The Inn by the Sea - Going Green on the East Coast...

The Inn by the Sea

Jetsetter review

Don't be surprised if guests greet the staff here by name. The Inn by the Sea's picture-perfect mile-long stretch of sand and quintessential New England coziness draw repeat visitors year after year. And a 2008 eco-conscious renovation means the 57-room property, located on Cape Elizabeth, will preserve its natural surroundings for years to come.

The inn's enormous, luxurious rooms are as warm and welcoming as the caring management. The 57 guestrooms, suites and cottages — all decorated in warm red and cognac tones — are accented with maple furniture and works by local artists.

Spa Suites have a loft-like living space, plus a terrace with sea views.

A collection of Audubon prints hangs on the walls. The bathrooms are oversize, and the larger units have full kitchens, too.

More just-like-home touches include flat-screen TVs, Internet access and iPod docks. There are also fireplaces in the rooms and a cardio room for counteracting the foodie forays at the inn’s locavore restaurant. Guests love to congregate on the porches and around the fireplaces, or on the Adirondack chairs on the rolling lawn and gardens that lead down to the water.

Don’t forget to set aside time for the luxurious (and LEED-certified) spa, where the treatments and the products continue the green theme, with organic essential oils and neutraceuticals selected for each client. There's even a massage table with surround-sound ocean waves.

What to do

• Beach. Crescent Beach is the classic New England beach. Rugged and natural, the mile-long stretch of fine sand meets saltwater coves, wooded areas and rock ledges. It’s perfect for beachgoers, fishing enthusiasts and nature observers. The relatively warm water and light surf make swimming and boating a pleasure in the summer.
• Learn. The Portland Museum of Art is one of those delightful small museums, memorable far beyond its size. Don’t miss the collections of Maine artists and American Impressionists, particularly works by Winslow Homer, whose home and studio is in the process of being renovated as a museum and study center.
• Art. Time your visit to fit the self-guided tour of Portland’s art galleries, art studios, museums and alternative art venues on the first Friday of every month from 5 to 8 p.m.
• Eat. Portland is such a foodie favorite that several websites map the options. Our personal favorite (since its 1996 opening) is Fore Street, where the cozy wood-burning ovens warm the brick interior and the food is homey perfection. Another must is Local 188, a gastropub with Spanish flair.

How to get there

Flights are available to Portland International Jetport (PWM) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) from major U.S. cities on a variety of carriers. Transfers to/from PWM and BOS are not offered by the property. Taxis from PWM, about seven miles away, are approximately $25 per person, each way. Inn by the Sea is also within driving distance of Boston; BOS is 110 miles from the property. If renting a car, valet parking and self-parking are available for no additional cost.