Wanderlust World Wanderlust World How to Find Cheap Hotels in York, Maine. York is the second oldest incorporated town in Maine, named after its English counterpart. A popular spot for summer fun and sun on the beach, York is also a good place to learn about U.S. history, all the way back to the earliest days of European colonization.
Fly into the Portland International Jetway, the closest Maine airport, or Manchester International Airport in New Hampshire.
Drive to York from the airport. This is the only way to get there, since no trains or buses serve the area.
Learn some local history at the Museum Buildings of Old York, which include Jefferds' Tavern, the Old Gaol, the John Hancock Wharf and Warehouse, the George Marshall Store Gallery and the Old Schoolhouse.
Visit The Cape Neddick Light, sometimes called the Nubble Light, one of Maine's many scenic lighthouses. Bring your camera so it can live up to its reputation as the most photographed lighthouse in Maine.
Find Maine's largest zoo and amusement park in York Beach.
Eat all the lobster, crab and clams you can. Prices are cheap compared to other places because seafood is caught locally.
Scour the Internet for cheap deals. There aren't many chain motels here, but if you visit the Chamber of Commerce website (see Resources below), you'll get a comprehensive list of options, as well as links to the individual hotel websites. You can also contact the Southern Maine Coast Tourism Association at (800) 639-2442 or visit their Web site (see Resources, below).
Sleep at a Bed & Breakfast. Rates of under $100 are possible, which always include a good breakfast. You'll have approximately twenty to choose from in the York area.
Arrange to rent a cottage when staying for a week or more. The per-night price is competitive with a motel. Plus, you don't have to eat out all the time. There are several groups of rental cottages on Long Beach Avenue.
Rough it by camping out. Marvel at the stars. Be part of nature!
Stay near the beach to keep transportation costs down. Choose from Long Sands and Short Sands beaches in the immediate vicinity. A little further away, you'll find Passaconaway and Harbor beaches.
Choose among York's more than fifty hotels and motels. National chains are scarce, but there are plenty of locally-owned inns. The rates drop as low as $50 in the winter. Centralized areas with many choices include Long Beach Avenue and Post Road/Old Post Road.