Nearly 200 Bangor Daily News readers who responded to our survey earlier this week on hotels and other lodging in Maine overwhelmingly said that they were traveling within the state less due to rising costs and other concerns. Here is how our audience responded to the eight questions we posed.
How much are you willing or able to spend on a night of lodging in Maine?
Just over 64 percent of the 190 respondents said they would be willing or able to spend between $101 and $200 per night for a hotel or vacation rental. Nearly 16 percent of respondents said they’d spend between $201 and $300 per night, and 14.2 percent said they would spend less than $100. Just 5.2 percent of respondents said they would spend more than $301.
Given the choice, what type of lodging would you prefer?
Of the 190 who answered, 41.5 percent said they would prefer to stay in a locally owned hotel, motel or bed and breakfast, while 36.8 percent said they’d prefer a national chain hotel that offers a rewards program.
Only 9.4 percent of respondents said they’d prefer a rental cottage or cabin, 5.7 percent said they’d want to stay in an Airbnb or VRBO, 4.7 percent said they’d prefer to stay with family or friends, and just 1.5 percent said they’d want to stay in a campground.
Do you stay in hotels, Airbnbs and other types of paid lodging less than you used to?
A whopping 72.6 percent of respondents said they stay in paid lodging less than they used to, while 27 percent said they stayed in it about the same or more.
Why do you stay in hotels or other paid lodging less?
A total of 168 people responded to this question, and of them, 59 percent said rising costs were the main reason they stay in hotels less. Other reasons cited included medical issues that preclude them from traveling, not feeling safe in larger cities such as Portland, hotels and rentals not allowing pets, and the declining quality of lodging options, including cleanliness and bed bugs.
Do you avoid popular Maine destinations in the summer?
It’s perhaps not shocking that 80 percent of the 190 people who responded to this question said they avoid popular Maine destinations during the summer.
Why do you avoid these locations? Are there any specific Maine places you stay away from in the summer?
Prices, traffic and crowds were all reasons cited by respondents for avoiding certain spots in Maine during the summer. The most commonly cited locations included Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, Portland, Old Orchard Beach, Camden and Rockland.
Do you prefer to visit popular Maine destinations during the off season?
Again, not really a shocker: 88 percent of respondents said they prefer to visit popular Maine destinations during the off season.
Is there a place in Maine you used to travel to and stay at frequently, but don’t as much anymore because it’s gotten too expensive?
Of the 153 people who responded to this question, 45 said they visit Bar Harbor less than they used to, and 36 said Portland. The rest was split between towns including Rockland, Camden, Kennebunk, Old Orchard Beach, Boothbay Harbor, Wells, Ogunquit and York.
