Maine Best Lodging 2011

BEST CHOICE FOR ARCHITECTURE BUFFS
Angel of the Berwicks, North Berwick
Inside and out, the 25-room Hurd Manor is a gem, showcasing hand-painted 11-foot ceilings, detailed friezes, elaborate woodwork, and plentiful antiques. Rates: from $99, including full breakfast. 2 Elm St. 207-676-2133; angeloftheberwicks.com

BEST CLASSIC SEASIDE RESORT
The Colony,Kennebunkport
The genteel, oceanside Colony blends old-fashioned grace with exceptional service, a pet-friendly attitude, and a green commitment. It’s a timeless classic, best for those who savor a TV-free vacation. Rates: from $159, including full buffet breakfast. 140 Ocean Ave. 800-552-2363, 207-967-3331; thecolonyhotel.com

BEST DESIGNER ROOM
Harraseeket Inn, Freeport
For fans of Shaker-inspired furniture, staying in the Harraseeket’s chic Thomas Moser Room is a treat. This oversized space, decorated by Moser’s team, blends traditional and contemporary designs accented with works by Maine artists. Rates: Moser Room $350 (summer), including full buffet breakfast and afternoon tea; other rooms from $195, including full buffet breakfast and afternoon tea. 162 Main St. 800-342-6423, 207-865-9377; harraseeketinn.com

BEST RESTORATIVE RETREAT
Kismet Inn, Bath
Steam showers, Japanese soaking tubs, all-natural linens, yoga classes, spa services, and made-from-scratch meals prepared with primarily organic and locally sourced foods welcome guests to Shadi Towfighi’s sublime B&B, a downtown oasis of tranquility. Hint: Reserve a truly indulgent yet healthful dinner prepared and served by Shadi. Rates: from $210, including breakfast. 44 Summer St. 207-443-3399; kismetinnmaine.com

BEST RETRO LODGING
Mid-town Motel, Boothbay Harbor
Budget-conscious travelers love this spotless, family-owned, 1950s-era motel–and its walk-to-everything downtown location averts any parking hassles. Rates: from $89. 96 McKown St. 207-633-2751; midtownmaine.com

BEST WRAPAROUND PORCH
Limerock Inn, Rockland
Help yourself to a soft drink and a snack from the guest pantry, select a book from the library, and settle into the swinging settee on the porch wrapping around this magnificent Queen Anne B&B. Rates: from $159, including full breakfast. 96 Limerock St. 800-546-3762, 207-594-2257; limerockinn.com

BEST SUITE DREAMS
Belfast Bay Inn & Suites, Belfast
Elegant suites meticulously furnished and decorated with original art, hot breakfast delivered to the room, and the world’s comfiest beds ensure you’ll never want to check out of this downtown boutique inn. Rates: from $278, including full breakfast. 72 Main St. 207-338-5600; belfastbayinn.com

BEST OCEANFRONT B&B
Salt Air Inn, Bar Harbor
Just try to resist the lure of the Adirondack-style chairs positioned just so on the oceanfront lawn of this gracious cottage in the town’s historic district. Rates: from $240, including full breakfast. 121 West St. 207-288-2882; saltairinn.com

BEST GREEN B&B
Maple Hill Farm Inn, Hallowell
This 130-acre country farm, adjacent to a wildlife preserve laced with trails, produces its own energy using solar and wind. Rates: from $115, including full breakfast. 11 Inn Road. 800-622-2708, 207-622-2708; maplebb.com

BEST IN-TOWN COUNTRY INN
Oxford House Inn, Fryeburg
Downtown Fryeburg is just outside the front door, but the back views extend over farmlands and fields to mountains. Breakfast are fab, but don’t miss dinner here, either. Rates: from $149, including full breakfast. Entrees: from $24. 548 Main St. 800-261-7206, 207-935-3442; oxfordhouseinn.com

BEST LAKE LODGING
Flagstaff LAKE Hut, Carrabassett Valley
Located on the sandy eastern shore of Flagstaff Lake (excellent for swimming), the hut sits in the shadow of Bigelow Mountain. Hot showers, lights, comfy beds, hearty meals, and even wine welcome guests to this wilderness waterside lodge owned by Maine Huts & Trails. Access from the closest trailhead at Long Falls Dam Road. Nonmember rates: from $69 adults, $32 children. 877-634-8824 (reservations), 207-265-2400; mainehuts.org

BEST FARM STAY
Pittston Farm, Pittston Academy Grant Township
This historic farm, an oasis of civilization in the wilderness north of Moosehead Lake, welcomes guests with unfussy accommodations and hearty lumberjack-quality meals. Rates: $90 per person, including full breakfast; $109 per person, including three meals per day. 53 Pittston Farm Road. 207-280-0000; pittstonfarm.com