History of Inn by the Sea
10/10/2022
Guests enjoy elegant hospitality and spectacular ocean views at Inn by The Sea, perched above sandy Crescent Beach, in the charming coastal town of Cape Elizabeth. Inn by The Sea is located on the site of the former Crescent Beach Inn, but the site has welcomed visitors to the Maine shore for a century.
The seaside property has been a hospitality destination dating back to the early 1900's with a simple building near the shore and later cottages named Green Gables. The Johnson family owned and operated small cottages and a popular Inn for over thirty years. The Inn's name was changed to Crescent Beach Inn, and in 1964 was sold and winterized.
Jan and Dave Weigel purchased Crescent Beach Inn in the 1970's and operated it as beloved inn and restaurant until it was sold to Maine native and developer, Pritam Singh, in early 1980. Singh razed the Crescent Beach Inn- it was burned to the ground in the summer of 1985. He replaced the old inn with new construction and 44 hi end, cottage style suites, a dining room, outdoor pool and two function rooms. The new Inn by the Sea was designed as a classic New England “shingled” resort in three buildings with a coastal residential vibe. The all-suite Inn had breathtaking views of the Atlantic from the lobby and most of the one- or two-bedroom accommodation.
Innkeeper Maureen McQuade purchased Inn by the Sea with partners Larry and Kevin Mahaney in 1993. The Inn is currently operated by Olympia Hotel Management.
The original 44 room Inn by the Sea looked very much like the Inn of today, although the property has grown to have 62 rooms and one- and two-bedroom suites. On the grounds guests enjoy an outdoor heated swimming pool, a private boardwalk to a mile of sandy beach, an intimate SPA with sea inspired services and captivating cuisine in the ocean view dining room, Sea Glass. An outdoor deck, firepit and cozy fireplace lounge afford guests a place to enjoy craft cocktails with small plates and Atlantic views.
Inn by the Sea has welcomed generations of family and friends to Cape Elizabeth, year-round, to experience quintessential Maine vacations that create lasting memories. “Our challenge in planning changes is to make sure we meet expectations for modern, elegant accommodations while preserving the Inn’s relaxed coastal charm,” stated the Inn’s General Manager, Michael Briggs. “Construction details as well as visitor needs are always considered in creating an experience that is unique to Cape Elizabeth and the Inn – shaped by our beach location, consideration for the environment, community and paired with an unparalleled level of comfort and service.”
In 2012 the original Beach cottages were replaced with new construction, one- and two-bedroom, cottage style Beach suites. (Moncur Design)
In 2017 the Cottage building was replaced with new construction, two bedroom, cottage style Cove and Beach Suites. (Natalie Sheedy Design)
In 2018 the Beach suites were completely renovated over the winter and reopened in time for the summer season. (Natalie Sheedy Design)
In 2021 the main Inn had a refresh for garden & loft suits
In 2021 two outdoor SPA cabanas were erected on the side lawn offering guests al fresco massage services.
In 2022 a Garden Suite was added, bringing the Inn's total accommodations to 62 rooms and suites.
(Image: Inn by the Sea on the ocean side in 1993)
FMI: Rauni Kew, Inn by the Sea, 40 Bowery beach Road, Cape Elizabeth, MAINE 04107. 207.799.3134 rkew@innbythesea.com