Island Inn, Owls Head

As most people have noted in other reviews, the property is simple and very nice in the sense that it sits directly on the water. Rooms are small, but I had researched this and knew it prior to our arrival. What was an extreme disappointment was the overall quality of the food and waiter service. The resteraunts food was just "ok", (not as fresh as I would have expected) and other choices were fine if this were priced as a 2-3 star . The prices are up there with 9 of us paying $250.00 for lunch. The breakfast was buffet style and the Inn added $4 per day per person for housekeeping and waiter tips, since breakfast was included in the room price. I think this policy compensates employees that may not earn a tip. Our waiter at breakfast was slow, rude and acted like he didn't like his job much. Tiping in my opinion is EARNED, and not a given. My advise would be to stay at the Island Inn, and eat at the other fine but simple places on the island. The Scruffy Dog has a great but simple menu for dinner, with excellent steamed lobster. Another great little place to have lunch is at the Novelty with what we thought was outstanding pizza and ice cream cones.

Under the incredibly difficult circumstances of running a hotel on a tiny island 12 miles out in the ocean, innkeepers Krista and Dan offer wonderful accomodations and services. The Island Inn building itself is an island landmark; its dining hall and front porch offer spectacular harbor and sunset views; most rooms offer private baths (an exclusive among island hotels); breakfast (included with room fare) is splendid and sets your day off on the right foot; lunch and dinner are available on premises; rooms are bright and cheery. If you want a budget summer camp for artists, stay at the Trailing Yew. If you don't mind shared baths and dining elsewhere, the Monhegan House is a good value (and its "Novelty" ice cream and pizza shop is superb). But, if you can and are willing to afford it, the Island Inn offers the premier accomodations on the island. For your first trip to the island, the Island Inn is worth the price.