Waldo Emerson Inn

The Waldo Emerson Inn in Kennebunkport, United States, is a charming and historic bed and breakfast highly regarded for its exceptional hospitality, gourmet breakfasts, and comfortable, tastefully decorated rooms. It has been recognized by the Michelin Guide as a "Selected" property, indicating a high-quality stay.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus among guests is overwhelmingly positive, with an "Exceptional" rating of 9.7 based on 286 reviews on Booking.com. Guests frequently describe their stays as welcoming, comfortable, and memorable, often feeling like they've escaped to a "home away from home". The inn consistently receives high scores for staff (9.9), cleanliness (9.8), comfort (9.8), facilities (9.7), and location (9.5).

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of the Waldo Emerson Inn:

• Exceptional Service & Attentive Hosts: The innkeepers, including Amelia and Ron, are frequently praised for their warmth, attentiveness, and willingness to go above and beyond, such as accommodating dietary restrictions.
• Gourmet Breakfasts: The daily gourmet, two-course breakfasts are a significant draw, often highlighted as delicious and a memorable part of the stay. The innkeeper, a London-trained chef, creates these culinary experiences.
• Historic Charm with Modern Comforts: The inn, originally built in 1753, beautifully blends its historic past with elegant whimsy and modern amenities. Original features like polished pine floors and hand-painted Wedgwood tiles are complemented by contemporary furnishings.
• Relaxing Atmosphere & Thoughtful Amenities: Guests appreciate the laid-back vibe, multiple living areas, a lending library, an honor bar, and a 24-hour coffee and snack bar. Outdoor spaces like the garden, terrace, and fire pit with marshmallow roasting are also popular. Free bicycles are available for exploring the area.

3. Room Quality

The inn offers six dreamy en-suite guest rooms, with four featuring fireplaces, and additional accommodations in a separate carriage house. Rooms are described as extremely comfortable and cozy, with luxurious bedding. They are uniquely decorated with historical details, original artwork, and personal touches. Guests can expect wide-planked pine wood floors dating back to 1784, antique furnishings, and modern bathrooms. While historic, the interiors have been updated to feel light and bright. Amenities include air-conditioning, private bathrooms, garden views, streaming services, and free toiletries. Some rooms, like "Ralph's Library," are on the first floor with a fireplace, while "Waldo's Retreat" is a suite-sized room in the oldest part of the house with a king bed, two chairs, a window seat, and a kitchenette.

4. Dining Experience

A significant highlight is the gourmet two-course breakfast, prepared daily by the innkeeper, a trained chef. Guests consistently rave about the quality and deliciousness of these breakfasts, noting the innkeepers' accommodation of food allergies. The option to enjoy breakfast on a scenic terrace is also mentioned. Beyond breakfast, the inn features an honesty bar in one of the parlors where guests can help themselves to drinks. A 24-hour coffee and snack bar is also available.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff, particularly innkeepers Amelia and Ron, receive nearly universal praise, with a staff rating of 9.9 on Booking.com. Guests consistently highlight their welcoming nature, attentiveness, and genuine hospitality. Specific examples include going "out of their way to help with a dietary issue" and making guests feel "so welcome". Many reviews emphasize feeling like a valued guest and enjoying the personal touch provided by the innkeepers.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Waldo Emerson Inn is ideally located in the heart of the Kennebunks, positioned halfway between Kennebunk and Dock Square in Kennebunkport. This provides easy access to beaches, restaurants, and the beautiful countryside with hiking and biking trails. It's situated near the airport and within a mile of attractions such as the Wedding Cake House, Kennebunk Dog Park, and Brick Store Museum. The inn offers free parking and free bicycles for guests to explore the area.

7. Value & Pricing

While specific pricing details are not always explicitly stated in the reviews, the inn generally receives a high "Value for money" rating of 9.4 on Booking.com. The comprehensive amenities, including gourmet breakfast, free WiFi, free parking, and personalized service, contribute to guests feeling it's a worthwhile cost for a high-quality and memorable experience. It's considered a 3-star bed and breakfast experience within a historic building.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a minor point noted in an older review (2021) is that bathrooms in the historic inn can be small due to the building's age. However, it also mentions that the innkeeper has been updating them with tile and nice fixtures. For those preferring larger bathrooms, the two-bedroom apartments in the separate carriage house offer a potential alternative. Otherwise, recurring complaints are notably absent from the recent guest feedback.

Sources

1. michelin.com
2. booking.com
3. booking.com
4. waldoemerson.com
5. waldoemerson.com
6. tablethotels.com
7. expedia.com