Inn by the Sea, Maine

Named by Forbes Traveler as one of the "Top 10 Green Hotels" in the United States, the Inn by the Sea, Cape Elizabeth, Maine, offers luxurious eco-friendly lodging along Crescent Beach...

...an expansive stretch of southern Maine coast just a short drive from Portland.

The Inn, with its 57 guest rooms, cottages and suites, state-of-the-art Spa and Sea Glass restaurant & Lounge - according to its website - has also been voted #1 for "Best Maine Inn" by Maine Sunday Telegram and selected in 2007 by Travel + Leisure readers as one of the top 100 hotels in the United States and Canada.

And, it's not just guests like us that enjoy the Inn's luxury accommodations. If you are looking for a pet friendly Maine hotel, motel, or inn, you are in luck. With pet sitting services, homemade doggie treats, LL Bean dog beds AND dog massages, your dog or cat are sure to feel pampered!

What else does the Inn by the Sea, Maine have to offer? The following press release, sent to me in September, 2009, probably best tells the story of the Inn by the Sea, Maine.

Inn by the Sea, Maine Press Release

Cape Elizabeth, Maine-September 3, 2009 - The transformation of Inn by the Sea into Maine's premier luxury beach destination was recently completed after a massive multi-million dollar makeover. The renovation has seamlessly wed contemporary amenities with traditional coastal charm to create an atmosphere of upscale elegance throughout the property.

Guests are given a touch of the red carpet treatment the instant they are ushered into comfortable leather chairs for 'check-in' in the beautifully renovated lobby, now open to spectacular Atlantic views. A nautical compass rose detail on the granite floor is repeated beyond an outdoor boulevard of planters, integrating the landscape and ocean view into the interior. The addition of a full service spa and cardio room, Sea Glass restaurant, fireplace lounge and expanded decks for outdoor ocean view dining top the new facilities list, but no area of the inn has been left without enhancement.

Set in a location of unspoiled beauty above sandy Crescent Beach the fully renovated Inn redefines coastal eco- luxury with a combination of modern and environmentally friendly design features. Many of the 57 rooms and suites feature deluxe bathrooms with oversized showers and tubs, flat screen TV's, ipod docking stations, plush bathrobes and luxurious bedding. Guest rooms surround visitors with warmth in a palette of deep red, cognac and charcoal, maple furnishings and nautical or locally inspired artwork.

Well known for its eco sensitivity the Inn worked with a LEED consultant on the spa addition, used recycled rubber for the cardio room floor, low VOC paint, sealants and wall coverings and recycled sheet rock. The salinated pool is heated with solar panels, and an air to air heat exchanger saves energy. Guests are wrapped in bamboo towels, use 'green' recycled paper key cards and are surrounded by indigenous landscape. The inn's sheet and towel program donates savings to the endangered monarch butterfly.

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Inn by the Sea, Maine, press release continued... The spa at Inn by the Sea offers quests a tranquil retreat with indulgent pampering in two serenity rooms, one for men and one for women, surrounded by six treatment areas with an array of services from massage to facials. The Inn's signature Sea Waves Massage is complimented with surround sound of soothing surf. Not to be left out, kid approved spa treatments for teens and doggie massage for VIP's (very important pets) are on the menu.

"Our goal is to offer guests true luxury, and great service while delivering the quintessential Maine experience," said Masterson. "The transformation of the Inn reflects an intimate, relaxed atmosphere that is more modern and upscale, integrating the elements that made this location a standout in the past the beauty of Crescent beach and proximity to Portland's vibrant Old Port. Our aim is to blend luxury, service and eco friendly initiatives with a true appreciation for all things local."

And to that end, Sea Glass, the inn's new restaurant, serves up Maine fare with an international flare under the direction of executive Chef Mitch Kaldrovich. Celebrating all things Maine Kaldrovich creates weekly menus with the freshest produce available from the sea and local farms. Complimented by panoramic ocean views and new decor the chef's signature dishes of seasonal game or fresh seafood paella are paired with an extensive wine selection on view in the new wine cove.

The eco-luxury Inn by the Sea is located on Crescent Beach in the charming coastal town of Cape Elizabeth, just minutes from Portland. Selected one of Tripadvisor's Top Ten Green hotels worldwide and Top 100 Hotels in US & Canada by Travel & Leisure.