Image courtesy of Blind Tiger Portland – Danforth Street
Portland, Maine is quickly becoming one of New England’s most popular destinations, especially for foodies. For those visiting — in search of great food, scenery, shopping and more — there’s an excellent roster of places to stay. The Press Hotel, Longfellow Hotel, Inn by the Sea… the best Portland, Maine hotels capture the city’s laid-back, historical vibe while pampering guests with upscale accommodations.
Below, we’ve outlined a few of the best hotels in Portland, Maine, along with insights from Fora Advisors who are intimately familiar with the area.
If you prefer a tailored list of Portland hotels, plan and book your trip with a Fora Advisor. They’ll help you decide where to stay in Portland, Maine based on your travel preferences and budget. Your advisor can also help you build an itinerary with expert recommendations — think hidden gems, fantastic dining suggestions and interesting landmarks — so you get the most out of your trip.
(P.S. Looking for the other Portland? Check out the best hotels in Portland, Oregon.)
First, what’s special about a trip to Portland?
If you’re looking for a low-key coastal escape, a trip to Portland, Maine will scratch that itch — and likely exceed expectations. An influx of young people has brought hip, new boutiques to the city, and cultivated the state’s best gastronomy.
Fora Advisor Erica Christie said the city’s restaurant scene “rivals that of much bigger cities.” Some of her favorite foodie stops are Eventide Oysters (order the brown butter lobster roll and an oyster sampler with horseradish granita) and Fore Street, where the wood-fired menu changes daily, based on what the fisherman, foragers and farmers bring in.
Is there anything worth visiting in the area beyond Portland?
Definitely. Erica shared itinerary recommendations for sightseers and hikers.
“One of my favorite things to do in Portland is explore the nearby lighthouses. There is nothing more quintessentially Maine than a gorgeous lighthouse perched on the rocky and rugged coastline,” she said. The Portland Head Light and, further south, the Nubble Lighthouse, are her personal favorites. Even better, both can be combined with a trip to the lovely town of Ogunquit and a walk along its Marginal Way.
Roughly three hours north of Portland, you’ll also find the stunning Acadia National Park. There, rocky hills contrast with a dusky coastline and forest paths provide a scenic backdrop for hikers.
If you can’t make the drive to Acadia National Park, Erica recommended checking out Wolf's Neck State Park in Freeport.
“This small state park offers lovely hikes along a gorgeous stretch of midcoast Maine,” she said. "I love climbing on the rocks and checking out the tide pools.”
Nearby, Wolf's Neck Center is an agricultural center where you can rent bikes or kayaks, grab lunch at their farm café and visit the livestock farm.
“Of course, no visit to Freeport is complete without stopping at L.L.Bean and getting a picture with the Boot,” Erica added.
Is Portland, Maine a good family destination?
Yes! Fora Advisor Tracy Burpee described Portland as an exciting town with lots of activities for the kiddos and fantastic scenery for all types of travelers. The restaurant and bar scene are both fantastic, as are the museums and historic streets. Spend a day on the water, hiking a nearby mountain or just strolling the Old Port.
Related article: Bachelorette Weekend in Portland, Maine
When’s the best time to visit Portland, Maine?
Portland is liveliest in summer, but it’s a fun place to visit year round. Still, a visit to the Old Port in late fall, winter and spring is a good way to avoid the high hotel prices and enjoy access to the best restaurants, Fora Advisor Amy Barraclough said.
How many days do you need to enjoy the Portland, Maine experience?
You can see many of Portland’s highlights in a couple days. However, foodies may want to spend more time in Portland to enjoy its gastronomy.
7 of the best hotels in Portland, Maine
Read on for a breakdown of seven of the best Portland, Maine hotels. However, keep in mind that there are more options both in and near the city. You can always ask a Fora Advisor for help figuring out where to stay in Portland. They’ll work within your budget to find a hotel that best fits your preferences, whether that leads to a quaint cottage-esque resort on the coast or a trendy hotel in Old Port.
The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection
Image courtesy of The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection
Inspired by early 20th-century news offices, The Press Hotel is a unique and thoughtfully designed hotel in Portland. The décor — including a two-story installation of vintage typewriters — pays homage to the craft of writing. And it has a great location to boot.
The Press Hotel is housed in a gorgeous historic building at the top of Exchange Street — “the beating heart of Portland’s Old Port,” said Fora Advisor Fora Advisor Erica Christie.
The hotel’s entrance doubles as an art gallery, featuring the best of the city’s talent. Meanwhile, the Press’s rooms and suites carry the 1920s theme while adopting contemporary amenities. The penthouse suite also offers some of the best views in Portland.
If you book your stay with a Fora Advisor, you can look forward to a VIP welcome and other extras (see below).
Fora Perks at The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection:
Welcome amenity, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever available.
(Check out this guide if you’re also looking for hotels along Maine’s southern coast.)
Longfellow Hotel
Longfellow offers a stylish and contemporary take on classic New England charm. As one of the newest hotels in Portland, Maine, it’s a great choice for travelers who prefer a fresh aesthetic and coastal Maine setting. The hotel also features a full spa, café and cocktail lounge.
Fora Advisor Amy Barraclough described the Longfellow Hotel as the “most exciting hotel opening in Portland in years.”
Fora Perks at Longfellow Hotel:
$100 hotel / resort credit, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever available.
Inn by the Sea
Image courtesy of Inn by the Sea
Inn by the Sea is an upscale resort with direct access to the shores of Cape Elizabeth, about 20 minutes south of Portland. Here, you can choose from beach-accessible suites — one- or two-bedroom options — or single-bedroom rooms at the main inn. The best rooms have ocean views, gas fireplaces and fully equipped kitchens.
“This coastal property is elegance personified,” Amy said. “Walk in the lobby and you'll see well-manicured grounds, sea grass and the ocean.”
Don’t miss the “consistently excellent” Sea Glass restaurant, which also has the best wine list in Cape Elizabeth, she said.
Fora Perks at Inn by the Sea:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever available.
Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront
Image courtesy of Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront
Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront embraces the contemporary design of big-city urban retreats (think hotels in San Francisco or Seattle hotels). The rooms feature an understated design with pops of color, posh furniture and views of the waterfront.
Amy described Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront as “the most fun, hip property on Commercial Avenue in Old Port.” Head to the rooftop local favorite Luna, for tapas. In the lobby, there’s the Salt Yard Cafe & Bar, an up-and-coming restaurant for all-day dining (including the best breakfast in town, Amy said).
While this isn’t the best hotel in Portland, Maine if you’re looking for quaint, New England vibes, Canopy by Hilton is a great choice if you want trendy accommodations (making it a great choice for a chic girls’ getaway to Portland, Maine).
The Westin Portland Harborview
Just a couple blocks from the Portland Museum of Art in Downtown, The Westin Portland Harborview occupies the same tower that once housed the Eastland Park Hotel, which opened in the late 1920. The Westin underwent extensive modern renovations before it opened; elements of the original structure’s early-20th-century design, like the original landmark’s sign, are intact.
The hotel also features a full-service spa (named after the former proprietor), a classy rooftop bar and a complimentary shuttle service that will take you to Old Port and other attractions.
Blind Tiger Danforth & Carleton
Image courtesy of Blind Tiger Portland – Danforth Street
Blind Tiger has two locations in Portland’s West End, which has a more residential feel but is conveniently located a five-minute drive from Old Port and downtown. There’s not a dramatic difference in location between the two hotels, which are only a few short blocks from each other. Instead, style and availability — both hotels have only a handful of rooms — are likely to be the determining factors in choosing between the two.
Blind Tiger occupies two historic homes, one on Danforth Street and another on Carleton. The former is a Federal-style mansion from the late 1700s, while the latter is housed within a Victorian home that was built in 1869. Both hotels mostly feature vintage décor and furnishings, along with a boutique vibe.
Book your stay at the best Portland, Maine hotels with a Fora Advisor
The top Portland, Maine hotels embody classic New England charm and hospitality. Whether you prefer a breezy, coastal aesthetic or a stylish, contemporary property, the city delivers. To get the most out of your trip, have a Fora Advisor book everything. They’ll help you choose the best Portland, Maine hotel that fits your style and budget. Plus, they can help you plan out as much or as little of your Portland trip as you’d like, from recommending the most delicious restaurants to sharing hidden gems and more.
More United States travel inspiration
Portland, Maine is hardly the only great destination in the United States’ northeast. Check out more New England, East Coast and Mid-Atlantic travel guides: