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Portland, Maine

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About Portland, Maine

The largest city in Maine, pretty Portland is a vibrant seaside community with beautiful views over Casco Bay and a busy working port surrounded by redbrick warehouses and Victorian shipbuilders' mansions. A lively hub of great galleries, museums and top-notch restaurants, the city boasts a wide range of accommodation options — including heritage B&Bs and swish contemporary hotels. Many of the best places to stay in Portland are nestled in the lively Old Port district, whilst some of our favourite out-of-town picks promise superb sea views.

Portland’s illustrious seafaring past is most visible in the Old Port neighbourhood and on the waterfront, where the hustle and bustle continues. Delve into this history at the Portland Head Light, Portland Breakwater Light and the Victoria Mansion, one of the finest pre-Civil War residences in the country. Longfellow House and the Portland Observatory are also fascinating. Kids will adore the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, whilst there’s wonderful work on display at the Portland Museum of Art.

Head out on the water for days of sailing, fishing and kayaking, hit the beach as a family or venture out to the many islands which frame Casco Bay for big days of adventure. Fort Williams Park, on the other hand, is a terrific place for a windswept stroll, and there are some excellent hiking, cycling and horse riding trails in the countryside beyond Portland.

Back in the city, treat yourself to Portland’s famous foodie delights — lobster and fish fry included — in little cafés, buzzing eateries and quirky late-night bars. Whether you pick a tiny inn or a slick city hotel, the best places to stay in Portland are within easy reach of hip restaurants, cultural attractions and the salty sea.

The Best Places to stay in Portland

For a Seaside Stay

  • Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth — just south of Portland — is perfect for a coastal family escape. Offering everything from crabbing to yoga, sailing and spa treatments, this chic property promises something for everyone — gorgeous ocean views included!
  • The Inn at Diamond Cove lies at the heart of the picturesque Casco Bay on Great Diamond Island. It's packed to the rafters with activities, including tennis, hiking, fishing and swimming. Ideal for experiencing island life in Maine.
  • Blackpoint Inn is a classic New England hotel set on a promontory jutting out into the sea. A favourite for its excellent seafood, country club feel and striking sea views in almost every direction.
  • Higgins Beach Inn promises a relaxed coastal holiday, 20 minutes from Portland. Think cosy rooms and family suites with blue-painted wooden walls and pops of coral decor, a great seafood restaurant and lots of beach and sea-focused activities. A fun family choice, just moments from the beach.

For an intimate B&B

  • West End Inn is an elegant six-bedroom B&B in a Victorian residence within easy walking distance of Old Port. Expect gourmet breakfasts and a grown-up, intimate feel. The friendly owners can offer heaps of Portland recommendations for foodies! Very chic.
  • The Chadwick offers four smart and spacious guestrooms in a pretty, blue-painted house. Set in Portland's stylish West End neighbourhood, this is a tranquil choice for a quiet holiday, complete with a cosy firepit for atmospheric evenings.
  • Pomegranate Inn is an artsy B&B with eight funky, individually-decorated rooms in the heart of the Western Promenade. Stay here for a fresh, modern vibe and heaps of creative inspiration. Breakfasts are a real treat, with series of tasting dishes featuring local ingredients.
  • The Inn on Carleton has an old-school feel, with six traditionally-decorated bedrooms, a lovely English garden and an antique-filled parlour. Breakfasts are served in the formal dining room. For history buffs.

For Boutique Chic

  • The Francis features minimalist design in 15 rooms and suites, set within Portland's Arts District. Stay here for the modern art collection, the spacious, airy feel and excellent spa treatments. Chic and understated.
  • Blind Tiger is a beautifully restored Victorian hotel with striking, sophisticated interiors. A real treat for romantic couples, the property is swish, contemporary and very cool, fusing modernist artwork with quirky period pieces. An eclectic boutique B&B.

For Foodies

  • The Press Hotel is a stylish spot in the former offices of the Portland Press Herald, in the Old Port district. Come for the appealing rooms and suites, and stay for the terrific fare crafted by Chef Josh Berry and his team using the very best Maine produce. The restaurant's ethos of partnering closely with farmers and fishermen is particularly impressive. A foodies' favourite.
  • Portland Harbor Hotel is a bustling contemporary property close to the Old Port. Sink into big cosy beds, hit the gym and whisk up a snack for the kids in the guest pantry. The big attraction is the BlueFin North Atlantic Seafood restaurant, headed by Chef Gil Plaster, who uses Maine's bounty of seafood and seasonal produce to mouth-watering effect.

For Luxury & a Spa

  • Portland Regency Hotel is a charming hertiage property in the heart of the Old Port district. Stay here for opulent rooms with fireplaces and marble bathrooms, as well as a wellness centre boasting a fitness studio, steam room, sauna, hot tub and top-notch deep tissue massages. A historic hotel perfect for unwinding.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY COTTAGE

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

  • Fly to Portland International Jetport and travel to your hotel by bus or taxi.
  • Maine is ideal for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Travel during the summer months (June to August) for the warmest weather, but do be aware that this is peak season. Come in the spring (April - May) or autumn (September - October) for fewer crowds and great hotel deals.

STILL NOT SURE?

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Best Hotels in Portland, Maine

  • The Chadwick B&B Portland, Maine 4 rooms from €112

    Active Holiday  -  The stunning natural beauty of the Maine coast lends itself to many outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming and sailing
    Local exploring  -  Discover the Old Port with live music, dancing, shopping, dining, pubs, and famed microbreweries
    Foodies  -  Explore the contemporary cuisine scene with 300+ restaurants within the city limits
    Sights nearby  -  Portland offers some of the best water access to the islands of Casco Bay, historic forts, and lighthouses
    GardenParkingNo pets

    A charming luxurious coastal townhouse set in the heart of Portland's west-end. Modern rooms feature luxe linens, fireplaces, private balconies and spacious modern bathrooms with large tubs. Feast on delicious lobster breakfast dishes and spend evenings by the outdoor fire pit. A lovely hideaway. See More

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  • The Inn on Carleton Portland, Maine 6 rooms from €117

    Local exploring  -  Enjoy peaceful surroundings minutes away from Portland's downtown, waterfront, museums, theatres, galleries and restaurants
    Great walks  -  Explore the coastline as you hike along scenic trails in Two Lights State Park or Crescent Beach State Park
    Sights nearby  -  Visit Portland Observatory, Victoria Mansion, Maine Historical Society and 18th century Portland Head Light
    Sailing  -  Take a boat out and explore Casco Bay, Peaks Island and Fort Gorges
    Air conditioningGardenParkingNo pets

    Elegant B&B in a leafy area just minutes from downtown. Handsome Victorian townhouse is home to a pretty English garden, welcoming parlour and dining room. Rooms with unique character feature soaring ceilings, grand mouldings and antique furnishings. Quiet, tranquil environment; ideal urban retreat. See More

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  • Portland Regency Hotel Portland, Maine 95 rooms from €121

    Local exploring  -  In the center of the city's vibrant Old Port, easy access to whale watching, ferry rides, The Victoria Museum...
    Spa  -  All guests have complimentary access to the Fitness studio, steam room, sauna, and hot tub
    Restaurant  -  Modern American cuisine with a New England influence
    Outstanding location  -  Two blocks from the waterfront
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantPet friendlyDisabled accessParking

    In the heart of the city's Old Port district, this hotel is surrounded by boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Two blocks from the waterfront. Beautiful, smart rooms feature fireplaces and luxurious marble bathrooms. Full of historic charm. Ideal for exploring Portland's top landmarks. See More

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  • West End Inn Portland, Maine 6 rooms from €137

    Foodies  -  Portland is a foodie hotspot. The owners really know their stuff and can recommend the best eateries & hot addresses in town
    Local exploring  -  It's walking distance to the Old Port District with bustling restaurants, theatres, shops, museums, harbor and galleries
    Hotel Entertainment  -  The property occasionally puts on dinner nights with food made from locally-sourced ingredients
    Sights nearby  -  The local area, West End, is one of America's best preserved Victorian neighbourhoods. Explore stunning historic mansions nearby
    Air conditioningParkingNo pets

    Refined B&B on a tree-lined street in an upscale neighbourhood. Original Victorian architectural features - double-height ceilings & picture windows - blend seamlessly with mid-century furnishings and cosy contemporary decor. Enjoy common dining & sitting room, plus a bar serving light bites. See More

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  • Portland Harbor Hotel Portland, Maine 95 rooms from €154

    City Style  -  Stylish, contemporary & in the heart of the action; a great base to experience 21st century Portland yet learn about its history
    Local exploring  -  Walk out the door and explore the harbour, waterfront restaurants, art galleries, museums, theatres and boutiques
    Romantic Break  -  Honeymoon Suites boast fireplaces, statement bathrooms with indulging tubs and beautiful views
    Sights nearby  -  Maine's rich history means there are colonial homes, military forts and sites related to 400 years of maritime history to visit
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

    A lively boutique hotel located in bustling Old Port district. Newly-renovated and well-appointed rooms are both cosy and contemporary; think fresh nautical colour palette, comfy furniture, homely decor and sea views. Enjoy the seafood restaurant, guest pantries, gym and access to the waterfront. See More

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  • Pomegranate Inn Portland, Maine (Portland) 8 rooms from €156

    Romantic Break  -  This luxurious and unique boutique offers guests a chance to relax, unwind and feel pampered in a spectacular setting
    Fishing  -  Become a fisherman for the day and head out with Lucky Catch Cruises to catch your own lobster
    Opulent
    House party feel  -  Be prepared to meet people.
    Air conditioningParking
    Recommended by  -  Tablet, Great Small Hotels

    A warm and welcoming, albeit slightly whacky, boutique B&B in Portland. The interiors are a treasure trove of local artworks, murals and antique pieces that tie together beautifully to create a vibrant and lively environment. The breakfast is exceptional and the staff are knowledgable and helpful. See More

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  • The Francis Portland, Maine 15 rooms from €159

    Artworks  -  Located in the Art's District, the property's art gallery features rotating exhibitions of contemporary work by Maine artists
    Foodies  -  The Art's District location means that restaurants, bars, delis, cafes, food trucks, breweries & seafood joints are walkable
    Local exploring  -  Use as a base to enjoy typical Maine days; lobster rolls, sailing, galleries, lighthouses, cycling and beaches
    Great walks  -  Hike across 9,000 acres at Cape Elizabeth Land Trust, with a variety of different trails and landscapes
    Air conditioningPet friendlyDisabled accessParking

    Stylish contemporary rooms in a centrally-located red-brick Victorian mansion. Minimalist decor and chic furnishings complement the building's original architectural features; wood floors, moulding, gabled ceilings and double-height windows. Enjoy the modern art, front parlour and spa treatments. See More

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  • 121 Middle Portland, Maine 11 rooms from €183

    Active Holiday  -  Casco Bay Islands offer a slew of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to tennis, kayaking, fishing, boating and golfing
    Local exploring  -  Old Port is lined with boutiques and art galleries, 19th-century brick buildings and the city's best restaurants and bars
    Great walks  -  Fort Williams Park is an expanse of 90 acres filled with coastal hiking paths, picnic areas, gardens and a beach
    Local markets  -  Fresh, locally sourced ingredients are mere blocks away at local family owned markets
    Air conditioningDisabled access

    A small hotel set across two floors of a Nationally Registered Historic Building. Luxurious, spacious and contemporary apartments have high-tech amenities like touchscreens, stainless steel appliances in fully equipped kitchens, and luxurious showers. A sleek choice for independent travellers. See More

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  • Blind Tiger Portland, Maine 9 rooms from €185

    Local exploring  -  Portland is a small city that has so much to offer; go sailing, climb a lighthouse, visit museums or tour the historic downtown
    Sights nearby  -  A short drive will take you to Portland Downtown Historic District. Victoria Mansion is a must
    Great walks  -  Sample one of the area's many foodie tours - and try as much lobster as possible
    Sailing  -  Go on a sailing adventure down the Maine coast on a schooner
    Air conditioningGardenParking

    Beautifully resorted 19th-century guesthouse walking distance from the sea. Interiors are divine; roaring fireplaces, wooden ceilings and period features blend seamlessly with minimalist four-poster beds, bold colour walls, unique antique furniture & modernist artwork. Stylish, sophisticated & sexy. See More

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  • Higgins Beach Inn Portland, Maine (Higgins Beach) 23 rooms from €189

    Active Holiday  -  Lots of fun to be had with snorkeling, diving, canoeing and windsurfing all available a short walk away from the hotel
    Beach Life  -  A few hundred metres from the white sandy shore, this hotel is perfect for anyone seeking a weekend away on the beach
    Great walks  -  A short drive from the Libby River Farm Trailhead and the Pleasant Hill Preserve, for great walks through the local countryside
    Seaside  -  A few minutes walk from the beachfront in the coastal village of Higgins
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenDisabled accessNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    A charming and warm establishment just outside Portland and a stone's throw away from the beachfront. Higgins Beach Inn is a relaxing, family-friendly choice. Rooms are bright and airy with a distinctly nautical feel and there's a restaurant specialising in seafood. A quaint coastal stay. See More

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  • Inn by the Sea Portland, Maine (Cape Elizabeth) 61 rooms from €197

    Restaurant  -  Spectacular views and menus featuring locally sourced produce with an emphasis on the catch of the day
    Sights nearby  -  Crescent Beach State Park, Two Lights State Park, Cape Elizabeth Light...
    Secluded setting  -  For escaping.
    Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    A luxurious oceanfront hotel. Modern, warm, and inviting. Breathtaking ocean views from rooms, which feature a smart, contemporary design. Activities include nightly fire pits, beachfront sunsets, early morning yoga and garden tours. Ideal for a stunning and elegant sea-side retreat. See More

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  • The Inn at Diamond Cove Portland, Maine 44 rooms from €233

    Back to Nature  -  Explore the nearby scenic trails along the island or admire the seaviews
    Sights nearby  -  McKinley museum located on the island
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
    Air conditioningTennisRestaurantSwimming PoolDisabled accessViews

    In the heart of Casco Bay, this idyllic hotel offers a relaxing retreat with a smart outdoor pool and Cabana Bar. Beautiful sea views. Access to Pebble Beach and to miles of scenic trails. Full of historic character. Contemporary rooms with plush beds and flat-screen TVs. See More

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  • Blackpoint Inn Portland, Maine (Maine) 25 rooms from €308

    Kayaking  -  Kayaking Equipment Available
    Birdwatching  -  Prouts Neck Bird Sanctuary
    Tennis  -  Tennis Court Access
    Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
    TennisRestaurantSwimming PoolDisabled accessViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Fodors

    An unpretentious and relaxed seaside hotel with a country club feel. Uniquely surrounded by water on three sides, Blackpoint Inn boasts magnificent sea views. Sophisticated and tasteful bedrooms and a smart, fine dining restaurant serving locally sourced seafood. Quintessential New England charm. See More

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  • The Press Hotel Portland, Maine 110 rooms from €342

    Writing a novel  -  What better place to craft your masterpiece than in this printing themed hotel, with retro-writers desks in every room
    Great walks  -  You are well placed for exploring the cobblestone streets, 19th-century buildings and fishing piers of Old Port
    Local markets  -  Maine is famed for its spectacular farmers markets- be sure to get up early and see them at their best
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    Air conditioningRestaurantDisabled accessViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    A whimsical and well put together printing press themed hotel, in the old headquarters of Portland’s Press Herald. The interiors feature ancient type writers, type print carpets and wallpaper and beautiful artworks by local artists. The restaurant stands out as remarkable even in this foodie town. See More

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