Coastal Stay 250 Main Hotel in Rockland Maine
My eyes scan the space and everywhere there is a reminder of the sea. From the boat skeleton framework hugging the wall to the visible structural elements of the building, the ocean plays an important role. The 250 Main Hotel in Rockland, Maine is a quaint, idyllic and tranquil escape from the “hustle and bustle” of life in the fast lane.
Just over 2 hours from Boston, a visit to the charming coastal town will transport you quickly. It’s no wonder this charming boutique property has been creating buzz since opening in 2016. Airy and inviting, this art filled, independent lifestyle hotel has sweeping views of Penobscot Bay and offers luxury accommodations in a perfect location for exploring the maritime coastal town of Rockland.
History of 250 Main Hotel in Rockland
To understand the concept behind the design of the 250 Main Hotel in Rockland, one should know the history and customs of the seafaring area. A long tradition of shipbuilding dates back to the 19th century. Boats were produced for the commercial market and were the mainstay of the town’s economy along with lime production and fishing.
The hotel is designed with the maritime heritage of the town in mind, architecturally taking the shape of a large ship. Owners Cabot and Heidi Lyman of Lyman Morse Boatbuilding used their talented artisans to construct the hotel. Intentionally designed in this way to capture the essence and history of seafaring Rockland, 250 Main provides guests with a unique hotel experience and a genuine sense of place.
Entry and fireplace 250 Main Hotel, Rockland, ME
Chic design was a priority in the interior, and evidence of yacht design is seen throughout the 17,000 sq. foot hotel’s five floors. The color palate is one of creams and rosewood accented with vibrant punches of canary yellow, perhaps a nod to the brightly colored foul weather gear fisherman are known for.
Guests are greeted in the lobby not by a traditional front reception area, but a simple desk and staff member checking in guests with an electronic tablet. The welcoming lobby has an inviting couch and fireplace, banquet seating and comfortable corners for reading, checking email or relaxing with a cup of tea. Everywhere you look is a creative vision reminiscent of Rockland, lovingly made by a local creative.
Location
Rockland is on the coast of Maine about two hours north of Boston. It’s an easy ride along the highway. There is also a longer, more scenic coastal route which will take you close to the meandering rocky shoreline. Along the way are plenty of charming towns to stop and stretch your legs, have a lobster roll or visit any of the numerous lighthouses on massive promontories extending into the sea.
The location of the property is excellent. Overlooking a harbor that positively glows at sunset, be sure to have a glass of wine or watch sunrise from the roof deck. Only a few blocks to town, you can walk to restaurants, galleries and shopping close by.
The Room
The hotel has 26 rooms, stretched spaciously over five floors. Decorating each floor is a different collection of original artwork giving the hotel the feel of an art gallery.
A suite on the 4th floor-The Garden Room- has an outdoor balcony and sitting area enhanced by greenery. In all of the rooms you’ll find an outstanding bed, plenty of pillows and feather duvet topped with a camel throw. Sheets are crisp and high thread count, making it hard to leave for coffee and sunrise in the early morning. Cozy robes, complimentary high-speed wi-fi and flat screen TVs round out the amenities.
Sustainable elements in the build include a high efficiency exterior skin and LED lighting. Water saving technology is employed in the laundry units as well as the plumbing fixtures in the bathrooms. Heated floors and towel racks are a nice touch and Malin + Goetz bath products are thoughtfully refilled in permanent containers affixed the shower. Kudos to the designer of the black washcloth for make-up removal. How many white towels were discarded before someone came up with the idea?
Technology in a hotel room can make me a bit anxious, and with good reason. I coined the phrase Man to The Room while traveling with my good friend, designer Jane Shapiro during a green stay in Hyderabad, India. Twice a day without fail, we would have to call a man to the room to get the space illuminated. Truth be told, I never did figure out how to turn the darn energy saving, high tech, everything but the kitchen sink lights on before I checked out.
At 250 Main, technology was a bit easier (or maybe i’ve advanced). It was fun to order room service, heat the bathroom floor , regulate the room temperature and explore Rockland on the gadgets and tablet in the room.
250 Main St. Rockland, ME
Extra Points for a stack of local magazines, and two chilled bottles of local Allagash beer waiting for me when I arrived.
Amenities
A daily social from 5-7 pm features wines, beer, soft drinks and light snacks. Guests can make themselves comfortable on the assortment of tables crafted from reclaimed wood salvaged from boats. If the temperature warrants, catch the sunset on the only roof deck in town.
A light buffet breakfast is served. Locally roasted coffee (in handcrafted mugs) comes from Rock City Roasters and baked goods from local bakeries. Cereal and fruit was also available.
Views of Penobscot Bay have to be the best int he city. Sun rise or sun set, the top floor is a spot to spend some time relaxing and taking in the sights.
Rockland through the years has become synonymous with ships, art, and good food. It has developed a reputation as a laid-back town that visitors can come to enjoy award winning meals, taste the gifts of local ingredients and experience the art and cultural attractions of the town. The vibrant art scene, a newly opened Center for Maine Contemporary Art, world class shopping and the excellent seafood combine to make a coastal stay at 250 Main in Rockland a perfect getaway in the Pinetree State. There’s a lobster roll in town just calling your name.
Pin Me ♥ Staying Coastal at 250 Main Hotel in Rockland, Maine
Disclaimer: My stay at 250 Main was hosted, but as always, I want you to find the best local has to offer and would only share what I think my readers would enjoy.
So fun. I love your light hearted approach and such a sweet space. You caught Maine at its best.
Thanks for this tasty post on Maine. I’ve not yet been there, but it is on my radar.
From my first glimpse at this hotel and your first picture I knew it was going to be right up my street and I’d be drooling – that fireplace and that artwork – I love it!
Stunning views – I didn’t see this when I was looking for somewhere and we ended up on the waterfront in Camden. But this place looks quirky and lush in equal measure!
From what I remember, you had a pretty gorgeous stay yourself. This hotel opened in 2016, so you’ll have to come back through again!
Love the look of that rooftop view, and the evening wine reception is such a nice idea. Looks just like my sort of place.
The rooftop sealed the deal Lucy. Just gorgeous views of the whole sky and harbor.
It certainly sounds like you found the perfect hotel! 250 Main Hotel in Rockland, Maine is beautiful and offers a lot for its guests!
Sounds like th perfect base from where to explore the area. Sadly, my only visit to the US to date was a quick drive through Maine while on a press trip to Canada. But I will make it there one day and New England, especially this area, is high on my wishlist.
Well you must come back Kat, and make sure to make a stop in Boston where I’d love to show you around!
Oh I love these hotels that embrace their local heritage! But I’m also intrigued by their very modern take on reception protocol – just a table and an e-tablet…how very ‘now’!
Yes, that was a first for me Sara. It worked perfectly and was pretty seamless. I can foresee self check in similar to the airport coming in the future.
I love those harbour views and the though that has gone into the design – could definitely see myself on the roof terrace with wine glass in hand
I love that 250 Main has embraced the seafaring theme throughout – it’s a theme that really appeals since I’ve lived on the coast all my life and feel that the ocean is in my blood! Good to hear sustainability is a priority. The views from the rooftop look amazing and the idea of the early evening social is a nice touch too.
Alison, we are very appreciative of your visit to our seaside town and mention of the Center for Maine Contemporary Art!
Thanks Monica. I loved visiting and was in awe of all the art I found in this wonderful seaside getaway. Hope to get back soon to dig a bit deeper.