Maine has no verified statewide motel average, and prices are well above the national norm in summer. KAYAK’s Maine hotel page lists an average of about $233 per night on weeknights and $267 on weekend nights, with August the priciest month and November the cheapest. Inland motels usually cost less than coastal ones, and Maine adds a 9% lodging tax to the room rate.
How Much Does a Motel in Maine Cost Per Night?
We could not find a published motel-only average for Maine. The benchmarks below come from KAYAK’s Maine hotel page (all hotel types), read in October 2026. The page also quotes a lower double-room average, so use these as a guide only.
| Benchmark | KAYAK Maine hotel page |
|---|---|
| Weeknight average | About $233 |
| Weekend-night average | About $267 |
| Double-room average quoted in an FAQ | About $197 |
| Cheapest month | November, about $167 |
| Most expensive month | August, about $319 |
| Cheapest day to stay | Wednesday, about $224 |
| Most expensive day to stay | Saturday, about $270 |
Earlier versions of this guide cited a $252 motel average, a $45 to $401 range, and average rates for Portland, Bar Harbor, Ogunquit and Kennebunkport. We could not trace those to a source, so we have removed the town averages. Coastal tourist towns such as Bar Harbor, Ogunquit and Kennebunkport are consistently among the priciest places to stay in Maine, and inland cities such as Bangor tend to be cheaper.
When Are Maine Motels Cheapest?
KAYAK’s data shows late autumn as the cheapest period and August as the peak. Midweek nights beat weekends. Many seasonal coastal motels close in winter, so a low winter price may only be available at year-round inland properties. Call ahead to confirm opening dates before you plan a cold-season trip.
- Cheapest: November and other off-season months, and midweek nights.
- Shoulder season: late spring and early autumn often give open coastal access at lower prices than July and August.
- Most expensive: July and August, fall foliage weekends and Saturday nights.
How Do Maine Motel Prices Differ by Region?
Southern coastal towns, the Acadia area and Portland draw the most visitors and set the highest prices. Highway corridors around Bangor, Saco and Scarborough have more budget chain motels. Because we could not verify motel-only prices for these towns, compare live rates for your dates. For more local context, see our Portland hotel cost guide, the Bar Harbor hotel cost guide and the guide to hotel costs near Acadia National Park.
Which Taxes and Fees Apply to Maine Motels?
Maine Revenue Services states that the rate of tax on the rental of living quarters is 9%, and stays under 28 consecutive days do not qualify for the long-stay exemption. Multiply the listed rate by 1.09 to estimate your total. Our hotel occupancy tax by state guide shows how this compares with other states.
- Pet fees: pet-friendly motels often add a charge. Amounts vary.
- Resort or amenity fees: some coastal properties add them, so check the full price.
- Parking: most traditional motels include it, but some in downtown Portland or busy Bar Harbor may charge.
- Mandatory lodging fees known upfront must be in the displayed total under the FTC fee rule in effect since May 2025.
How Can You Save on a Maine Motel?
- Visit in the shoulder season (late spring or early autumn) rather than July and August.
- Stay Sunday to Thursday where you can.
- Book early for summer and foliage weekends, with free cancellation, and recheck the price before the deadline.
- Look inland or along highway corridors outside Portland and the coast.
- For a same-day room, search near Bangor, Saco or Scarborough first, and call the front desk, since some will match online rates.
- Filter for free Wi-Fi and parking to avoid secondary charges, and compare the motel’s own site with booking sites. See booking direct versus Expedia and Hotels.com.
Also compare the Maine hotel cost guide and the Maine Airbnb cost guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine Motel Costs
Is it cheaper to stay in a hotel or a motel in Maine?
Motels are often cheaper than full-service hotels, especially inland, but not always, particularly in summer in coastal towns. No verified statewide motel average exists, so compare the same location and dates. KAYAK lists Maine hotels at about $233 on weeknights and $267 on weekends.
What is the cheapest month to book a motel in Maine?
KAYAK data for Maine hotels shows November as the cheapest month, at about $167 per night, and August as the most expensive, at about $319. Many seasonal coastal motels close in winter, so confirm opening dates.
What is the cheapest day to stay in Maine?
KAYAK lists Wednesday as the cheapest day to stay in Maine, at about $224 per night, and Saturday as the most expensive, at about $270. These are all-hotel averages.
What tax is added to a Maine motel room?
Maine Revenue Services states that the tax on the rental of living quarters is 9%. Stays under 28 consecutive days do not qualify for the long-stay exemption, so the tax applies to a typical motel stay.
Bottom Line on Maine Motel Costs
There is no verified statewide motel average. Expect Maine to be pricey in summer, use KAYAK’s roughly $233 weeknight hotel figure as an upper reference, favor the off-season or shoulder season, stay inland or midweek, and add Maine’s 9% lodging tax to the quoted rate.
