The Claremont Hotel on Mount Desert Island, Maine

Summering on the waterfront in Maine is a dream for most of us, but for a weekend — or a few weeks if you are rich or lucky — you can live the dream at the Claremont hotel in Southwest Harbor on Mount Desert Island.

On the opposite side of the island from Bar Harbor, the Claremont is a classic hotel built in 1884. The quietly stunning setting on the Somes Sound, where you can see the only fjord in North America, is a dramatic backdrop for the historic main hotel and several guest cottages.

There are 24 recently renovated guest rooms in the main hotel building, six private rooms in the Phillips House, and 14 cottages, spread across the six acre property.

The main house boasts a porch with rocking chairs where you can relax with a book or your computer — yes, wifi has reached Maine!

Relax in a rocking chair on the open deck at the Claremont hotel in Maine

The more intimate Phillips House also has a veranda that tempts the tired traveler to sit and contemplate the water, as well as a large common room with a fieldstone fireplace.

Each of the 14 housekeeping cottages has a wood or gas burning fireplace, deck and kitchenette, for a classic “cottage on the water” vacation. The cottages has loads of character, from charming log cabins to more contemporary styles, and range in occupancy from two to seven.

The view from the Claremont hotel restaurant

There are a couple of options for meals on the property, including fine dining at Xanthus Restaurant. The menu is impressive, with local and organic offerings like Niman Ranch pork loin with fava bean risotto, and pan roasted red snapper with stewed fennel and tomatoes on a porcini risotto cake. But I have to admit I was disappointed not to see lobster on the menu. For me that’s a vital element of every trip back to Maine!

You can also enjoy a light lunch and evening cocktails at the Boathouse, and there is a new hotel bar for pre-dinner cocktails. “In season” between July 1st and September 2nd the hotel also serves afternoon tea, and in the summer has weekly lectures and music recitals.

For entertainment, the hotel offers boating, tennis, a library and two croquet courts, as well as close proximity to Acadia National Park, where you are practically guaranteed a moose sighting. The hotel is a quick 20 minute drive from the shops, restaurants and attractions of Bar Harbor.

The Claremont hotel is open from late spring to early autumn, with rates in the neighborhood of $150 to $250 per night in the off season, and from $200 to $300 range in season. Check the website for exact dates and rates.

In 2008 they offered two special packages, “Summer in Acadia” and “The Colors of Fall”. The two day packages were based on double occupancy and included two nights lodging, two full buffet breakfasts and one dinner. It’s definitely worth a look when you’re planning a summer vacation on the coast, or a foliage trip through New England.

If you’re dreaming of your summer vacation while looking at mounds of snow out your window, or making plans with family members over the holidays, you may want to consider a rustic visit to Maine, (State Motto: “The Way Life Should Be”) and stay at the Claremont hotel.

The Claremont Hotel
PO Box 137
Southwest Harbor, Maine 04679
phone: 1-800-244-5036
email: clmhotel@roadrunner.com

Kids in a hotel pool

Pasadena, California is a family-friendly city with plenty to see and do for adults and kids alike, and the city’s proximity to Los Angeles and Anaheim make it a great home base for exploring the region. If you’re planning on staying over in Pasadena with the kids, you’ll probably want a family-friendly hotel – one that’s close to area attractions and which has amenities like free breakfast and swimming pools. After all, there’s nothing like coming back to the hotel after a long day at museums and parks and hearing “we’re bored!” from the kids. The following hotels are good places to start – they all have something to keep both the kids and the adults happy.

For a more high end family-friendly hotel, check out the Westin Pasadena. It’s very close to local attractions such as Old Town as well as a number of museums and good restaurants. The kids will love the rooftop outdoor heated pool! There’s even a Kids Club, which offers programs for children so that the adults can have some time to themselves. Cribs are offered for families with very small children and large suites are available so you and the family can really spread out. Rates start at around $250 per night.

For a slightly more budget-friendly family hotel in Pasadena, consider the Sheraton Pasadena.

Old Town Pasadena

There’s an outdoor heated pool, perfect for hot southern California summers, and the hotel is within walking distance of Old Pasadena. Or, hop on the free shuttle – it takes you anywhere you want to go within a three mile radius. Your family will enjoy being able to dine right on the hotel property at Restaurant Soleil, too – how’s that for easy dinner plans? If you plan it right, you can book this hotel for around $180 per night.

On a really tight budget? (And who isn’t these days!) The Best Western Pasadena is a great family hotel option. It provides most everything you would look for in a family-friendly hotel without the big price tag. There’s an outdoor pool, complimentary breakfast (yay!) and the hotel is close by to area attractions. No bells or whistles here – just a clean, comfortable family hotel. Rates here start at about $100 per night.

Hopefully these family hotels will help you enjoy your next Pasadena vacation!

Photo credits: jakesmome’s and Giodude