Portland is where history meets the modern world. From its iconic lighthouse to the lip-smacking culinary world, tons of things await you in this city. Discover everything from iconic restaurants to art scenes even by simply walking down the streets. For that, Downtown Portland is where you should be. Right in the center of the action! And of course, you’ll be pampered by choices of hotels in Downtown Portland, ME (Maine).
What makes the downtown area the best place to stay in Portland? The answer is simple: it enjoys close proximity to other important areas in the city, such as the Art District Area for the creative beings, the West End for those looking for a peaceful retreat, and the Old Port where you’ll find plenty of seafood restaurants and breweries. So, even though the top things to do in Portland, Maine are spread across these important areas, and there are plenty of best hotels in Portland in general, staying downtown is highly recommended for ease of access and abundance of choices!
Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
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Portland Regency Hotel & Spa occupies a historic building, offering comfortable and quiet rooms. It’s one of the hotels in Downtown Portland, Maine that has rooms with a balcony. While staying here, free Wi-Fi is accessible in your room and in other areas. Unfortunately, there’s no workspace in the room. However, there’s a business center if you need to do some works.
Complimentary morning coffee is provided in the lobby, while breakfast is available with an additional charge. If you don’t feel like dining out, a pub and restaurant are available on-site. The Eighteen95 serves American-styled seafood dishes made from local Maine ingredients. Meanwhile, the Armory Lounge serves pub food, beer, cocktails, and wine. Besides, there’s a drink vending machine on the premises.
The hotel offers excellent spa and wellness facilities, including a fitness center. It doesn’t have a pool, but there are great sauna and spa if you want to refresh your body. Besides, relaxing in the jacuzzi after a long tiring day is more than enough to compensate for the missing pool.
Located in downtown, Portland Regency Hotel & Spa is close to all tourist spots, restaurants, bars, and shops. Have a walk to the Portland Museum of Art and Wadsworth Longfellow House is one of the options while you’re here. What’s more, you can experience whale-watching less than a kilometer away at the Port of Portland. Other amenities are available for your convenience, including free airport shuttle, ATM, and paid parking.
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Hyatt Place Portland-Old Port
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If you’re heading to Portland for a long weekend with your fur babies, staying at the Hyatt Place Portland-Old Port is a perfect choice. It’s one of the hotels in Downtown Portland ME that welcomes your pets! Plus, you’ll find some of the city’s best attractions are around the hotel. Both Wadsworth Longfellow House and Casco Bay are less than a mile away from here. Even better, the hotel offers free shuttle service within a mile radius of the property.
The hotel offers modern and spacious rooms with a city or a fantastic harbor view. It also offers great amenities, including a heated indoor pool. There’s no hot tub, but relaxing in the heated pool can be great. Enjoy the complimentary Wi-Fi in all areas for some entertainment. Of course, checking and updating your social media!
A good selection of breakfast is available at an additional surcharge. Besides, the on-site 24-hour market offers pastries, sandwiches, salads, and limited snacks. Furthermore, you can spend the evening sipping the local beers or specialty cocktails at Glass Lounge, the on-site restaurant. If you opt to dine out, there are several cafes, bars, and restaurants right next to the hotel.
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AC Hotel by Marriott Portland Downtown
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AC Hotel by Marriott Portland Downtown is one of the many best hotels in Downtown Portland, ME which is recommended if you’re traveling with families (including your fur-baby!). The hotel is pet friendly with a reasonable additional fee.
They offer modern and elegant rooms with wood floors. Besides, selected comfortable rooms have a glass window looking out into a gorgeous ocean. Other selected rooms feature a city view.
Apart from the room, the hotel offers a delicious and great variety of buffet breakfast. Plus, a kid-friendly buffet. There are two on-site restaurants, including AC Kitchen that serves European dishes. Meanwhile, the AC Lounge is open for lunch, dinner, and cocktail hour. No pool for your kids to enjoy, but they can access the complimentary Wi-Fi for entertainment during your stay. What’s more, the hotel is next to the Polar Express train. Your kids will love the view of the train pulling into the station!
Portland Observatory, Portland Museum of Art, and Wadsworth Longfellow House are all within walking distance. Shuttle service is available for free. You can take great advantage of it whenever your kids are too tired to walk. If you’re traveling by car, you have to pay 30 USD in parking fees. But, there’s a public lot next to the hotel.
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The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection
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Many hotels in Downtown Portland ME are located close to Portland top’s attractions. One of them is The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection. It’s a boutique luxury lifestyle hotel with a great atmosphere. Wadsworth Longfellow House, Victoria Mansion, and Casco Bay are within walking distance. You’ll also find many bars and restaurants nearby.
Offering an on-site restaurant, the Union, the hotel serves a taste of the region’s finest ingredients and local farm food. A large selection of American favorites, including red flannel hash & poached eggs is available for breakfast. The restaurant is also open for brunch and dinner, perfect if don’t feel like going out.
The hotel features comfortable rooms with lovely décor. Selected rooms offer a great view. It would have been nice to have a comfortable chair to sit on in the rooms, but you can read a book and sit by the fireplace in the lobby. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in all rooms and other commons areas.
What’s more, they have a free shuttle to take you to local places, not just the airport. The complimentary bike rental is also a great bonus. There are no pool and spa amenities on-site, but you have free access to the fitness center. Those who drive their own cars need to spend extra on the private parking fee.
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Inn at St John Portland
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For an authentic experience of hotels in Downtown Portland Maine, Inn at St John Portland should be on your list. Situated in the west end of downtown Portland, you’re just a few steps away from Portland’s famous attractions. This hotel was a railroad hotel before it was remodeled to match this century’s style.
At this historic hotel, you can really feel the charming Victorian era. It’s very rich in style and character, unlike other hotels. Every corner of this hotel is decorated with Victorian style furniture and wallpaper to emphasize the contemporary feel.
There are three styles of guest rooms to choose from. You can pick the Luxury Accommodations to treat yourself with top-notch comfort and ambiance. For a relaxing stay, Traditional Accommodations will guarantee you the best time. And when you want to experience the European style room on a budget, the value accommodations is the one to choose.
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Westin Portland Harborview
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Like most hotels in Downtown Portland ME, Westin Portland Harborview is conveniently located in the center of the action. Portland Museum of Art and Congress Square, Wadsworth Longfellow House, and Victoria Mansion are only minutes of walking distance. Casco Bay, for example, is only around a mile away. Plus, you’ll find an abundance of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues nearby.
The best part about the hotel is that it offers a rooftop bar with an amazing view of the city. The Top of the East Lounge is a great place to relax after a full day of activities. American breakfast is available in Congress Squared, the on-site restaurant. It also serves regional New England cuisine for lunch and dinner.
Guests can access Wi-Fi in rooms and facilities in the fitness center for free. However, there’s no swimming pool. Plus, the spa and wellness center is available only at an additional charge. Paid private parking is also available, but you can use the free shuttle service anytime. It serves from and to the airport, plus some tourist destinations. On top of that, you’ll find ATM, plus snacks and drinks vending machine in the property.
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Black Elephant Hostel
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Traveling to Portland with your friends? Book a room in Black Elephant Hostel in advance for a hustle-free trip! This isn’t a luxurious accommodation, but this beautiful hostel offers great value for money. Plus, the property features a lovely design and unique decoration in almost areas, including rooms, shared kitchen, lounge, and bathrooms.
You can access free Wi-Fi throughout this cozy and homey property. There are no wellness facilities like a pool and fitness center, but morning coffee in the outdoor seating yard is a huge plus! It’s great to hang out with other fellows travelers, too. Curl up reading a book in the lobby or the shared lounge is another great option.
On top of that, the hotel offers an excellent location! You can walk to all the spots you want to see. Merrill Auditorium is less than 5 minutes away on foot. Meanwhile, Casco Bay, Victoria Mansion, and Portland Museum of Art are just around a mile away. What’s more, some great bars, coffee shops, restaurants, and markets are within walking distance. However, parking can be a bit complicated since there’s no space available on the premises.
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Hampton Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront
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When it comes to the best hotels in Downtown Portland ME, you can’t skip Hampton Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront. It’s a beautiful waterfront hotel nestled in the Old Port District. Part of the legendary Hilton group, this hotel offers breathtaking views of the historic waterfront and Casco Bay.
From here, you can stroll around downtown Portland to find many galleries, boutiques, bustling cafes, and iconic restaurants. You’ll never get bored as there’s so much to see and do within walking distance from this hotel. Besides, Portland Airport is just 15 minutes away from here, and the hotel is ready to pick you up with the free shuttle service.
Each room features a microwave, fridge, and coffee maker. So, you can warm up your snacks and enjoy a cup of coffee anytime. Fast Wi-Fi and a working desk are also provided if you want to stay productive during your stay.
There’s an indoor heated pool and fitness center to remain active on your short staycation. Don’t forget to fuel yourself up with a fancy breakfast featuring Belgian waffles, sausages, and eggs. Coffee is also available 24 hours a day!
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Portland Harbor Hotel
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Within walking distance of Wadsworth Longfellow House and Casco Bay, you’ll find the Portland Harbor Hotel. The hotel’s location makes it one of the most convenient hotels in Downtown Portland ME. And it’s close to many restaurants, bars, and Portland top attractions. Yet, this luxury hotel maintains a quiet atmosphere.
When you check-in, cocktails are offered upon arrival. You’ll find a wide range of beautifully decorated rooms to a junior suite to choose from. Enjoy amenities like a spa bath, sofa, and a view in selected rooms. Please note that free Wi-Fi is available only in public areas. And there’s no swimming pool on-site. But the hotel provides a fireplace in the courtyard! Spend your evening sipping some cocktails while playing cards with your friends or other travelers.
Relaxing in front of the fireplace in the hotel bar is another good choice. You can read a book and have a drink. Meanwhile, BlueFin North Atlantic Seafood, the on-site restaurant serves local cuisine and seafood. The hotel has many amenities, including a free bike and fitness center. You’ll be glad to find a coffee and tea machine on each floor. Isn’t it perfect to have a fresh brewed and tasty coffee to start your day? This property also offers breakfast, private parking, and laundry at an additional cost.
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Residence Inn Portland Downtown
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Brought to you by Marriot, Residence Inn Portland Downtown does not disappoint. It’s safe to say that this is one of the best hotels in Downtown Portland, ME. Here, you can experience a unique all-suite stay with quick access to all the special things Portland has to offer.
Located right in the heart of Portland, this hotel is perfect for any type of trip. Whether you’re a business traveler, on a family vacation, or on a romantic getaway, this hotel will exceed your expectation. You’re also just walking distance to Portland’s major attractions, like the Casco Bay Lines, Merrill Auditorium, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Enjoy a perfect time to relax and unwind as the indoor pool area features a hot tub. Want to have a quiet moment by yourself? Just grab a drink at the lobby fireplace.
Each room in this hotel is equipped with a sofa bed, dining area, kitchenette, and TV. The room has all you need if you need quality time with your partner or family. And when you’re ready to explore the next day, Easter Beach is just half a mile from here.
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Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront
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Hilton’s hotel chain always offers a high standard. Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downton Waterfront is the one you don’t want to miss when looking for the best hotels in Downtown Portland, Maine. Perfectly located in the center of Old Port District, it offers a breathtaking view of Portland’s waterfront and Casco Bay.
You’re just a few steps away from the entertainment center and ferry terminal. Not only that, but you’re also surrounded by the most iconic bars, restaurants, and boutiques in Portland. Everything is within walking distance!
There are lots of fun activities not far from the hotel’s front door. You can go trail jogging, fishing, and even sailing. What if you wish to enjoy a simple and humbling staycation here? No problem! There are a swimming pool and fitness center on-site. Start your morning right with the best breakfast buffet in the on-site Great American Grill.
Each room in this hotel comes complete with a fridge, microwave, and cable TV. It’s more than enough if you just want to stay in your room, watch your favorite shows and eat some snacks.
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Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Downtown Portland, Maine:
- The Highroller Lobster Co. – Since Maine is famous for its lobster roll, you definitely can’t skip it. The Highroller Lobster Co.’s original recipe makes it so epic and stands apart.
- Boda Kitchen & Bar – For the best Thai cuisines in Maine, Boda is the one to go. Get all the special menu from Pad Thai, Kra-Prao Chicken, and Pad Kee Mao.
- If you want to try some epic dishes in Portland, we recommend joining the Old Port Culinary Walking Tour.
Recommended Activities In Downtown Portland, Maine:
- Portland Museum of Art – Even though Portland is just a small city, the art museum has a pretty big name. Here, you can explore an extensive collection of American, European, and contemporary arts.
- Brewery Tours – Portland is one of America’s best beer cities, according to experts. So, why not take a beer tour? Try the city’s best beers from the legendary local breweries.
- History buffs can top their experience off with the 2.5-Hour History Tour to discover more about the history of Portland.
