Maine's Inn by the Sea is the Best Eco-Conscious Hotel to Book in the U.S. in 2026
This oceanfront, pet-friendly resort is the perfect getaway for families. Tucked along the beach in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, the Inn by the Sea blends luxury service with an eco- conscious approach. Beyond offering toiletries in reusable pumps and water in glassware—keeping over 2,000 plastic bottles out of the landfill every month—the Inn by the Sea also plants a tree for every guest reservation through their collaboration with Hotels for Trees. And those are just a few of the ways the hotel minimizes its impact on the stunning environment it inhabits. Inn by the Sea still has all the amenities you're looking for, too, like a spa, fitness center, and a wide range of accommodations to fit every family size and budget. If you're looking for a getaway you can feel good about, check in for a relaxing and rejuvenating stay.
Best Eco-Conscious Hotel: Inn by the Sea
Why I Chose It
The idyllic Maine coastline sets the stage for Inn by the Sea. Just a 15-minute drive south from downtown Portland, the sustainable inn sits on a bluff above a mile-long stretch of Crescent Beach. The inn is no stranger to earning accolades for its eco efforts. It's part of Preferred Hotels and Resorts’ Beyond Green portfolio. Its electricity comes from a Maine solar farm and its spa is LEED Silver-certified. Seven complimentary EV charging stations greet guests in the parking area, and a pollinator garden of indigenous species, planted in collaboration with Crescent Beach State Park, has replaced invasive plants around the property.
Inn by the Sea’s charms aren’t limited to its sustainability efforts either, with 62 stylish accommodations that range from cozy Superior Rooms to spacious two-bedroom Beach Suites with gas fireplaces and ocean views. Guests can enjoy sustainably caught seafood and local produce at the Sea Glass Restaurant, which has plenty of offerings for vegans. Head out for a day on the ocean in an authentic lobster boat to bait traps before having your catch prepared by experts when you get back to shore. Another unique facet of the property is that it's extremely dog-friendly. The property offers treats, dog walking, and dog-sitting services. It also works to facilitate the fostering and adoption of rescue dogs in collaboration with the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland (ARLGP).
Why You Should Trust Me
As a travel journalist with nearly a decade of experience, I’ve stayed at hotels of all kinds, from intimate boutique inns to expansive resorts run by major hotel brands. Along the way, I’ve developed a keen eye for what makes a hotel stand out—and what makes one fall short.