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Charming takes on new meaning in Portland, Maine. The city by the sea is small enough to feel intimate and big enough to have all the sights and amenities you’re looking for, from working fishing wharfs and Victorian-era homes to lobster rolls and boutique hotels. I first visited the city as a kid and have returned many times over the years. It’s become one of those places I like to daydream about moving to – I can see myself strolling along the Old Port before returning to my Victorian home in the West End. Until that dream becomes a reality, I’ll have to settle for the occasional visit. And when I do, it’s always worth searching out the finest hotels in Portland. I love properties with Maine-specific amenities, stand-out locations and beautiful interiors. Here's my pick of the best hotels in Portland, from boutique options to cozy inns.
119 Exchange Street
Price:C$ 182-923/night
The Press Hotel boasts four well-deserved stars. It’s set in a classic brick building in the Old Port District, which is just steps from the waterfront, and has its own eatery and a public art gallery (the latter features the work of local artists, including a two-storey installation of vintage typewriters).
As you might have guessed, The Press Hotel is newspaper-themed. The guestrooms all showcase elements you might have found in a 1920s newsroom, including vintage-styled journalist desks and newsroom-inspired memorabilia.
As a writer, I was sold. But décor and personal preference aside, The Press Hotel is easily one of the best hotels in Portland. It’s a gathering place for art and literary lovers, as well as those in search of good food (for more on that, check out the hotel restaurant, UNION).
163 Danforth Street
Price:C$ 200-773/night
Tucked away in Portland’s West End neighbourhood is one of the most unique hotels in Portland. Blind Tiger on Danforth Street was built in 1823 and housed secret basement parties during the Prohibition era. The basement fun lives on in the hidden billiards room that now occupies the space below the hotel.
Other features like a rooftop cupola overlooking the harbour solidify the Blind Tiger’s place among the best hotels in Portland. What sold me on this property is the fact the staff include a letter of Portland recommendations in each room, and that there’s an open pantry stocked with snacks and drinks. A morning toast and yogurt bar is also included in the rate.
If you can’t find a room at Danforth Street, check out its neighbouring sister property, Blind Tiger on Carleton Street (more on that hotel below).
754 Congress Street
Price:C$ 170-626/night
When Longfellow Hotel opened in the summer of 2024, it became the first independent, full-service hotel to open in the city in more than two decades. The property is small, with just 48 rooms, a fact that makes it all the more appealing to guests looking for an intimate hotel experience.
I love that Longfellow was opened by a family-owned, Maine-based hospitality company, a detail that can be felt throughout the hotel, with the work of Maine artists and artisans featured across the property. Neighbouring restaurant owners helped conceptualize the hotel’s café and lobby bar, and the guestrooms showcase Victorian mouldings and hardwood floors.
The Longfellow also has a spa with a meditation room and an infrared sauna with an adjacent rain shower. It's the perfect place to wind down after a day in the city.
9 Center Street
Price:C$ 129-1243/night
As its name implies, the Canopy is set right along the Portland waterfront, providing easy access to the Old Port neighbourhood. What’s more, the city centre is just four blocks away, providing easy access to great shops and restaurants without sacrificing the view of the harbour.
There are plenty of things to love about the Canopy, including free Wi-Fi and pet-friendly rooms – but for me, what makes this property one of the best hotels in Portland is its fleet of rental bikes. I love exploring a city on two wheels, and Portland’s low-key nature and compact centre makes it one of the most bicycle-friendly cities on the East Coast.
Cycling aside, this top-rated hotel in Portland has a rooftop bar with outdoor seating, which is the perfect way to end a Portland day.