Travel

One is in a castle by the sea.

The library guest room at The Norumbega.

Maine has some of the best accommodations on the planet, according to Travel + Leisure readers.

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  Look inside the newly renovated Breakwater Inn in Kennebunkport

The publication released the results of its 2025 World’s Best Awards on Tuesday, which includes the 100 best hotels in the world, and two Maine stays made the list: The Norumbega in Camden, Maine and Quisisana Resort in Lovell, Maine.

The two Maine properties are among just 18 U.S. hotels that made the worldwide list.

The Norumbega is a castle overlooking Penobscot Bay that was built in 1886 by Joseph Barker Stearns, a native of Maine. It was visited by American presidents before it was turned into a hotel in 1984.

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The publication wrote the following about The Norumbega:

With just 11 guest rooms, this recently restored inn on the midcoast of Maine has caught our readers’ attention for a second consecutive year. The distinctly styled rooms—one spanning two stories and a library—impeccable attention to detail from staff, old-world grandeur, and prime location on Camden Harbor, a short walk from downtown, have kept it on our top 100 list.

“We’re overwhelmed with gratitude to our guests and to Travel + Leisure for this
incredible recognition,” said owners Will Tims and Brett Haynie, in a statement. “It has been our honor to bring this historic castle by the sea back to life year-round, over the last two years. We are humbled and thrilled that our guests have recognized what a special place this is to stay in our lovely Midcoast Maine location.”

The Norumbega is also the No. 1 inn in the continental U.S., according to Travel + Leisure readers.

Quisisana Resort in Maine. – Quisisana Resort

Quisisana Resort is an all inclusive lakeside resort on Lake Kezar in southwestern Maine that is staffed by music and theater performers from schools across the country who perform for the guests.

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Here is what Travel + Leisure wrote about Quisisana Resort:

For nearly a century, this lakeside resort has brought joy to its many repeat guests, mostly in the form of live entertainment from its talented staff, many of whom are professionally trained actors. The setting, pristinely cared for cabins, and culinary program are a highlight for readers. However, the main draw of this all-inclusive that has attracted several readers for nearly 40 years is the staff, which, according to one voter, “feels like an extension of the greatest aspects of family.”

“We’re deeply grateful to our guests and to Travel + Leisure for this incredible
recognition,” said owners Sam and Nathalie Orans, in a statement. “It brings us great joy to welcome couples and families who return season after season to experience our special music and theatre performances, natural beauty in Maine, and thoughtful hospitality all in the relaxed atmosphere that Quisisana has been known for, for over 100 years.”

Quisisana Resort also ranked No. 1 for top resorts in New England and No. 4 for the best resorts in the continental U.S.

The other U.S. entries on the worldwide list of best hotels are located in Hawaii, New York, California, Virginia, Montana, Nevada, Washington, D.C., South Carolina, and Colorado.

For the World’s Best Awards, the publication asked readers to complete a survey rating airlines, airports, car-rental companies, cities, cruise ships, destination spas, hotels, hotel brands, islands, luxury villa-rental companies, tour operators, trains, safari outfitters, and U.S. national parks between October 21, 2024 through February 24, 2025.

Check out Travel + Leisure‘s list of 100 best hotels in the world.

Kristi Palma

Culture writer

Kristi Palma is a culture writer for Boston.com, focusing on New England travel. She covers airlines, hotels, and things to do across Boston and New England. She is the author of Scenic Six, a weekly travel newsletter.

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