See all properties

The Thistle Inn

2.0 star property
Hotel in Boothbay Harbor with a restaurant and a bar

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Thistle Inn

Sherman Zwicker | 1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Heritage | Bathroom | Free toiletries, hair dryer
Appledore | 1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Heritage | 1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Sherman Zwicker | Bathroom | Free toiletries, hair dryer

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant

Explore the area

View in a map
55 Oak St, Boothbay Harbor, ME, 04538
  • Opera House at Boothbay Harbor
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Boothbay Harbor Marina
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Carousel Music Theater
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Rockland, ME (RKD-Knox County Regional)
    ‪78 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for American Eagle

American Eagle | 1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

American Eagle

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Sherman Zwicker

Sherman Zwicker | 1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Sherman Zwicker

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(5 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Appledore

Appledore | 1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Appledore

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Heritage

Heritage | 1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Heritage

7.0 out of 10
Good
(4 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Crows Nest

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed, 2 Twin Beds and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

View all photos for Victory Chimes

Victory Chimes | 1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Victory Chimes

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Boothbay Harbor

The Thistle Inn places you next to Boothbay Region Historical Society Museum and Opera House at Boothbay Harbor. This hotel has 6 rooms and welcomes guests with conveniences like a restaurant, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Opera House at Boothbay Harbor - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Boothbay Harbor Marina - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Burnt Island Living Lighthouse - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Carousel Music Theater - 10 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens - 6 min drive - 3.6 miles

Getting around

  • Brunswick Station - 46 min drive
  • Wiscasset, ME (ISS) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Circle K - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Tugboat Inn - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Pinkham’s Gourmet Market - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪Boothbay Lobster Wharf - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪The Thistle Inn - ‬1 min walk

About this property

The Thistle Inn

Hotel in Boothbay Harbor with a restaurant and a bar
If you drive, put free parking to good use.
Flat-screen TVs come with cable channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Bathrooms have hair dryers and free toiletries. Other amenities include microwaves, coffee makers, and ironing boards.

Similar properties

Daily buffet breakfast (USD 10 per person)

Flagship Inn and Suites

  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, 1,022 reviews
$172 nightly
The price is $187
Oct 23 - Oct 24
Total with taxes and fees
Flagship Inn and Suites

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices)

Parking and transportation

  • Free offsite parking
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • Mini-fridge

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Mini-fridge

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Mobile key entry

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property
Guests will receive an email within 72 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and smart lock details; access will be through a private entrance
Prior to arrival, you must complete online registration via a secure link
Guests are recommended to download the property's ResNexus mobile app before check-in

Access methods

Private entrance, smart lock

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

Important information

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
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a smoke detector.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions and guests can access their rooms with a mobile device.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

The Thistle Inn Hotel
The Thistle Inn Boothbay Harbor
The Thistle Inn Hotel Boothbay Harbor

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do close to The Thistle Inn?

This hotel is located in Boothbay Harbor, just steps from Opera House at Boothbay Harbor and Boothbay Region Historical Society Museum, and within a short walk of Boothbay Harbor Marina. You'll also find Burnt Island Living Lighthouse and Carousel Music Theater less than a mile away.

Is parking available on site at The Thistle Inn?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel.

Does The Thistle Inn include a casino?

No, The Thistle Inn doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at The Thistle Inn?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Is The Thistle Inn good for couples?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this hotel include a bar and a restaurant.

Are there hot tubs at The Thistle Inn?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does The Thistle Inn feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

No, The Thistle Inn doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does The Thistle Inn allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Thistle Inn.

Does The Thistle Inn have connecting rooms?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

What is the closest airport to The Thistle Inn?

The closest major airport to The Thistle Inn is Wiscasset, ME (ISS), which is 16.3 mi away (27 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at The Thistle Inn?

No, at The Thistle Inn, there aren't any guestrooms that list a balcony.

The Thistle Inn Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 26 out of 84 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 26 out of 84 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 20 out of 84 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 84 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 84 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

6.4/10

Staff & service

6.6/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Monique

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Okay

I had no one to speak to. Went to put my bags in the car and I returned the door was locked. Very noisy and outside light kept me awake. AC was not on, so the room was very hot when we arrived. Had to figure out how to get key.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Nancy

Traveled with group
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Not at all what I expected! I don’t mind that there is no one there to greet you but it would be nice to be able to ask questions about the area and room conditions. No one was ever there!! Some of the issues we found were the following. No soap at bathroom sink and not then found the container in shower was also empty. Very, very little parking. The coffee maker, although a Keurig, was not as easy as it should have been. The day we were leaving there was only one regular coffee. Plenty of Sleepytime, decaf and breakfast tea. I don’t even want to discuss the TV. Most of our issues could have been easily attended to if there was someone on the premises. There was a phone number to call and leave a message. Then they texted us! No human contact ever. I’m a regular business traveler and have never had issues like this. I had heard great things about the Inn. I hope our experience was just an aberration.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Ronald

Traveled with family
We reserved and paid for a room in advance, and then found out that the room was on the second floor and required climbing a long flight of stairs. My wife is unable to climb stairs because of a disability. When I contacted the Thistle Inn, I asked for a room on the first floor. This was their response: "Good morning, we only have one room at the ground floor that’s occupied and the building had no elevator. Thank you!" Not accommodating at all. I have written asking for a refund, and have asked Expedia to help mw receive a refund. As of this moment, I have heard nothing.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
I’ve stayed at several different places and Boothbay Harbor over the years. I enjoyed that everything was no hassle. We arrived late due to snow on our way up and my only slight complaint was I wish someone could’ve turned the heat to the room on. Other than that great stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Valerie, Newburyport

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Carroll

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Mohammadali

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great experience
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carol

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The house was built in 1861 with original flooring and lovingly refurbished. The sleeping accommodations are tastefully furnished. Being a short walk away from the hubbub of the shopping doesn't mean that your peace and quiet is disturbed. The restaurant, which is located on the first floor of the Inn serves delicious food and staffed by competent and polite people. The only suggestion that we could make is a full length mirror in the room. Looking forward to returning in the future.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is our 2nd trip to Boothbay, first time at The Thistle Inn, we stayed in the Crows Nest, as a family of 4. The room was beautiful, clean, spacious. We loved having a full kitchen and room to spread out. This would even make a great weekend getaway for 2 during the off season. The fireplace makes a nice cozy touch.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

H.

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Howard

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Unique Property

I would say this property is Unique!!! There is no Front Desk;; check in is a code for the main door and coded key lock box with a key to your room. Checkout is the same. Everything is done via email and phone. What makes this place Great is the Restaurant attached to the Inn. Food is Amazing and the service is Awesome as well!!! The are owned by separate entities. There are only 6 rooms which makes it nice as well and located walking distance to downtown Boothbay Harbor. The only downfall is the narrow stairs going up to the second and third floors, I have bad knees so the stairs were a little rough but still didn't take away from a Great Stay!!! Next time I will try to get the room on the first floor lol. I would definitely stay there again!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
We loved our stay!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

6/10 Okay

Richard, Chicopee

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
Overall, clean. Pictures on Expedia don’t perfectly reflect the property. Cover picture shows a full refrigerator and kitchen with huge counter & barstool chairs. Did not see anything like that. The room (which I thought was a 2nd floor room because of the ceiling shape in pics) was actually a 3rd floor (which was not very easy for us older folk to climb) & stairs were very narrow. No elevator. No breakfast, lunch amenities. Keurig in room was great (if you’re a fan of Keurig) I guess this was an average like a AirB&B type situation. If you’re looking for that, it is fine. Anything more is not there. Although it looks like they’re trying to update each room individually. Ours was newly painted & clean. Small refrigerator, no freezer. It’s out of the busy/touristy sections & outstanding restaurant below the rooms (not associated with the rentals.) Open 4pm-9pm. The food, staff, ambiance was phenomenal. All n all, the experience was ok, just lacking any personal touch/service.moo
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Darcey

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelli

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place was amazing! Great location. I definitely recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rosemarie

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Rachel

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service

Hard mattress moldy shower curtain restaurant smel

Check in instructions supposed to come 72 hours. Got day of after calling. Bed WAY TOO FIRM! Shower curtain pink and black with mold and mildew-smelled to high heaven when wet. The restaurant is too loud. Heard people singing Happy Birthday and dishes clanging in our room. Thankfully done around 10. Can also smell cooked food in the room. Odd setup.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Steep stairs to access room

The room was nice but you have to carry everything up a flight of steep stairs to reach the room. Shower is very small.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Terry

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dana

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This place is unique in that u do not have a front desk to check in. The key is in a lock box and then u r kinda on ur own. The room was great! Large, clean, comfortable bed. Small fridge, Keriig coffeemaker, microwave The only complaint I would have is that there are very few electrical outlets. It’s a historical building so that’s kinda expected. We had to be creative to plug in the CPap machine and charge our electronics. No big deal though.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

4/10 Poor

Troy

Liked: Cleanliness
Love Boothbay Harbor and all it has to offer. Great location and unique place. The bed was TERRIBLE! I don't expect to get the mattress I have at home but this one was like sleeping on a piece of plywood. For what it is all you need is a good mattress!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Andrew

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The room needed a chair and a small table to eat at and watch TV. I also thought the A/C was very loud and leaked all night. I was also surprised there was no incentive to eat at the Inn downstairs-discount or coupon.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cristaliz

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great little area, felt safe and relaxed in the property.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Emanuel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Weekend getaway

Great place to stay 8m walk from everything. Do not use pay later option because they bill you min you hit accept. The window ac was running full tilt to keep the place cool. Upgrade to a mini split or heat pump more cost efficient. Over all wife and i loved it. Would not recommend if you cant climb stairs.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024