Portland, Maine might be small, but this one-of-a-kind city sure does pack a punch when it comes to things to see and do. From picture-perfect historic lighthouses to a booming craft beer scene and spectacular natural attractions, this coastal city has something for every type of traveler!
No trip to Portland is complete without spending some time strolling the cobblestone streets of the historic Old Port. You can easily spend your days shopping in all of the unique boutique shops during the day and letting loose at one of the Old Port’s buzzing bars and nightclubs when night falls.
If it’s outdoor adventure you’re after, you’ll love going kayaking on Casco Bay, camping out under the stars on Richmond Island, or hiking to a waterfall in Fore River Sanctuary. For something more leisurely, peruse works of art at the Portland Museum of Art or catch a waterfront concert at Thompson’s Point.
You won’t go hungry in Portland, either! A destination for foodies, Portland is bursting with incredible sea-to-table restaurants, funky food trucks, and creative international eateries. Plus, you can wash it all down with a pint of local craft beer from one of Portland’s many hip breweries!
With so much to see, do, and eat, you’ll want a nice hotel room to come back to at the end of an action-packed day. Luckily, Portland is home to some truly beautiful historic hotels, luxurious guesthouses, and artsy boutique retreats.
There are so many, in fact, that you might have a hard time choosing the perfect one. So we’ve created a list of the 12 best hotels in Portland, Maine, to help you plan your perfect getaway!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).
Where to Stay in Portland, Maine
It’s no surprise that some of the best boutique hotels in Portland, Maine, are located in the city’s Old Port historic district. If this is your first time in the city, the Old Port is a prime place to base yourself to indulge in Portland’s excellent dining, nightlife, and entertainment scene.
Located less than half a mile inland, you’ll also find some of the best Portland hotels in the bustling downtown area. This is also one of the best areas to stay if you’re planning on ticking off all of the city’s best museums and attractions.
Foodies will love staying in the up-and-coming East End neighborhood. This is where you’ll find all sorts of creative sea-to-table eateries, as well as a range of buzzing craft breweries and cool art galleries.
If you are looking for a relaxing retreat away from the hustle and bustle of Old Port and downtown, you can also opt for one of the many New England-style hotels in nearby Cape Elizabeth or on one of the islands in Casco Bay!
The 12 Best Hotels in Portland, Maine
1. The Francis
Housed in a 19th-century redbrick mansion, you’ll find this unique hotel in Portland’s Parkside neighborhood, just a mile from the Old Port.
One of the things that makes this place one of the best boutique hotels in Portland, Maine, is that it’s locally owned and operated by fourth-generation Mainers. When it comes to customer service and insider tips, expect nothing but the best!
You can choose from 15 meticulously renovated guest rooms, which all boast the perfect mix of historic elements and modern amenities. While each room is totally unique, you’ll love the plush Frette robes, Malin + Goetz bath amenities, and in-room art by acclaimed local photographer Nicole Wolf that come as standard in each guest room. Plus, you can expect historic touches like original windows and floors.
For breakfast, the staff will arrange to bring a gourmet breakfast prepared by a nearby bakery right to your room. If that’s not relaxing enough, this boutique stay is also home to a small spa, where you can treat yourself to a selection of therapeutic and rejuvenating massages.
2. Blind Tiger Guest House
Blind Tiger Guest House is the perfect pick if you’re on the prowl for cool boutique hotels in Portland, Maine. Step inside this 19th-century Federal-style mansion, and you’re sure to be impressed by this stylish designer hotel concept.
The whole idea is to make you feel like you’re staying with a “well-connected friend.” So expect insider tips from local tastemakers and exclusive guides to Portlanders’ favorite establishments and hidden gems.
You’ll also love all of the thoughtful (and free!) amenities, like the morning pastries, the all-day pour-over coffee and homemade snacks, picnic blankets and baskets, and personalized concierge service. Explore the hotel, and you’ll also find a billiards room in what was once a historic speakeasy and an attic cupola offering views of the Portland Harbor.
As far as the rooms go, each room is decorated in a unique style, and they are all a thing of beauty! Expect funky artwork, plush beds with designer linens, and spa-like baths with Lather toiletries and waffle kimono robes.
3. The Press Hotel
If you’re searching for the best Portland hotels, you really can’t go wrong with The Press Hotel. As the name suggests, this newspaper-themed boutique hotel is housed in what was once known as the Gannett Building, the former headquarters of the Portland Press Herald.
The entire building pays homage to its storied past, so expect to find vintage typewriters, quotes from Maine’s iconic writers, and Scrabble boards scattered all around this unique hotel. Plus, you’ll love the rooms, which are all inspired by 1920s writers’ offices.
Each of the 110 guest rooms is outfitted with comfy beds with Frette linens and Cuddledown comforters, a vintage-inspired journalist desk, and a marble bathroom with C.O. Bigelow bath products. Plus, you’ll get modern touches like Keurig coffee makers, Bluetooth-compatible stereo systems, and large HDTVs.
If you’re in town for a special celebration, splurge on the Penthouse Suite, and you’ll get a private rooftop patio with stunning city views. And if you want to kick off your night with dinner and drinks, The Press Hotel is also home to UNION, which serves up seriously good seasonal and locally sourced fare in a seriously cool setting.
4. Aloft Portland, Maine
When it comes to cool boutique hotels in Portland, Aloft Portland, Maine is one of the best of the bunch. Not only will you have everything you need for a relaxing stay, but you’ll be within walking distance to some of the city’s best bars, restaurants, and attractions.
Plus, this place is pet-friendly if you plan to bring your furry friend along. Your dog will even be offered a special welcome package at check-in!
Head to your room, and you’ll be greeted with a plush platform bed, a 55-inch flat-screen TV, and a cool dining/working nook. You’ll also get handy extras like in-room coffee makers and mini-fridges with complimentary bottled water. If you’re willing to splurge just a little bit, it’s well worth booking one of the rooms with a view of the Fore River.
When you’re not lounging around your room, you can work up a sweat in the Re:charge gym, get work done in The Tactic workspace, or grab drinks and snacks at the 24/7 Re:fuel shop. Aloft Portland, Maine also boasts the trendy WXYZ lobby bar. It’s the perfect place to mix and mingle over specialty cocktails and live music sets at the end of a long day.
5. Portland Harbor Hotel
Portland Harbor Hotel is easily one of the most popular places to stay in Portland, Maine. Not only does this place have seriously nice guest rooms and a range of excellent amenities, but you’ll be located right in the heart of all the action in the bustling Old Port district.
All rooms were recently renovated with sleek hardwood floors, coastal and nautical decor, and artwork by local artists. Plus, the bathrooms all boast separate glass showers and soaking tubs, perfect for relaxing at the end of the day. Or, if you really want to treat yourself, the Whirlpool Spa Suite features a living area and a massive bathroom with a huge whirlpool spa tub!
Explore the hotel, and you’ll find a complimentary Starbucks touchscreen machine on each floor, a fitness center, and a lovely outdoor area with plenty of furniture and a fire pit. Plus, the Harbor Bistro + Terrace serves up dishes sourced from local farmers, fishermen, and companies, as well as a long list of creative cocktails.
6. Cambria Hotel Portland Downtown Old Port
Cambria Hotel Portland Downtown Old Port is one of the best boutique hotels in Portland if you want to be in the heart of all the action. Not only will you have everything you need for a comfortable stay, but you’ll be within walking distance of top attractions, like the Portland Museum of Art, and a wide range of bars and restaurants.
You’ll love the refined rooms, which all boast sleek hardwood floors, large windows, and funky wall art. You’ll also get a deluxe ensuite with a Bluetooth mirror and PURE bath amenities, as well as a handy refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. If you don’t mind spending a bit extra, it’s worth upgrading to one of the high-level floors, which offer views of the harbor.
Head upstairs, and you’ll find a plant-filled rooftop bar where you can sip local beer and craft cocktails. The chef also serves up a delicious selection of locally sourced dishes. Don’t worry if you overindulge because there’s an on-site gym where you can burn off all those extra vacation calories (or not!).
7. Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront
From its chic restaurant to its waterfront location, there’s a lot to love about Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront. Book a stay here, and you’ll be steps away from the city’s best bars, restaurants, and shops. Plus, the rooms here are some of the most stylish in town!
Even the Standard Rooms boast signature Canopy beds with 300 thread count linens, a 55-inch HDTV, and a chaise lounge where you can take in the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Plus, you’ll love the thoughtful extras like the Nespresso coffee makers and the complimentary Apivita bath products.
Opt for the Fitness King Room, and you’ll get an in-room Peloton Bicycle, as well as a TRX fitness system and a selection of healthy snacks and beverages! If you don’t feel like splurging on your own private gym, there’s also a gym on-site where you can work out.
Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront also features a rooftop bar with sweeping views of the water and downtown. Alternately, head downstairs, and you’ll find Salt Yard, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as excellent coffee beverages.
8. Best Bower
If big hotel chains aren’t your thing, Best Bower is by far one of the most unique hotels in Portland, Maine. This luxury guesthouse is nestled on the peak of Munjoy Hill, next to the Portland Observatory, on the East End of town.
You can choose from six totally unique guest rooms. No matter which you choose, you’ll find custom stone, tile, metal, and woodwork throughout, as well as heated bathroom floors and towel bars and access to a communal kitchenette.
Couples and solo travelers will love the Crows Nest Suite, which boasts a beautiful oak wet bar, a custom “L” shaped sofa, and a Carrara marble and handmade tile bathroom. If you’re traveling as a family, the Loft West and Loft East guest rooms can both accommodate up to five guests and feature separate bedrooms and living rooms.
While there is no on-site restaurant, the friendly staff will stock your fridge with anything you’d like. They’ll even have locally sourced cheese and charcuterie boards and other local specialties waiting for you if you ask! Plus, the East End is a foodie mecca, so you won’t go hungry in this part of town.
9. AC Hotel by Marriott Portland Downtown/Waterfront, ME
When it comes to cool Portland hotels, you really can’t go wrong with AC Hotel Portland. Not only is this gem perched on the waterfront right in the heart of the historic Old Port district, but you’ll be spoiled with all sorts of luxe amenities.
You’ll love relaxing in the polished room, where you can keep up with your favorite Netflix and Hulu shows with the 55-inch smart TV, get work done with the designated workstation and free Wi-Fi, and curl up with a good book on the sofa. If you need more space, the 1-Bedroom Suite offers 900 square feet of space and a separate bedroom and living room.
Explore the hotel, and you’ll find the AC Library, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and the AC Store, where you can pick up snacks and supplies. For easy meals and drinks, AC Kitchen and AC Lounge offer outdoor waterfront seating, signature cocktails, and European-influenced dishes.
10. The Westin Portland Harborview
One of the best Portland hotels, The Westin Portland Harborview is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a little bit of luxury during your stay in Portland. Plus, this place offers sweeping harbor views and is just steps away from major attractions like the Portland Museum of Art.
You’ll love the contemporary rooms, which are all outfitted with plush beds, ergonomic workstations, and extra-large windows with beautiful city or harbor views. If you’re in town for a special celebration or just want to splurge, book the Presidential Suite for its swanky living room and deluxe bathroom with a deep soaking tub.
When hunger strikes, you can enjoy small plates and handcrafted cocktails at the rooftop bar and lounge. Or, head downstairs to Congress Squared Restaurant for New England-style dishes and Maine classics. Explore the hotel, and you’ll also find an on-site spa offering a range of pampering treatments and a fully outfitted gym.
11. Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
If you’re wondering where to stay in Portland, Maine, for a little bit of history and a whole lot of luxury, you’ll love staying at the Portland Regency Hotel & Spa! This unique Portland hotel is housed in an 1895 armory that’s located off a cobblestone street in the heart of the Old Port historic district.
The guest rooms are the epitome of luxury, and you can expect classic decor, original architectural details, and pampering touches like Molton & Brown bath amenities and nightly turn-down service. Plus, guests of the hotel get added perks, from the complimentary airport shuttle to the bottomless coffee and tea in the lobby.
When you’re not relaxing in your room, you can get massages in the full-service spa, work up a sweat in the state-of-the-art gym, or take a soak in the hot tub.
If you prefer to dine at the hotel, Eighteen95 Restaurant serves up modern American dishes with a New England twist. Or, if you want to sample Portland’s outstanding food scene, you’ll have plenty of excellent restaurants right outside your door.
There’s a reason Portland Regency Hotel & Spa is considered to be one of the best boutique hotels in Portland, ME!
12. Hyatt Place Portland-Old Port
Another gem in the heart of the Old Port historic district, Hyatt Place Portland-Old Port has everything you need for a comfortable and relaxing stay. Plus, this place is pet-friendly if you’re planning on traveling with your dog!
Rooms are all outfitted with an ultra-comfy Hyatt Grand Bed, a deluxe media and work center, and a Cozy Corner with a sofa or sofa-sleeper. If you’re willing to upgrade, it’s well worth going all out on one of the King Rooms, which offer furnished balconies with beautiful views of Peaks Island.
In the mornings, you can swim laps in the heated indoor pool or work out in the gym before filling up on the hotel’s complimentary breakfast. And in the evenings, sip local craft beers and carefully curated cocktails at GLASS before dining on creative, locally sourced fare at Evo Kitchen + Bar.
You can also pick up grab-and-go items at The Market. And if you forgot to pack something, you’ll also have access to Odds & Ends, where you can buy, borrow, or take all of your essential travel items!
That completes our list of the 12 best hotels in Portland, Maine! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Portland, Maine? Comment below so we can add them to the list!
Didn’t find the perfect Portland hotel? Try searching here:
Booking.comPlanning a trip to Maine? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!
SHARE THIS ON PINTEREST
