The McKernan Inn

3.0 star property
3-star beachfront inn with free WiFi

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The McKernan Inn

Deluxe Room, Ocean View | Individually decorated, individually furnished, iron/ironing board
Exterior
Reception
Free daily continental breakfast
On the beach

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
122 McKernan Drive, South Portland, ME, 04106
  • Place, Southern Maine Community College
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Fort Preble
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Willard Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Airport, Portland, ME (PWM-Portland Intl. Jetport)
    ‪15 min drive‬

Room options

Deluxe Suite, Ocean View

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Queen Sofa Bed
  • Ocean view

Deluxe Room, Ocean View

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Ocean view

Comfort Room, Ocean View

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

Comfort Room, 1 Queen Bed, Ocean View

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(5 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Ocean view

Comfort Double Room, 2 Double Beds, Ocean View

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Ocean view

Deluxe Room, 2 Double Beds, Ocean View

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Ocean view

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(4 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Ocean view

Classic Room, 2 Double Beds

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • City view

About the neighborhood

South Portland

On the beach.With a stay at this South Portland inn, you'll be steps from Fort Preble and a 5-minute walk from Casco Bay. Southern Maine Community College and Willard Beach are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • Southern Maine Community College - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Fort Preble - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Willard Beach - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Portland Harbor Museum - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Bug Light - 14 min walk - 0.8 miles

Getting around

  • Portland Transportation Center - 19 min drive
  • Portland Intl. Jetport Airport (PWM) - 28 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Luke’s Lobster - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Twelve - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪North43Bistro - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪DiMillo's On the Water - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Brickyard Hollow Brewing Company - ‬7 min drive

About this property

The McKernan Inn

3-star beachfront inn with free WiFi
Public spaces have free WiFi. Meeting rooms and coworking spaces are available. Free breakfast is available daily. Event space at this inn measures 700 square feet (65 square meters) and includes conference space. The McKernan Inn also features tour/ticket assistance, a garden, and a picnic area. Self parking is free.

This 3-star South Portland inn is smoke free.

  • 8 guestrooms or units
  • Meeting rooms
  • 700 sq ft of conference space
  • 65 sq m of conference space
  • Continental breakfast (free)
  • Conference space
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Garden
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Elevator
  • No smoking on site
The McKernan Inn offers 8 accommodations with irons/ironing boards and complimentary toiletries. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Plasma televisions come with cable channels.

Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free uncovered self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM
  • Private picnics

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • Plasma TV with cable channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

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

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 25.00 per accommodation, per stay

We've listed 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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 

Property is also known as

The McKernan Inn Inn
The McKernan Inn South Portland
The McKernan Inn Inn South Portland

Frequently asked questions

How close is The McKernan Inn to the airport?

The McKernan Inn is 10.7 mi (28-min drive) away from the Portland Intl. Jetport Airport (PWM) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at The McKernan Inn?

As of Jan 22, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The McKernan Inn on Jan 25, 2026 start from $189.57, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does The McKernan Inn have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at The McKernan Inn.

How close is The McKernan Inn to the beach?

This inn is on the beach. Don't forget your sunscreen! The beach is closed seasonally each year from November 26 to November 30.

Does The McKernan Inn offer free breakfast?

The McKernan Inn offers free continental breakfast every day from 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM.

Is there a casino at The McKernan Inn?

No, there is no casino at this inn.

What time is check-in at The McKernan Inn?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 7:00 PM.

Is there free parking at The McKernan Inn?

This inn offers free self parking.

Does The McKernan Inn have a pool?

The McKernan Inn does not have a pool.

Does The McKernan Inn have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this inn.

How close is The McKernan Inn to downtown South Portland?

The McKernan Inn is 0.9 mi away from South Portland.

The McKernan Inn Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 60 out of 88 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 18 out of 88 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 88 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 88 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 88 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Good

Vicki

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

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Traveled with partner
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

8/10 Good

PATRICIA

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Room comfortable but old. The view from room 208 was incredible. Bathroom seriously needs an update. Coffee was delish and nice snacks.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Harold

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gina L

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely view and really friendly kind staff - good was wonderful!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our experience at McKernan Inn was so very pleasant. The room was spacious and clean. The free coffee and tea bar was a wonderful treat. The continental breakfast surpassed my expectations. The staff was efficient and accommodating. I highly recommend!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Larry

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
We could see the ocean from our room. The curtains would not close and the furniture was worn and dated. Carpet was old and had an iron spot where someone dropped the iron on the floor. They did not refill the coffee or water station over the weekend. We asked twice, but no response. We left a day early.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steve

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Sherri

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

Beautiful location and views

It’s a beautiful property with great views. The only problem was not having heat on a cool night, but they provided a space heater the next night.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Allen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great, quiet place to stay in Portland. The staff were super friendly. The breakfast was nice. The view of the lighthouse was great. Access to walking the beach was easy.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Petra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The rooms were cozy and comfortable. There were other places to hang out of you wanted. Coffee, tea and water throughout the day. Breakfast was good, I would suggest to let people know what breakfast is when asking if they want some. Staff was courteous. And the view was just beautiful, even on the rainy days.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bonnie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful ocean view from our room. However they could add another chair so 2 adults can sit .
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Shannon

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
It was very quaint and with quaint sometimes comes less amenities. It was small, the shower was difficult, the Continental breakfast offered sub par. The views and proximity to the beach were amazing.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

suzanne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was a great experience. The students were a joy!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janey

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristen

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

EXCELLENT place to stay!

Excellent place to stay. Old historic property, spacious and clean rooms, fabulous staff, and steps away from the beach and lighthouse. And on another note, AC in the rooms and really good water pressure in the showers :) We really had a great trip here.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Hidden gem

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

David Victor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrea, Beaumont Hills

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very picturesque
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Reem

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quiet and peaceful with views of the Bay. Easy to access and close to downtown Portland
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Martin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Beautiful view right on the beach!

Couldn’t recommend it more. Love that the hospitality students get the real life practice as well! Also willard beach couldn’t get any closer!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrea Marie, Mount Pleasant

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The location of this property is amazing! The staff was wonderful, the room was spotless and very spacious. Would definitely highly recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Francine

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
breakfast was quaint
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

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

Unique, quality experience

A rare gem. On the Southern Maine Community College Campus. Steps away from water. A well restored former military residence, likely for officers. A true Maine experience. The inn is staffed by students. With few exceptions, all are genuinely eager to service well, learn, and support a satisfying guest experience.
From our room
Sunrise from 207
Echoes of history seen from our room
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025