If you’re picturing a classic New England getaway, Kennebunkport probably looks exactly how you’re imagining it. Historic homes with impossibly pretty gardens, boutique shops, seafood restaurants on every corner, and enough hydrangeas to make you wonder if they’re considered local currency.
When I started planning my Maine road trip, I knew I wanted a hotel that felt like part of the destination rather than just a place to sleep. If you’ve read other posts about hotels I curate, you know I love hotels with a history. That’s exactly what I found at the Captains Collection, a boutique hotel made up of four restored sea captains’ homes just a short walk from Dock Square.
After spending a night here (and consuming what I’d consider an entirely reasonable amount of chocolate chip cookies), here’s everything you need to know before booking your stay, including which house to choose and whether the Captains Collection is worth the price.
Kennebunkport Captains Collection
6 Pleasant St,
Kennebunkport, ME 04046
A Stay in Four Historic Sea Captains’ Homes
What is now four buildings united as the Captains Collection was once four homes belonging to the children of Captain Daniel Walker. As each came of age and married, Captain Walker deeded them a piece of land to build their own homes. The families often lived together, supporting one another while the captains went off to sea.
The homes that make up the Captains Collection were built through the early nineteenth century and have been part of Kennebunkport’s seafaring history ever since. More than two centuries later, they still retain plenty of that history and spirit.
I only happened to get photos of three of the homes, so you’ll just have to take my word that there are four.
Captains Collection: Location & Amenities
The Captains Collection is conveniently located a few blocks from downtown Kennebunkport. If you don’t get lost meandering around the neighborhood looking at all of the beautiful houses (you absolutely should), it’s a quick 5-minute walk to Dock Square.
Do you need a rental car? Kennebunkport is small and you can walk to most restaurants. However, there are a few restaurants further out, like Casa 77 and Cape Porpoise, where a car would be helpful. The rental car I had was parked for the full stay – I had to get from the airport and on to Portland afterward.
What about parking? Parking is available at the hotel, and there are also EV charging stations.
What amenities do I get to enjoy? The best amenity is your free delicious breakfast, fireplaces in almost all guest rooms – obvs better in chillier months – and bicycles to use during your stay.
My other favorite amenity? Warm, melt in your mouth, chocolate chip cookies served every afternoon.
Which Captains Collection House Should You Choose?
I booked a room in the James Fairfield House, which they describe as artful and eclectic. Obviously, a Colorfully Kate coded house if I do say so myself.
However, our stay was days before Memorial Day. With that, several of the houses were unoccupied and we were upgraded to the William Jefferds House. Described as serene, airy, and sunlit, I’d agree it was that, but it was mostly white on cream.
It did make getting to breakfast easier because it was only being served in one house, but I was kinda bummed. I’m sure I could have asked to stay in my original house, but I decided it was probably better not to be alone in a large historic house. Lord knows, every creak and mysterious noise would have kept me awake.
All that to say, there is also the Acton Patterson House and the Nathaniel Lord Mansion, which are both pretty similar in design. Both houses feature rich colors and textures in their floor coverings and walls.
So does it matter which house you choose? Aesthetics are a personal vibe, and each of the four houses has a personality to fit every traveler’s style. Each guest room has thick, soft towels and robes. Beds are not too hard, not too soft, with luxurious linens – great for those sleepers that run hot.
While most of the houses were empty during my stay, making it hard to promise that breakfast is the same in every house, I stayed in a different house than the one where you check in. Both of those houses had identical kitchen items.
Is the Complementary Breakfast Good?
As an elder millennial, I have breakfast needs that my 20 year old self would roll her eyes at. Black coffee and a pastry will not cut it. Luckily enough, the complimentary breakfast met all my needs.
On offer during my stay was baked eggs – something I wouldn’t normally consider, but I could have eaten three. I also enjoyed a bowl of yogurt topped with fresh berries, chia seeds, ground flax, pepitas, and granola.
Bonus for the iced lattes fans in the crowd, the Nespresso machine plus ice from the ice machine and the choice of oat, almond or dairy milk – be still my heart. But for those that love their coffee black or tea, there was a selection to satisfy everyone.
I was so sad to have booked only one night, leaving me with just one morning for breakfast. I moved on to Portland after Kennebunkport, and yeah… breakfast in Portland was not the same.
Who Will Love A Stay at Captains Collection?
Travelers who love historical ambiance and top-notch customer service will love the Captains Collection. I’d also say it’s a great location for solo travelers, couples, and groups of a modest size.
Is the Captains Collection Worth It?
Yes, if what you’re paying for is a memorable, historic stay in the heart of Kennebunkport. The value isn’t just the room. It’s the collection of historic homes, the walkable location, the service, and the feeling that you’re staying somewhere with a story.
But if it’s high season and there is no availability, a less historic Lark hotel, AWOL Kennebunkport, is available. It’s a mere 500 feet away from the Captains Collection and is a Michelin Key-awarded property. All the closeness to everything in Kennebunkport, but more chic.