Finding a place to crash near Portland that doesn't feel like a cramped closet is harder than it should be. Honestly, most travelers end up booking the first thing they see near the airport, only to realize they're stuck in a tiny room with a noisy AC unit. But if you’re looking at the Residence Inn Scarborough Maine, things are a little different.
It's not just a "hotel." It’s basically a cluster of mini-apartments tucked away at 800 Roundwood Drive. You've probably driven past it if you've ever gone to the Maine Mall.
The "Suite" Reality of Living in Scarborough
Most people think staying in Scarborough means you’re "missing out" on the Portland vibe. That’s a mistake. You're actually ten minutes from the Old Port but without the $50 valet parking nightmare.
The Residence Inn Scarborough Maine is set up for people who actually live their lives while traveling. We’re talking full-sized refrigerators. Real dishwashers. Stovetops that aren't just for show. If you’ve ever tried to eat a healthy meal out of a hotel microwave for three days straight, you know why a real kitchen matters.
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The rooms vary quite a bit. You have:
- Studios that feel like a decent city apartment.
- One-bedroom suites where you can actually close the door on your kids or your spouse.
- Two-bedroom suites that are basically a small house, sleeping up to six people.
Dealing With the Modern Marriott Experience
Let’s get real about the property itself. It’s a Marriott, so you know the drill with the breakfast—it’s free, it’s hot, and yes, there are waffles. But here’s the thing: it’s a busy spot.
Because it’s so close to the Portland International Jetport (PWM) and major offices like IDEXX and UNUM, the lobby can get hectic. It’s a mix of corporate road warriors and families heading to Higgins Beach.
The hotel recently went through some renovations, which was long overdue. The "dated" complaints you might see in older reviews are slowly being addressed. The new rooms look sharper, but at the end of the day, it’s a Residence Inn—it’s built for durability and function, not for an Architectural Digest photoshoot.
Location: The 15-Minute Rule
If you stay at the Residence Inn Scarborough Maine, you are essentially 15 minutes away from everything that matters in Southern Maine.
- The Beach: Scarborough Beach State Park is a straight shot down the road. It's way less chaotic than Old Orchard Beach.
- The Food: You’re right across from a grocery store. This is huge. You can walk over, grab some local Maine blueberries or a six-pack of Allagash, and stock your fridge.
- The City: You can be at Fore Street or Central Provisions in Portland before your GPS even finishes loading.
What about the pets?
Honestly, this is one of the better spots if you’re traveling with a dog. They allow two pets of any size. Most hotels hit you with a weight limit that excludes anything bigger than a toaster, but not here. The fee is a flat $100 per stay.
Is that steep? If you're staying one night, yeah. If you're there for a week, it’s way cheaper than boarding. There’s a grassy relief area on-site, and the side exits make it easy to sneak out for a 6:00 AM walk without parading through the lobby.
The Nitty-Gritty Details
Parking is around $10 a night, which is annoying but better than the $45 you'll pay downtown. The indoor pool is a decent size, though like any hotel pool, it can smell like a chemistry lab if there are ten kids in there at once.
One thing people often overlook is the "Mix." From Monday to Wednesday, they usually have these evening socials with snacks. It’s not a five-course meal, but if you’ve had a long day of meetings or driving up I-95, free food is free food.
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Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you are planning to book the Residence Inn Scarborough Maine, don't just click "reserve" and hope for the best.
- Ask for a high floor. The hotel is close to the highway. If you're a light sleeper, the road noise on the lower levels might get to you.
- Join Bonvoy. Even if you hate loyalty programs, the free Wi-Fi is usually faster for members, and they're more likely to give you the renovated rooms.
- Use the grocery service. It’s actually free (you just pay for the food). Fill out the list, leave it at the desk, and your fridge is full when you get back from the beach.
- Check the sofa bed. If you’re traveling with six people, someone is sleeping on the pull-out. Check the mattress immediately. If it's thin, ask the front desk for an extra mattress topper or extra blankets right away before they run out.
The Residence Inn Scarborough Maine isn't a luxury resort, and it doesn't pretend to be. It's a reliable, spacious home base for people who want to explore Maine without feeling like they're living out of a suitcase.