The McKernan Inn

3.0 star property
3-star beachfront guest house near Portland Head Light

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Photo gallery for The McKernan Inn

Deluxe Room, Ocean View | Individually decorated, individually furnished, iron/ironing board
Reception
Deluxe Room, 2 Double Beds, Ocean View | Individually decorated, individually furnished, iron/ironing board
Exterior
Reception

Reviews

9.2 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, Fort Preble
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Southern Maine Community College
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Willard Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Airport, Portland, ME (PWM-Portland Intl. Jetport)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Room options

Deluxe Suite, Ocean View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Queen Sofa Bed
  • Free WiFi

Deluxe Room, Ocean View

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

Comfort Room, Ocean View

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

Comfort Room, 1 Queen Bed, Ocean View

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

Comfort Double Room, 2 Double Beds, Ocean View

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free WiFi

Deluxe Room, 2 Double Beds, Ocean View

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

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(5 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Classic Room, 2 Double Beds

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

About the neighborhood

South Portland

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

What's nearby

  • Fort Preble - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Southern Maine Community College - 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 - 19 min walk - 1.0 mile

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Second Rodeo Coffee - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Standard Baking Co. - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪North43Bistro - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Luke’s Lobster - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪DiMillo's On the Water - ‬7 min drive

About this property

The McKernan Inn

3-star beachfront guest house near Portland Head Light
Public spaces have free WiFi. Meeting rooms and coworking spaces are available. Free breakfast is available daily. Event space at this guesthouse 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 guesthouse 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.

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 guesthouse 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 guesthouse.

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 guesthouse 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 guesthouse.

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

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 84 out of 118 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 23 out of 118 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 118 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 118 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 118 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a wonderful stay, breakfast was great
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Montserrat

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was beautiful, clean, and homey. Not too fancy. The staff were delightful.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff and amenities! Beautiful oceanfront views and location!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gina L

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tanya

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Yes
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We enjoyed our stay! We were right on the coast. The staff were friendly. We would stay again
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Gorgeous grounds and venue with a beautiful oceanfront view. Plenty of parking as part of SMCC campus. Short drive to downtown Portland and lots of stores around in South Portland. Very unique experience, would stay again without hesitation!
View from room
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

shannon

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
The staff and accommodations werre great! The location was top-notch for us.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

KEITH

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Such a unique little place. The kids staffing it were all very nice and very helpful. The room was very clean and comfortable. The location and views were everything we had hoped for for this, our anniversary trip.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Anne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Breakfast was a nice mix of breads, yogurt, fruit, coffee and juice
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rene

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a lovely Inn! Beautifully decorated for the holidays. The students were capable and friendly. Our suite was warm and cozy, with a spectacular view. Coffee and breakfast on the glassed in porch were great. We were lucky enough to have the place to ourselves. What a treat!
Breakfast
View from behind the Inn
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Allen

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lacey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The breakfast was fresh and different every morning. The sun room where it was served was quiet and had a lovely view of the bay. The room was quiet and spacious. The staff was friendly and helpful.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Reem

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrea Marie

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Francine

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

10/10 Excellent

Heidi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely venue that sits by the water. The continental breakfast is delicious and set on a glass porch overlooking the bay. Close to the beach for walking, a perfect location.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sharon

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This inn is located on beautiful Casco Bay with a nearby beach. It is run by South Maine Community College and the friendly students studying Hospitality Management will serve you a lovely continental breakfast and make your stay very enjoyable.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melesia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed in the Suite. Great views from bedroom and sitting area. Feels home like and quaint. Great place for long walks. Good porch in front and back of property. Room clean and bed linens and bed comfortable. Staff were nice. Young lady made us breakfast on our first morning was very professional, courteous, polite, and made us good breakfast of cut up fruits and chocolate croissants. Beach and lighthouse just a few steps.
View from property
Lighthouse
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

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