Franciscan Guest House — Hotel in Kennebunk

The drastic price increases now make it's quirkiness less palatable. I stayed in both June and August 2022 of this year and have stayed many times in the past 5 years. This place used to be an economical option for Kennebunk standards and now the prices are a bit shocking for the quirkiness it still demands. Rooms off season, like before June 10th are $145 a night and peak season mid June/July/August are now $260 a night with the 9% State Hotel Tax. They don't offer complimentary breakfast with the cost of the room but now during July/August it's a $13 (12 plus tax) additional if you want to eat. The pool wasn't open at the beginning of June and they were short staffed in June so breakfast also wasn't an option. K-Cup coffee maker is no longer available in the hallway so early risers can't make their own and have to wait until the staff fills the carafe. The rooms still have a musty smell and bedspreads and towels are very outdated. Usually I would overlook this but the cost is way too high now. Rooms are still not cleaned during the day and now instead of you switching out your dirty towels in the linen closet you leave your dirty towels outside the door in a clear bag and the staff replace them with a clean bag. Parking passes for the beach are not complementary and cost through city app on phone is $25 a day between June 15th and I think September 15th. I still love this location and will return but would love to see some upgrades like new bedspreads/linens and rugs shampooed and place aired out and K-Cup coffee maker brought back. The staff are still very kind but sadly the cost is pricing out those that need an...

Perhaps the worst property I have stayed in over 40 years of personal and business travel. Our room looked like a drunk cheap uncle had tried to convert his basement in the 60s. Whoever owns/runs this “hotel” quite clearly has made no attempt whatsoever to update or maintain the place and is simply cash cowing the location for all it is worth. Beds and linen look and feel 40 years old, ditto the bathroom complete with stand in shower tub, suicidal shower curtain and towels from the 1950s. Baseboards were simply nailed on plywood and left unfinished and unpainted, TV electric cord descends from a hole in the plastic ceiling tile. The walls and ceilings are paper thin, outdated heating and a/c noisy enough to keep one from sleeping. Nylon bedding has not been renewed for decades. The entire experience is as depressing as it is painful. Even “cheap” hotels today have to set way better standards than this. In it’s current state the Franciscan Guest house should be more honestly described as a hostel or dormitory. The owners should do the right thing and close this place for a gut renovation or simply demolish it and leave the hospitality...

Sometimes you come across something so plain and unassuming which surprisingly takes your breath away. I can’t begin to describe the wonderful memories your family will experience at the Franciscan Guest House. The compound is situated on the most prime real estate in Kennebunk, ME within short walking distance to the beach and Dock Square. Families, and especially kids, are free to roam and explore the nature filled boundaries of the property. Pack a picnic, stow some wine and hike the extensive walking trails along the river. Take in the view and share the moment with that special loved one. The Guest House accommodations once served as a boys high school under the Franciscan order. The staff is over the top polite. The accommodations are simple and very clean. If high-end is more your style, there is a renowned luxury inn and spa directly across the street. The Franciscan Guest House is that special place which enables you to connect with nature, decompress, simplify your life, reflect, and reconnect with your family or loved one. I guarantee you’ll be back. Also, please say hello to a Friar; they are very cool...