The Trident Inn — Hotel in Ogunquit

I feel compelled to share my thoughts. I had to really sit on this for awhile to formulate. Change is hard sometimes. There is a new sheriff in town. The hardest transition will be for those who know the old 2 Village Square, its aesthetic, and former management. Those who do not have the institutional memory will not know differently. I suspect the goal is to ultimately change the clientele to a more nouveaux Gen Z or millennial clientele with the occasional Gen X or Boomer wondering if the goodness of fit is still there. The mix of LGBTQ guests also seems to have waned, which is disappointing, and not sure where they all went :( Though the space is the same, the vibe is very different. The former establishment was more inn-like, understated, super chill, private, and serene. The current is more “boutique chic” and I suppose in the style of (as best as OGT can do it) The Ace Hotel or W. Rather than build on the former tradition and client base and evolve it over time, this iteration seeks to veer off in an entirely different direction. With the addition of a bar and restaurant there is A LOT more foot traffic on the property and more peering eyes which reminds me of how luxury brands sometimes lose their way in the service of growth minded vision. The front of the house feels more crowded too with a front desk and bar and restaurant with indoor and outdoor spaces. The highlight front porch which was a great viewing space for guests is now choc a bloc with hi hats for transient dinner guests. At times it feels as if the front of the house with the dinner guests and bar patrons may be prioritized over the experience of making the guests paying top dollar for modest sized rooms feel welcome and special. The guest experience as a whole felt a little bit lacking and somewhat rushed to market, like a car that was rushed to market without working through all the software glitches.

With all this critique, some positives. The common spaces were pretty and the rooms were well appointed. The renovations are all on-point. The pantry room was a nice addition. The ambient music was soul and R&B inspired, suggestive of a downtown Manhattan or Williamsburg section of Brooklyn club. Love the little slippers; classy touch. The carry over of some former staff was reassuring. One can get a nice cocktail while poolside. Like the assigned parking.

My biggest advice to the Trident? -Re-prioritize the guest experience and make them the focus not the Alchemist and bar. -Laser-like attention to detail, even a smudge on the railing or porch floor -Make plastic tumblers or wine glasses available to guests -Attend to some plantings on the sides of the house -Offer some form of breakfast, even if just fresh croissants, fruit, and charcuterie -Re-think the front porch.

I will end where I started. In a few years the institutional memory will be gone and this will be the new normal. Will I...

We had the most relaxing, fabulous, fun, restful long weekend at 2VS. This B&B is centrally located in the middle of everything yet just out of reach as its on the top of the hill. I woke early each morning and had my coffee on the porch looking at the sunrising over the ocean in a really nice rocker. Bruce, knower of all things in town made the most fantastic breakfasts. Waffles with strawberries, and warm apples. hash browns bacon, sausage, french toast, raspberry white truffle chocolate scones. etc...YUMM. Fresh fruit fresh coffee, yogurt etc...No need to buy lunch for sure.

We stayed in King 4 with an ocean view the first night and then up to King 11. I sneaked a peak in other rooms when I could to see what I was missing, Every room that I saw was wonderful. New mattresses and luxury sheets which were nice against sun tanned skin. Flat screens, Keurig and coffee, as well as fluffy pool towels were in all the rooms.

The salt water pool was awesome as well as the hot tub which were both new and new decking, and a shaded porch with tables and chairs which is where we ate breakfast as well as one lunch. The ocean was 63 and the pool was 80 on our hot summer days in July, no need to hit the ocean, we had it all right there.

The couples massage was worth every penny. Amber has been there for years and was skilled at a 90 minute sports massage. Her hands never gave out! Fantastic!

Bruce knows all the best places to eat, how to get there, where to park, how to take the trolley, what boat ride to take and every other little secret in town. There were gay and straight couples from all over the country staying at 2VS, many were repeat vacationers who booked there room for next year. Every guest seemed happy to talk to anyone without regard to preferences and we got along kinda like grown ups. :) BYOB, they supply the ice and glasses as well as beach chairs and coolers on wheels if you want to walk to the beach.

I don't know what else I can say other than the only other place I'd try would be the Gazebo which they also own. Don't skip this place...or maybe I should tell you it's terrible and keep this gem to...

My wife and I recently went to the Trident Inn and we so desperately wanted to love this place but were greatly disappointed. When making the reservation we emailed some questions to the front desk and did not receive an answer for several days. First red flag. When we arrived, the person checking us in was pleasant and helpful until he showed us to our room and gave us the key the bottom of the stairs and pointed to our room and said that we could go up on our own. Not what we expected when you’re paying in excess of $500 a night. Clearly training needed for staff on how to take care of the guests. Not impressed. ||We went down to the bar for a drink before dinner, not 2 seats together at the bar. The bartender looked at us and did not ask if other people would move so we could sit at the bar so we just stood there until the owner finally came over to speak with us. He put us at a table where we waited longer than we should’ve to place our drink orders. ||Dinner was great even though the setting was less than ideal, very small and tables are crowded together. ||The overall presentation of the space at the inn is at best unkept, with the entrance in desperate need of some upkeep. The pool area again is nice but again in need of some attention. ||Bottom line is that for this price point, you expect some elevation of service and attention to details. The room we stayed in was very small, the windows were dirty and one window had no screen on it when we tried to open the windows at night. Staff was friendly and pleasant but clearly not close to understanding what it takes to ensure the care of the guests. We’ve stayed in other Inns in Ogunquit for half the price and have received far better service. ||At this point we will not return, and although the owner operates 2 successful restaurants in town, this implementation is clearly lacking the execution needed to warrant the recognition of a...