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Salty air, seafood, craft beer and lots of history! Are you planning an East Coast trip and wondering where to stay in Portland, Maine?
Our accommodation guide summarizes each neighborhood, the best Portland hotels and then suggests things to do in the area so you can choose which most suits your reason for visiting or travel style.
So let’s take a look at the best places to stay in Portland, Maine, not to be mixed up with Oregon on the west coast!
You may also like our guide to the best places to visit in Maine.
Prefer to stay close to your transport? Check out these hotels near the Portland airport for convenience.
Or use our guide to Portland’s pet-friendly hotels if you’re bringing your pup for the trip.
If you’re making this a couples getaway, check out our guide to romantic things to do in Portland to plan.
Old Port
The Old Port should be a top destination when considering where to stay in Portland, Maine. The Old Port is a great central location for history, sightseeing, and dining.
Wondering where to stay in Portland, Maine on the water?
Here are some options.
Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront
Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront (9 Center Street) provides an all-in-one experience in the heart of the Old Port.
Outfitted with a high-end bar and a tasty restaurant, you can experience some of Portland’s famously fresh seafood from the comfort of the hotel.
If you’d prefer to venture into the city to experience what Portland has to offer, then you’ll find the hotel’s central location very convenient.
Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront has 135 rooms, all with amenities such as AC, kitchenette, TV, en-suite, and free Wi-Fi.
There is a fitness center as well as an information desk where you can get information on surrounding attractions and rentals.
Another great pro to staying at the Canopy by Hilton Waterfront? Pets are allowed.
Looking for more fur baby options?
Check out our guide to dog-friendly hotels in Portland ME.
Portland Harbor Hotel
Portland Harbor Hotel (468 Fore Street) is a hotel that will feel like a home away from home.
Located near Portland, Maine’s waterfront, the hotel is within walking distance of some of the city’s top attractions and is perfect for those looking to sightsee in the Old Port.
With a fitness center, restaurant, and free Wi-Fi within the hotel, Portland Harbor Hotel offers every comfort needed to make your stay in Portland a great one.
Each of the 101 rooms is outfitted with a flatscreen TV and an ensuite bathroom making them convenient and pleasant to stay in.
Some rooms even have their own sofa, spa bathtub, and a view of the historic Old Port.
Portland Harbor Hotel is very appealing to travelers for its central location that puts you smack dab in the heart of Portland in the Old Port.
With a distinct naval color palette and inviting decor centering around the nearby harbor, you will find yourself more than congenial with a stay at Portland Harbor Hotel.
This is a child-friendly hotel so if you are researching where to stay in Portland with family, consider the Harbor Hotel
Hyatt Place Portland – Old Port
Hyatt Place Portland (433 Fore St.), stationed perfectly in the center of Portland, Maine, grants visitors access to the best of what Portland has to offer.
Not only is there a restaurant and bar, but there is also a 24-hour market where guests can purchase sandwiches, drinks, and snacks.
Each of the 130 rooms is outfitted with a flat-screen TV, private en-suite bathroom, and coffee pot.
Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
The Portland Regency Hotel & Spa (20 Milk Street) boasts an open fire in the communal area and guests love it.
With a full-service spa on-site, as well as steam rooms, hot tubs, and a fitness center, every need will be met and exceeded during your stay at The Portland Regency Hotel & Spa.
The hotel also has an all-American restaurant that serves delicious breakfast and dinner to its guests.
Complimentary coffee is served in the lobby.
Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, and linens.
Now we’ve covered the best places to stay in Portland Old Port, let’s take a look at what to do there.
Things to Do in the Old Port
The Old Port is Portland’s historic district.
You’ll enjoy wandering through the streets and watching the harbor.
You can dine down by the water at one of the many seafood restaurants such as Scales or Luke’s Lobster.
If you have 2-3 days in Portland you might want to consider a day trip to Casco Bay.
Located in the Gulf of Maine, Casco Bay offers a unique insider peek into what Portland is known for: fishing.
From Casco Bay, you can spot lobster boats and lighthouses as well as small islands.
The best way to experience Casco Bay is through a boat tour or cruise that can be chartered from Portland’s port.
Casco Bay is featured in our guide to summer vacation ideas in Maine.
Old Port is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Portland if your budget can meet it.
What do you think? Tell us in the comments.
Downtown
Located just a couple of blocks off the Old Port, Downtown Portland is another great neighborhood to consider when researching where to stay in Portland, ME.
The Downtown district offers the best shops and restaurants for all budgets.
The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection
The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection (19 Exchange Street) is a stylish hotel perfect for exploring the nearby Downtown.
Located at a very central spot, along a street with many shops and restaurants, you will find plenty to do and see near The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection.
The hotel features every amenity you need – from a restaurant serving fresh seafood to a fitness center with modern equipment, you won’t lack services while staying in The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection.
All 110 rooms are equipped with toiletries, a desk, flatscreen TV, and a private en-suite bathroom, ensuring that every need of yours is met.
A big attraction to this hotel is its very convenient location – The Press Hotel is highly rated for its walkability to Portland’s top attractions.
Blind Tiger Guest House
The Blind Tiger Guest House (163 Danforth Street) is an opulent guest house that will put you right into the heart of Portland, Maine.
With distinguished furnishings and luxurious rooms with private seating areas set within a historic building, The Blind Tiger Guest House provides guests with a magical stay.
The Blind Tiger Guest House offers guests a billiard room, sun terrace, and a garden to explore during their stay.
Plus, there are many sights and activities a short walk away from the front steps of this elegant guest house making it a convenient choice for travelers.
Blind Tiger is one of the cool places to stay in Portland.
The Westin Portland Harborview
The Westin Portland Harborview (157 High Street) is located a mere 1km from the city center and is the perfect base for exploring Downtown Portland.
Each of the rooms in The Westin Portland Harborview is outfitted with a kitchenette, private bathroom, and access to Wi-Fi for a small fee.
The hotel boasts a fitness center, private parking, and even a stunning rooftop bar where you can have some drinks as you gaze over Portland, Maine’s shining skyline.
Black Elephant Hostel
If you are on a budget, you might want to consider the Black Elephant Hostel.
This hostel has private room options so you don’t have to book a bed in a shared dorm and the location is great.
You also have access to a shared kitchen so you can buy food and cook in at night to save money.
There is a shared common space with tables and chairs too.
Things to Do in Downtown
Because of Downtown Portland’s compact nature, it’s easy to see all the sights and attractions on foot.
From Monument Square to the Portland Art Museum, you are able to walk from attraction to attraction.
Try a locally roasted cup of coffee at Greenwall before heading to McMenamins Crystal Ballroom before you head to a boutique restaurant like the Little Tap House for dinner.
Next, you can make your way to the shops in Union Way or Pioneer Courthouse Square which is heralded as being the prime spot to do some shopping.
West End
If you want to be able to appreciate the rugged nature of Portland’s surrounding landscape while still being able to do some urban exploration, then staying in the West End is a great choice.
West End Inn
The West End Inn (146 Pine St.) is a quaint little bed & breakfast located in the heart of the West End that packs a powerful punch in terms of location, comfort, and amenities.
One of the best features of this bed & breakfast is the hot breakfast that is both delicious and filling.
The West End Inn also provides a concierge service and each room is outfitted with a flatscreen TV, a private en-suite bathroom, and free Wi-Fi throughout.
Consider the West End Inn if you fancy experiencing bed and breakfast in Portland, it is part of the New England charm so we highly recommend it!
The Chadwick Bed and Breakfast
The Chadwick Bed and Breakfast (140 Chadwick St.) provides guests with every comfort needed to enjoy their stay in Portland, Maine.
The Chadwick offers an American breakfast and has a business center, and a shared lounge.
Each of the rooms has a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning.
Depending on which room you book, you can even have a private balcony and seating area – the perfect spot if wondering where to stay in Portland for a weekend
The Francis
If you’re ready to be pampered with world-class service during your trip to Portland, Maine, then make your way to The Francis (747 Congress Road) near the West End.
Although the rooms are simple, the service is certainly not; there is an on-site spa that offers full-body massages and scrubs for your relaxation and convenience.
The location of The Francis is also great for bars, restaurants, museums, and galleries – all are within 1.4 km of the guest house. The Francis is highly rated for couples.
Things to Do in the West End
The West End is a bit removed from central Portland but offers up some great views of the nearby White Mountains as they stretch along the skyline of the surrounding landscape.
If you like history and architecture, visit the Victoria Mansion Museum.
If you want to be near the attractions, shops, and restaurants of the Old Port and Downtown, without being smack dab in the middle of the action (and the noise), then stay in the West End.
A popular spot among couples looking for a romantic getaway, the West End mixes lush greenery with charming houses to create a perfect neighborhood to walk around.
No trip to Portland is complete without visiting the stunning Cape Elizabeth’s Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park which you can read about in our prettiest towns in Maine guide.
Where is your favorite Portland hotel? Tell us in the comments.
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