The Sterling Inn
1041 US Rte 201, Caratunk, ME 04925-3025
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Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Other miscellaneous taxes and hotel fees which are not fixed or due at time of booking may be payable at the property at time of stay. Please see our partners for more details.
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Stay for a night or longer. The Inn has 17 charming bedrooms that feel just like home, two large living rooms, dining room and large wrap-around porch all for your enjoyment. The perfect lodging choice for families or large groups, with its cozy atmosphere, hardwood floors, and sitting rooms with wood stoves. Whether you are rafting, snowmobiling, fishing, hiking the Appalachian Trail, or just looking for a cozy, bed-and-breakfast style getaway, the Sterling Inn is a perfect home-away from home--Maine lodging at its coziest. Whitewater rafting, snowmobile rental, fishing and hunting guide service and other outdoor activities can be arranged. Plenty of space for you to enjoy a little privacy or interact with your host and other guests.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Free breakfast
Canoeing
Hiking
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Highchairs available
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Wifi
Bar / lounge
Airport transportation
Shuttle bus service
Conference facilities
Meeting rooms
Non-smoking hotel
Shared bathroom
Self-serve laundry
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Room features
Clothes rack
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Microwave
Refrigerator
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
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HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Charming
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What a great hostel and hotel experience! Came here to get my daughter off the Appalachian Trail for a few days visit. This place had great reviews on all the AT sites. And boy, was it a good choice! Spacious rooms, lots of light, great room with TV and many movies. Sparkling clean communal bathrooms. Great wifi. And the host, Eric, was fascinating! Spend a lot of time talking to him as well as soaking up some cool Maine weather. It was like staying at a friend's. I cannot recommend this place enough. Stay here...you'll be glad you did!
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Date of stay: August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
My wife and I were in town for a family members wedding. This was the perfect place to stay. Rooms were clean and comfortable. The owner Eric was fantastic. If you need lodging in the area we would highly recommend!
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Date of stay: July 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
My partner and I have hiked NOBO on the trail for 5 months and 3 weeks, and this was the first hostel/bed & breakfast we’ve stayed at. We walked to the Sterling Inn from the trailhead with the intention of using their complimentary shower/laundry services, as advertised on the website and we figured we would buy our last resupply between here and Katahdin to patronize their business, since we were very grateful for them providing such a kind service to both guests and non-guests. We were at the inn for longer than expected and to avoid feeling like we were loitering (we were there from noon to 6:30pm), we decided to book a room to give them business and there was only one other person staying. We had hoped to do our last resupply there, since they advertised that they were the best hiker restock in Maine, but there was not enough real food to get us to Katahdin. Since they offered a free shuttle service, we asked if it wouldn’t be a problem to go to the general store. The first day we were there, everything was fine and the father/son that operate the business took a group to Berry’s General Store (which has a better resupply than the inn). The following day, we figured if any other hikers arriving were planning on going to Berry’s, we’d take a ride with them to get a few more things we realized we needed and some food for the day (they make daily runs to Berry’s, the pub, and another local business or two at specific times, which we were 100% flexible on adhering to). They said this was no problem. Around noon, when it came time for them to shuttle a group of hikers to the local brewpub and some back to the trail, he asked where we wanted to go. When we said we wanted to run to Berry’s once more if “it wasn’t a problem”, he blew up and yelled, “actually, it is a problem! You guy’s want to go back to Berry’s after I already took you there yesterday, and you’re not even staying here tonight!? It’s $10 if you want a ride there.” And he threw his arms up in the air and stormed off. He snapped at us and was very rude and highly unprofessional. We would have been happy to contribute a shuttle fee, had he not been so nasty toward us and had it not been advertised as a free shuttle service on their website. We were polite, undemanding, and it was completely uncalled for and we felt unwelcome and uncomfortable, after having spent over $150 on our stay and resupply. We were basically told to leave, even though the sign on our room’s door said that guests are welcome to hang out at the inn’s communal areas after checking out of the room (and we checked out on time). He was then a coward and instead of apologizing for his outburst, he sent his son out to explain that it was a misunderstanding and he didn’t realize that we had spent a ton of money (money that was just about the last of our trip’s budget) and thought we were someone else. It didn’t make any sense and regardless of who he thought we were, no one should ever speak to someone the way he spoke to us. We highly regretted patronizing this business, especially since the son even admitted that they dread having hikers at their hotel. So I guess they are hiker friendly until they decide to blow up. We would not recommend staying here and it seems they would appreciate if you didn’t.…
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Eric Angevine, Owner at The Sterling Inn
Responded 10 Sep 2020
What these guests fail to mention is that they eat ONLY a vegan diet. When they state that the general store (8 miles away) has a "better" resupply, most hikers would disagree (see other reviews here and elsewhere). They also fail to mention that our daily shuttle to the general store is listed on our web site as for overnight guests, in the late afternoon, after most hikers would have arrived, or that they decided to spend the night AFTER we had taken them to the store. It is likewise false that there was only one other hiker staying overnight. On the second day, when they asked about a trip to the store, we were preparing to take hikers to the Three Rivers Trading Post and to the Kennebec River Pub. Knowing that they had purchased nothing at the General Store that was not available at the Trading Post, I was reluctant to make an exception to our policy and drive the extra distance in the middle of the day, but they were adamant that they must go to Berry's General Store. In fact, when I stated that this shuttle would incur a $10 shuttle fee, they declined. The claim that they were told that we dread having hikers stay at our inn is ridiculous. Eric and Zachary, owners The Sterling Inn
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We were totally overwhelmed as soon as we pulled in. The owner Eric and his son Zach have outdid themselves. The place is totally redone over and should be a feature item in a b&b magazine. We had an ample size room ($80 plus fees) across from a multi bathroom location. Highly rated for cleanliness and accommodation of your needs. Laundry facilities also were available. We are usually in a hurry to get back on the road but not this time. We are Already making plans to go back soon.
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Date of stay: October 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from erica493, Owner at The Sterling Inn
Responded 25 Oct 2019
Thanks for your kind words.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I'm an Appalachian Trail section hiker. After visiting some friends along the coast my wife offered to "slack pack" me so I could finish about 90 miles of the trail south of Monson. I found the Sterling Inn and we stayed for three nights. We both loved it! Absolutely great accomodations, whether hiking or just visiting the area. Eric, really knows how to take care of his guests, especially AT hikers. His rooms are all very clean and comfortable, and vary in accomodating hikers (e.g., bunks that keep the rate down) or travelers who want King size bedrooms. Additionally, he has a laundry room with washer/dryer; a store to buy gear, food and snacks; a lounge with a refrigerator and a big screen TV; and he serve a breakfast in a very nice breakfast room that accomdates at least 20 or more guests. The laundry and breakfast come with the very reasonable nightly fee. For AT hikers Eric will shuttle you from near the trail to the Inn and back at no cost. He can be reached from the Caratunk Post Office (phone is in a small booth outside - Sterling's # is next to phone). The Post Office is a short walk (10 min or less) from the trail where it crosses Hwy 201.…
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Date of stay: July 2019
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from erica493, Owner at The Sterling Inn
Responded 24 Aug 2019
Thanks for your gracious comments. Eric and Zachary
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed here for two nights for a white water rafting trip. We were a party of 8, split into 2 rooms: 4 adults, 4 kids ranging 8-15, and 2 dogs. We particularly enjoyed the lay out of our room and would certainly request it again. The beds faced each other and it gave the kids a little privacy/space. We were in the Flagstaff Double (room 9). Room 10 has a similar lay out. Our friends stayed at the Kennebec room (Room 1) which worked for them with younger kids. Their beds were next to each other with a more traditional lay out. We concur with what others have mentioned: the Inn was very clean, and welcoming. We enjoyed hanging out in the common areas (the great room) and the wrap around porch. Breakfast was simple, but had enough choices. Coffee was good. There was a fridge, microwave, and accessibility to kitchen utensils. Location was good, very close and convenient to rafting. We appreciated that the property was pet friendly. In sum, accommodations couldn’t be more comfortable! …
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Date of stay: July 2019Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Stayed 2 nights for a rafting trip and rooms and shared bathrooms were very clean. OK breakfast. Has a nice rap around porch with chairs and tables to hang out on. Location is good for short ride to rafting companies. Staff very friendly
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Date of stay: July 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Breakfast had lots of choices. Plenty to eat. Easy access to AT. Very helpful shuttle. Lovely rooms, very clean. Convenient showers at end of week of backpacking, even though we didn't stay night then (only in the beginning of the week).
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Date of stay: July 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
I stayed here for two nights in March while snowmobiling, it should be noted that you can ride directly from the Inn parking lot to the main corridor trails including gas at Northern Outdoors or the Forks area, which is a big plus. Also, (and probably unrelated to most aspiring future guests), I have an elderly Yellow Lab, and it is very difficult to board him because of his age, and mobility, so it makes getting away difficult. I saw that Dogs are welcome (obviously with some common sense) and Eric and Zach were wonderful, even taking time out of their day to let him out and walk him. It literally saved my weekend since my Sister cancelled dog sitting at the last minute to look at Colleges for my Niece. :( Cooper made many new friends during his stay at the Sterling Inn, and learned at 13 he can still get up and down a flight of stairs with a Milk bone treat for motivation! Aside: The Inn is clean and feels like home. There is a common recreation room upstairs with a wood stove, an LCD TV, a refrigerator, and a stairwell that leads to an outdoor barbecue. The rooms are cozy. There is plenty of parking outside, and it is easy to move trailers around. The dining room is clean and expansive and includes a piano, with a large wrap around deck overlooking 201. There are many historic pictures on the tables of the Inn taken over the many years it has served the area. It's like going back in time, but not completely. They also happen to have great wi-fi and accept credit cards! …
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Date of stay: March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
My gf and I stayed a night here when we thru-hiked the AT, and the two guys running this place absolutely bent over backwards for us. It was storming outside and we first went into the little hostel place just off the trail, and fortunately for us they were out of rooms. Someone from Sterling came over and picked us up and brought us back to the hotel, and they were super nice and accommodating though we were soaked and smelly from hiking. After we washed up they drove us down the road to a restaurant, and they came back and picked us up after we were done! The price was super affordable too, only $64 all included! That's probably about the cost of 2 people staying in an average crummy hostel. BTW the room was super nice, clean, and cozy, and the common area was too. One of the best places on the trail, stay here!…
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Date of stay: July 2018Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
PRICE RANGE
$120 - $120 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
United StatesMaineCaratunk
NUMBER OF ROOMS
17
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Sterling Inn
What are some of the property amenities at The Sterling Inn?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at The Sterling Inn?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and a lounge during their stay.
Does The Sterling Inn have an airport shuttle?
Yes, The Sterling Inn offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does The Sterling Inn have airport transportation?
Yes, The Sterling Inn offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are pets allowed at The Sterling Inn?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Does The Sterling Inn offer any business services?
Yes, guests have access to meeting rooms and conference facilities during their stay.