It’s no surprise that Maine has some of the best motel towns in America. We’re called ‘Vacationland’ for a reason!

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Folks ‘from away’—visitors from all over—come to our beautiful Pine Tree State. With so much to see and do, they need a place to stay. That’s why motels are vital to Maine’s tourism scene, and we’re proud to have some of the best!

Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
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But what exactly is a ‘motel town?’ Have you ever heard that term used before?

Generally speaking, a ‘motel town’ is typically a small town or area where motels play a significant role in the local economy. These towns are often located along highways or near popular tourist destinations, providing travelers with a place to stay overnight. And of course, we know there are plenty of popular tourist destinations here in Maine.

Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
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Alright, but how does one determine what makes a good ‘motel town’ versus a bad one? How do we choose which is better?

Savvy Stays conducted an online survey of 3,000 travelers to identify the top 150 budget-friendly motels across America. The survey panel was selected based on age, gender, and geography, ensuring a diverse representation of travelers. Pricing data for motels was gathered from Google and Trivago, with the findings published in August 2024 on BadCredit.org.

Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
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With that in mind, which three motel towns in Maine are considered among the best in America?

Camden, Bar Harbor, and Bethel were recently named in Savvy Stays and BadCredit.org's list of 'the 150 Top Budget-Friendly Motel Locations Across America.' Camden ranked 58th, Bar Harbor came in at 34th, and Bethel secured the 86th spot. With gas stations, diners, and tourist shops nearby, these areas are well-prepared to meet the needs of the many visitors exploring these parts of coastal Maine.

Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
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Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
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Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
Credit: Canva / Getty Stock
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What are your thoughts on Camden, Bar Harbor, and Bethel being named as some of the best motel towns in the country?

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