Benefits of Staying at a Motel

When traveling there are many different options to choose from to book your accommodations. The key factors which determine where most people stay are usually comfort and value. People want the best option that costs the least amount of money. If you are looking for a deal, chances are a motel is your best bet.

Here are the benefits of booking your accommodations with a motel:

Save Money: Booking accommodations at a hotel can come with a high-priced mark-up, especially when booking through different travel websites. The advantage of booking at a locally owned motel is that you can book directly through their website or front-desk service which can help save money and time. Travelling can already become very expensive, so there is no reason to spend money unnecessarily. Almost always, if you see a price online with Booking.com or Expedia you can just call the motel and ask them to match that price or give you a better one. When you get the price you want it’s much easier to deal with the motel directly after that point instead of a 3rd party travel website that just delays solutions and enhances wait times and frustrations. If there are any questions, concerns or requests, you won’t have to deal with an answering service that sends your call overseas to a call center that will, in the end, just be calling the motel anyways. The motel itself will always offer superior and more efficient solutions.

Better Service: Oftentimes, chain motels have many different people coming and going with staff that can be less than pleasant. A smaller, locally owned motel has the advantage that they are able to provide a more personal service to their patrons with repeat and seasoned staff. Quite often the staff has been there at the motel for many years and the style within which they train their newer housekeepers is second nature and always the same. This will certainly provide a more consistent, refreshing and even cleaner experience!

Parking: Larger hotels have high-priced parking which can put a damper on your vacation fund. Some hotels will charge hundreds for their parking just for a short stay. Most motels have free or discounted parking. This is very helpful for road trip vacations. The parking is also much closer which makes it easier to access your vehicle whenever you need to.

Local knowledge: A motel can offer a personalized experience for many patrons. The front desk and concierge can provide a knowledgeable history of the location you are visiting and the best places, restaurants and sights to see.

Uniqueness: Many “big name” hotels are meant to be the same and if you’ve stayed at one, you’ve stayed at them all. With a local motel, you get the uniqueness of staying at a one-of-a-kind accommodation. Each motel has its own way of doing things. Each motel has its own style and history. These natural elements tend to be beneficial to the guests that stay there. Nothing can replace a unique experience.

Motel Myths: Quite often people think that a motel is a one trick pony, but many motels not only offer standard accommodations at good prices but oftentimes they will even offer family suites, connecting rooms, cottages or even luxury condominiums. These units tend to be much larger and accompanied with more amenities such as a kitchen, additional bathrooms, extra parking or even a private outdoor deck. With the growing needs of today’s savvy customers, the personal expectations of the ownership usually grows with those needs. When you contact your motel just ask them about the range of their accommodations and you could be pleasantly surprised. Remember that not all motels will have such choices, but some most certainly do and that can make all the difference between a good vacation and a truly memorable and enjoyable one.

Planning a trip to Maine? Book your accommodations with Sands by The Sea Motel! Our locally owned and operated motel is the ideal place to start your trip to Maine. Check rates & accommodations here!

Fishing in Maine

dad and son fishing at lake

Fishing is a great sport and leisure activity that helps to improve your physical and mental wellbeing. No matter your experience level; advanced or beginner, it is important to be sure you have the proper tools before heading out for a fishing trip.

 Maine is plentiful of rivers and streams that house a variety of fish which include rainbow trout, landlocked salmon, smallmouth/ largemouth bass and many more types of fish. If you are heading out for a fishing trip in Maine, be sure to pack all the essentials so you can make the most of your expedition! 

Here are the necessary tools to bring:

Tackle Box– Every experienced angler has a tackle box filled with all the supplies they will need for a successful fishing trip. As you gain experience you will learn what works best for you. This is also a great place to store your first aid kit Here are some essentials you should include in your tackle box:

  • Pliers
  • Sunblock
  • Bobbers
  • Safety goggles
  • Flashlight
  • Line clippers
  • Hand towels
  • Insect repellant
  • Hooks
  • Line

First Aid Kit– Your safety is the most important aspect of a successful fishing trip besides catching the fish! There are many different sharp objects that you will need to use during the trip. 

Fishing line & line cutter– Typically, fishing line will come with your fishing reel, but you should always pack extras. Fishing line is extremely strong so you will need to bring a sharp knife or nail clipper to cut the line. Nail clippers are easy to use and much safer than a knife, especially if you are a beginner angler.

Bait– Worms are the most common bai used but ants, beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars can also be used as bait. In addition to live bait experienced anglers use lures to draw in fish. Lures are brightly colored plastic worms or fish placed on the end of the hook and typically used once you run out of living bait.

Here are a few places to fish in Maine:

Located on the coastline of southern Maine, Sands By The Sea Motel has been welcoming guests since 1961. After a long day of fishing, relax on our deck and enjoy the oceanfront view. Check out our rates to book your reservations for the Spring/Fall season!

Interesting Facts About Maine

 portland, maine, usa at portland head light.

Here at Sands By The Sea Motel, we take pride in being a locally owned and operated business. We love to share our knowledge with our guests about the history, local restaurants, and other exciting locations.

Nicknamed, The Pine Tree State, this land is well-known for its plethora of trees among other things.

Here are a few interesting facts about Maine:

  • The official state animal of Maine is the moose. The state is home to approximately 76,000 moose, the highest moose population in the lower 48 states.
  • The official state insect of Maine is the honeybee. The state has a rich beekeeping culture and even has a non-profit organization, the Maine Beekeepers Association, which was founded in 1976 to promote understanding of the insect’s importance. 
  • Maine is the single largest producer of blueberries in the United States.
  • 90% of the country’s lobster supply comes from Maine. Before they became the delicacy, they are today, lobsters were fed to inmates and indentured servants, or ground up and used as fertilizer, during the colonial era.
  • Portland, Oregon is named after Portland, Maine. Founded by Francis Pettygrove
  •   Maine is the only state that shares its borders with only one other US state. That state is New Hampshire.
  • Acadia National Park’s Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the East Coast.
  • Maine has its own desert, which spans 40 acres outside the town of Freeport. The desert originally developed as a result of over-farming in the area.
  • The Maine Coon Cat, which is the official state cat of Maine, is the largest domestic cat breed
  • Maine is known as “The Birthplace of Prohibition.” The state was the first to ban the sale and manufacture of alcohol in 1851.
  • Donut holes were invented in Maine. Capt. Hansen Gregory, from Rockport, Maine came up with the hole in the donut after realizing the center of the pastry was not fully cooked in the middle.

Planning a trip to The Pine Tree State? Book your accommodations with Sands By The Sea Motel! Our locally owned and operated motel is the perfect location to begin your journey through Maine. Check rates & accommodations here

A Day in York Beach, Maine

 A Day in York Beach, MainePlanning a vacation is a lot more involved than just booking a hotel and flight. To fully enjoy your vacation, you have to actually have activities planned. If you are planning a trip to York Maine, here is a day full of activities to enjoy with your family, lover, or solitarily.

 

Breakfast

York Beach BucketLocated on the Short Sands Beach, this neighborhood café is an ideal location to grab a quick bite before heading out for the day. They have a vast menu with a variety of delicious items to choose from like the savory Maine Lobster Rolls!

Afternoon Activity

York Wild Kingdom Zoo and Fun Park A zoo, an amusement park, an 18-hole miniature golf course, paddleboat rides, and even a haunted house; there’s something for everyone at this amazing zoo and amusement park! This is the perfect activity to fill your afternoon.

Short Sands Beach– This beach is a tourist hot spot! Just walking distance from a variety of restaurants and shops, it is an ideal location to spend the evening while vacationing in Maine.

Dinner

Once you’ve had the chance to explore Maine and relax on the beautiful beach, you may be ready to dig into some delicious food!

1652– This local family-run restaurant is York Beach’s premier destination for local Italian food. With a beautiful oceanfront view, you can watch the sunset as the waves crash against the shore.A Day in York Beach, Maine

Rest & Relaxation

After a long day of exploring the culture and food Maine has to offer, it is time to rest and recharge for the next day. When traveling to Maine, stay at the Sands by the Sea Motel. With scenic oceanfront views and comfortable amenities for all stay types, the Sands by the Sea Motel is the perfect location to begin your vacation!