One of New England’s premier hotel destinations is located within the historic Lincoln Mill. The storied brick building that houses the hotel and residential lofts once served as a center of New England fabric production, with Biddeford and Saco Mills outputting millions of yards of fabric annually.
Part of the Biddeford renaissance that began in 2015, the downtown destination has transformed into a history and foodie lover’s destination, with nature retreats and a coastline just a stone’s throw from Boston. The Lincoln Hotel, part of Atlantic Hospitality’s outstanding portfolio, is the stay at the center of the action. Known for designing idyllic getaways, it’s no surprise that The Lincoln Hotel in Biddeford, Maine, landed itself on the prestigious list of Michelin Key hotels in New England, with only 33 hotels in total on the inaugural list.
Lodging in a restored mill
Architecture buffs will have a field day inside the rooms at The Lincoln Hotel. With 33 rooms in total and 147 residential lofts, each room preserves the historic industrial integrity of the Lincoln Mill, while room amenities and decor add a high-end finish.
The exposed brick walls tell almost 200 years of history, balanced with wood beam ceilings full of character. Adding to the room’s coziness, is an electric fireplace with 12 color settings to set match your mood. Ample leather seating and vintage rugs combined with fur throws and pleated velvet curtains and plush bedding, make the rooms so comfortable you’ll never want to leave. Enjoy views of downtown Biddeford from your window nook, wide enough to grab a seat or just look out and ponder on the past and present of historic Biddeford.
The industrial mill town origin is married with Lefroy Brooks dual showers and sinks. The bathrooms are the epitome of luxury with delicious Le Labo bath products that waft throughout the hotel, lavish bathrobes, and buttery soft Matouk linens. Get ready in the Carrara white marble bathroom while sipping on a fresh brew from the in-room Keurig and Bluedrop sparkling and still water on tap.
About The Lincoln Hotel
One of Biddeford’s hidden gems is at the top of the hotel, for guests and residents only. The hotel rooftop boasts panoramic views of Biddeford and the Saco River. Open from 8 AM until 9 PM and heated to 86°, the rooftop pool is the perfect spot to enjoy a sunset.
In the morning, wake up at Spinning Jenny’s Coffee Bar open at 7 AM daily. Their specialty lattes are so good they draw visitors from out of town to the hotel. The gorgeous, expansive spans two floors, with a lower lobby that doubles as a work and mingle space and conveniently connects to Maine’s beloved Batson River restaurant and a 1,700-square-foot state-of-the-art gym, Impact Fitness, which hotel guests have full access to during their stay.
Things to do in Biddeford, Maine
Biddeford is different than the Southern Maine towns you might already be familiar with, home to some of the nation’s most historic mills, a revitalized food scene with award-winning chefs, and pristine waters just a quick drive away.
What to eat
A trip to Biddeford without a visit to Palace Diner is incomplete. The 1927 restaurant is one of two remaining barrel-roofed Pollard dining cars in the nation, with the other being Riverside Diner in Bristol, New Hampshire. The diner does have limited hours and only 15 seats, so make sure to plan ahead to try this historic diner with famously great food!
Finestkind is another can’t miss spot in neighboring Saco. The caviar hashbrowns with whipped lemon zest creme fraiche are indulgent, but worth it. For some caffeine, head to Elements, a bookstore meets cafe serving a delicious Rose Cardamom Latte. Cap the day with the seasonally rotating Eton Mess, and any seafood you like at Fish & Whistle, all spots just minutes from The Lincoln Hotel.
Where to explore
Biddeford and it’s sister city, Saco, are open museums, with iron posts throughout highlighting the history of Lincoln Mill, Pepperell Mill, and many other spots en route. Take Saco Riverwalk for a tranquil journey between the two cities that overlooks historic Cataract Falls, a waterfall crafted from the flow of the watermills. For a natural waterfall, hike through Clifford Park, a 140-acre natural park with a hidden waterfall, under 1 mile from the hotel.
Biddeford beaches
The Maine coast is just 5 miles from Downtown Biddeford, with three beaches in Biddeford—Middle Beach, Biddeford Pool Beach, and lesser known Fortune’s Rocks Beach. Biddeford Pool also offers views of Woods Island Lighthouse and a nearby waterfront Lobster shack, Pool Lobster at Goldthwaite’s, for a fun lunch break overlooking the Atlantic. Old Orchard Beach, known for its wide long coastline and carnival games and Scarborough offer two larger beaches nearby as well.
Not too far from Canada, Biddeford uniquely has a large Quebecois population, with the annual three-day La Kermesse Franco-Americaine festival occurring in Downtown Biddeford in June! The festival celebrates Biddeford’s large French-American population. Whether during festival season in summer or planning a cozy fall getaway, The Lincoln Hotel offers a central escape in Biddeford excellent in any season.
Find The Lincoln Hotel at:
17 Lincoln St, Biddeford, ME 04005