AWOL Kennebunkport

AWOL Kennebunkport, a distinguished One Michelin Key property, offers guests a serene and stylish retreat in the heart of Kennebunkport, Maine. Blending modern design with warm, organic textures, the hotel consistently receives high praise for its exceptional service, prime location, and comfortable accommodations, making it a popular choice for romantic getaways and tranquil escapes.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for AWOL Kennebunkport is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as exceptional, superb, and wonderful. The hotel boasts high ratings across various platforms, including an 8.6 "Excellent" rating based on 180 reviews on Booking.com, with specific scores of 9.4 for location, 9.0 for cleanliness, 9.2 for comfort, and 8.9 for staff. Hotels.com also reports a 9.6 for staff and service, a 9.8 for cleanliness, and an 8.8 for amenities. The Michelin Guide awards it "One MICHELIN Key," signifying "a very special stay."

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of AWOL Kennebunkport:

• Service & Staff: The staff is frequently described as "lights out terrific," "so friendly and courteous," "attentive," and "helpful." Many appreciate their knowledge and recommendations for local activities.
• Location: The hotel's location is a significant draw, situated in a quiet neighborhood within a pine grove, yet just a short walk from Dock Square, restaurants, and shops. It offers a unique blend of serenity and accessibility to the vibrant town center. Guests appreciate being able to walk to most attractions and having bikes available for use.
• Design & Ambiance: The design is often highlighted as stylish, modern, and thoughtfully crafted, mixing contemporary aesthetics with warm, organic materials. The property, centered around the historic Captain Walker house, also features modern cabin suites. Many guests find the atmosphere cozy, especially with fireplaces.
• Amenities: Complimentary breakfast is a frequently praised amenity. Other popular amenities include free Wi-Fi, free self-parking, working fireplaces in most guest rooms, private outdoor gathering spaces with fire pits at every cabin, private baths with walk-in showers and/or soaking tubs, LED Smart TVs, and bicycles and beach chairs for guest use. Select units are also pet-friendly.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and suites at AWOL Kennebunkport are designed for comfort and seclusion, with every unit built for two people, making it ideal for romantic getaways. Accommodations are available in the historic main house and in more modern cabin suites spread across the grounds. Guests describe the rooms as clean, comfortable, cozy, spacious, and modern. They feature king beds with plush bedding, fine linens, and Serta Presidential Pillowtop mattresses. Thoughtful touches include air conditioning and heating, bathrobes, designer toiletries, hair dryers, and mini-fridges. Many rooms and cabins also include gas fireplaces or soaking tubs, adding to the cozy and luxurious feel. The Cupola Suite, for instance, is noted for being lovely, spacious, modern, and offering tree-top views.

4. Dining Experience

AWOL Kennebunkport offers a complimentary "artisanal toast bar" breakfast daily, which is a significant highlight for many guests. The breakfast is often described as "great," "delicious," "yummy," and a "very nice assortment of everything you might need," including savory and sweet breads, pastries, spreads, toppings, yogurt, fresh fruit, juices, coffee, and tea. Guests particularly enjoy having breakfast on the patio when the weather permits. However, a few guests have noted the breakfast can be "minimal" or "just ok" compared to other B&Bs, with limited indoor seating. While there is no on-site restaurant for lunch or dinner, most of Kennebunkport's dining establishments are within easy walking distance. The hotel also offers afternoon cookies and hot chocolate, which guests appreciate.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at AWOL Kennebunkport consistently receive glowing reviews. Guests frequently use words like "terrific," "friendly," "courteous," "attentive," and "knowledgeable" to describe the team. The staff is praised for making guests feel welcome, providing great recommendations for local activities and dining, and being generally helpful and accommodating. Many guests highlight the personalized concierge services available.

6. Location & Accessibility

AWOL Kennebunkport boasts an excellent location on Maine Street, in a quiet pine-laden neighborhood. It offers a sense of seclusion while being incredibly convenient for exploring Kennebunkport. The hotel is a short walk (3-7 minutes) from Kennebunkport Village Green and Dock Square, which are central to shops, restaurants, and the harbor. Gooch's Beach and Colony Beach are also a short drive away. For transport, the nearest airport is Portland International Jetport, approximately a 37-minute drive away. The hotel also provides bicycles for guests to explore the area.

7. Value & Pricing

AWOL Kennebunkport is generally considered a higher-end property, and some guests note it is "a bit pricey" but comparable to other boutique hotels in the area, such as the Captains Collection. Reviews suggest that while the price point is on the higher side, the overall experience, quality of accommodations, and excellent service justify the cost for many. Room prices can start from approximately $216 to $305 per night, varying by room type and season. The inclusion of a complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and free parking adds to the perceived value.

8. Common Complaints

While generally highly rated, a few minor issues have been mentioned by guests:

• Breakfast Variety/Seating: Some guests found the breakfast spread to be "minimal" or "just ok" compared to other B&Bs, and noted limited indoor seating, especially when the weather isn't suitable for outdoor dining.
• Noise/Vibration: A couple of guests reported a loud vibration noise lasting 30-40 minutes during the evening, potentially from an ice machine, jacuzzi, or boiler, which vibrated the floor in the lounge area.
• Heating Consistency: One guest experienced difficulty keeping the heating of their space consistent throughout the night.
• Bathroom Design: A small sink in one room and an awkward shower door in another were mentioned as minor inconveniences.

It's important to note that AWOL Kennebunkport is an adult-oriented property, and while children are not prohibited, all rooms and cabins accommodate a maximum of two persons, regardless of age. Also, due to the property's architecture and terrain, it may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility, as guest rooms do not meet ADA accessibility requirements.

Sources

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