We've been to the Mariner Resort the week before Labor Day in 2010 and 2010. The first time was because of the glowing reviews on Trip Advisor and a great mid-week special price. The second year was because we couldn't wait to go back (and they also the same great special)!

Everything in the Ogunquit area, even the "tourist town" parts, is just infused with the freshness, and unpretentiousness, and beauty of Maine. And the same goes for the Mariner. The Mariner is not a luxurious place, nor a cookie-cutter upscale chain. It's what you want from Maine. It has a sense of place...of belonging to the town and the landscape.

As so many reviewers have stated, it's immaculate and comfortable and you can be sure you'll be happy and rested in the rooms. They are spacious and each has a view of the property, the marshland, and the ocean in the distance. You can hear the marsh birdsong and hear the breakers in the distance all at the same time. The first year we stayed in the north wing...the balconies have a southern exposure and became very hot in the afternoon, so if you are a sun lover, go for that. If you like a shady balcony or porch (we do, as we love to linger and read while enjoying the view), opt for the south wing. ...we did for the second year we went and that's our choice from now on.

The property's pools are a treat (and immaculate, of course!), with an outdoor pool/hot tub, and an adjacent pool housed in a glass enclosure. The pools are beautifully lit in the evening...very pretty surrounded by the masses of gorgeous flowers that are everywhere on the property.

We love to take day trips around an area on some days of a vacation, and we also love to relax on site some days. The Mariner is perfectly situated for both.

We travelled by car to the Boothbay region (be sure to detour to the famous Reds Eats along the way--and line up early!), Freeport for LLBean and the outlets, Portland (a jewel of a city; be sure to take the trolley and boat tours for the history of the town, enjoy the cuisine and food tours in this "foodie" mecca, and visit the arts district as well), and more locally to Wells, the Yorks, and the Stonewall Kitchen HQ and store.

Of course we spent some time in Ogunquit and Perkins Cove, took boat tours of the area, walked the Marginal Way, and took walks from the hotel to Footbridge Beach and then along the beach to Ogunquit. (And took the trolley back when we were tired.)

The property and view are especially lovely, if you're an early riser. Step out on the balcony (or down to the Adirondack chairs on the lawn) and watch the sun rise. With the morning fog lifting over the marsh, and the birds soaring and singing, and the sun reflecting over the ocean and tidal river, you'll find yourself feeling like the luckiest person in the world for that moment.

Then head over to the office for free all-day coffee, free breakfast, and good conversation. Get ideas for itineraries and restaurants, pick up travel literature, or even a book or puzzle from their "lending library." It's a nice way to start the day.

Take your goodies back to your room, and get ready for another wonderful Maine adventure, a long walk, a day at the beach, or some delightfully lazy lounging on site. The Mariner is perfect for both. And you'll have some vacation budget left, too!