On The Beach Motel — Hotel in Old Orchard Beach

I visited Old Orchard Beach because I was there for a funeral. I had to book on short notice. Here are a few comments:

Parking is VERY tight. Thankfully, I read the reviews beforehand because I had planned to rent a big car in case I needed to drive people around for the funeral. But because of the reviews, I rented a small car. I honestly do not know how anyone parked their big trucks and SUVs ...i saw them in the lot. To exit, I would go to the opposite direction from the street towards the beach and turn towards the other hotel and back up that way. If you park there you will see what I mean.

Staff were nice. Nothing super exceptional to complain or complement about. I did most communication via email.

Check in...if you arrive late, best to make plans ahead of time on how to check in BC most likely there will not be anyone to check you in late at night.

Check out...if you plan to leave early, make arrangements ahead because even though they say the office opens at a certain time, they are not consistent. And they do not open super early.

How i know this? Well I'm a big coffee drinker and was waiting patiently for coffee at the office in the morning. And I noticed when the coffee was not out. I also happened to speak with the guy/owner running the motel next door. I went into their VERY nice lobby and was offered a cup of coffee and choice of cream, almond milk, etc. You do not get that at Old Colonial. (Old Colonial offers cream in those little individual creamer cups). There is a coffee maker in the room but not my preference. No big deal as I just walked a block for coffee from the walk up breakfast place. Some people will not care...I just HAVE to have my java.

Rooms - very nice. Recent renovations...clean rooms. Other reviewers complained about TV channels but I didn't see the problem. Plenty of channels. Im not there to watch TV anyway. The bathroom is small but not a big deal. But will say my shower completely shut off while I was in the middle of my shower. Covered in shampoo and soap. I checked the sink and that water was working. I kept trying and no water ...a few mins later it came back on as I was sitting there trying to figure out what to do. This is when I realized I had no phn in my room. Because I was about to call the Front Desk ... The bed was comfortable but really low to.the floor. My husband with knee problems would have had trouble getting out of the bed. I do not think all the beds in the motel are that low bc i walked by several other rooms where the beds looked higher/normal height

There is a safe, mini fridge and coffee maker...i didn't use though. My room also had a sleeper couch in the adjacent back room.

The temperature in the back room was perfect. The room with the bed was so hot. I opened my windows but didn't help much. So i turned on the window unit which worked but then I had to turn the TV volume up BC i couldn't hear...as the unit was right next to where i was sleeping. I suggest keeping the blinds shut during the day so the room doesn't heat up.

The pool was open and made me smile BC it was full of kids having a blast on summer vacation.

The beach is right there!! Super short walk. I would say it made the room worth the cost. If I had not been there for a funeral, I would have been at the beach a lot more.

The posted photos are from my room 23 and the parking lot. Very nice views and beach.

Would I stay at Old Colonial again? Yes. I didn't find anything that would make say...

Well, what can you say about this wonderful hotel? We have stayed here for the last two years in a row and we have fallen in love. The owner JJ, his office manager Mark and their ENTIRE STAFF are simply OUTSTANDING! They know how to run a motel like a well oiled machine. They take great care of their guests, the hotel, the property and the gorgeous pool AMAZINGLY. We stayed next door at the Edgewater Motel for over 25 years plus but unfortunately our run came to an abrupt end due to lack of customer service and loyalty. We were stunned and didn't know where to turn next? Where were we going to stay? We immediately started calling places (mind you that we have stayed at other motels in OOB as well) and we called ON THE BEACH MOTEL and didn't realize that they shared a parking lot with the Edgewater motel right next door. We booked our stay for the following year and its been absolute heaven ever since. We immediately met JJ the smart, charismatic, fun, jovial hotel owner. We met his right arm manager Mark who's loyal, accommodating, supportive and very professional at all times. They welcomed us with open arms and made us feel as we were part of their family. We understand that ever since COVID the housekeeping services are a little bit slower these days, however the housekeeping staff always checked on us to see if we needed anything and they were always polite, friendly & very helpful. The rooms are all modern, VERY CLEAN and beautiful. JJ has truly invested in making this hotel what it is...A WONDERFUL HOTEL with a great staff, wonderful customer service and affordable prices. What more could you ask for? We need more people like JJ & Mark....the world would be a better place all around. Leave your troubles behind and come to this little part of the world and enjoy your stay. You will love it! The private beach is also clean, comforting & spectacular. Its OOB at its best. So run don't walk to the ON THE BEACH MOTEL. Its the best descion you will ever make. Best Wishes to everyone at the ON THE BEACH MOTEL. GREAT JOB! Wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous holiday season coming up. SEE YOU NEXT YEAR! With love & thanks always....Henry & Maya...

I am very happy with my “On the Beach” Motel stay. As someone who has never been to OOB, I didn’t know very much about it. So many accommodation choices! “On the Beach” (Old Colonial Inn) was perfect for my stay in mid June, Sunday to Thursday. The management and staff were friendly and accommodating. They run a tight ship so that the property is family friendly, safe, and relaxing. The property and rooms are very well kept; very clean, spacious, comfortable bed/bedding, and affordable. It is on the beach with views of the ocean from almost all rooms. There is a small sand dune with beach grass, roses, and other wild beach flowers dividing the motel from the sand. The beach is magnificent! It is clean and not crowded. The pool is heated, salt water and it is crystal clear! It is small but adequate for the number of rooms at this small motel and has comfortable chairs/tables to sit. All rooms have a covered walkway with chairs to relax and enjoy the view. OOB was not crowded at all! I don’t know what it is like in July/August. On the Beach is in a quiet neighborhood on the West side of town but a very short walk to the pier, amusement parks, eateries. There was plenty to choose from, lots of free music, and no lines. Some places take only cash but there are ATM machines on every block. Grocery stores, pharmacy, residential areas within a mile. I personally enjoyed “the sunset grill” a few doors down, “Joseph’s by the Sea” next door, and Tammy Lynn’s deli a few blocks down. Portland is an easy 30min ride. Plenty of parking as there are parking garages everywhere if you cannot find metered parking on the street. Download “passport parking app” to your phone so you can add time remotely if needed. 5 star chef restaurants with mostly casual atmosphere. I recommend “Scales” and “Leeward” but there are so many. |I really loved my stay. Big Thank You to the gracious owner JJ, hostess Sheri (?) and all the hard working...