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When I recently visited southern Maine, a freak cold spell forced temperatures into the 50s, with overcast skies and passing rain showers. That it felt like April rather than June may have kept my four-year-old daughter out of the freezing sea (she improvised by taking her snorkel gear into our hotel’s roomy bathtub), but it didn’t deter from the fact that the fabled New England region is in midst of an exciting hotel rejuvenation. Since we were forced to spend more time at our resorts than we would have in hot summer weather, we were able to really discover and enjoy the innovations of three special properties, all of which were recently updated.

Maine has long been a conundrum for city escapees, with accommodation choices (for those not invited to a friend’s summer home) mostly limited to musty B&Bs. But the beauty of the rugged Atlantic coastline, not to mention the fresh lobster and cool ocean breezes (welcome during the dog days of July and August, if not during a freak June cold spell), have continually drawn New Yorkers and Bostonians north.

This summer, there’s relief from more than the city heat. Three new – or new-ish – properties in Southern Maine are finally giving sophisticated travelers hotel options that don’t look like great Aunt Edna’s house. Add these to your list and keep them there until October. Although I wish the weather had been better during my stay, I can also now attest that Maine is equally charming from a cozy fireplace as on an open beach.

• For Hip Family Cottages: Hidden Pond

• For A Classic Inn Updated: Tides Beach Club

• For A Beach Resort: Inn by the Sea

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