Under $100

If you are taking the ferry to one of the islands in the morning, you can’t beat the convenience of the Navigator Motor Inn (520 Main St., Rockland, 207/594-2131, www.navigatorinn.com, mid-May–mid-Oct. $89–129), a three-story motel located right on Rockland Harbor near the ferry terminal. All rooms have mini-fridges, while the pricier rooms have water views.

$100–150

Located in a farmhouse outside of Belfast, the Londonderry Inn (133 Belmont Ave./Rte. 3, Belfast, 207/338-2763, www.londonderryinn.com, $95–140) is the labor of love of Marsha Oakes, who purchased the property 10 years ago and has filled it with an eclectic mix of furniture and antiques gathered from estate sales. The keyword here is hospitality, which takes the form of a three-course country breakfast, a 200-tape VHS lending library, and warm chocolate chip cookies served in the evenings.

$150–250

The historic Captain Lindsey House (5 Lindsey St., Rockland, 207/596-7950, www.lindseyhouse.com, $135–190) is not only the former home of a sea captain—it’s also currently owned by two retired captains of a local schooner. Hosts Ellen and Ken Barnes delight in putting together itineraries for guests based on their intimate knowledge of the coast. Rich red and plaid decor, down couches, and a roaring fireplace create a comfortable country-inn atmosphere. Other perks include wireless Internet, Egyptian cotton towels, and a sherry and port hour before dinner.

Candles burn in the windows to welcome guests to the Camden Maine Stay (22 High St., Camden, 207/236-9636, www.mainestay.com, $130–280), a romantic bed-and-breakfast located in one of the oldest homes in town. The innkeepers have taken pains to create an antebellum ambience with period antiques and Oriental rugs scattered throughout the house. That doesn’t mean sacrificing the modern age, however—a DVD player is attached to a communal TV in the sitting room, and the house is set up with wireless Internet access. For breakfast, guests have a choice of dining at a communal table or a private two-top on a sunny porch overlooking the garden.

$250 and Up

Undoubtedly the most special place to stay in the area is the Norumbega Inn (63 High St., 207/236-4646, www.norumbegainn.com, $195–350), a granite Victorian castle perched overlooking the bay. A typical room here features a picture window with a water view, a king-sized bed, stone fireplace, and claw-foot tub. In addition to a full breakfast in the morning, the kitchen also serves hors d’oeuvres in the evenings and offers “pantry privileges” for that midnight cookie jones.

© Michael Blanding and Alexandra Hall from Moon New England, 2nd Edition