Sand, sea, spend: 3 Maine beach destinations among world's priciest in survey

Photo / Jim Neuger Willard Beach in South Portland, across Casco Bay from Portland, is a popular spot for sun worshippers.

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By Renee Cordes

Summertime, and the beaches are pricey … in three Maine destinations that rank among the world’s 20 most expensive for hotel stays, according to a new survey.

Kennebunkport, Bar Harbor and Portland are all on the list, which is based on findings by TravelMag.com of worldwide destinations with a minimum of 20 hotels or inns and at least one beach.

For each destination, TravelMag.com calculated the average price for the cheapest available double room during August 2023. Only hotels rated at least three stars and located close to the town or city center or beach were considered.

The town of Nantucket, situated on the island of Nantucket, Mass., was the priciest, costing an average $694 per night for the least expensive double room. The second-most expensive was Positano, on southern Italy’s Amalfi Coast, at $481 per night, followed by Montauk, on Long Island, N.Y., at $478 per night.

Kennebunkport ranked as the fifth-most expensive destination with an average overnight rate of $406. Bar Harbor was No. 8 at an average $384 per night, and Portland was No. 13 at $317. While Portland itself has only a few beaches within city limits, it offers easy access to beaches in South Portland, Cape Elizabeth and Scarborough.

Average hotel rates collected in the survey include all taxes and fees.

“This survey speaks to the popularity of Maine as a world-class destination with hospitality offerings that rival anyplace on the globe, and the prices bear it out," Kathleen Pierce, director of membership and communications at trade group HospitalityMaine, told Mainebiz.

Hotel rates were collected around July 15, based on the leading hotel booking websites, and inns or beds and breakfasts were considered only if they have at least 10 rooms. Researchers did not look at Airbnbs or other vacation rentals.

Find the full survey and rankings here.