Located in South Portland, The McKernan Inn is near the airport and on the beach. South Portland Historical Society Museum and Lyric Music Theater are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal and Bayside Bowl. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Cross Insurance Arena or Merrill Auditorium. Visit our South Portland travel guide
Consider a stay at The McKernan Inn and take advantage of free continental breakfast, a garden, and conference space. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
Other perks include:
Free self parking
Meeting rooms, concierge services, and coworking spaces
Outdoor furniture, luggage storage, and smoke-free premises
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and offer amenities such as free WiFi.
Extra amenities include:
Bathrooms with shower/tub combinations and free toiletries
Plasma TVs with cable channels
Wardrobes/closets, portable fans, and daily housekeeping
Free continental breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM
Private picnics
Conveniences
Guidebooks
Limited-hour front desk
Luggage storage
Guest services
Concierge services
Housekeeping (daily)
Tour and ticket assistance
Business services
700 square feet of conference space
Coworking space
Meeting rooms
Outdoors
Dock
Garden
On the beach
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Elevator (35 inch wide door)
Handrails in stairways (36 inches high)
Lever door handles
Thin carpet in room
Well-lit path to entrance
More
Smoking not allowed
Room amenities
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Private bathroom
Shampoo
Shower/bathtub combination
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Entertainment
Plasma TV with cable channels
Food and drink
Restaurant dining guides
More
Individual decor
Individual furnishings
Iron/ironing board
Portable fan
Window screens
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 7:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Guests will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Renovations and closures
The following facilities are closed seasonally each year. They will be closed from November 26 to November 30:
Beach
Meeting facilities
Parking area
Access methods
Front desk (limited hours)
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Property payment types
Important information
Fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:
Deposit: USD 25.00 per accommodation, per stay
We have included all charges provided to us by the property.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Property is also known as
The McKernan Inn Inn
The McKernan Inn South Portland
The McKernan Inn Inn South Portland
Frequently asked questions
Is The McKernan Inn pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking?
Self parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at The McKernan Inn?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 7:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.
What time is check-out at The McKernan Inn?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Where is The McKernan Inn located?
Nestled on the beach, this South Portland inn is within a 5-minute walk of Willard Beach, Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, and Portland Harbor Museum. Casco Bay and Southern Maine Community College are just steps away.
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Reviews
The McKernan Inn Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
Gorgeous grounds and venue with a beautiful oceanfront view. Plenty of parking as part of SMCC campus. Short drive to downtown Portland and lots of stores around in South Portland. Very unique experience, would stay again without hesitation!
Nicole
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
KEITH
Nov 4, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Such a unique little place. The kids staffing it were all very nice and very helpful. The room was very clean and comfortable. The location and views were everything we had hoped for for this, our anniversary trip.
What a lovely Inn! Beautifully decorated for the holidays. The students were capable and friendly. Our suite was warm and cozy, with a spectacular view. Coffee and breakfast on the glassed in porch were great. We were lucky enough to have the place to ourselves. What a treat!
Rene
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
8/10 Good
Vicki
Oct 22, 2025
Liked: Staff & service
Cool old inn but in need of some TLC. Location on the waterfront was the highlight of our brief time there.
Vicki
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Lisa
Oct 21, 2025
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Picturesque and quiet location!
Laundry facilities!
Staff was more than accommodating and a lovely ocean view with a delicious breakfast made for a memorable stay!
The breakfast was fresh and different every morning. The sun room where it was served was quiet and had a lovely view of the bay. The room was quiet and spacious. The staff was friendly and helpful.
Lacey
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2025
8/10 Good
shannon
Jul 22, 2025
Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
The staff and accommodations werre great! The location was top-notch for us.
Stayed in the Suite. Great views from bedroom and sitting area. Feels home like and quaint. Great place for long walks. Good porch in front and back of property. Room clean and bed linens and bed comfortable. Staff were nice. Young lady made us breakfast on our first morning was very professional, courteous, polite, and made us good breakfast of cut up fruits and chocolate croissants. Beach and lighthouse just a few steps.
Our experience at McKernan Inn was so very pleasant. The room was spacious and clean. The free coffee and tea bar was a wonderful treat. The continental breakfast surpassed my expectations. The staff was efficient and accommodating. I highly recommend!
Deborah
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
8/10 Good
PATRICIA
Oct 19, 2025
Liked: Staff & service
Room comfortable but old. The view from room 208 was incredible. Bathroom seriously needs an update. Coffee was delish and nice snacks.
Lovely venue that sits by the water. The continental breakfast is delicious and set on a glass porch overlooking the bay. Close to the beach for walking, a perfect location.
Lovely inn. Room was nice, bed was very comfortable. Staff was amazing
Bathroom was a bit dirty with pink grime in shower and dust/hair at the base of the toilet.
Gorgeous views of sunrise esp of you keep the blinds open.
Bfast was great in the morning although I'm surprised Sunday breakfast was just a bagel bar. Homemade croissant and coffee cake the day prior was delicious.
This inn is located on beautiful Casco Bay with a nearby beach. It is run by South Maine Community College and the friendly students studying Hospitality Management will serve you a lovely continental breakfast and make your stay very enjoyable.
Sharon
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025
8/10 Good
Shannon
Sep 23, 2025
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
It was very quaint and with quaint sometimes comes less amenities. It was small, the shower was difficult, the Continental breakfast offered sub par. The views and proximity to the beach were amazing.
Location is great. We really enjoyed walking on the beach. Our room wasn’t bad but not great either. Def needs to be refreshed. The blinds in several windows were removed and the curtains didn’t block the light so we were up early. Furniture is in rough shape. Prolly wouldn’t stay here again but it was fine for one night
The property was located on the Casco Bay/beach which was very convenient. It was easily accessible to all major highways. The students were excellent hosts.
The rooms were cozy and comfortable. There were other places to hang out of you wanted. Coffee, tea and water throughout the day.
Breakfast was good, I would suggest to let people know what breakfast is when asking if they want some. Staff was courteous.
And the view was just beautiful, even on the rainy days.
Strange hotel in odd neighborhood.
Stained sheets & comforter, no bedding for sofabed, all in very dated worn room with antiquated heating system, sink that didn’t drain, rusted faucets and no phone.
No staff on site after 9pm meant for weird exp with hotel to ourselves - spooky and somewhat scary deserted car park in dubious neighborhood.
It was very quiet with great views and beach right out front and we slept well, just very strange experience.
We came early in the season to see lighthouses. This was a great location. The property has a great history and character. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Would stay here again!
Staff were very kind and attentive. Building had been upgraded and well maintained. It felt a little odd being on campus and being away from the trendy areas but loved the view of the harbor and supporting the hospitality students.