The Marathon Inn

I’m a bit tardy writing this review but we had such a good time here I didn’t want to miss out. The Marathon Inn is a wonderful place that reminds one of days gone by. One can almost imagine bringing a steamer trunk and staying for a month! My mom (86 but spry) and I stayed here for 2 nights in the beginning of June. We stayed on the 3rd floor (it’s a walk up) in a double room. The room was spacious and charming, outfitted with antiques. The beds were very comfortable and the bathroom was large and modern. But what really made this stay enjoyable was the inn keeper and his family! They were easy to contact prior to arrival and very accommodating. They were also helpful with suggestions for birding places, about the history of the island and even geologic features!! They couldn’t have been more gracious or welcoming. If you are looking for a Hilton type of place this isn’t it. But if you delight in floors that aren’t quite level and walls that could tell stories, this is your place. It’s super close to the ferry and it’s a very short walk to Post Office Pizza and The Well House Cafe. Parking was on site and no charge and if you are there for birding, the parking lot is a great place to start.

Great Place, Great People The hotel, built in 1871, is simply charming. We had a spacious room (#8) that was spotless, with comfortable beds, views of the ocean, and very convenient to the ferry and island attractions. The staff is very attentive and friendly, helpful, and eager to share their insights about the island. I cannot imagine you could find a better value on Grand Manan. We really could not have asked for more. We'll be back!

The hotel, built in 1871, is simply charming. We had a spacious room (#8) that was spotless, with comfortable beds, views of the ocean, and very convenient to the ferry and island attractions. The staff is very attentive and friendly, helpful, and eager to share their insights about the island. I cannot imagine you could find a better value on Grand Manan. We really could not have asked for more. We'll be back!

To write a decent review would need 5 fullscap pages at least ! My partner and I have both travelled extensively (abroad and locally) and The Marathon Hotel is among the TOP 10 World Wide in our experience. Ambience is cozy and very tastefully decorated with a seaside theme. Room was spotless and very comfortable, reception was personal and welcoming, management made us to feel like family and truly walked the extra mile to ensure our comfort. We cannot recommend The Marathon Hotel highly enough and will be sure to return as soon as possible. Lisa Benedix and Odi Okupa, Bass River NB Canada

Once again I had a wonderful experience staying at the Marathon earlier this week. A last minute trip (rare bird sighting on the island :-) ) was quickly accommodated by Al and Napa. I arrived the same day on the late ferry, and Al was there to meet me, to help me plug in my EV (at no charge -- no pun intended!) Although the kitchen is closed until May 1, they offered me breakfast in the lounge and I enjoyed a meal when I got up early for my outing. The room was great (#8, 3rd floor -- no elevator there so mind the long narrow stairs) and everything was very clean and tidy. A great view also greeted me in the morning. I've stayed there before, both solo and with my wife, and clearly we'll be back!

I stayed at The Marathon Inn for 4 nights earlier this month while vacationing on Grand Manan Island. My room was cozy and spotless, the services excellent, the owner very friendly and a real joy to chat with, and the buildings (main and annex), dating back to the late 1800s, showing their age are filled with vintage furniture, books, paintings and such, which interested me to no end. This was my 4th visit to GMI, having camped there and/or stayed in its only motel before - but the Inn was truly exceptional and from now on that is where I plan to stay when visiting GMI.

It was mid July and great time to visit Grand Manan. New owners now run the place and maintenance is poor. The deck boards are 25 % rotten so watch your step. The whole place has an odor (mill dew?). Breakfast was OK but the restaurant is closed for other meals - not mentioned on the website. We stayed in the annex which has very narrow and steep stairs. They have a bit of a kitchen with a small fridge so we bought pizza and ate there one night. The bathroom, although very large has a tiny shower. There is hot water. The room rate was good - for what we got I guess but one must stay 2 days, minimum.

Built in 1871 this property is in dire need of upgrades. The floors are slanted, beds propped up with blocks of wood so that they are level, verandahs slanted dangerously to one side and the toilet did not work. When the toilet situation was brought to the attention of the desk clerk he was rude, insulting and hostile. It never was fixed making it necessary to go to a communal toilet in another part of the building. The only saving grace was the good breakfast and the server who was efficient and a delight. The photos on their website are totally misleading. Take a big miss!