Ogunquit, Maine, an easy drive (less than 1.5 hours) from Boston, has long been a popular summer vacation spot for city-dwellers looking for something a little more laid back than Cape Cod or Martha’s Vineyard. For 88 years, The Dunes on the Waterfront was a family staple for generations who wanted an affordable beach getaway. In 2023, the property was sold to a luxury hotelier who revamped the cottages into a high-end resort.
The $10 million renovation updated the property’s 21 cottages and the surrounding public areas, but also greatly increased the nightly price tag. We spent the weekend at Dunes on the Waterfront—read our review to find out if it’s worth the money.
Pros
- Cottages are spread out and offer plenty of privacy
- Rowboats, stand-up paddleboards, bicycles, and kayaks available for complimentary guest use
- Can walk across the tidal river to Ogunquit Beach at low tide; at high tide, a boat shuttle ferries guests across
- Heated pool with water views and inflatable tubes for lounging
- Free delivery of pastries, coffee, and the New York Times to cabins each morning
- Complimentary fresh-baked cookies, Veuve Clicquot, and coffee are available in the Lodge in the afternoon
- Easy access to downtown Ogunquit
- In-room kitchenettes are stocked with complimentary snacks, drinks, and Nespresso machines
- Le Labo toiletries
Cons
- Uncomfortable mattresses, especially for such a new property
- Bedrooms do not have blackout curtains—pack an eye mask
- No ADA-accessible cottages
- No option for a different complimentary breakfast if you have food allergies
- Limited dining onsite
Location
As a first-time visitor to Ogunquit, I was shocked at how much traffic there is in the downtown area on a summer weekend. Located just outside of the main downtown, the Dunes on the Waterfront’s location is perfect. You can park your car outside your cottage and not worry about using it for the rest of your trip. Ride one of the complimentary beach cruisers into town (or catch a ride on one of the hotel’s dune buggies) for shopping or dining, and simply stroll over to the beach when you’re ready for some sunshine.
The slightly out-of-town location also gives the property a secluded atmosphere. It’s quiet here, and with all the cottages very spread out, you’ll feel like you have your own slice of paradise.
The hotel overlooks a tidal river meeting the ocean, creating a natural barrier that offers a sense of privacy. To reach Ogunquit Beach, it’s a short five-minute walk (at low tide) across the tidal river to the pristine sandy beach. Since this stretch of beach is cut off by the tidal river, and far from public parking, it’s much quieter (and feels like a private beach) compared to the sections closer to town.
At high tide, the tidal river is great for kayaking or paddleboarding.
Accommodations
The 21 standalone cottages at The Dunes on the Waterfront blend quintessential Maine charm with contemporary touches, creating a coastal retreat that feels both timeless and fresh. Ranging from one to three bedrooms, the cottages are spacious and perfectly designed for couples or families. Interiors are a tasteful mix of modern cottagecore and classic seaside style—think Jenny Lind spool beds, beadboard walls, shiplap ceilings, and scalloped-edge side tables paired with woven raffia trays.
The kitchens are compact but highly functional, equipped with farmhouse sinks, soapstone countertops, and all the essentials for preparing anything from a quick charcuterie board to a full lobster dinner. Guests will find their kitchenettes stocked with baskets of snacks, and the minifridge with soft drinks, sparkling water, and other tasty treats.
Bathrooms are understated yet elegant, featuring marble countertops and polished chrome fixtures along with Le Labo toiletries. For lounging, screened-in porches with white wicker furniture offer the perfect spot to soak up the ocean breeze while gazing at the dunes and distant sands.
Modern conveniences like quiet climate control, Roku TVs, Bluetooth speakers, and ample charging stations keep everything practical and user-friendly.
Nearly every cottage offers a water view, with some perched directly along the tidal river and others tucked away among lush gardens. Thirteen of the cottages boast screened-in porches, while all feature private outdoor spaces perfect for unwinding. My favorite moment of the trip was sipping my morning coffee and reading the paper on the screened-in porch while watching the sun rise over the dunes.
Food and Beverage
There’s no main restaurant at Dunes on The Waterfront. The Lodge, where you check in, has a small cafe serving coffee, smoothies, juices, and charcuterie boards, but there is no place on property to get a sitdown meal.
The famous Ogunquit Lobster Pound is just next door and is an easy walk from the hotel. Guests who show their room key will receive a free dessert. In Ogunquit, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafes, or you could bring groceries and cook in your cottage’s kitchenette.
A complimentary light breakfast of pastries and coffee is delivered to each cottage every morning.
Amenities and Activities
Amenities and activities at Dunes on The Waterfront include:
- Heated pool
- Cabana boat
- Kayaks, paddleboards, and rowboats
- Bicycles
- Beach chairs and towels
- Firepit
Is Dunes on The Waterfront All-Inclusive?
Despite the hefty price tag, the Dunes on The Waterfront is not all-inclusive.
Overall Review
Final Verdict
The Dunes on the Waterfront has undergone a remarkable transformation, blending its nostalgic coastal charm with elevated luxury. The revamped cottages are the beach houses of our dreams, offering a serene retreat that feels worlds away from the bustling Ogunquit town center. Guests will appreciate the thoughtful touches, from well-stocked kitchenettes and breezy screened-in porches to complimentary pastries, coffee, and newspapers delivered each morning. The property’s unique location on the tidal river not only ensures stunning views but also provides easy access to a quieter stretch of Ogunquit Beach.
That said, the hefty price tag and a few small drawbacks—such as uncomfortable mattresses and the lack of blackout curtains—may give some pause. The absence of a full-service restaurant onsite might also disappoint those expecting more comprehensive amenities for the cost. However, the overall experience, bolstered by a range of complimentary activities like kayaking and biking, makes this property a standout for travelers seeking a high-end coastal getaway. For those willing to splurge, The Dunes on the Waterfront is our pick for the best hotel in Ogunquit.
Price and How to Book
Rates start around $1,000 per night. We’ve seen the best rates on Booking.com.
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