BillowHouse Beachfront Boutique Inn — Hotel in Old Orchard Beach

Extremely clean rooms. All beach amenities on the propery... chairs, umbrellas, and towels.. float boards and toys. Kitchen items and utensils all there. Most dishes and utensils needed cleaned before use, as previous renters not so conscientious. If any kitchen item missing, ask and it is, most likely, available.

Check in VERY STRESSFUL. Rude and impatient, manager, Judi. Questions not welcome. This same exact attitude greeted me over 20 years ago as well. 45 mins prior to check in, another guest in our party (11 people, renting 5 rooms during same week, you do the math), asked to use the restroom and was told by Judi, manager, there was not a bathroom available to non-guests. The 3pm check-in and $$$$ full payment needed, before personal dignity for anyone. Each of our party was greeted with some version of Judi's irritatation and inhospitable attitude. Very strange for a family owned business, making 90% of their income during 90 days of the year. During the week long stay, Judi was more amenable, but certainly not pleasant, EVER. Always on the verge of defensive or righteous and interuptive interaction. Questions met with condescension, making one avoid her, even if one is truly in need of help. Management may have all amenities which are, or can be provided, but BILLOWHOUSE IS MISSING THE TOUCH OF A WARM, GRACIOUS, AND GRATEFUL HOST. Also, only rooms above 2nd floor have a beach view. Basement apartments and rooms 4, 5, and 6 look at the sand dunes, which have risen over the past 25 years. Do not expect to see or hear the waves in these lower units, regardless of what you are told. ASK for room 1, 2, or 3. Or on a floor above those rooms. A/C is turned off many days, and coming in from hot day at the beach is not refreshing, to say the least. I would advise putting a note that instructs "do not turn off". I see many positive reviews, but I feel many people "review" with a stay elsewhere, rather than honest constructive information in this review format. Billowhouse has been a favorite for many, year after year, so frequent flyers put up, and shut up. They may feel more comfortable/used to the overall Billowhouse attitude. The beach is close, and that is the focus of the trip. Did I mention Judi can be seen at anytime, smoking on the perimeter of the property, leaving a faint smell of stale tobacco all areas of...

They lost our reservation that was made one year ago and somehow cashed the deposit without knowing what reservation it was for. They offered us a much smaller room (for 2 instead of 4) on the third floor, although my 89-year-old mother was with us. Then they tried to put another couple in the same room! So disappointed in the new owner and management -we have stayed there for 10 years but things are quite different now! They don't come around to clean or bring towels or other needs unless you ask -there was a rotten banana peel behind the bed -and they were still cleaning when we arrived at 4:30 pm, although check-in was at 3:00. There was very little kindness, respect, or courtesy shown to our group, despite the confusion they caused. It's beautiful there but it seems to be very poorly run and managed now -we were so disappointed in the changes in the new ownership. We always felt so welcome and cared for under the previous owner/management -that's gone...

It's so hard to find the Words, that would totally describe "The Magic" of The Billowhouse! We've been coming to The Billowhouse for about 10 years, and we've enjoyed our stay, each & every time. There's a lot of history, with this beautiful building, each room is different, and has its own charm, and the view of the Ocean, you can't beat it, it's literally breath taking. The owner, Chris Kerrigan is so kind & welcoming, just like his Mom, Mary Kerrigan always was. Chris was very accommodating, anything we needed, he was right there! We also had the pleasure of meeting Heidi, she handles the reservations, and she also makes you feel "Welcomed" and wants to make sure while your staying there, your comfortable, and if there's something you need, she will help make that happen! When your trip is done, it's so hard to leave..... Thank you, Chris Kerrigan, and Heidi, for ensuring our "Stay" was Wonderful as...