Thursday, October 14, 2010

Visiting Southern Maine? Suggest this biker-friendly property...

We made our own balcony
When traveling on the bike, we have found that each of us has our own desires/needs. Me...clean, safe and affordable. Him...place where he can see bike from room and...place where he can see bike from room. Travelers know that this can be a tall order for a lot of roadside motels/inns.  Our late summer visit to Wells, Maine found us at the Sanford Inn on Main Street (Route 109)



Paved sports, directly in front of door
We were prepared to pay $139 a night for this property, as indicated on website for a king non-smoking. I know, seems a bit pricey but it was high season in an expensive area. After speaking to the owner, who was very kind, he suggested we try the smoking room for $40 less. He even told me there was a Walmart nearby that I could go buy some febreze if the smoke smell was really bothersome haha.  He was quite convincing, and I thought, heck, why not? He is trying to save ME some money, and not put it in his own pocket. I liked him already.

Off we went.  Property is very easy to find. Right off exit 19 from the Maine Turnpike (95).



We spent the day touring the area and arrived at the property around 5:00pm. Check-in was quick and simple, and owner was as friendly as he was on the phone. Even asked if he could get a ride on the bike. Room was very clean inside, has AC/heat, flatscreen TV, fridge, and microwave. Definitely suited our needs for one night and the best part...no smoking smell. There was an open window and we left door open for some time so we never had an issue. Very pleased with our choice.


Not the Ritz, but clean and convenient
The property has a seasonal outdoor pool, which was quite cold but refreshing. The standard continental breakfast is offered from about 7:30am-10:00am, I think...coffee, juice, and muffins and there is computer/printer for guests use in the main office area. 

There is a seafood restaurant nextdoor, Weathervane. We saw many guests heading over there for dinner and some bringing takeout back to room. Other than that, have to hop back on bike for other choices. There is a Walmart a couple of miles away and a pizza place, liquor just nearby. Restaurants and shops in Wells are about a 15 minute ride on Route 109. Easy to find and lots to do. 

Outdoor pool


Overall, we were very pleased with our choice of the Sanford Inn, Wells, Maine. Perhaps the best part of the stay though was meeting a couple riders, who were also staying at the motel.  They were two men from the mid-west, semi-retired, who chose to hop on their bikes (from Nebraska or something, I forget) and drive to Maine for a lobster roll. Now, that's an adventure and they both agreed that Maine lobster is worth the trip. I would agree. We spent a couple of hours, late at night, sharing our riding stories and then wished them well on the rest of their journey. The people you meet and the stories you hear....it's what riding is all about.

Contact Info:
Sanford Inn
1591 Main Street (Route 109)
Wells, ME
(207)324-4662
http://www.sanfordinn.com/index.html

No comments:

Post a Comment