Under $100

The centrally located Crown ’n’ Anchor Inn (121 North St., Saco, 207/282-3829, $75–110, no children under 12) is an exquisite Greek Revival mansion with six fireplace- and antiques-blessed suites and a formal and filling breakfast.

$150–250

Casually and simply decorated, the waterfront Green Heron Inn (126 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport, 207/967-3315, www.greenheroninn.com, $160–190) includes ten charming rooms (some with fireplaces), and a big breakfast of pancakes, bacon, and whatever else the chef feels compelled to cook up.

The recently renovated Old Orchard Beach Inn (6 Portland Ave., Old Orchard Beach, 207/934-5834, www.oldorchardbeachinn.com, $135–200) sports tasteful rooms and a quite-good breakfast.

In Kennebunkport, the centrally located Captain Fairfield Inn (8 Pleasant St., Kennebunkport, 800/322-1928, www.captainfairfield.com, $150–380) is a worthy splurge. The 19th-century house has rooms with fireplaces, a pleasant garden, afternoon tea, and a dynamite full breakfast.

$250 and Up

A 19th-century butter-yellow Victorian on manicured, flowered grounds, The Beach House (211 Beach Ave., Kennebunk Beach, 207/967-3850, www.beachhseinn.com, $190–390) faces the rolling Atlantic with guest rooms full of down comforters, chic decor, complimentary port and brandy in the fireplaced living room, and Molton Brown amenities. In addition to its ideal beachside location, the property serves a first-rate continental breakfast.

The surf-splashed Black Point Inn (510 Black Point Rd., 207/883-2500, www.blackpointinn.com, $220–420) has remained authentic to its 130-year history, with its gracious guest rooms and grand dining room overlooking the ocean. Several years ago, however, a group of nearby residents purchased and punched it up to the modern era, decreasing the number of rooms from 84 to 25, adding plush new linens and décor, and opening a new bar onto an outdoor patio readymade for cocktails at sunset.

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