Franciscan Guest House
26 Beach Ave., Kennebunk, Maine
207-967-4865
What we liked most:The central location and the gorgeous grounds, landscaped by the company founded by Frederick Law Olmsted.
What we liked least:The room, with its dark paneling, polyester bedspread, and institutional carpet.
What surprised u:sWe spotted not one monk the whole weekend. (Then again, we didn't enter the monastery.)
You know you're at the Franciscan Guest House when . . .A stroll takes you to saints, shrines, and the Kennebunk River.
Rates: Through Sept. 5, rooms $80-$134, multiroom suites $134-$249. Off-season rates are lower.
Directions: Kennebunk is about two hours north of Boston. Take Interstate 95 north to exit 19 at Wells. Turn left on Route 109 east, then left on Route 1 north, then right on Route 9 east. After about 4 miles, at the Route 35 intersection, turn right onto Beach Avenue for less than a quarter mile.
