What It’s Like to Stay at The Viewpoint Hotel in York, ME

Husband-and-wife hotelier duo Joe Lipton and Michelle Friar have lived in York, Maine, for over four decades and are passionate about preserving historic properties around town. But The Viewpoint Hotel, with its postcard-worthy, panoramic views of the historic Nubble Lighthouse, is without a doubt, the crown jewel of the bunch.

The couple purchased The Viewpoint Hotel (originally built in 1994) as well as four small lots behind it in 2017. After a thorough makeover and the construction of seven new hotel rooms, The Viewpoint reopened in 2023.

“When we bought this place, this was all very different,” said Lipton. “We wanted these suites to honor the natural beauty of this place. You can’t compete with nature.”

The original property had just 11 suites, but the seven new rooms are located in a standalone building nestled into the hillside, each with unobstructed views of the rocky shoreline and relaxing, coastal Maine-inspired design. The waters of the North Atlantic quite literally seem to sparkle here beneath the gray-blue haze of the Maine sky—it’s an ideal place to tie the knot. In fact, Lady Gaga’s sister, Natali Germanotta did just that in June.

Yoga classes are included for hotel guests, and usually, a sunrise session of downward dog and lotus poses would be right up my alley. But, when I woke up at 5:30 a.m. during my stay, I made myself tea, grabbed a plush robe, and instead opted to lie on the balcony chair and quietly wait for the first rays of sunlight to make their appearance. A sun salutation indeed.

Here’s what it’s like to stay at The Viewpoint Hotel.

The Rooms

The Viewpoint has three different types of accommodations: Deluxe Shoreside Rooms, Grand Boutique Suites, and Petit Boutique Suites. All rooms at the hotel have luxe amenities like separate non-bathroom sinks, smart TVs, Bluetooth speakers, pour-over coffee, a dedicated workspace, and a flameless fireplace—the perfect cozy touch for a romantic night in. All are decked out in midcentury modern, coastal-inspired decor with plenty of soothing neutral tones and nautical accents.

There are a total of 11 suites at The Viewpoint, and among the two suite styles, the Grand Boutique Suites are a bit more luxurious and spacious, with a separate living room, private patio, and an en suite kitchen. The Petit Boutique Suites are still very impressive and are perfect for couples or solo travelers looking to splurge on some luxe digs. (Note: The Petit Boutique Suites have ocean vistas but do not have lighthouse views.)

The seven new Deluxe Shoreside Rooms debuted with the hotel’s 2023 opening and feel as if they were chiseled directly into the rocky terrain. These units have king-sized beds and the best lighthouse views on the property, with patios that were designed in a way so you can’t see your neighbor, only a plush lawn leading straight out to the harbor. Best of all, the floor-to-ceiling windows ensure you can see the dramatic North Atlantic coastline at all times—while lounging in bed, brushing your teeth, or showering.

Food and Drink

There’s one on-site restaurant at The Viewpoint, the seasonally open A Little Auk, which operates out of a 1969 Airstream. Here, diners can feast upon bacon-wrapped scallops, fresh oysters, and wood-fired pizzas, as well as indulge in craft cocktails, local beers, and wine. Since it’s a completely outdoor restaurant, A Little Auk is closed during the coldest months of the year. However, there are a few other options nearby.

For classic Maine fare, head to a Stones Throw Hotel and Restaurant (also owned by Lipton and Friar), where guests will find a menu filled with dishes like lobster rolls, pan-seared scallops, and steak. And, if you’ve ever wondered what it would be like if the Pine Tree State were suddenly located on the shores of the Pacific, consider a visit to Lulu’s Tiki Bar and Restaurant, located within The Viewpoint’s newly opened sister hotel, The Nevada. Here, you’ll find creative items like pulled jackfruit tacos and chimichurri-marinated chicken as well as a robust menu of tiki cocktails such as the Birds of Paradise, a mix of bourbon and allspice dram shaken with lemon, lime, orange, and mango juice.

Activities and Amenities

A stay at The Viewpoint gets you complimentary access to beach cruisers, beach club service to nearby Long Sands Beach, and accessories like chairs, umbrellas, towels, and games. There’s also a free shuttle that will take you between The Viewpoint and the nearby Stones Throw Hotel and Restaurant.

Nature lovers will find this surrounding area brimming with opportunities to connect with the outdoors. Explore countless hiking trails, or take to the water on a scenic breakfast or lobstering cruise. But if you’d rather relax on-site, guests at The Viewpoint can enjoy access to the property’s sauna, pool, and hot tub. Free yoga sessions take place on the main lawn during the summer. Those looking to maintain their fitness routine will find plenty to love about the gym, which has a Peloton bike, a treadmill, a Hydrow rowing machine, and weights.

The Spa 

For guests seeking a little rejuvenation, make time to visit the on-site Spa House, where you’ll find all of The Viewpoint’s wellness amenities, including a cedar sauna, a soaking hot tub, and yoga classes. The Spa House also has a hearty menu of treatments, and you can pick from things like foot soaks to facials to Maine-inspired massages such as the Deep Ocean Tissue.

Accessibility and Sustainability

There are currently two ADA-compliant rooms at The Viewpoint with accessible features such as a wheel-up sink, lowered bathroom counters, and a no-threshold shower with support bars and a fold-down seat.

The Viewpoint has adopted several sustainability initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint. All cleaning products used on-site are certified climate-neutral, and the property recycles leftover bathroom soaps. It also composts all plant, food, and compost-friendly packaging waste. There’s also an on-site Tesla charger that’s available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Location

The closest major airport is the Portland International Jetport (PWM) in Portland, Maine, which is 41 miles and a 50-minute drive from York. However, you might have better luck catching a direct flight if you land at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), located about 60 miles south of York (and an hour-and-a-half drive). York itself is fairly walkable, but it’s a good idea to have a car if you want to explore nearby towns and points of interest.

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

The Viewpoint is independently owned, so it’s not a part of any major hotel rewards programs. However, the hotel regularly runs seasonal offers—check the website before booking your next stay.