“We can’t begin to thank you enough for making our 50th anniversary party the memorable event that it was.  There were, and still are, so many platitudes about the Resort.  Many people wish to return. Getting the place ready this summer really entailed so many hours of work but it certainly is shaping up beautifully. The personal touches that you, Reg and the staff have done are sure to put the Ocean Gate on the map.  You can plan on us being one of your “regulars”!  It will be fun to watch the place evolve into the vision you have for it.  Thank you again for being a part of our “community of friends.”

Fondly,
Max & Ginger C.

“We had a great time and arrived home safely......  I hope you have a great summer – you started out well.”

Sincerely,

Joan D.

“Thanks for making our stay so nice.  We appreciated your efforts at insuring our comfort and enjoyment.  The property presented numerous photographic opportunities for me.   The image on the card was shot at Ocean Gate and I’d love to come back to shoot some more!”

Steve L.

“I am writing to tell you how much we enjoyed our recent stay at your lovely Resort.  Our experience was markedly different from some of the unfavorable web reviews I advised you of (from prior owners).  I will try and post a review of my own.  Our room was scrupulously clean.....your front desk staff was friendly and accommodating.  The breakfasts were enjoyable, and staff there was courteous and efficient.  The grounds are lovely and the quiet of the natural surroundings was just what we’d hoped for. Thank you for letting us check out the paddle and life vest overnight to enjoy the splendor of a sunrise paddle.  Best wishes for much success.  We plan to return.”

Warm Smiles,

Dr. Nancy E.

I wanted to say that I really enjoyed working with you and your crew on the Valverde Wedding.......It is a very accommodating venue from my perspective, nice and compact.  Just mentioned Ocean Gate in glowing terms to a client who will be calling if she hasn’t already.  Hope to see you again soon.”

Laura C.
Laura Cabot Catering

“In celebrating our anniversary this past weekend, we decided to find a place on the water.  The Ocean Gate Inn was perfect!  We had a lovely room overlooking the inlet.  It was quiet and peaceful.  The new owners are very accommodating and catered to our needs.  The complimentary breakfast was quite complete and the atmosphere in the dining room very relaxing and offered a view of the water.  We walked around the grounds and found many interesting photo opportunities while listening to the sounds of the birds and watching osprey, ducks and, of course, seagulls go about their business.  The Resort is close enough to Boothbay Harbor center yet far enough to offer a secluded and peaceful area where one can relax and enjoy the coast of Maine.”

Lorraine

“My husband and I just got home and I wanted to say what a nice time we had.  Everyone was very pleasant, our stay was relaxing, the food was good and our room was comfortable.  Ocean Gate is very quaint.  I hope your day turned out well after the (area) power outage.  You all seemed to handle that quite well and breakfast still went as if nothing had happened.  Great job!”

Thank you,
Doreen C.

“Hope you had a wonderful summer at the Ocean Gate.  Everyone is still talking about the great time they had at the Ocean Gate in June and I’d like to book Father’s Day weekend for next year for our group.  Hope you have a wonderful fall season in Boothbay!

Neil S.
Alfresco Adventures

Massachusetts

Jul 21, 2007

We are a family of 6 (4 kids under 10), and this was our first time at the Ocean Gate. We booked through AAA based solely on the photo of the grounds and the list of activities. Only after making our reservations did we get around to reading the reviews on this and other sites (d’oh!), and based on some negative feedback, we considered canceling. We were willing to take a gamble based on the logic that even if the place was shoddily run, they couldn’t screw up such a great location, and we were determined to have fun regardless. I’m happy to report that the gamble paid off not only because the setting is so marvelous, but because the resort is so well run.

We came to learn that the Ocean Gate was recently bought and under new management. The manager/owner (Mr. Gaynor) told us he came from many years at Hilton, and it shows. This energetic guy was everywhere, all the time, and always polite and personable as he tended to one detail after another. All the staff were friendly and accommodating. In conversation, one staffmember acknowledged that the place had fallen into some disrepair through neglect over the years; what we saw were earnest efforts to bring it back.

The transition from old to new is apparent in the exercise room, for instance, which had a couple of rusty stationary bikes next to a brand new full-body-workout weight machine. The kids climbing structure could use an update, and the unusable hot tub (circa early ‘80s) was being dismantled while we were there. However, the breakfast buffet was ample and varied, and the dining room was clean and comfortable. The pool was refreshingly clean, the ping-pong table under the pavilion came in handy during a rainy day, and the mini-golf was no-frills fun for the kids. Our favorite thing by far was the opportunity for canoe/kayak action, a great way to explore the natural beauty of the bay. Also, the room we stayed in (Pine View) was well appointed and clean (their cleaning team seems comprised of what look like Russian supermodels—no joke—that complement the natural beauty of the setting!).

Overall, we had a terrific time, and we plan to return. It is a truly great place for a family vacation, and a good value to boot (a book 3/stay 1 night free incentive certainly helped). Their target is not Ritz-Carleton luxury-spa resort, and people expecting that type of experience should go elsewhere. What they do achieve at the Ocean Gate is a chance to experience mid-coast Maine in a comfortable and relaxed setting, with solid customer service and attention to detail.
Guest, Massachusetts

I stayed here in 1980 with ex and 4 kids and the dog. We loved it then and were blown away by the view, so I decided to try it this year- new husband and no kids or dog. The property is gorgeous. The bathrooms are a little dated and the furnishings are pretty standard, however, everything was clean and it is obvious that new construction is going on. Our room was very adequate, with a great view. TV worked fine. The full breakfast served in the dining room was great. Although it was cool and a little rainy, it appeared that the pool was in use and the kayaks were ready. I did see someone else out. The location is great for a calming influence after the more touristy Boothbay Harbor. I would love to come back with the grandkids- it would be a perfect spot.

S Krep, Columbia, MD

My wife and I stayed here in June 2006 for our honeymoon. We liked it back then. But with new ownership it has gotten better, if that was possible. The location is great, the views are outstanding and the rooms are clean. The staff is friendly and they go out of their way to make you feel welcome. I called to order flowers, I asked if there was a local florist that could handle that request. They took care of everything, they even checked the room as we were checking in to make sure everything was in order.
Both my wife and I would recommend this location to anyone going to the Boothbay area. We are going to try to go there every year on our anniversary.
I understand, after talking with the general manager, that there are plans for improvement.
Guest, E. Baldwin, ME

“My wife and I were delighted to receive your letter thanking us for staying at your resort.  We have stayed at many resorts over the years and this is the first time that we have ever received such a letter.  My wife and I enjoyed our week stay at your resort.  We were very pleased with all the improvements that we noticed this year.  We look forward to returning to Ocean Gate next year.

Sincerely,
Bruce M.