See nyctomia's review... we had almost the exact same experience! Don't ask the front desk for restaurant recommendations, either; they suggested Mabel's Lobster Claw over Allison's which ended up being our only un-spectacular meal the entire weekend. A minor blemish for a very nice, well-run, and centrally-located (walking distance to Dock Square) property.

Be sure to hit the Spa at the Breakwater Inn and have dinner at White Barn Inn; both are sister properties to the Yachtsman and you can bill your services to your room. Other great eats: The Clam Shack (lobster roll, fried shrimp, and chowder), Nunnan's Lobster Shack (two fer deal is a steal and the lobsters were the best I've ever had), and Hurricane (didn't eat here, but had drinks after dinner at Mabel's and spent the entire time wishing we ate dinner there instead).

I was a little surprised when we pulled into the Yachtsman. I guess I am not sure what a lodge is, but this was not what I had pictured in my mind. It is two long buildings that remind me much more of a motel than a lodge. Perceptions aside. The rooms at the Yachtsman are
very nice and clean. Each room has patio directly overlooking the marina and you can see Kennebunkport harbor and town square. The room was very clean, although ours had a fishy smell. They had just put in new carpet and I am not sure if it was that or something else in the room. The staff did bring us an air purifier, but it didn't help. The road noise during the week woke me up, but it is probably like that at most hotels in the area since they are all on the road. Other than the smell of the room I really have no complaints. There is full cable TV with a VCR and small stereo amplifier and speakers. The rooms were good sized with a little refridgerator. There was a complimentary breakfast and coffee drink machine. Not remarkable, but good. I don't think I would stay here again. Not a lot to see and do in Kennebunkport. That isn't the motel's fault. I would rather
stay on the Ocean Ogunquit.

We (my husband & I and our dog) just came back from our stay at the Yacthsman. We booked there because they were dog friendly.

We were a little sceptical about the hotel when we pulled into the parking lot. It looked a little like a seedy motel. However, our fears were banished once we walked into our room. The room was immaculately clean and modern with very comfortable white fluffy pillows and comforter. Although we had one of the dog friendly rooms, there was no trace of pet odor or that a pet had been there. The back sliding door opened to a small patio right on the river. The serenity of the view was exactly what we needed to recharge our batteries. The hotel is also a short and very pleasant walk to downtown Kennebunkport.

The only caveat - the hotel told us that restaurants around town don't allow dogs in their outdoor dining areas. There are some places that will allow you to sit outside with your dog. If you are traveling to Kennebunkport with your dog, check out a store called Scalawags (240 Ocean Ave.) They have the cutest dog stuff and tons of advice about where to go/eat with your dog. Getting that information made our trip a lot more enjoyable.

We just returned from a 4 day stay at the Yachtsman and all the positive things people are saying on Tripadvisor.com are true! (In fact, these reviews are the reason we selected the motel).
The rooms were immaculate, charming and well appointed, with cathedral beamed ceilings with ceiling fans. Out your sliding glass back door is your private little patio right on the Kennebunk River and marina (in fact, we looked at George H.W. Bush's boats docked right across from our patio). It is a pleasant and easy walk into the village for restaurants and shopping.

What set this motel out among others is the personal touch. A few days before arriving I called the motel to ask if there were microwaves in the rooms because we like to have microwave popcorn at night. I was told there was not a microwave in the room but I was welcome to use the one in the breakfast room. When we arrived, they had 2 boxes of microwave popcorn waiting for on our table with a personal note reminding us where to find the mircrowave. There were bottles of water for us and our ice bucket was filled for us.

Breakfast was nice and the quiche is the best we ever ate! (it is made for them by the bakery at Grissini's restaurant in town) The whole staff was friendly, polite, and professional.

Recommneded restaurants: Mabel's Lobster Claw (the Bush's favorite), Federal Jacks, Stripers.

You cannot go wrong with this motel!