Planning a trip to southern Maine and deciding where to stay? Kittery offers several accommodation options, including traditional motels and boutique inns. Two properties worth comparing are Kittery Inn & Suites and The Water Street Inn.
Both provide access to the Kittery and Portsmouth area, but their locations, accommodation styles, and amenities differ. Kittery Inn & Suites offers practical guestroom amenities, complimentary continental breakfast, and a seasonal outdoor saltwater pool. The Water Street Inn offers boutique-style accommodations in Kittery Foreside, with self-check-in and walking access to nearby restaurants and shops.
This guide compares their published amenities, locations, room features, and available guest feedback to help travelers choose the property that best fits their plans. Features and policies can change, so guests should confirm details directly with each property before booking.
Quick Comparison: Kittery Inn & Suites vs. The Water Street Inn
| Feature | Kittery Inn & Suites | The Water Street Inn |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation style | Traditional motel-style property | Boutique inn |
| Location | US Route 1 Bypass, Kittery | Kittery Foreside |
| Complimentary breakfast | Light continental breakfast | Coffee, tea, filtered water, and snacks; no breakfast service listed |
| Swimming pool | Seasonal outdoor saltwater pool | No swimming pool listed among published amenities |
| Check-in | Front-office check-in, with arrangements available for after-hours arrivals | Independent self-check-in |
| Parking | Complimentary parking; confirm current arrangements directly | Complimentary on-site parking, one vehicle per booked room |
| In-room amenities | Microwave, mini-fridge, Wi-Fi, TV, and coffee and tea facilities | Private bathroom, Wi-Fi, TV, climate control, and custom mattresses |
| Kitchenette | Available in select studio rooms | Not listed among standard published amenities |
| Nearby dining | Convenient access by car to restaurants around Kittery and Portsmouth | Walking access to restaurants and cafés in Kittery Foreside |
| Potential fit | Travelers prioritizing practical amenities and access by car | Travelers prioritizing boutique accommodations and walkability |
Note - Amenities and policies may change. Please confirm current details directly with each property before booking.
Sources: Kittery Inn & Suites amenities, Kittery Inn & Suites FAQs, Water Street Inn amenities, and Water Street Inn FAQs.
1. Location and Accessibility
Location can influence how you plan a trip, particularly if you want to visit several attractions or spend much of your time exploring one neighborhood.
Kittery Inn & Suites
Located at 70 US Route 1 Bypass in Kittery, Kittery Inn & Suites provides access to Route 1 and Interstate 95, making it a practical base for travelers exploring southern Maine and the New Hampshire Seacoast by car.
Nearby destinations include:
Kittery Premium Outlets for shopping.
Downtown Portsmouth for restaurants, shops, and historic attractions.
Fort Foster for coastal scenery and outdoor recreation.
Beaches and other attractions throughout the surrounding Seacoast region.
The property's location is worth considering if your itinerary includes several destinations and you expect to drive between them. Review the hotel's location and Portsmouth information when planning your stay.
The Water Street Inn
The Water Street Inn is located in Kittery Foreside, a neighborhood known for its restaurants, cafés, shops, and waterfront surroundings.
According to the inn's official FAQ, downtown Portsmouth is approximately a 10-minute walk across the Memorial Bridge, while Kittery Foreside is about half a mile away.
This location may appeal to visitors who want to explore nearby dining and shopping areas on foot. Travelers planning to visit more distant attractions can also use the inn as a base for exploring the wider region.
Which location suits your plans?
If your itinerary involves outlet shopping, coastal attractions, and multiple destinations reached by car, Kittery Inn & Suites may be a convenient option.
If you prefer to spend more time exploring Kittery Foreside and downtown Portsmouth on foot, The Water Street Inn's location may better suit your plans.
Actual travel times and walking routes depend on your destination, route, and conditions.
2. Rooms and Accommodation Style
The properties offer different accommodation styles, so it is helpful to consider the layout and facilities you want rather than relying on labels such as “motel” or “boutique.”
Kittery Inn & Suites
Kittery Inn & Suites offers traditional motel-style accommodations with outdoor room entrances. Its room options include queen rooms, double rooms, and studio accommodations.
Published room amenities include:
Microwave and mini-refrigerator.
In-room coffee and tea facilities.
Flat-screen HD television.
Wired and wireless internet access.
Private bathroom.
Air conditioning and heating.
Select rooms with balconies or additional living space.
Some studio rooms include kitchenettes, which may be useful for travelers who want additional flexibility during a longer stay.
See the property's room options, double-room details, and FAQs for more information about available configurations.
The Water Street Inn
The Water Street Inn presents itself as a boutique property with an emphasis on modern accommodations and an independent check-in experience.
Its published amenities include:
Private bathrooms.
Custom mattresses.
Matouk bed linens and towels.
Flat-screen HD televisions.
Complimentary Wi-Fi.
In-room climate control.
Daily housekeeping.
Independent self-check-in.
The inn's official amenities page provides the current published list of facilities and services.
Travelers who prefer a boutique-style setting and a check-in process that does not require a traditional front desk may appreciate this arrangement. Guests who prefer to speak with staff in person during arrival may want to review the property's check-in information before booking.
Comparing the room experience
Kittery Inn & Suites offers a practical selection of room types and everyday amenities, including kitchenettes in select studios. The Water Street Inn emphasizes boutique-style accommodations, specified bedding, and independent check-in.
Neither arrangement is inherently better for every traveler. The most suitable choice depends on your preferred room layout, length of stay, and expectations for the overall experience.
3. Breakfast and Food Options
Breakfast can make a difference to both the convenience and cost of a trip, especially for families or travelers planning an early start.
Kittery Inn & Suites
Kittery Inn & Suites lists a light, cold continental breakfast among its included amenities. The property's breakfast and amenities page describes items such as:
Fruit.
Hard-boiled eggs.
English muffins.
Cereal, including gluten-free options.
Coffee and tea.
Selected baked goods and other breakfast items.
The property publishes breakfast hours of 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Because menus and service arrangements can change, confirm the current selection and hours directly with the hotel before arrival.
For travelers who prefer to have breakfast available at their accommodation, this is a useful feature to consider.
The Water Street Inn
The Water Street Inn lists complimentary coffee, organic tea, filtered water, and snacks available throughout the day. Its published amenities do not list a continental breakfast service.
Guests who want a full breakfast can explore cafés and restaurants in Kittery Foreside and nearby Portsmouth. The Water Street Inn FAQ provides additional information about the property's location and nearby dining access.
Which option fits your breakfast preferences?
Kittery Inn & Suites may suit travelers who value an included continental breakfast at their accommodation.
The Water Street Inn may suit those who prefer to explore nearby cafés or plan breakfast as part of their daily itinerary.
These are differences in the services offered, not judgments about the quality of either property's overall experience.
4. Amenities and On-Site Facilities
Beyond room features, consider which facilities you are likely to use during your stay.
Kittery Inn & Suites
The property's published amenities include:
Seasonal outdoor saltwater swimming pool.
Complimentary continental breakfast.
Free Wi-Fi.
In-room coffee and tea facilities.
Microwave and mini-fridge.
Outdoor patio and gazebo.
Select rooms with private balconies.
The swimming pool is seasonal, so availability depends on the time of year and operating conditions. Check the current amenities page before planning activities around the pool.
These facilities may be useful for travelers who expect to spend some time at the property between outings.
The Water Street Inn
The Water Street Inn lists the following amenities and services:
Independent self-check-in.
Daily housekeeping.
Complimentary Wi-Fi.
Private bathrooms.
Coffee, tea, filtered water, and snacks.
On-site parking, with one vehicle per room booked.
Assistance from staff by phone or text.
A front porch with seating.
The inn's official amenities page and FAQ explain how these services work.
Its contactless arrival process may appeal to guests who prefer to access their rooms independently. Travelers who want a swimming pool or breakfast included at the property should note that these are not listed as Water Street Inn amenities.
What should you prioritize?
If a swimming pool and included breakfast are important parts of your stay, Kittery Inn & Suites offers features worth considering.
If independent check-in, boutique accommodations, and access to nearby dining are higher priorities, The Water Street Inn may be a suitable alternative.
Before booking, compare the facilities you will actually use rather than assuming that a longer list of amenities necessarily means a better stay.
5. Guest Reviews and Ratings
Guest reviews can provide useful insight into cleanliness, staff interactions, comfort, location, and other aspects of a hotel stay. However, review scores should be interpreted in context.
Kittery Inn & Suites
Booking.com guest reviews for Kittery Inn & Suites provide feedback on topics including staff, cleanliness, comfort, location, value, and Wi-Fi.
The property's official website also links visitors to its amenities and accommodation information, which can help prospective guests compare published features with the experiences described in reviews.
When reviewing feedback, consider comments about the specific factors that matter to your trip, such as breakfast, room facilities, parking, and staff assistance.
The Water Street Inn
The Water Street Inn's official website and amenities page explain its accommodation style and services. Travelers can also consult independent booking and review platforms for guest feedback about their stays.
Look for recent comments concerning room cleanliness, bedding, noise, check-in, location, and communication with staff. Individual experiences may differ, and no single review necessarily represents every guest's experience.
How to compare hotel reviews fairly
Booking platforms may use different scoring systems, review eligibility requirements, and guest populations. As a result, a score on one platform should not automatically be compared with a score on another as though the two were measured under identical conditions.
For a more useful comparison:
Read recent reviews from the same platform when possible.
Look for repeated themes rather than relying on one unusually positive or negative review.
Consider the number and recency of reviews.
Check whether the comments relate to the room type or facilities you intend to book.
Confirm important amenities directly with the property.
Ratings and review counts can change, so check the linked platforms for current information before making a reservation.
6. Which Hotel May Suit Different Travelers?
The most appropriate accommodation depends on your priorities, itinerary, and preferred style of stay. The following suggestions are based on the properties' published amenities and locations rather than assumptions about their typical guests.
Families
Kittery Inn & Suites may be worth considering if you prioritize:
A seasonal outdoor swimming pool.
Complimentary continental breakfast.
Room options with two beds.
Microwaves and mini-fridges.
Kitchenettes in select studio rooms.
These facilities may be useful for families planning day trips or stays that require some flexibility around meals and room arrangements.
Explore the available rooms and confirm the occupancy limits and facilities for your chosen room.
Families considering The Water Street Inn may prefer its boutique setting and walkable location, but should check room capacity and confirm whether its facilities suit their needs.
Couples
The Water Street Inn may appeal to couples who prioritize boutique-style accommodations, bedding amenities, and walking access to restaurants and shops in Kittery Foreside.
Kittery Inn & Suites may also suit couples who want practical room amenities, breakfast included, and a base for exploring the surrounding Seacoast by car.
The best choice depends on whether your plans emphasize a walkable neighborhood or a wider regional itinerary.
Business Travelers
Kittery Inn & Suites offers in-room internet access, a microwave, a mini-fridge, and coffee and tea facilities. Its location near Route 1 and I-95 may also be convenient for travelers driving to appointments around the region.
The Water Street Inn offers Wi-Fi, independent check-in, and access to dining options in Kittery Foreside and Portsmouth. Travelers arriving outside traditional front-desk hours may find it helpful to review the inn's self-check-in process.
For either property, confirm internet requirements, parking arrangements, and arrival procedures before booking if these are essential for your work trip.
Weekend Getaways
For a weekend focused on Kittery Foreside's restaurants, shops, and nearby Portsmouth, The Water Street Inn's location may be convenient.
For a trip combining outlet shopping, beaches, coastal attractions, and destinations throughout southern Maine and New Hampshire, Kittery Inn & Suites may be a practical base.
Both properties provide access to the wider Seacoast region, although the most convenient option will depend on your planned destinations and whether you intend to drive.
Longer Stays
Travelers planning an extended visit may want to compare room configurations, included amenities, and daily costs.
Kittery Inn & Suites offers studio rooms with kitchenettes in select configurations, as described in its room FAQs.
The Water Street Inn offers boutique-style rooms and daily housekeeping, according to its amenities page.
For longer stays, contact both properties to confirm room availability, occupancy policies, housekeeping arrangements, and any applicable extended-stay rates.
7. Pros and Considerations
Every accommodation option involves trade-offs. The following lists summarize published features and practical considerations rather than ranking one property above the other.
Kittery Inn & Suites
Features to consider
Complimentary continental breakfast.
Seasonal outdoor saltwater pool.
Microwave and mini-fridge in guest rooms.
Kitchenettes in select studio rooms.
In-room coffee and tea facilities.
Access to Route 1 and I-95.
Things to keep in mind
The property has a traditional motel-style layout with outdoor room entrances.
The swimming pool is seasonal.
Depending on your itinerary, you may need to drive to restaurants and attractions outside the immediate area.
Room features vary by accommodation type, so check the details of the room you intend to reserve.
For current information, visit the official amenities page and room information.
The Water Street Inn
Features to consider
Boutique-style accommodations.
Independent self-check-in.
Custom mattresses and Matouk linens.
Daily housekeeping.
Complimentary coffee, tea, filtered water, and snacks.
Walking access to restaurants and shops in Kittery Foreside.
On-site parking for one vehicle per booked room.
Things to keep in mind
A swimming pool is not listed among its published amenities.
A continental breakfast service is not listed among its published amenities.
Independent check-in means there is no traditional front desk.
Parking is limited to one vehicle per booked room under the property's published policy.
Consult the official amenities page and FAQ for current details.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kittery Inn & Suites or The Water Street Inn better for families?
It depends on your family's needs. Kittery Inn & Suites offers a seasonal pool, continental breakfast, and select rooms with kitchenettes. The Water Street Inn offers boutique accommodations and walking access to nearby dining and shops. Confirm room occupancy, available facilities, and other family-specific requirements directly with the property.
Which hotel is better for couples?
Couples who want boutique-style accommodations and convenient walking access to Kittery Foreside and Portsmouth may prefer to consider The Water Street Inn. Couples who value included breakfast, practical room amenities, and access by car to regional attractions may find Kittery Inn & Suites a suitable alternative.
Does Kittery Inn & Suites offer complimentary breakfast?
Yes. The property lists a light continental breakfast as an included amenity. See the official breakfast and amenities information for its published menu and service hours. Confirm current details before arrival.
Does The Water Street Inn serve breakfast?
The Water Street Inn lists complimentary coffee, organic tea, filtered water, and snacks, but does not list a continental breakfast service among its published amenities. Guests can explore nearby cafés and restaurants. See the Water Street Inn amenities page.
Which property has a swimming pool?
Kittery Inn & Suites lists a seasonal outdoor saltwater swimming pool. The Water Street Inn does not list a swimming pool among its published amenities. Pool availability at Kittery Inn & Suites should be confirmed for the intended travel dates.
Do both properties offer free parking?
Both properties publish complimentary parking. Kittery Inn & Suites provides parking for guests; contact the hotel to confirm arrangements for your reservation. The Water Street Inn specifies on-site parking for one vehicle per booked room. See the respective Kittery Inn & Suites FAQs and Water Street Inn FAQs.
Can guests walk to restaurants from either hotel?
The Water Street Inn is located in Kittery Foreside, within walking distance of nearby restaurants and shops. Kittery Inn & Suites is situated on US Route 1 Bypass and may be more convenient for visitors planning to drive to dining options and attractions around the region. Walking distances depend on the specific destination.
Which property has better guest reviews?
There is no single answer without comparing current reviews using consistent criteria. Scores can vary by platform, review count, and the period being measured. Read recent feedback on the same booking platform where possible, and compare comments about the aspects of the stay that matter most to you.
You can begin with Kittery Inn & Suites on Booking.com and consult the current reviews and information available through each property's official website.
9. Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Stay for Your Trip
Kittery Inn & Suites and The Water Street Inn offer different approaches to accommodation in the Kittery area. The right choice depends on your budget, itinerary, preferred room style, and the amenities you value most.
Consider Kittery Inn & Suites if you prioritize:
Complimentary continental breakfast.
A seasonal outdoor saltwater pool.
Practical in-room amenities.
Kitchenettes in select studio rooms.
Convenient access to Route 1, I-95, and regional attractions.
Visit the official Kittery Inn & Suites website to explore rooms, amenities, and booking information.
Consider The Water Street Inn if you prioritize:
Boutique-style accommodations.
Independent self-check-in.
Custom mattresses and Matouk linens.
Walking access to restaurants and shops in Kittery Foreside.
A location within walking distance of downtown Portsmouth.
Visit The Water Street Inn's official website to explore its accommodations, amenities, and booking information.
Both properties provide access to Kittery and the wider Maine and New Hampshire Seacoast. Comparing the amenities you will use, the places you plan to visit, and the room type you need can help you make an informed choice.
Before reserving, review each property's current policies, room details, rates, and availability directly with the hotel. That way, you can choose the stay that best matches your travel plans and expectations.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and provides a neutral comparison of Kittery Inn & Suites and The Water Street Inn to help travelers make informed accommodation decisions. The information is based on publicly available details and may change without notice. While we make reasonable efforts to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all information regarding amenities, services, policies, pricing, or availability is complete or current. Readers are encouraged to contact each property directly to confirm details before booking.
This comparison reflects general property characteristics and is not intended to disparage, misrepresent, or endorse one property over another. Descriptions of each property are provided for comparison purposes only and should not be interpreted as a statement about the overall quality or value of either property. Any references to another business or its name are for identification and comparison purposes only. The properties mentioned are independently operated, and this article does not imply any affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement between them.
All trademarks, business names, and other identifying marks belong to their respective owners. The inclusion of any third-party name does not imply a partnership or formal relationship.