Last week, we received the delightful invitation to spend a couple of evenings at the unbelievably dog-friendly Inn by the Sea in nearby Cape Elizabeth. No strangers to this beautiful property, we’ve dined onsite at Sea Glass on multiple occasions, and also enjoyed drinks on their outdoor patio with Orvis one crisp late summer evening. This visit however, was our first experience as overnight guests of the inn, and after a wonderful stay there, we can say with confidence that the inn certainly lives up to its esteemed reputation.

The spacious two-level spa suite we called home was both luxurious and lovely. In addition to the lofted bedroom and sizable bathroom upstairs, the suite also features a kitchenette, a living area, and a balcony with views of the ocean. Going one step further, the entire suite is well-appointed in its amenities – from the air jet tub and walk-in shower in the bathroom, to the motorized window shades and fully-outfitted kitchen, the rooms provides anything a guest could need or want, and with a level of such care and sophistication.

In recent years, the Inn by the Sea has become very well-known for how accommodating it is to dogs of all sizes at no extra charge. By now we’ve stayed at dozens of hotels with Orvis, and only a few have been as truly dog-friendly as the Inn by the Sea. Beyond the genuine love and attention Orvis kept receiving by the staff, he was also able to order room service from a gourmet pet menu, and could have even indulged in a massage! Of the many pet amenities available to him at the inn, including the nightly dog treats at turndown, the proximity to Crescent Beach and nearby Kettle Cove was Orvis’s favorite part of our stay. These are two of his favorite Maine beaches, and to have a chance to go multiple times each day was a definite highlight for this dog of ours.

On our first night at the inn we had the most delicious meal at Sea Glass – both of our dinners were exquisite from start to finish. Michael began with the Maine Mussels served with a blood orange curry, chorizo, and basil bruschetta. His meal could have ended there, and quite happily so, but luckily for him, he continued on with the beautiful pork shank with broccoli, beer and cheddar mac & cheese, and collard greens. Since we left, I’ve been talking about my meal at Sea Glass to anyone who will listen. The kale A.B. Caesar Salad I had to start was wonderful, but the Pan-Roasted Chicken was the real show-stopper. The chicken was served with a sage peppercorn gravy and a maple bacon caramel, alongside butter-braised turnips carrots – simply put, it was one of the best chicken presentations I’ve ever had.

The next day I had a chance to tour the recently renovated Inn by the Sea Spa, followed by a blissful, hour-long massage. The spa facilities, including the eucalyptus steam room and eight head experience shower, are open to all guests of the inn as well, and are not to be missed!

We live a mere six miles from the Inn by the Sea, which is both a blessing and a curse. Living this close means we won’t get to visit the hotel as guests nearly as often as we wish we could, but it does mean that we have the option to go back as much as we want to dine with Orvis in the dog-friendly lounge or outside on the deck when it warms up. The next time the need arrives, however, and we find ourselves craving a staycation that includes plenty of luxurious pampering for both ourselves and Orvis, we know the perfect place, just around the corner!

Photos by Meredith Perdue for Inn by the Sea.