Where to Stay in Maine

Where to Stay in Wells, Maine

Hotels, B&Bs, vacation rentals, and cabins in Wells. Compare real pricing and availability across all major booking sites.

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Wells is the value-friendly family beach town of southern Maine — seven miles of sand and a mix of cottages and classic motels, usually easier on the wallet than its fancier neighbors. Here's how the beach areas compare.

Best Areas to Stay in Wells

Wells Beach

Best for: Families who want to walk to the sand

The main beach area, with cottages and motels within walking distance of the water and a low-key, family feel. The most convenient base for a classic Maine beach week.

Moody Beach

Best for: A quieter, more residential stretch

Just south of Wells Beach, mostly rentals and homes for a calmer beach stay — popular with families who want space over bustle.

Drakes Island

Best for: A quiet residential beach neighborhood

A tucked-away residential beach to the north with vacation rentals and a peaceful vibe, near the Rachel Carson refuge marshes.

Route 1 corridor

Best for: Value motels with trolley access

Classic Maine motels line Route 1 at some of the area's better rates; the seasonal trolley connects to the beaches and on to Ogunquit.

What It Costs & When to Book

Wells generally runs more affordable than Ogunquit or Kennebunkport — think family motels and cottages rather than grand inns — though summer weeks still book up. The map above shows live prices for your dates, and shoulder season is cheaper.

Wells is a summer beach destination, busiest July–August, with quieter and cheaper shoulder weeks in late spring and September. Winter is very quiet with many seasonal closures.

Where to Stay by Trip Type

Families

A Wells Beach cottage or motel within walking distance of the sand

Couples

A quieter rental on Moody or Drakes Island

Budget travelers

A Route 1 motel, using the trolley to reach the beach and Ogunquit

Best Booking Sites for Wells

Booking.com

Biggest hotel and B&B inventory in Maine. Free cancellation on most properties, no-fee booking, and a loyalty program that kicks in after a few stays.

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Vrbo (Vacation Rentals)

Best for whole-house rentals, lakefront cottages, and multi-family trips. Dominates the Maine vacation rental market, especially for waterfront properties.

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Airbnb

Unique stays, in-town apartments, and budget rooms. Strong urban inventory (Portland, Bangor) and lakeside options.

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Hotels.com

Solid hotel inventory with a "stay 10 nights, get 1 free" rewards program. Good for chain hotels and business travel.

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Expedia

Bundles hotels with flights and car rentals. Good for multi-leg trips and cost comparisons.

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KAYAK (Compare All)

Meta-search across Booking, Expedia, Hotels.com, and more. Use when you want to check rates everywhere at once.

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Visiting Wells?

Check out our full guide to Wells — covers what to see, where to eat, and local tips from people who actually live here.

Read the Wells guide →

Frequently Asked Questions About Staying in Wells, Maine

Which Wells beach area is best?

Wells Beach is the main, most convenient family area; Moody Beach just south is quieter; Drakes Island to the north is a peaceful residential beach; and Route 1 motels are the value pick with trolley access to all of them.

Is Wells cheaper than Ogunquit or Kennebunkport?

Usually yes. Wells leans toward family motels and cottages and generally runs more affordable than in-town Ogunquit or Kennebunkport, while still being close to both.

Does the trolley run in Wells?

Yes — a seasonal trolley connects Wells' beaches and Route 1 with neighboring Ogunquit in summer, which helps you skip beach parking.

When should I book Wells for summer?

Cottages and beach-week rentals for July–August book up months ahead; motels have a bit more flexibility. Late spring and September are cheaper and quieter.

Local Tips for Wells

Exploring More of Maine?

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