Hotels & Accommodation in Calais And Eastport Maine Usa

Calais and Eastport sit at the far eastern edge of Maine — and indeed the contiguous United States — along the Canadian border and Passamaquoddy Bay. The accommodation scene here is genuinely small-scale and independent: expect family-run B&Bs, modest motor inns, and a growing selection of vacation rental cottages rather than chain hotels or resorts. The area's tourism infrastructure reflects its remote, working-waterfront character, and that is precisely the appeal for travelers who seek authentic coastal Maine and border-region experiences over polished amenities.

Eastport, the easternmost city in the US, has a notably preserved 19th-century downtown with a handful of longtime inns and B&Bs that occupy historic buildings close to the waterfront. Calais, as the larger commercial hub directly opposite St. Stephen, New Brunswick (Canada), offers slightly more conventional motel-style lodging and is the practical base if you are crossing the international border frequently. The two towns are about 35 miles apart by road, so choosing your base matters depending on your itinerary.

Vacation rentals (listed on platforms such as Vrbo and Airbnb) have grown in both towns and the surrounding Washington County countryside, offering cottages and historic homes that can sleep families or small groups. There are no large luxury resorts and no hostels in the traditional sense. Campgrounds exist in the wider Washington County area, including sites near Cobscook Bay State Park, extending the lodging ecosystem meaningfully for outdoor travelers.

When to Book

Peak demand runs from early July through late August, driven by summer coastal tourism, whale watching, the Eastport Salmon Festival (typically held in September — one of the larger regional events), and Fourth of July celebrations that draw visitors specifically to Eastport as the first US city to celebrate the holiday each year due to its eastern position.

Because the total lodging inventory in both Calais and Eastport is small, popular B&Bs and inns can sell out weeks to months in advance for peak summer weekends. Book as early as possible — 2 to 3 months ahead for July and August stays is prudent.

Shoulder seasons (May–June and September–October) offer more availability and often lower rates; fall foliage in Washington County (late September–October) creates a secondary demand spike. Winter (November–March) sees many smaller properties close seasonally — always confirm a property is operating before booking an off-season stay.

Before You Book

• Maine lodging tax of approximately 9% is typically not included in displayed rates; confirm the total with tax before committing.
• Seasonal closures: Many B&Bs and small inns operate only from late spring through early fall. Verify the property is open for your travel dates, especially outside June–September.
• Minimum stays: Some vacation rentals and inns require 2- or 3-night minimums during peak weekends or holiday periods.
• Air conditioning: Summers in far eastern Maine are generally mild, and many historic properties — particularly older B&Bs — do not have central AC. Ask specifically if this matters to you.
• Limited amenities: This is a remote destination. Do not assume on-site gyms, pools, room service, or concierge services exist at most properties.
• Elevator/accessibility: Most historic inns and B&Bs are in older buildings without elevators. Travelers with mobility considerations should verify directly.
• Deposits and cancellation: Small independent properties often require deposits and have stricter cancellation policies than large chains. Read all terms carefully.
• Pet policies: Some vacation rentals accept pets; most B&Bs do not. Always confirm.
• Cross-border stays: If considering accommodations in St. Stephen, NB (Canada, just across the bridge from Calais), pricing will be in CAD and entry requirements apply at the border.

Booking Safely

For vacation rentals listed on platforms such as Vrbo or Airbnb, keep all communications and payments within the platform. Be cautious of listings that direct you to pay via wire transfer, Zelle, or cash outside the booking platform — this is a common scam signal. Independently verify that a B&B or inn has a legitimate web presence (look for consistent contact information, reviews on multiple platforms, and a physical address you can cross-reference) before sending any deposit. For small family-run properties that may not appear on major booking engines, calling directly is reasonable, but use a credit card for deposits wherever possible to maintain chargeback protection.

Getting Around

A personal vehicle is essentially required for visiting the Calais–Eastport area. There is no commercial airport in either town; the closest airports with scheduled service are Bangor International Airport (roughly 90–100 miles from Calais) and Bar Harbor/Hancock County Airport (farther south). There is no passenger rail service and intercity bus service is limited and infrequent.

Within Eastport's compact downtown, some lodging is walkable to the waterfront, restaurants, and the ferry dock for Deer Island, NB. In Calais, properties along US Route 1 are spread out and primarily car-dependent. Plan for significant driving if you intend to combine both towns with day trips to Cobscook Bay State Park, Campobello Island, or Lubec.

Family & Group Accommodation

Vacation rental cottages and houses are the strongest option for families or groups visiting Calais and Eastport — they provide kitchen facilities, multiple bedrooms, and space that small B&Bs and motel rooms cannot match. Check Vrbo and Airbnb for Washington County listings. Some properties near Cobscook Bay are particularly suited to families interested in tidal wildlife observation, kayaking, and outdoor activities. Budget motels in Calais are a practical fallback for families on tighter budgets. Campgrounds near Cobscook Bay State Park are well-suited to families comfortable with tent or RV camping.

Long Stays

There are no purpose-built serviced apartments or aparthotels in this area. Extended stays are best arranged through vacation rental platforms, where weekly and monthly rates for cottages or houses may be negotiable directly with owners. A small number of extended-stay motel-style rooms exist in Calais; inquire directly with local properties about weekly rates. This region is not commonly chosen for long-stay tourism but may appeal to remote workers, writers, or researchers drawn to its seclusion — internet quality varies and should be confirmed before a working stay.