Hotel Review: Samoset Resort Rockport, Maine

Located in what is referred to as the “Jewel of the Maine Coast”, the towns of Camden, Rockport, and Rockland, the Samoset Resort will not disappoint and hasn’t for the last century. The grounds run right up to Penobscot Bay and offer stunning views if you are lucky enough to have an ocean view room. Even if you don’t, it is hard to avoid the crashing waves if you dine at the resort, swim in the outdoor pool, play golf on their championship 18-hole course or walk outdoor just about anywhere. You can even just step out on the lobby observation deck and be treated to the amazing sights and sounds of the ocean. You will notice that there is a breakwater and if you enjoy walking, go out to see the house at the end.



The lobby is an amazing sight on its own; with soaring ceilings and chandeliers which create an open and spacious feeling, it definitely was designed to impress. It offers views of not only Penobscot Bay but the lower level expansion that includes the restaurant, lounge, and spa. The lobby also has a very nice gift shop which is not your typical resort shop. Across from the front desk, you will find cold water with citrus fruits and cookies depending on the time of day.



We had a king ocean view suite and it was stunning. As soon as you open the door to your suite you are greeted by ocean views from a full wall of windows with a slider to your personal deck. The suites are two rooms with a living room with sofa bed, chairs, table, and TV with a separate bedroom. Both rooms have sliders to your private deck with table and chairs. The bedroom is spacious with a king bed, marble top nightstand and dresser, desk, club chair and padded bench at the foot of the bed. Additionally, you have a second TV. A counter with a small sink holds the Keurig coffeemaker and below is the mini-fridge. The bathroom sink is in a niche outside the bathroom.



The bed was massive with a very cushy mattress pad, three pillows, and luxury bedding. It was like sleeping on a cloud. What was not enjoyable was being awoken by the white noise machine on the nightstand making foghorn sounds. It took me a while to figure out where the noise was coming from; obviously, it had been set by the previous guest to go off in the middle of the night because it was not on when I went to sleep. Be sure to check yours to make sure it is off or if you like white noise set it to one of the choices, you can also charge your iPod on it. Free WiFi is available throughout the building so if you must work, it is easily done. But be sure to at least have work in your provided bathrobe.



The resort has two restaurants in the main building, La Bella Vita, and the Enoteca Lounge. There is also room service. We dined in both and enjoyed the stunning view and good food.

The resort is open year round which is not typical in this neck of the woods. A major expansion and upgrade were completed in 2012 which added three guest cottage and the full-service spa.

Since the weather during our visit was frightful on the second day, I used my time judiciously by getting a hot stone massage and a spa pedicure. Prices are what you would expect to pay at a resort and the service providers were both friendly and efficient. It was a lovely and relaxing experience.

On Saturday there was a breakfast buffet, you have the option of having a continental or a full buffet. It was very substantial. At this time the rates are $14 and $17 and include drinks as well. The orange and grapefruit juice is fresh squeezed and the pastries are exceptional. They offer lox for the bagels and a yogurt and granola parfait which looked delicious. The weakness was the watery scrambled eggs. We had the steel cut oatmeal but had to ask for brown sugar as none was out.



There is a waffle maker so you can make your own waffles but while that works at the Fairfield Inn, I found it rather low brow for the Samoset. The fresh fruit offerings were quite impressive. The bacon was thick cut and well-cooked as were the sausages. The breakfast potato serving dish was full and I was not surprised, they were very uninspiring. Cold cereal is also available. The bread choices were good with several flavors of bagels and bread, no cream cheese was out however which was odd. Overall, quite a nice spread that could be improved with some simple changes and attention to detail.



We really enjoyed our stay here and would not hesitate to recommend it to our friends and family or to come here again ourselves. We did not visit the health club or indoor pool nor did we indulge in many of the sports activities and options that are available. Families are also catered to with a large playground area.