Old Orchard Beach gets a bad rap and I would love to see that change. I love it here, and staying at the Ocean House Hotel proves that this fun little beach community is more than the summertime boardwalk and midway games. Getting to stay beachfront in a nicely renovated hotel room with the sound of the ocean right outside is a wonderful vacation vibe and a great EASY weekend trip to plan, whether you’re a Mainer or a visitor.
Have you gotten to stay at the Ocean House Hotel or just maybe come to Old Orchard Beach in the summer? Well, consider this your invitation to plan another visit and enjoy the dunes and the long stretch of white sand. If you have any questions about the Ocean House Hotel or planning your own visit to Old Orchard Beach, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a fun time exploring Maine!
Why Stay at the Ocean House Hotel
So, as much as I love Old Orchard Beach (OOB) it does have a reputation for being a cheap weekend getaway, and maybe not so classy. You know what though, throw that opinion out the window and just go for the fun and to be close to the beach. If you spend a lot of time in MidCoast Maine or DownEast you know that sandy beaches are few and far between, and also usually very small. Something I love about Old Orchard Beach is long stretch of sand you can walk and enjoy, and from the Ocean House Hotel you’re right in the middle of it.
Part vintage OOB and part renovated roadside motel, the Ocean House is actually quite fun and beautiful. It’s been redone to be kitschy and upscale while still being fun and affordable. The decor is a bit mod and a bit beachy, a bit trendy and a bit 1965 Miami. I love the vibe, both in the Ocean House lobby (the circa 1900 house) and in the rooms of the motel portion. It’s such a great blend and balance of style and modernity. While it may be tempting to plan a trip down to the Cape, I would encourage you to think about Old Orchard Beach actually. It’s so chill, fits the budget better and has just as nice of sand.
You can easily enjoy a stay at the Ocean House Hotel and then walk everywhere for meals and fun, and never have to get in the car. If you did want to explore more, Kennebunkport and Saco are both nearby and full of activities. I love it here for the ease of planning a trip, and then the pleasant hotel on the beach just seals the deal.
Book the Ocean House Hotel here!
Ocean House Hotel Accommodations
Ocean House is part of a bigger collection of beachfront properties in Old Orchard Beach, but the specific Ocean House Hotel includes the historic big house and an adjoining vintage motel building. Together they make a really cool, kitschy place to stay. The rooms are updated with fun mod styles and colors, kind of throwing back to summer weekends of the 1960s.
Some rooms have kitchenettes and some are standard hotel rooms, some have ocean views and some are streetside. We enjoyed a wonderful oceanfront king room with a sliding door that opened to a small deck and then directly to the beach path over the sand dunes. While Old Orchard Beach might just bring to mind the pier and boardwalk area, staying at the Ocean House feels like a different world than the carnival vibes just a half mile away.
Amenities at the Ocean House Hotel
I’m not going to pretend that the Ocean House Hotel is fancy, because it’s not, but what it has to offer is delightful. Being a part of a collection of vintage oceanfront properties, guests of the Ocean House Hotel actually have access to several swimming pools and hot tubs. The pool directly at the original Ocean House building isn’t heated, but the others next door on either side are, and to the south, that pool area even has a lovely hot tub with a view to the ocean.
At the big house, the lobby I mentioned previously is a wonderful gathering space. The decor is so fun and there’s lots of seating to be able to relax and enjoy some wine or play games with other guests. There’s also a sun porch off the Ocean House lobby, so if you want to enjoy being outside but still comfortable, just bring your book and relax. Also, if you’re up for it, there are beachfront grills at the Ocean House so you can enjoy a nice summer grill out while you’re staying if you like (they aren’t fancy, require charcoal briquettes).
The Ocean House Hotel’s sister property, the Waves (a few doors down) also has a fitness center for guest use that has cardio equipment and weights. Over here you’ll also be able to rent bikes if you’re interested.
Dining near Ocean House in Old Orchard Beach
While there isn’t a restaurant onsite, within a few blocks there are lots of restaurant options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Don’t worry, it’s not a bunch of carnival food (I know that’s what you were thinking because of the nearby boardwalk). You can get everything from New England clam chowder and lovely seafood to Asian food of all sorts. If you head to Old Orchard Street and walk up the hill a bit, you’ll have even more options including quite a few cafes.
Parking and Location of the Ocean House in Old Orchard Beach
Parking is included with your room rate at the Ocean House Hotel. Be sure to get a parking pass when you check in, and then pay attention to the directions they give you for parking. Because there are several properties all lined up and part of the same hotel group, it may seem confusing how to access parking for the Ocean House Hotel. The building you check in at ISN’T your hotel, so listen to how to get back to your parking area (check in address is noted below).
Ocean House Hotel Operating Info
If you’d like to go ahead and book a stay here at the Ocean House Hotel in Old Orchard Beach, below you’ll find all the info for reaching the property, if you want to inquire for more information or group stays, and booking links if you want to secure your accommodations now. [affiliate]
- Seasonality, check-in/check-out times: open year round, check in after 3:00 pm, check out by 10:00 am
- Property website: TheOceanHouse.com
- Property phone number: 207-934-2847
- Check-in address: 87 W Grand Ave, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064
- Hotel address (note difference from check-in): 71 W Grand Ave, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064
- Book it here: Book the Ocean House Hotel here!
More Things to Do in Portland and Southern Maine
Portland, Maine is a great city to explore, especially with kids. Yes, we love the lighthouses all around the coast, but in Portland you’ll find some great museums, fun bookstores, lots of good food and plenty of tours to get you out on the water. This is a very historic city that’s seen big changes as the world of industry evolves.
Southern Maine has more wonderful towns that are also easy to visit, as everything is surprisingly close to Portland. Ogunquit, Saco, Kennebunkport, Old Orchard Beach and more are all within a 45 minute drive of Portland, making it a no-brainer to add to your trip if you want. Also, heading out towards Sebago Lake, you’ll find more beautiful small towns and awesome state parks and the like to enjoy. If you weren’t planning on spending much time in Portland or Southern Maine during your trip, think again and see about adding some of these fun activities to your itinerary.
Portland Ideas:
- do a whale watching trip
- walk around the historic seaport area
- visit the Portland Art Museum
- check out the three lighthouses in Portland: Portland Head, Spring Point Ledge and Bug Light
- eat whoopie pies and lobster rolls
- visit the Museum of Cryptozoology
- check out one of the several historic cemeteries
- rent bikes to explore the Portland area
Southern Maine Activities and Destinations:
- do a day trip up to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
- visit Old Orchard Beach and the midway style boardwalk
- hike at the Saco Heath Preserve
- spend a day or two in Maine’s beautiful LGBTQ+ hub of Ogunquit
- day trip out to Sebago Lake State Park (the best picnic spot in Maine)
- trek to the Nubble Lighthouse
- explore the many natural preserves and estuaries for hiking and kayaking
Check out these great options:
Where to Stay in Portland or Southern Maine
I like staying in downtown Portland because there are lots of great places to eat all through the historic area and business district. There are walkable sights like the State Theater, the Longfellow House and the whole waterfront/port area. You’ll find both unique and national brand hotels in downtown Portland, so if you like to travel with point or earn loyalty, you can do that.
If you venture beyond the city to places like Cape Elizabeth or Freeport you’ll have even more options, especially for places to stay that are quintessential Maine. One of our favorites will always be the Harasseeket Inn in Freeport or a glamping trip to the Desert of Maine. We love unique, boutique stays!
When you’re looking at going further south to Kennebunkport, Ogunquit or Old Orchard Beach, you’ll find TONS of options. For these areas I would recommend finding a hotel or inn that’s walking distance to the main activities you’re planning. If you have the option to be ON the beach, do it!
Check out some of our favorite picks for where to stay in Southern Maine:
I hope you’ll consider staying at the Ocean House Hotel when you visit Old Orchard Beach. Visiting this part of Maine is really fun in any season, but especially in the summer. 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!
