Higgins Beach Inn
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Higgins Beach Inn · Scarborough, United States
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Expert Review: Higgins Beach Inn
Higgins Beach Inn: A Charming Coastal Retreat with Michelin Recognition
Higgins Beach Inn in Scarborough, Maine, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns praise for its idyllic beachfront location, charming ambiance, and attentive service. Guests frequently highlight its successful blend of historic character with modern comforts, making it a beloved destination for a quintessential Maine coastal getaway.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for Higgins Beach Inn is very positive, with an overall "Good" rating of 7.8 based on numerous reviews. Guests often describe it as a "charming historic inn" that offers a "cozy and comfortable" stay. The sentiment leans towards appreciation for its tranquil atmosphere and proximity to the beach, offering a "nice reprieve" for those seeking relaxation.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently laud several aspects of Higgins Beach Inn:
- Location: Its primary highlight is its exceptional location, "only one block to the beach" or even "steps to the beach," allowing for easy access to Higgins Beach. It's described as perfectly situated for leisurely beach activities like sunbathing, strolling, fishing, and surfing. The inn also provides beach chairs and towels, a thoughtful amenity for beach-goers.
- Charm & Design: The inn, a three-storied colonial dating back to 1897, has undergone significant renovations to update amenities while "retaining the Inn's historic charm". Reviewers appreciate its "antique coastal charm," evident in details like window boxes, a manicured lawn, and original wooden doors featuring vintage photos of the hotel. The design evokes a "cozy beach cottage" feel.
- Service & Hospitality: The staff consistently receives positive feedback for being "very helpful and friendly". The Migis Hotel Group, which stewards the inn, is noted for its "legacy of outstanding hospitality".
- Amenities: Complimentary breakfast (when booked direct), free WiFi throughout the property, and free on-site parking are frequently mentioned as valuable amenities. The lobby also offers complimentary tea and coffee, along with delightful afternoon treats like homemade cookies or muffins.
3. Room Quality
The rooms at Higgins Beach Inn are described as "simple modern" yet "cozy and comfortable". They are designed with a "distinct coastal feel" and feature crisp white bedding and shiplap focal walls. Renovations in 2017 ensured modern conveniences such as private bathrooms, individually controlled air conditioning and heat, flat-screen HD televisions, and high-speed WiFi. Some rooms boast bay windows, with certain "Combers Sunrise Queens" offering partial beach views. Bathrooms often feature pedestal sinks and Victorian black and white tile floors, maintaining a fresh beachy vibe. Specific room types like the "Swells with 2 Queens" are noted for their spaciousness and bathtubs, ideal for families or longer stays. Rooms also include practical items like coat/luggage hooks, small tables, irons, hairdryers, and a cooler with fresh water.
4. Dining Experience
Shade: The Eatery at Higgins Beach Inn is the inn's re-envisioned on-site restaurant, specializing in "fresh beach fare," locally sourced seafood (including oysters on the half-shell), American cuisine, and a bar offering creative cocktails and craft beers.
- Breakfast: The complimentary breakfast, often included when booking directly, receives excellent reviews. Guests rave about options such as fresh fruit, Eggs Benedict (with or without lobster), buttermilk Belgian waffles with Maine maple syrup, French toast, and in-house made corned beef hash. The breakfast can be enjoyed in the screened-in porch, offering a lovely start to the day.
- Dinner: The dinner menu features dishes like mussels, fish tacos, lobster rolls, shellfish stew, and haddock & chips. Reviewers have described the food, including oysters, mussels, and fish tacos, as "perfect". A homemade blueberry cheesecake has also been a noted dessert. Dining options include an indoor area with "coolest red metal chairs" or a covered porch to enjoy the Maine breeze.
5. Service & Staff
Guest feedback consistently highlights the helpfulness and friendliness of the staff. The "wait staff at Shade the restaurant were very good" and "attended to our needs". The Migis Hotel Group is committed to "unparalleled service," a cornerstone of their hospitality at Higgins Beach Inn. Employee reviews also indicate a positive work environment, with staff feeling appreciated and well-managed.
6. Location & Accessibility
Higgins Beach Inn boasts an "ideal place to call home" due to its excellent location in Scarborough, Maine. It is described as being "just a short walk from the unspoiled sands of Higgins Beach" – a mere "block" or "3-minute walk" away. The inn is nestled between historic Prouts Neck and Crescent Beach State Park, offering many beautiful beaches nearby. While providing a peaceful beach getaway, it is also conveniently located approximately "15 minutes from Portland" or "20 minutes from Portland," allowing guests easy access to city attractions. Portland International Jetport is about 6.8 miles distant. The property offers free self-parking and wheelchair-accessible parking. It's important to note that due to its historic nature (built in 1897), the inn's upper floors are accessible by stairs only, though rooms for guests with disabilities are available upon direct inquiry.
7. Value & Pricing
While specific typical price ranges are not extensively detailed in the snippets, one review mentions paying "$800+ for three nights" for a small room, suggesting that pricing can be on the higher side. Another guest felt the inn had "no value for the price" and the restaurant food was "overpriced". However, booking directly with the inn typically includes breakfast, free parking, and WiFi, which can enhance the perceived value. Promotional rates "as low as $179 per night" have been advertised.
8. Common Complaints
While overall sentiment is positive, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted:
- Room Size: Some guests have found certain rooms to be "small," with limited storage for clothes, such as only a few hangers and no bureau.
- Lack of Elevator: As a historic three-story inn, there are no elevators, which can be an inconvenience for some guests, particularly those assigned to upper floors.
- Restaurant Temperature/Availability: One review mentioned the restaurant area being "very cold" with a "bad draft in Bar area" during cooler weather. Additionally, the dinner service at Shade may not be available every day of the week, especially outside of peak season (e.g., closed Monday-Wednesday in late September).
- Perceived Value/Pricing: A few guests felt the inn was "not worth the money" and that the restaurant offered "overpriced food".
- Seasonal Operation: The inn operates seasonally, typically from May through October, so it is not open year-round.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •While overall sentiment is positive, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted:
Google Reviews
248 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
Michele Diggins
Excellent location because it is a short walk to the beach. Room was clean and cute, but very simple and not spacious. Breakfast is sort of included at their restaurant—they give you a voucher for so much per person. Food was ok with a few standard options. Maybe it was just our room, but we were awakened to a door banging and what sounded like staff hauling supplies into the hotel. There had been...
Mike and Anne
Other than the rooms being a little small, like a standard bedroom size and being 3 stories without an elevator (request a first floor room upon booking if you have mobility issues) it’s PHENOMENAL! The staff are super friendly and helpful, the location is excellent and the food! OMG Shade is exceptional! I highly recommend the lobster scampi!
Kevin Douglas
The rooms and the inn itself are very clean, spacious, and comfortable. The food and drinks are amazing and fresh every day. All employees were super nice and very helpful. Winnie, the bar and restaurant manager, made the dining and bar experience amazing. The location is prime. Very close to the beach, Portland, and Scarborough. Not stuck in the middle of a big city. Overall a great experience!
N U
Let’s start on the positive: rooms were clean and the location of the Inn is great! Higgins Beach is beautiful. However, we were really disappointed of our stay at the Inn. The room was mouldy smelling and very damp. It was also very cold in the room and AC would not switch to heat as they were still in “summer mode” (end of September…) they offered a heater on the second night. The rooms are not...
Maureen Rigazio
We had dinner at the inn tonight - huge improvement over last summer’s menu! Kale Caesar salad was delicious! The seafood chowder was chock full of lobster, fish, and potatoes- the perfect meal for a rainy night (& so much that I had to take some home!). Cocktails and beers were delicious, and if the peanut ice cream is on the menu, get it!!!
Steve Becker
We really enjoyed our stay at Higgins Beach Inn! It was just a one-night getaway as part of our Portland trip. Charming, great service at the front desk, comfortable bed, 5 minute walk to the beach (perfect weather)--all good! Thank you for an overall great experience!
Hyatt
Amex FHR
