What a difference a decade makes. For those clinging to visions of Portland, Maine as a lil’ bitty bastion of Ye Olde nautical kitsch with regrettably few inspiring places for visitors to lay their heads? Well, welcome to a brave new era of hospitality in this rapidly evolving (albeit yes, still pretty tiny) city. As its reputation as an outsized stronghold of gastronomy, craft beer, arts, and culture has flourished over the last 10 or so years, so too has the city’s hotel landscape. What used to be a cluster of perfunctory chains in touristy Old Port, a few more out by the airport, and a handful of quaint B&Bs sprinkled about, is now a true destination where you can find exactly the sort of stay you’re looking for.
Whether you’re craving world-class wellness amenities, looking to rack up reward points, angling for a romantic tryst, or want something more indie and avant garde, these hotels in Portland have got your back. Luxurious inns and elegant boutique properties have risen up in the historic West End, conversions of industrial and commercial buildings provide cool new alternatives on the downtown waterfront, and idyllic resorts nearby let you escape the city altogether. Likewise, the levels of service at all of the above have evolved to accommodate your personal preferences wherever they fall on the spectrum, from white-glove hand-holding to contactless check-in. And as for the town’s aforementioned signature nautical flavor? You’ll still find plenty of it all over the city, albeit in different form these days—think less Ye Olde fisherman, more contemporary artisan.
Read our complete Portland, Maine, travel guide here, which includes:
