel Point Light, you can visit so many different, truly unique lighthouses.
- Visit the Owls Head Transportation Museum – Located just a few miles from the Samoset Resort, the Owls Head Transportation Museum is home to an impressive collection of antique cars, planes, motorcycles, and other vehicles. The museum also hosts several special events throughout the year.
Where to Stay in MidCoast Maine
Of course we love getting to stay places like the Samoset Resort or 250 Main Hotel, but there are lots more options. Depending on how far out you are able to book your visit to MidCoast Maine you may become limited in finding both the right type of accommodations AND something within your budget. Here are some good picks for places to consider in the Rockland / general MidCoast area:
- The Ledges
- Craignair Inn by the Sea
- Rockland Harbor Hotel
- Drift Oceanside Inn
- Strawberry Hill Seaside Inn
- Camden Harbor Inn
- Camden Maine Stay Inn
Each of these recommendations is good for couples or families. Inquire with each if you’re traveling with a pet or have specific hotel needs. Below you’ll find a map with additional options for finding a stay in MidCoast Maine.
I hope you’ll consider the Samoset Resort for your trip to MidCoast Maine. Visiting this part of Maine is really special in any season. If you have any additional questions or need some recommendations for something else, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re happy to share more and help YOU have a wonderful trip as you explore Maine!
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