City: Kennebunkport, ME

Category: Accommodations

Telephone: (207) 967-2321

Address: 37 Beach Ave.

Description: Lauded far and wide for excellence, the White Barn sets the standard in southern Maine— and, when it comes right down to it, the entire state. A member of Relais & Chateaux, that club for über inns and hotels, the White Barn has a list of accolades from major publications that could fill a book. If you can think of something you might like in an inn, this place has already thought of it, anticipating the every need of guests. There are 25 rooms in all, and several are actually smallish, but they are very comfortable. Every one is set with fresh flowers and fruit, plush terry robes, and CD systems. Many rooms have extra touches like fireplaces, and some have rain- or steam-style showers in their bathrooms with granite floors. Jacuzzis are options. Every night your covers are turned down, you can get laundry done the same day, and you may order in for breakfast if you like. If you can rouse yourself, you can get a massage poolside, and if you’re really ambitious, you can get active with complimentary canoes and bikes. You can even get lunch by the pool or packed up for a picnic on the go. And the dining room is hands-down the best around (see Restaurants chapter). New cottages have been added down the road a bit, and they are every inch as nice as the inn itself, but they sit on the waterfront, which the inn doesn’t. (Ironic, isn’t it, that the nicest inn in Maine is not on the water?) You can still enjoy all of the amenities of the inn as well, including the full breakfast. Of course, you’ll pay dearly for all this, but it’s worth it.