We recently stayed at the Colonial Gables Ocean Village and overall were satisfied with our stay. They have both motel rooms and cottages--we stayed in the motel. This is definitely an older property (probably 30 to 40 years old) but is maintained very well. The grounds are well kept and the view of the water is very nice. No breakfast is provided. Pick up one of the lodging discount books at a Maine visitors center for a nice savings. (Unfortunately we did not.) If you are looking for a Hilton, this is not the place but overall we were satisfied.

We stayed in cabin 33, recently renovated and found it to be extremely clean, very well appointed, with quality furnishings. The facilities were more than adequate for a very comfortable stay and the siting of no.33 could not have been much better, as we had superb views of Penobscot Bay, both from the porch and inside at least two rooms. They seem to have a policy of on-going renovations, so, if you book in advance, it pays to ask for a recently done cabin. As I have said, we can't vouch for the motel or all of the cabins, but we could not fault our particular one.
With regard to criticism of the sweet old lady who runs the complex, yes, her system may seem quaint to anyone used to more modern fast-track check-ins, but we found that to add to the relaxing atmosphere of the place. She, herself was very helpful and patient, especially when, we couldn't find no.33, when it was right under our noses.
In all we spent three very happy nights there and would go again like a shot if in the area.

We stayed in an Ocean Front Cottage. The view from the bedroom, when we woke up at sunrise, was breathtaking. In the early morning, we spend almost 2hrs alone on the rocky beach with our 1 year old - it was lovely.

The check in/check out was a lesson in patience as they are not on a computer system. The cottage was very clean but had a slight damp air quality though it is virtually on the water so to be expected. It also had a "step back in time" quality and the beds were in rough shape. However for the price, and the amazing view I would not complain. An idyllic budget option.

There was also a playground and a fire-pit to roast smores etc on the beach in the evening.

Let's start with the positives: the cabins are great, updated and very clean; location is pretty nice as it is on the water with great views; hairdryers in room along with mini kitchen set up; staff/owner is very sweet; and this is probably the best bargain in town given the cleanliness. We had a cabin which was very good, but friends had a motel room that had not been upgraded (no hairdryer, very dated room and bath amenities). This place could stand to move into the 21st century (or at least the 20th) as all check in and out is still handled manually and paperwork seems to go missing which creates a long check in process and an extra long check out process -- in the big scheme of things not a big deal unless you are in a hurry. And when friends wanted to move up to a cabin, they were told there were none available; however it was clear later that there were several available. It would appear that there was no way for owner/staff to really know what was available, so they missed out on some extra revenue that night. Also, the sheets on all beds were pilled - need to invest in better bedding.