Inn at Diamond Cove

This unique island retreat, set within beautifully restored military buildings on a historic island, offers a truly memorable escape, feeling like a secret haven just a short ferry ride from Portland, Maine. Its signature feature is the serene, car-free environment, making it an ideal destination for couples seeking a romantic and peaceful getaway, families looking for a relaxing and memorable escape with plenty of space, and history buffs eager to explore the island's past. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's exceptional staff, comfortable accommodations, and the opportunity to disconnect and recharge amidst picturesque surroundings. To make the most of your stay, it is advisable to plan ferry schedules in advance, especially during the off-season, and consider bringing comfortable shoes to fully enjoy exploring the island's walking trails and historic sites.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the range of hotel amenities available, contributing to a fun and relaxing stay. The pool is a popular feature, often described as heated, and is complemented by a hot tub, providing opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment. For entertainment, a game room is available, equipped with activities like foosball, ping pong, and bowling, offering engaging options for all ages. Many rooms are equipped with a kitchenette, which is highly valued by guests for preparing meals and snacks, especially for families. The hotel also offers ADA rooms that are praised for their spaciousness and accessibility, ensuring comfort for guests with mobility needs. Additionally, golf carts and a shuttle service are provided for convenient transportation around the island, enhancing accessibility.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel rooms consistently receive high praise for their cleanliness and comfort. Guests frequently describe the accommodations as spacious, well-appointed, stylish, and beautiful, often featuring a balcony that offers a serene setting, sometimes nestled in the woods. The beds are highlighted as very comfy and extremely comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Many rooms include a kitchenette, adding convenience for longer stays. The bathrooms are noted for being spacious and clean, often featuring white tiles. While most guests find the rooms quiet and conducive to relaxation, some have noted minor issues such as fireplaces not always being operational or a lack of certain amenities like slippers or robes.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers a varied dining experience, with breakfast frequently described as superb, amazing quality, and extremely tasty, often included in the stay. The Diamond's Edge restaurant is a significant highlight, praised for its excellent food, including gourmet options like filet mignon, beef tenderloin, salmon, and vegan dishes, all served with mouthwatering goodness and often accompanied by gorgeous waterfront views. The Crown Jewel restaurant is also noted for its excellent food and service. However, some guests experienced limitations, particularly during the off-season, with the hotel lobby restaurant having a limited menu, slow service, or issues with coffee availability. Some guests also noted that the food market on the island might be closed, necessitating bringing personal food supplies.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's unique location on a historic island is a major draw, offering a peaceful and secluded retreat just a short ferry ride from Portland, Maine. The island itself is car-free, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere, with golf carts serving as the primary mode of transport. Guests enjoy exploring the island's lush walking trails, hidden beaches, and historic ruins, including Fort McKinley and a small museum, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The ferry schedule is a critical aspect of accessibility, requiring guests to plan ahead, especially for evening returns or during the off-season when schedules may be limited. The hotel also provides excellent accessibility for guests with mobility needs, with staff going above and beyond to assist.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, professionalism, and attentiveness, with many guests feeling looked after like royalty. They are often described as caring, informative, and going out of their way to be accommodating, contributing significantly to a pleasurable stay. Specific services like the shuttle service from the ferry are appreciated, though some guests have experienced delays or miscommunications upon arrival. While many highlight quick check-in and helpful service, a recurring theme in some reviews points to challenges with understaffing, leading to slow service, particularly in dining areas, and staff being stretched thin. Some guests also reported issues with housekeeping not being proactive and needing to be requested.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain operational aspects and unique features that enhance or impact a stay. There have been notable instances of billing discrepancies and credit card handling issues, with some guests reporting unauthorized charges and difficulties in resolving them, including concerns about secure payment methods. The hotel's operations can be significantly affected by the off-season, with reduced staff, limited dining options, and changes to ferry schedules. On occasion, fire alarms have sounded during the night, causing disruption, and some guests noted that there may not be staff present on the property overnight to address such issues immediately. However, the island offers unique attractions like a duckpin bowling alley and a glass beach, providing distinctive experiences for visitors.