Waldo Emerson Inn

3.0 star property
Colonial bed & breakfast in Kennebunk with free breakfast
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Room options

View all photos for BOURNE (Queen)

BOURNE (Queen) | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down comforters

BOURNE (Queen)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for SWEET HAVEN (King) No Pets Allowed

SWEET HAVEN (King) No Pets Allowed | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down comforters

SWEET HAVEN (King) No Pets Allowed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for WALDO´S RETREAT (King)

WALDO´S RETREAT (King) | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down comforters

WALDO´S RETREAT (King)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for RALPH'S LIBRARY (Queen)

RALPH'S LIBRARY (Queen) | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down comforters

RALPH'S LIBRARY (Queen)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for KINGSBURY (Queen) No Pets Allowed

KINGSBURY (Queen) No Pets Allowed | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down comforters

KINGSBURY (Queen) No Pets Allowed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for LYMAN (King)

LYMAN (King) | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down comforters

LYMAN (King)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Kennebunk

Located within a 5-minute walk of Wedding Cake House, Waldo Emerson Inn is within a mile (2 km) of Kennebunk Dog Park. This 6-room, 3-star bed & breakfast has free breakfast, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.
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What's nearby

  • Wedding Cake House - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Kennebunkport Harbor - 6 min drive - 3.4 miles
  • Dock Square - 6 min drive - 3.6 miles
  • Kennebunk Beach - 8 min drive - 4.2 miles
  • Gooch's Beach - 9 min drive - 4.5 miles

Getting around

  • Wells Regional Transportation Center - 12 min drive
  • Sanford, ME (SFM-Sanford Seacoast Regional) - 17 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Irving Oil - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Aroma Joe's Kennebunk - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪The Ocean Roll - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Sebago Brewing Company - ‬3 min drive

About this property

Waldo Emerson Inn

Colonial bed & breakfast in Kennebunk with free breakfast
Guests of Waldo Emerson Inn enjoy access to free WiFi in public areas, a business center, and coffee in a common area. A stay here includes free parking. Friendly staff can provide concierge services, and also offer advice about sightseeing. Additional amenities include a refrigerator in a common area, free use of bicycles, and an arcade/game room.
32-inch Smart TVs come with cable channels and Netflix, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and designer toiletries, and memory foam beds with Egyptian cotton sheets and down comforters ensure a restful night.
Recreational amenities at the bed & breakfast include complimentary bicycles.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast available daily 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Books
  • Free bicycle rentals
  • Library

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Soundproofed rooms

Conveniences

  • Guidebooks
  • Shared refrigerator

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Business center

Outdoors

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor entertainment area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace
  • Vegetable garden

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Built in 1753
  • Colonial architecture
  • Communal living room
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Renovated entire property - January 2020
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Down comforter
  • Egyptian cotton sheets
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Memory foam mattress

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch smart TV with cable channels
  • Netflix
  • Streaming services

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Electrical adapters
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Window screens

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 40.00
Late check-in fee: USD 40.00 for check-in between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours will receive an email within 48 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and key retrieval information; your host will greet you
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 6:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Host will greet you, key retrieval

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 75 per accommodation, per day
  • Dogs only
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Pet fee: USD 75 per accommodation, per day
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Early check-in fee: USD 40.00 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-in fee: USD 40.00 for check-in between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

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
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
Checking in and out are easy with express services. 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 carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit.

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.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

Waldo Emerson Inn
Waldo Emerson Inn Kennebunk
Waldo Emerson Kennebunk
Waldo Inn
Waldo Emerson Hotel
Waldo Emerson Inn Bed And Breakfast Kennebunk, Maine
The Waldo Emerson Inn
Waldo Emerson Inn Kennebunk
Waldo Emerson Inn Bed & breakfast
Waldo Emerson Inn Bed & breakfast Kennebunk

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at Waldo Emerson Inn?

Waldo Emerson Inn provides free cancellation on select room rates. For more details, look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

What can I see within easy reach of Waldo Emerson Inn?

This bed & breakfast is located in Kennebunk, just steps from Wedding Cake House. You'll also find Dock Square and Kennebunkport Harbor within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at Waldo Emerson Inn?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the bed & breakfast.

Does Waldo Emerson Inn feature a casino at the property?

No, Waldo Emerson Inn doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Waldo Emerson Inn?

No, there is no indoor pool at this bed & breakfast.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at Waldo Emerson Inn?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this bed u0026 breakfast include a memory foam mattress, Netflix, and bathrobes.

Does Waldo Emerson Inn have a hot tub?

No, this bed & breakfast doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Waldo Emerson Inn have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Waldo Emerson Inn offers free full breakfasts each morning though there is no restaurant.

Does Waldo Emerson Inn allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, dogs are welcome at Waldo Emerson Inn for a fee of USD 75 per accommodation, per day.

Are there connecting rooms at Waldo Emerson Inn?

No, this bed & breakfast doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to Waldo Emerson Inn?

The closest major airport to Waldo Emerson Inn is Sanford, ME (SFM-Sanford Seacoast Regional), which is 10.8 mi away (17 minutes by car). Another top airport is Portland Intl. Jetport Airport (PWM), which is located 24.8 mi away (28-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies at Waldo Emerson Inn?

No, at Waldo Emerson Inn, there aren't any guestrooms that list a balcony.

Reviews

Waldo Emerson Inn Reviews

8.8

Excellent

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 171 out of 334 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 113 out of 334 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 42 out of 334 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 334 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 334 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

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

A week with Mom

This is a lovely B&B. The hosts have thought about everything that makes your stay so very special. The beds were comfortable, the shower water was hot, the other guests were enjoyable and The breakfast was delicious. They offer bikes to ride. We enjoyed the community spaces and loved the fire pit with our own s’more kits. I highly recommend The Waldo Emerson!! I’m hopeful to return sooner than later.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dov

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent property with friendly owner
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great B&B. The room, breakfast and hosts were exceptional. The bed was comfortable, the room was quiet and breakfast was delicious. Beach chairs, umbrellas and a parking pass were also available. Would definitely recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Greg

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our stay at the Inn was extraordinary! From the wonderful breakfast with the homemade granola! Amelia even packed us a breakfast one morning because we got an early start to go see Acadia Great location with fantastic hosts We will come again
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ruth

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amelia and Ron have created a beautiful and homey atmosphere that welcomed us into a comfortable retreat from the ordinary to the exceptional. The king bed was so great and the bathroom spotless. The smell of breakfast drew us downstairs for delightful conversation and well appointed dining delights. 10 stars all around. Best host and hostess ever.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daphne

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

Inn perfection!!

Beautiful cozy inn, fabulous breakfast, cozy comfortable room and common areas. Definitely will return!!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful hosts. Will definitely return.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

STEVEN

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Was the Perfect get away for a beautiful fall wknd . Gracious hosts, delicious homemade breakfast. Will def visit again :)
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely inn and innkeepers, Amelia and Ron were the best! Great breakfast every morning. Clean rooms, parking on the premises and less than a 10 minute drive to Dock street. Very comfortable.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jason

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

Wonderful!

Our stay here was beyond our expectations! We were greeted in the morning with coffee and a 2-course breakfast. Amelia and her staff are so personable and told us the history of the house over breakfast which was amazing to hear. Our room was beautifully decorated and cozy. We will definitely be staying again when we come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alice

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Comfy beds, wonderful host Amelia, great breakfast! The attention to detail was superior. Fantastic B&B will absolutely go back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael

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

Great Historic Inn in Kennebunk, ME

My wife and I had a delightful time at the historic Waldo Emerson Inn. The back half was built in 1753 and the front half in the 1780, yet this historic home had all the conveniences of the modern world: snug windows, heated bathroom floor, and easy to control heatng. The B&B was originally the home of the great-uncle of Ralph Waldo Emerson. One of our favorite times were breakfast. Amelia, our hostess, is a great cook and so much fun to be around. While we stayed 11 days, the variety of breakfasts never ceased. We would gladly stay there again. In fact, we are looking forward to it.
Guest lounge with soft drinks and wine
Guest Livingroom with cookies
Fireplace
Kitchen and breakfast room
Stayed 16 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great place to relax and wind down. The innkeepers where excellent.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The owners are a great couple. Friendly and enjoyable to visit with. Everything about our stay was first class. Very fun two day stay
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

J.

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Innkeepers Amelia and Ron and their assistant Michael couldn't have been nicer and more attentive and accommodating. It was the most pleasant experience we had the whole time in Maine. The food was delicious, thoughtful and plentiful. We can't wait to go back to this inn!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laura, Lake Worth

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The hosts Amelia and Ron were exceptional - very warm, friendly and welcoming. They ensured there was everything one would need to make your stay comfortable. The Waldo Emerson B&B was exquisite and quaint. Each morning we were served a hot breakfast which was plated and customized to whatever your dietary needs are. Very thoughtful touches and consideration from the hosts. We would most definitely stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jerry

Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
An amazing property with an amazing host and staff! Convenient to downtown shopping & restaurants, and also wonderful to return to nice and quiet surroundings. Easy access to the beach, highways to do some sight-seeing. Breakfast was AMAZING every day! The room was very comfy and plenty of room to move around. Great spot for dog owners...our Tucker loved it!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Room was small and the shower was very small. Breakfast was good and the owner was very pleasant and friendly, but there was no room services, reason Covid-19. Stayed July 2021.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The owners were extremely kind, attentive and informative. The breakfasts were wonderful. Our room was nice, clean and comfortable. It faced a relatively busy road and was noisy in the early am. We are very early risers so weren’t too disturbed but late risers may want to book a room in the back section of the inn. Very nice place with interesting history and close drive to Kennebunkport.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

glenn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
top rate
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

shawn

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

Amazing

Had an amazing stay at the Waldo Emerson inn staff was incredibly friendly and made you feel like family
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Carole, Virginia

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Waldo Emerson Inn is a fascinating look at history, dating from the mid-1700s. Our room was lovely, the host was wonderfully friendly and helpful during our stay, and the breakfasts were delicious. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and the company.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was very very quaint and beautiful! The inn keeper greeted us and gave us a brief history of the end. Our room was charming and clean. Breakfast in the morning was delicious.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kathy

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

Must see, must stay!

We decided on a last minute trip to see family that was staying in Kennebunkport and were so lucky to see that a room was open at the Waldo Emerson Inn. Hana 1 and Hana 2 were amazing hostesses during our entire stay. I have dietary restrictions and they were so thoughtful to make sure I had plenty for breakfast, including GF french toast - they even made me some GF cookies one night! The inn is beautiful, quaint, and homey. The beds are comfortable and the Comphy sheets are luxuriously soft. We cannot wait for our next trip to Maine - we will most definitely be staying there again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019