Located in South Portland, The McKernan Inn is near the airport and on the beach. South Portland Historical Society Museum and Lyric Music Theater are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal and Bayside Bowl. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Cross Insurance Arena or Merrill Auditorium. Visit our South Portland travel guide
Consider a stay at The McKernan Inn and take advantage of free continental breakfast, a garden, and conference space. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
Other perks include:
Free self parking
Concierge services, meeting rooms, and luggage storage
Smoke-free premises, an elevator, and tour/ticket assistance
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and offer amenities such as free WiFi.
Extra amenities include:
Bathrooms with shower/tub combinations and free toiletries
Plasma TVs with cable channels
Wardrobes/closets, portable fans, and daily housekeeping
Free continental breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM
Private picnics
Conveniences
Guidebooks
Limited-hour front desk
Luggage storage
Guest services
Concierge services
Housekeeping (daily)
Tour and ticket assistance
Business services
700 square feet of conference space
Coworking space
Meeting rooms
Outdoors
Dock
Garden
On the beach
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Elevator (35 inch wide door)
Handrails in stairways (36 inches high)
Lever door handles
Thin carpet in room
Well-lit path to entrance
More
Smoking not allowed
Room amenities
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Private bathroom
Shampoo
Shower/bathtub combination
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Entertainment
Plasma TV with cable channels
Food and drink
Restaurant dining guides
More
Individual decor
Individual furnishings
Iron/ironing board
Portable fan
Window screens
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 7:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Guests will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Renovations and closures
The following facilities are closed seasonally each year. They will be closed from November 26 to November 30:
Beach
Meeting facilities
Parking area
Access methods
Front desk (limited hours)
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Property payment types
Important information
Fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:
Deposit: USD 25.00 per accommodation, per stay
We have included all charges provided to us by the property.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Frequently asked questions
Is The McKernan Inn pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking?
Self parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at The McKernan Inn?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 7:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.
What time is check-out at The McKernan Inn?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Where is The McKernan Inn located?
Nestled on the beach, this South Portland guesthouse is within a 5-minute walk of Casco Bay, Willard Beach, and Southern Maine Community College. Fort Preble and Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse are also within 5 minutes.
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Reviews
The McKernan Inn Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
When we first got to this hotel, we were a little apprehensive about how secluded it is, but it was the perfect place to say for rest and relaxation, the community in the area is remarkable and we were able to walk to many places. The staff was very helpful, the breakfasts were good, the room was very comfy and the views were amazing!
The property was great. The staff was great. The only negative thing I can say is that there is no bar or alcoholic beverages and they do not allow you to bring them into the property since it’s located on a college campus.
I have been telling all of my family and friends that they need to stay here. Breakfast was wonderful: fruit, yogurt and pastries. It’s quiet and peaceful there. Beautiful scenery. I highly recommend.
The Suite we stayed in was roomy and very clean. The bed was comfortable and the view was great! The furniture seemed older and worn, including a torn chair in the hallway. The breakfast is very basic (K cup coffee, instant oatmeal, fruit, yogurt, and some pastries). Overall, we enjoyed our stay and the student staff were very friendly and helpful.
This was the perfect getaway for us to visit Maine. Location was perfect and had so much to offer in the city. Quiet and Peaceful. We had the suite which was perfect. Definitely try McKernan In out. Staff were all super friendly and helpful for dinner recommendations, bars or things to do.
Great location. Remote, relaxing and clean. View was amazing. Don’t expect too much for breakfast. They serve coffee, fruits, yogurt, oatmeal and juices. Will definitely come back.
Located on a Community College. Most of the employees were students majoring in hospitality. We enjoyed this concept. They were very helpful. View of Casco Bay was incredible.
What a gorgeous property and very pleasant stay! Thank you to the entire team for the immaculate, unique setting. We felt welcomed the moment we arrived, enjoyed the sunrise from the huge windows overlooking the water, and the delicious continental breakfast. The location overlooks a lovely beach and walking path and we enjoyed the serenity and delicious dining in South Portland as well as the convenience to Old Port. We would definitely return and have mentioned the inn to friends. Thanks again!
Beachfront old building labelled "Hospitality" has the best view I have ever seen for breakfast. Watch seals and fishing boats pass by while eating (included with room) continental breakfast freshly prepared just for you. Super private, clean, and well maintained. Feels historic, beach and walking path outside front door. Campus location, has campus security and feels very safe. Kids loved playing on the oceanfront. Makes good base for seeing Portland, but is located in South Portland. Check out the lighthouses!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review
8/10 Good
shannon
Jul 22, 2025
Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
The staff and accommodations werre great! The location was top-notch for us.
We were taking a New England road trip and this hotel was on our stop for Maine. It's on a community college campus and run by the students but they were excellent. Prior to our arrival we received a call from the front desk asking us about our arrival. The guy, Jacob, was friendly and on arrival greeted us warmly. The hotel is near the water and comfy. Perfect for our one night. In the morning we met Emily whom also greeted us warmly and proved us continental breakfast. Overall, a nice stay and the view of the water during breakfastwas beautiful.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Lisa
Oct 21, 2025
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Picturesque and quiet location!
Laundry facilities!
Staff was more than accommodating and a lovely ocean view with a delicious breakfast made for a memorable stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review
8/10 Good
Vicki
Oct 22, 2025
Liked: Staff & service
Cool old inn but in need of some TLC. Location on the waterfront was the highlight of our brief time there.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
KEITH
Nov 4, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Such a unique little place. The kids staffing it were all very nice and very helpful. The room was very clean and comfortable. The location and views were everything we had hoped for for this, our anniversary trip.
Gorgeous grounds and venue with a beautiful oceanfront view. Plenty of parking as part of SMCC campus. Short drive to downtown Portland and lots of stores around in South Portland. Very unique experience, would stay again without hesitation!
This inn is located on beautiful Casco Bay with a nearby beach. It is run by South Maine Community College and the friendly students studying Hospitality Management will serve you a lovely continental breakfast and make your stay very enjoyable.