The main city of northern New England, Portland is set on the Maine coast. The city is known for its 19th-century architecture set along its historic waterfront, its growing reputation as a gastronomic hub, food and drink festivals, and, of course, its diverse nightlife opportunities.
Complete with an Arts District and other great centres of culture – from galleries to museums – there are also beaches within striking distance of the city centre, making it a cool place to visit with just about everything on offer. Staying here is simply a matter of finding the most fitting hotel for you — and you can choose from the very best of Portland, Maine hotels below.
1. The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection
Source: booking.comWith its fresh and stylish modern interiors, The Press Hotel is a beautiful place to stay in Portland, Maine. Rooms here feel sophisticated and are well-appointed, with deluxe furnishings and chic bathrooms.
There are some convenient amenities on offer here, such as the onsite parking (ideal if you’re on a road trip) and the fitness centre. The bar and restaurant at The Press Hotel are cool affairs, making for a great spot to spend an evening in the city.
Location: With Portland Downtown Historic District practically on the doorstep, this is a great setting to wander around the city. Sights such as the Wadsworth Longfellow House and the Victoria Mansion are in easy walking distance, too.
2. Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Maine
Source: booking.comThis large hotel features modern rooms decked out in a classic, traditional hotel style. Boating plush carpets and large, comfortable beds, it’s a sophisticated stay in Portland. With a wide variety of rooms on offer, it’s also perfect for families and is a pet-friendly hotel.
Amenities at this top Portland hotel range from a buffet breakfast and onsite bar to an indoor swimming pool. As a bonus, there is a complimentary evening reception held daily in the lobby.
Location: With a free airport shuttle, this hotel is very convenient indeed. Portland’s Arts District is only a kilometre and a half away, so parts of the city can be explored easily from this location.
3. Hyatt Place Portland – Old Port
Source: booking.comA modern, newly-built hotel, this branch of Hilton provides a fresh and easygoing place to stay in Portland. The guest rooms are decorated in neutral tones and feature large windows that overlook the rooftops of the city and the port.
Guests can take full advantage of the hotel’s onsite bar, which serves up cocktails and local beers till late. There is also a complimentary shuttle service to ferry guests around the city.
Location: Just 450 yards away from the storied Downtown Historic District, the Old Port location of this hotel means there’s a lot of history on the doorstep. Guests are just two blocks from the harbour, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants in the area.
4. Portland Harbor Hotel
Source: booking.comPortland Harbor Hotel is set in a historic building and is a luxurious place to stay. Impeccably stylish, the rooms are decorated in a nautical theme, with navy blues and whites, and hardwood flooring.
The hotel offers free bicycle rental so you can pedal around town at your own pace. There is also a private garage with valet parking on offer. Other amenities include an outdoor fire pit as well as a restaurant and bar.
Location: Situated close to the Portland Waterfront, it’s less than half a kilometre to Wadsworth Longfellow House, and a stone’s throw from Portland Downtown Historic District.
5. Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
Source: booking.comHoused inside an impressive, castle-like red-brick building, this top Portland hotel is a suitably charming option for accommodation in the city. Rooms here are decked out in serene whites and washed-out greys for a stylish finish; some come with fireplaces and balconies.
Dishes made with local Maine ingredients are served in the onsite restaurant, while you can grab pub food and beer at Armory Lounge, the hotel bar. Elsewhere, there’s a spa and fitness centre, which boasts hot tubs and steam rooms for full indulgence.
Location: Set in the Old Port district of the city, less than a mile away you’ll find a choice of things to do. Go on a whale-watching expedition from the port, check out Portland Museum of Art, or explore Portland further.
6. AC Hotel Portland Downtown/Waterfront by Marriott
Source: booking.comThis branch of Marriott hotels is a cool and classy place to stay. Boasting wood-panelled interiors, the hotel is completed by high-end carpets and streamlined decor for an altogether high-end hotel experience.
The rooms at this hotel are polished and bright, with crisp white linens, city views, and wooden floors. In the mornings, guests can enjoy the buffet breakfast served daily, while at night, there’s a bar for an evening drink.
Location: A great location for exploring Downtown Portland, there are cafes and restaurants all very close by. It’s a seven-minute stroll from here to the Ferry Terminal, and the Wadsworth Longfellow House is not far away.
7. Westin Portland Harborview
Source: booking.comSet inside an impressive historic building, this top Portland Hotel is a beautiful place to stay. It’s a slice of luxury in the city, with boutique design details to match. The rooms themselves are contemporary, with sprinklings of 1920s features throughout.
Amenities at the hotel include a spa and wellness centre, where guests can pamper themselves after a day of exploring the city. A restaurant and bar boast magnificent views of the city’s waterfront.
Location: Sights such as the Portland Museum of Art and Congress Square are within easy walking distance of this hotel’s Arts District location. All the attractions of the Downtown Historic District are just half a mile away, too.
8. Hilton Garden Inn Portland Airport
Source: booking.comThe rooms at this friendly and welcoming hotel provide a comfortable place to sleep. These boast large beds, calming shades of green and brown, and modern bathrooms, traditional but well polished.
Guests staying at Hilton Garden Inn Portland Airport can make the most of their downtime by taking a dip in the pool or hitting the gym for a workout. There’s also the option for meals throughout the day at the onsite restaurant.
Location: Possibly one of the best options in Portland if you need to catch an early flight, or you’re arriving late, there’s a shuttle that runs 24/7 from the hotel to Portland International Jetport for top convenience. Not only that, but the Arts District is just over a mile away, too.
9. The Francis
Source: booking.comA boutique offering set within a sumptuously historic building, The Francis is heritage luxury at its best. Throughout, guests will be wowed by the beauty of the original features, from its wooden doors and stained glass to its high ceilings and fireplaces.
Rooms are suitably minimal to allow the history of the place to take centre stage. Amenities include a spa and wellness centre to unwind in after a busy day, and even free parking, an added bonus for those arriving by car.
Location: A great location for exploring the Arts District, this hotel is situated in the Bramhall neighbourhood, close to a whole host of bars and cafes.
10. Courtyard by Marriott Portland Downtown/Waterfront
Source: booking.comWith its easygoing atmosphere, this hotel boasts rooms that are bright and clean (think gleaming white linen and large windows with city views) for a comprehensively breezy stay in Portland.
On offer for guests to use are an onsite fitness centre and a pool for those all-important daily swims. Also onsite is a sultry, atmospheric bar for evening drinks after a day spent discovering what this cool city has to offer. There’s also a guest lounge to use.
Location: Set close to the Waterfront in Downtown Portland, from here you can easily walk to Victoria Mansion and Wadsworth Longfellow House, among many other attractions in the Downtown Historic District. You’ll be able to find many places to eat, drink and shop just on the doorstep, too.
11. Blind Tiger Guesthouse
Source: booking.comBlind Tiger Guesthouse has got to be one of the coolest hotels in Portland, Maine. Beautifully decorated in a harmonious cocktail of old and new, this boutique-style hotel is housed within a historic mansion dating back to 1823, which is quite incredible.
Luxurious and stylish, the rooms here provide an escape from the city. Onsite amenities such as the laid-back lounge (complete with open fireplace), the old-school billiards room, and the picturesque sun terrace and garden make it a joy to stay here.
Location: With Harbor View Memorial Park, Wadsworth Longfellow House, the Children’s Museum, and Merrill Auditorium just a short walk away, Blind Tiger Guesthouse is well located in Portland, close to West End.
12. Residence Inn Portland Downtown/Waterfront
Source: booking.comA sizeable hotel with a whole lot of amenities to match, this place has something for everyone. There’s an indoor pool, a well-equipped fitness centre, a hot tub, and a fireplace in the lobby where guests can enjoy a chilled evening drink.
Rooms come with just about you’ll need during your stay in Portland. They have fully equipped kitchens, comfortable seating areas, and even dining tables, making it an excellent option for those travelling with families or in groups.
Location: Right in the heart of the historic Old Port district of the city, the hotel is mere steps from places like Portland Observatory, the Portland Museum of Art, and numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars to explore.
13. Clarion Hotel Airport Portland
Source: booking.comThe rooms at the Clarion Hotel are low-key and easygoing places to unwind after a busy day, but the hotel packs a punch when it comes to its friendly atmosphere and the amenities on offer. It’s also clean and well maintained.
There’s an onsite restaurant where guests can tuck into a spot of dinner, a heated indoor pool for a luxurious morning swim, a hot tub to soak those aching muscles, and a workout room to keep up with your fitness regimen.
Location: Near to the University of Southern Maine and Maine College of Art, the hotel is not far from the airport and offers a free shuttle, making it a great option for those travelling by plane.
14. Holiday Inn Portland – By The Bay
Source: booking.comRooms at this Portland branch of Holiday Inn are traditionally and smartly decorated, and come with seating areas, desks, and large windows overlooking the bay. It’s a great option if you’re looking for somewhere convenient to stay in the city.
The Port of Call restaurant, located onsite, serves meals from breakfast to dinner and is a great spot to chow down after a busy day. Other amenities – such as the fitness centre and swimming pool – make sure you can stay active, too.
Location: Close to Portland Museum of Art and the Children’s Museum of Maine, all the cool and quirky shops of the Old Port area of the city are practically on the doorstep of this hotel.
15. Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront
Source: booking.comClean, comfortable, and modern, the rooms at this top Portland hotel are well-appointed for a comfortable stay in the city. Some come with great views out over the water, while all are spacious and boast large beds and gleaming, spotless bathrooms.
The friendly staff are a major plus of this hotel, as is the breakfast buffet served each morning. In the evening, the lobby bar provides delicious dinners (and drinks, of course), while room service is also available. There’s an indoor pool and fitness centre to try out, too.
Location: Close to Victoria Mansion and Portland Observatory, this hotel is particularly near to Commercial Street with all its shops and restaurants, with the bonus of having the beauty of the harbour on its doorstep.