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Our 2009 Ogunquit Playhouse package is here (a few days early - why not?)! Once again, the theatre package will be offered on every play, all season long and includes breakfast, dinner, tickets and more. It's a great chance to getaway for some time at the beach.
This year's season looks great. And with the recent weather, we've been practicing our singin' in the rain up here in Ogunquit.
But that's okay - It's not snow!
Every now and then we catch a story at the Meadowmere that is both cool and green. A recent blurb in Portland Magazine highlighted a company called Sea Bags and shared this fun Maine company that has a pretty cool idea - make bags out of old sails.
How ridiculously simple! And fashionable. And durable. We've all seen the bags at the grocery store that encourage us to avoid plastic and reuse. Admittedly, some of these are a bit suspect - they don't look like they'd last more a trip. Or they are riddled with slogans and goofy pictures. Not that food shopping is a fashion show, but hey, there's a phrase about form and function for a reason.
The Sea Bags look great, they're Maine made (huge plus for us - thumbs up to the local businesses) and they are taking super durable sails and recyling them. With different sizes, we can see this being handy for the beach, shopping, purses, school bags - any time you need to hoist something (couldn't resist). And since they are made from real sails, each one is fairly unique - when the sail is gone, so is the bag style (until next time one is recycled anyway).
Check them out online - and bring one to Ogunquit Beach this summer!
For those of you who have visited Ogunquit's landmark Playhouse, you know what a treat it is to have this fabulous theatre in our backyard. There's no need to go to New York for Broadway, when Broadway comes to the Beach!
This year, it seems the folks at the Playhouse are tipping their hats to the times (click here for a recent article and interview with Brad Kenney) and picking upbeat, light hearted plays. Everyone needs a smile and a chance to escape for a bit.Even better if your escape comes with a catchy tune or two.
Our 2009 Playhouse package will be ready starting April 1 and you can find the details under the package area on the Meadowmere website. This year's line up includes: Chorus Line, Shout!, Guys & Dolls, Singin' in the Rain and All Shook Up. Little known fact - Singin' in the Rain is the most popular musical ever. (We suspect also the most imitated - you know you've swung around a lamp post, don't deny it!)
Individual tickets are on sale and we recommend booking early - with all the IRNE awards last season, the Playhouse is going to be a hot ticket in Ogunquit!
April Print & Clip Specials for our Ogunquit hotel are here!
Check out the specials by clicking here
It's Mud Season Madness and time for an Ogunquit getaway deal. Spring's here - Kick it off with Ogunquit's first festival - Patriot's Day and spend a few days with the family on school vacation . Or try out your cooking skills with our Make Me A Chef! Culinary/Spa escape - it's easier than you think!
The snow is melting in Maine - into marvelous mud!
Your votes are in! Congratulations to The Green Monkey in Portsmouth, NH - #1 for March 2009!
1. The Green Monkey
2. Brazo
3. Jumpin Jay's Fish Cafe
4. Ristorante Massimo
5. Pesce Blue
6. Radici
7. White Barn Inn
8. The Library Restaurant
9. Black Trumpet Bistro
10. Cava
So we spotted a little something about the restaurant that appeared as number 10. Turns out Cava's chef was the victor in January's Chef Showdown at 10 Center Street. Looks like this tapas spot (with any outstanding wine selection by the way) is making itself known. Cava itself refers to the sparkling wine of Spain that originated in the area of Cava (think Champagne from Champagne France). TV Diner has a rave review and the blend of classic and fun modern Mediterranean is eye catching.
And the tapas format means that there's plenty to share - and plenty to try!
Today an ecomment appeared from a guest who was scheduled to join us during the December ice storm and just had the chance to visit Ogunquit. Though it was not brought up during booking or during the stay, the comment card had harsh words for us since we did not call this guest during the ice storm back in December. Indeed, the guest had driven up to the resort that day and found out that they could not stay because of the power outage (no lights, no hot water - not much of a vacation and a bit of a safety issue).
This is now March and it is unfortunate that this guest is still upset. We would have been happy to call all of our guests that day - however, without any power due to the ice storm, there was simply no way to reach everyone. The regular phones do not work without power and cell phones are not a solution - the phone numbers are in the reservation system (also requiring power). No one had any idea that the worst storm in over 20 years was headed our way.
Certainly we apologize for the inconvenience - and we also hope one day this guest will understand things can happen beyond one's control (perhaps they just needed to get it out). It really was too bad so many people had their vacation plans change - we certainly wished everyone could have stayed! And appreciate those guests who were good sports about the dark days of December!
Here are two very different moments from this weekend . . .
The first image is Bob Marley and the crowd rolling with laughter. Bob was on fire - wicked good. We'll keep you posted for in case he returns to Ogunquit. Cause really, how can you beat Maine humor?
The second image is a reminder that if you don't like the weather in New England, wait a minute. And if you do like the weather, sometimes Mother Nature will make it a short minute. After 60 degrees, jacket-less, Spring weather - snow returned and covered the Meadowmere (Sigh - we were so close!). Pretty as a postcard as the day set on Monday.
However, now that we got the clocks straightened out and the calendars turned to March at the hotel, let's hope it was the last hurrah for winter. Mother Nature - we're ready for Spring!
Recently it seems all you hear is bad news and how horrible people are doing. Sort of the opposite of waiting for the other shoe to drop - instead, it's shoe after shoe, negative headline after negative headline (even Brian Williams can't take it - he's pleading for good news). We certainly understand that times are tough - at our hotel we are keeping positive and continuing to offer the resort as a place to escape.
And we know for some, even with getaway specials that is not an option as mortgages, credit payments, tuitions, employment and more trump the family vacation to Ogunquit this year. We will certainly miss you and welcome you to come back to Maine just as soon as you can.
However, we are a bit confused about guests calling to book a vacation and saying 'they cannot believe X would exist in these economic times (insert whatever it may be - good examples are suites costing more than standard rooms, high season rates or any kind of minimum stay) and demanding to speak with a manager about it.
A really odd one was a guest who couldn't believe we would clean and change the water in the Roman Spa and that the entire stay should be complimentary. This really puzzled us. In good and in bad economic times, it's still important to maintain the hotel - which means our pools and jacuzzis will be cleaned every day to the degree necessary. This may sound crazy but we'd rather present a clean pool then have you sit in anything else. Clean amentities have nothing to do with economic times - and it seems odd to have to apologize or have guests demanding refunds for maintaining the resort. Aren't we expected to take care of the hotel for you? It would be far more irresponsible to let our standards down.
Yes, times are tough and choosing (or even being able) to take a trip to visit the Meadowmere is something we are grateful for. However we hope that using 'these economic times' as a reason for refunds, upgrades and freebies when planning or taking a vacation during this recession will stop. Seems reasonable to all the families that will not be taking any trips (heck, may not have a home) in these economic times.
Our new toy is complete (fingers crossed - there's always a few twists with these things)!
We are ready for reservations and the system is up. Thank you for your patience!
Today (actually right now) the computer system at the Meadowmere begins it's upgrade.
Should you have a question or wish to make a reservation at our hotel, please call - we'll do our best to help you and will be happy to contact you with more information if we cannot immediately answer your needs.
Hang in there while we get our new bells and whistles!
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