Hotel near Agusta/Portland, ME-- can anyone help??

[mykidslovesdisney]

DSS has a foot ball game at the Maine Maritime Academy in Castine ME coming up in mid Sept. We are from Hartford, CT area. I mapquested the trip and it seems to be a 6 hr trip. There is no way to do this trip in 1 day w/ 4 kids in tow. Does anyone have any hotel recommendations for that area?? Augusta, ME would be a 4hr trip for us-- depending on traffic- friday afternoon. We would still have 2 more hours of travel to get to the game. I did check out a few hotels, best western, fairfield inn etc but not sure of their locations. We could also stay in the Portland ME area too - adding an extra hr to get to the game. We would need 2 rooms unless we find a suite that is comparable to $$ of 2 rooms.

We are very excited to be able to attend his games. I am even more excited to show our DC this part of the country that we have never been to as a family. I am thinking of pulling them early from school (around noon) so we can get a jump start on the traffic

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance

 

[Auggietina]

If you are in Maine, and you are up in Castine, I would suggest looking into hotels in the Bar Harbor region. Beautiful coastal town and a great way to enjoy Maine.

 

[Auggietina]

You would have to do all your driving in one day though, I didn't know if you wanted to break up the travel time.

 

[MichelleinMaine]

Are you looking for something for a stopover, eg with something to DO, or just a place to spend the night? If something to do- ages of the kids? Sort of hotel you usually like? Things you'd be interested in doing?

There's not a heck of alot to do in Augusta. Portland's a better bet for things-to-do.

 

[mykidslovesdisney]

I forgot to state in my 1st post that we were looking for a 1/2 way mark for the trip. I came up w/ portland and Augusta. I heard bar harbour is beautiful but we wouldn't be able to do the driving in 1 day. We are just looking for a place to sleep. I am somewhat familiar w/ freeport from my days before kids -- I use to go twice a year for shopping.

I have found a few hotels that offer suites that will fit all of us plus include a breakfast.

Holiday Inn express and suites on RT 1 in freeport

Embassy suite on Westbrook St in Portland

Residence Inn on Turner st in Auburn

Right now the Residence Inn is the best price- built in 2008 but it takes us about 30 mins off the trip. I spoke to the hotel and the lady was extremely helpful and nice.

Does anyone have any input on these 3 hotels?? The 2 ones on portland/freeport are $8 difference. The Auburn one is $40-$48 cheaper than the other 2. That is the difference for 1 night so 2 nights is significant in Auburn.

Dh does not care where we stay. I read that there is a lobsterman trialathon going on the Saturday we are there so I am a bit nervous about waiting too long to book a room. I won't know if I have a the day off until next week.

Keep the suggestions coming!

 

[Morganpics]

Bar Harbor is beyond Castine. Castine is between Belfast and Ellsworth. In Augusta there is the Best Western Senator Inn and Spa-easy access off/on 95,(1st Augusta exit), also the Comfort Inn just off exit 112 (I think-2d Augusta exit). You then can take the 3d exit which is Route 3 which you can stay on until you turn onto the road down into Castine. Good luck!

 

[MichelleinMaine]

I'd not drive to Auburn just for the sake of a hotel. If you're looking for more options, you can try Brunswick. That's still on your way. I don't know what's there off the top of my head, but there's a Navy base there (eg more hotels than the average town).

I've not stayed at any of the hotels you mentioned. The Embassy Suites is right at the airport, though. The Holiday Inn in Freeport is just a couple years old. It's right off 295 on the south edge of Freeport proper. (plenty of restaurants/shops just up the road)

I had to look up the lobsterman triathalon to see where it took place, lol. I've never heard of it (and live 10 minutes from Freeport, lol.) It isn't THAT big a deal.

 

[Auggietina]

I pass the Auburn hotel everyday on my way to and from work.

It's a brand new hotel, just opened up a few months ago. Across the street there is a TGI Fridays, Ruby Tuesdays, and Longhorn for restaurants. There is a Starbucks across the street on the other side. Walmart is behind it.

It's a little way off the highway, but not difficult to find.

If you are looking for a place to stay, Auburn is fine. Safe city. The hotel is on the corner of an intersection. Traffic is heavy during the day and early evenings, but slows down after rush hour.

Movie theater is right up the road.
I'm very familiar with Auburn, so if you have any other question, feel free to ask!

 

[mykidslovesdisney]

We decided on the Fairfield Inn and Suites in Brunswick/freeport. The rate was comparable to the one in Auburn but it is closer to the outlets I am hoping we can get up there around dinner time so I can shop afterwards! The kids are excited bc they have an indoor pool too.

thanks again for your assistance in helping us w/ a hotel '

dissers rock