The Union Bluff Is the Seaside Maine Hotel That Actually Works for Families (and Still Feels Like a Vacation)

As any parent knows, there’s a difference between traveling with kids and taking a vacation (in my experience, you either do one or the other). But every once in a while, you find that rare unicorn: a destination that manages to be family-friendly and relaxing. For us, that was the Union Bluff Hotel in York, Maine. Here's what happened when my family of five decamped to the seaside hotel this summer.

• Name of accommodation: Union Bluff Hotel & Meeting House
• Location: York, Maine
• Distance from NYC: 4 hours, 30 minutes
• Price: from $129 per room, per night
• Accommodation options: rooms and suites (ADA compliant)

Set right on Short Sands Beach, the Union Bluff has been around since 1868 but somehow manages to feel both historic and unpretentious. You’ll spot grandparents sipping drinks on the lawn, treasure hunters sweeping the sand and toddlers chasing seagulls. It’s the kind of place where you can leave your beach bag under an umbrella and no one will touch it (shocking, I know!).

York itself is one of southern Maine’s most charming seaside towns, and the hotel’s location couldn’t be better. From our room, we had front-row seats to both sunrise and sunset (thank you, baby’s 5:30 a.m. wake-up). The beach is small enough that you can let the kids roam a little, and there’s a playground right on the sand.

A short walk up the street gets you to family-friendly staples like The Goldenrod (where the kids can watch taffy being pulled through the window), Beach Bliss Café for breakfast sandwiches and The Strand for coffee and donuts. If you venture a few minutes further, you’ll find Lobster in the Rough—a casual outdoor spot with lawn games, live music and a menu that’ll make everyone happy, from your picky preschooler to your seafood-loving spouse. (Note: York is bustling in the summer months but much quieter after Labor Day—if you're traveling off-season, make sure to check beforehand to see what's open.)

We stayed in an ocean front king suite in the main building, and for parents, here’s the magic word: space. The room was big enough that the baby could nap while my older two kids played or watched TV, and the small kitchenette meant we could do oatmeal breakfasts and early dinners without leaving the room. (There's no door separating the living and bedroom areas, but the room is wide enough that it didn't matter.) There’s also a mini-fridge for milk (and, um, wine).

And while it wasn’t the fanciest of rooms, that’s kind of the point—crisp white upholstery and designer lamps aren’t exactly kid-friendly anyway. The balcony was our secret weapon. Once the kids were asleep, we’d sit outside with a drink, watching the waves and actually relax on our vacation. (I also hung out with the baby here during the early morning hours so he wouldn't wake his siblings.)

The on-site Union Bluff Pub is a local favorite, especially the outdoor patio overlooking the ocean. The menu leans classic New England: clam chowder, fish and chips, lobster rolls. The kids were most impressed by the free popcorn at the bar (and I was most impressed that I didn’t have to pack snacks).

When you’ve had your fill of sandcastles, there’s plenty to do nearby:

• York’s Wild Kingdom, a small zoo and amusement park that’s delightfully retro.
• Dunne’s Ice Cream, perfect for a post-beach cone on the way to the Nubble Lighthouse (just hold tight to toddlers—the cliffs are steep).
• The Wiggly Bridge, a quick, scenic stop that delivers exactly what it promises.

The Union Bluff is the kind of hotel that knows that families don’t need infinity pools or kids’ clubs—they just need clean rooms, kind staff and a beach that’s close enough for bare feet.

For once, it felt like a trip where everyone—yes, even the grown-ups—got exactly what they needed.