This Maine Hotel Was Named One of the Most Relaxing in U.S.

A few years back, I was lucky enough to stay at hotel in Maine with an amazing bed, board games in the lobby, and a ton of books available for guests to read.

“This might be the most relaxing hotel I’ve stayed in,” I thought, and apparently, I wasn’t alone.

The travel site Trips to Discover recently published a list of the 22 most relaxing hotels in the U.S., and three New England destinations got the nod, including Maine’s Camden Harbour Inn.

Located, as the name suggests, on Camden Harbor, the hotel is just steps away from the water, sailboats, and a pier that features restaurants and Uncle Willy’s Candy Shop (wait, do you think that’s Wonka in Witness Protection?? I mean, it is Maine…).

Built in 1874, the Inn is also a lobster’s-throw away from the legendary Camden Opera House (where I performed during my stay, thankfully not for my worst heckler ever).

Also making the list was a Stowe, Vermont’s Topnotch Resort. The hotel is located near Vermont’s Mount Mansfield – the highest peak in the state – and features hiking trails and a “mega-spa" (but if you're into nostalgia, you could always stay at the Vermont inn featured in the classic sitcom Newhart).

Meanwhile, Newport, Rhode Island’s Chanler at Cliff Walk was included thanks to its oceanic views and proximity to The Breakers. Also highlighted were the hotel’s dining options and outdoor fire pit (and maybe while you’re out in town, you’ll bump into Newport homeowner Jay Leno on another joyride with Martha Stewart).

But if relaxing in New England, and Maine in particular, isn’t your thing, no sweat. You could take a detour and stay at Maine’s most haunted hotel).