Guide to Portland Maine Hotels, Motels, and Lodging
Portland is Maine’s largest city – though still small in size, 68,000, its always bustling with events, festivals, art and entertainment. Hotels and lodges in Portland vary from quaint bed and breakfasts on the outskirts of the city to modern hotels along the Portland Harbor and Old Port waterfront, with even more hotel and motels along US Route 1 and near the Jetport and Maine Mall in South Portland.
Small lodging establishments like bed and breakfasts and inns can even be found in Portland’s downtown region. Use this hotel directory below to find lodgings in the Portland area.
Portland Maine is a vibrant waterfront city. Taking a walk at the water’s edge along Commercial Street provides a window into the working waterfront. Just steps from the water, one can stroll the cobblestone streets and experience the quaint charm of boutique shops, fun nightlife, and a wide array of restaurants serving Maine’s famous lobster dishes or the latest nouveau cuisine from Portland’ tops chefs.
You may find little reason to leave the city as Portland offers everything many seek on a vacation from sightseeing, city attractions, boating adventures and outdoor recreation. Find things to do in Portland Maine.
Nearby Towns
Though Portland Maine is the largest city in Maine with a population of 66,000, it is nearly half the population size of New Hampshire’s largest city, Manchester and a sixth the population of Boston. Despite its small size, Portland is packed with cultural intrigue, outdoor recreation, waterfront, excellent culinary and lively social scene–all the attractions of a city with a small town atmosphere. That’s why so many people vacation in Portland!
Portland’s location includes the Portland Harbor, Downtown Portland, The Old Port, The Back Cove, Eastern and Western Prom and South Portland, all of these offer bay front and ocean views. The most famous and historic is The Old Port, which encompasses a charming area along Portland’s working harbor and original waterfront with cobblestone streets, brick and brownstones, and seaside parks. Staying in a hotel in the Old Port you have choices from chain hotels to new boutique Portland hotels and independent luxury properties.
Portland’s hotels range in location, amenities and price from four star to budget friendly. Some offering spas, rooftop bars like Top of the East, and hotel dining, located anywhere from waterfront to further inland. Travelers in the mood to spurge on their vacation may be interested in lodging at an Old Port hotel not only for the gorgeous views of Portland Harbor and Casco Bay, but for the historic experience and proximity to Portland’s best restaurants, boutique shops and bars.
Hinted at by its name, the Old Port is a unique district restored with vintage and modern shops, art galleries, museums, and cafes while retaining its original architecture. Hotels located within the Old Port are all walking distance from fantastic shopping and dining, Portland Museum of Art, Civic Center, and ferry rides out to Casco Bay and the islands.
Some of the best Portland hotels include Portland Regency, Portland Marriott, Hilton Garden, Portland Harbor Hotel and the Westin Portland Harborview.
Hotels located on the Portland Harbor, while more luxurious lodging with waterfront views, like the Portland Harbor Hotel and Portland’s Westin, are often pricier than hotels located further inland near the Maine Mall and I-95. Lodging in Scarborough and Westbrook, just outside of Portland may be more opportune for those conscious about their budget with perhaps a quieter atmosphere as well. Portland Marriott Sable Oaks offers an onsite golf course and gracious grounds near the Maine Mall and Jetport for example.
Almost all hotels found in the city of Portland are reputable chain hotels, including the Portland Marriott, Westin, Hilton Garden Inn, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn, convenient for those on business or travelers that prefer a familiar place and standard treatment. Near the Portland Jet Port, and the Maine Mall in South Portland, you will find Super 8, Wyndham, Marriot, Fairfield, Comfort Suites, Best Western and Howard Johnson and Hilton Garden Inn Jetport off the Maine Turnpike.
There are a few boutiques hotels in Portland as well, like the Percy Inn, which provide guests with a more charming bed and breakfast style lodging. Couples may find these small lodgings more suited for a romantic atmosphere.
When staying at a Portland hotel, those on an extended stay might like to explore areas like Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth, the Freeport Outlets – home to L.L. Bean, or explore by canoe the Scarborough Marsh for an outdoor adventure.
Looking for reasonably-priced accommodation in downtown Portland for mid / end September or early October of this year.