The Thistle Inn

Hotels
8.4 (106 reviews)
55 Oak Street , Boothbay Harbor , US

Free

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Restaurant
Heating
Terrace
Bar
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Good location
Quality food at the restaurant
Cons:
Lack of staff support
Cleanliness issues

Categories

Cleanliness
6.79
Multiple comments indicate lack of cleanliness and unpleasant smells.
Service
8.26
Guests reported difficulty in reaching staff and lack of response to concerns.
Location
9.8
Conveniently located near shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Room Quality
7.75
Rooms described as quaint, but concerns over comfort with conditions like hard beds.
Amenities
7.78
Limited amenities reported, including issues with air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
Value for Money
8.74
Mixed perceptions of value based on comfort and cleanliness; location helps.
Food and Beverage
9.29
Positive remarks about food quality at the connected restaurant.
Overall Experience
8.76
Guests had mixed feelings; some enjoyed their stay despite significant complaints.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-08 01:00

Property Description

Charming Hotel in Boothbay Harbor

Historic Charm: The Thistle Inn, located just 3.2 km from Coastal Maine Botanical Garden, offers a charming stay with its historic architecture and cozy atmosphere.

Modern Amenities: Enjoy a comfortable stay with free WiFi, air conditioning, flat-screen TV, and plush bedding in every room.

Dining and Relaxation: Indulge in delicious meals at the on-site restaurant, unwind with a drink at the bar, or take in the fresh air on the terrace.

Book your stay at The Thistle Inn for a delightful blend of history and modern comfort.

Important information:

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Airport code: PWM

Location

Guest Reviews

8.4
Based on 106 reviews
Cleanliness: 6.79
Service: 8.26
Location: 9.8
Room Quality: 7.75
Amenities: 7.78
Value for Money: 8.74
Food and Beverage: 9.29
Overall Experience: 8.76
C
Camino • couple • es
4
Demasiado caro para su servicio
Cons:

Demasiado caro para su servicio.
Se olvidaron de que veníamos y tuvimos que hacer el check in 2 horas más tarde. Tuvieron que preparar la habitación rápido y nos encontramos envoltorios de caramelos y cosas tiradas. (El chico que nos encontramos fue muy amable, pero no era culpa suya no era el dueño)

Nadie nos envió información para acceder al hotel tuvimos que pedir ayuda en el bar, por qué solo había teléfono de contacto americano y nosotros no tenemos línea.

Hacía frío solo había un pequeño ventilador de aire y para esta época del año unas mantas estarían bien.

2026-10-30 • via Nuitee
C
Cari • couple • us
4
Cons:

The stairs were steep I wasn’t told about them

2026-09-19 • via Nuitee
S
Sean • solo_traveller • us
9
Pros:

Nice property

Cons:

Long walk to harbor location. Not pet friendly when came up on search as "pet friendly ."

2026-09-03 • via Nuitee
B
bavis • solo_traveller • us
5
Cons:

Restaurant keeps front door open, mosquitoes come up into hallways and rooms...a/c was not big enough to cool the room...tv was too small , remote too com plex, then power was lost on tv and the fridge...

2026-08-31 • via Nuitee
E
E. Brooke • solo_traveller • us
1
Caveat emptor.
Cons:

Property did not get in touch with me prior & misrepresented accommodations. Thought this was a regular inn, with an attached restaurant. Was unable to rouse anyone in the locked building, so I ended up having to stay elsewhere & requested refund, as never set foot in the place. Attempted to contact multiple times, but “server not found”. Bookings.com said they have not heard back from management yet. Contacted AmEx, which is challenging the charge on my behalf. Terrible customer service.

2026-08-24 • via Nuitee
R
Richard • solo_traveller • us
10
God help you if your phone dies.
Pros:

Quiet and greatlocation.

Cons:

The room lock was extremely worn. Owner acknowledged it was going to be replaced and there was a process to open then door. The email was great instructions but a temporary note by the door would avoid frustration and email exchange when all I wanted to do was get to bed.

2026-06-13 • via Nuitee
S
Stephen • couple • us
7
Generally met expectations.
Pros:

Location. Facilities were nice.

Cons:

With no AC, left windows open. Traffic was loud and people outside talking and playing music.

2026-06-09 • via Nuitee
S
Sheila • couple • us
8
2026-05-26 • via Nuitee
R
Roy • couple • us
3
Pros:

No breakfast

Cons:

No staff on premises.

2026-05-14 • via Nuitee
J
Jane • couple • us
1
In the event of an emergency guests are on their own, do not stay here , example fire guests are on thier own.
Pros:

Proximity to thistle inn restaurant, not related to property

Cons:

Lack of heat, space heater and extension cord provided. Severe safety hazard . Should not operate in winter. No ability to reach staff, multiple messages, voicemail, texts and e mails sent to property regarding lack of heat and needed clothing left behind. No response after 4 days. Could not drive back to pick up needed clothing as there is no person at property and unable to reach staff. Booking. Com also unable to reach property. Totally unacceptable.

2025-12-08 • via Nuitee
G
Grant • couple • us
6
2025-10-01 • via Nuitee
C
Charles • partner
8
Pros:

Beautiful Boothbay Harbor!

2025-09-10 • via Nuitee
R
Rick-Linda
6
Pros:

Historic building connected to 5 star restaurant and charming tavern. Fantastic location to all attractions in the village of Boothbay harbor.

2025-09-02 • via Nuitee
V
Verified traveler
10
Pros:

Quaint room with a large bathroom. Well kept. Steep stairs to our room. Very nice!

2025-08-27 • via Nuitee
V
Vicki
8
Pros:

Loved the quaintness of the rooms, though the stairs to the rooms were steep and treads were short. The food at the restaurant was really good.

2025-08-25 • via Nuitee
V
Verified traveler
8
Comfortable bed but no elevator
Pros:

Good, quiet location with parking walking distance to the main part of town. It’s not an Inn with a front desk but we were aware of that. Getting your luggage from the parking lot to an upstairs room could be challenging for some. On the upside, the bed was very comfortable and the room was clean. I would only recommend for travelers are able to manage stairs with luggage and are just looking for a comfortable place to sleep.

2025-08-23 • via Nuitee
S
Sheila
6
Pros:

Third floor you better bed in condition to climb 2 step flights of stairs. Furniture not comfortable..

2025-08-15 • via Nuitee
D
Deborah • couple • gb
2
Don't book. Look elsewhere as loads of great options
Pros:

To be fair, there were a couple of positives: the shower had good water pressure and temperature, the coffee machine worked, and the location is conveniently close to town.

Unfortunately, the basics of comfort and cleanliness were missing, and I would not stay here again.

Cons:

I rarely leave negative reviews, but my stay here was one of the most uncomfortable I've ever experienced. The bed was a nightmare — literally one mattress stacked on another, propped up by four pieces of wood. It was hard, stained, and impossible to sleep on without waking up with back pain. No one on site to deal with concerns

The overall condition of the room didn’t help. The smell was unpleasant, reminiscent of a hamster cage, likely due to a lack of dusting and wooden furniture that hasn’t been properly cared for in a long time.

Unfortunately, the basics of comfort and cleanliness were missing, and I would not stay here again.

When messaged the owner with my concerns, I received the briefest of replies thanking me for my message

2025-08-14 • via Nuitee
D
Deb • family
6
Pros:

We liked that it was close to shops and restaurants and it was a nice size. Not having to check in in person worked well. There was a window ac that you couldn't run at night because the curtains were blocking the air flow. Open curtains meant no privacy in the bedroom with restsurant guests on the porch. Couldn't run ac and microwave at the same time. As far as wifi, your better off using your cellular data.

2025-08-11 • via Nuitee
A
Ann • partner
6
Pros:

We were stunned that no staff was available to answer questions either in person or on line. I don’t recall if the initial information included the steep stairs we had to climb to our room. We couldn’t carry our luggage so just had to pull individual items out of our parked car. Don’t stay here if stairs are at all a challenge.

2025-08-10 • via Nuitee