12 Best Hotels in Portland Maine Worth a Stay! (2023)

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Are you looking for the best hotels in Portland Maine?

People are really catching on to how incredible the dynamic city of Portland, Maine is. With droves of transplants moving into the city and over 5 million yearly visitors, Portland is booming. Because of this recent population and tourism explosion, I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if it became the next Nashville or Austin within 5 years. And I get it – the appeal is immense, so as you can imagine, there are great hotels in Portland Maine

This coastal town is wonderfully creative and a national leader in culinary innovation. Its cobblestone Old Port feels like a historic stroll through the streets of Europe. With access to gorgeous islands off the coast of Maine, the freshest lobster you’ll ever try, and locally owned delights around every corner, Portland is more than worth a visit. You’ll have a blast checking out the cute coffee shops, cool breweries, fantastic restaurants, breakfast spots, and all the fun and free things to do around the city!

What’s more, the city is definitely prepared for both the Portland-curious and the frequent-goers. You will find a plethora of luxury hotels in Portland Maine for those looking to indulge themselves a bit and boutique hotels in Portland Maine for those who prefer to break free from the chains. Here are the best hotels in Portland Maine for anyone looking for the best places to stay in Portland!

The Westin Portland Harborview

A man and woman are laying on their backs in a spa while staying at the Westin Portland Maine with flowers visible beside them
The Westin has a gorgeous hotel and spa Portland Maine should be very proud of!

If you’re looking for a one-stop shop kind of hotel, the Westin Portland Harborview was built for you. One of the finest luxury hotels Portland Maine has to offer is conveniently located in the Arts District and places you right downtown within walking distance of a dozen restaurants, Old Port, and the Portland Museum of Art. 

But the location isn’t the only convenient thing about the Westin Portland Maine: Built into this historic property is the Artne Spa, a full service Portland Maine spa with massages, waxing, facials, and more. There’s also a restaurant and top-floor lounge, where you can enjoy amazing views of the city with a cocktail. If the surrounding neighborhoods weren’t so tantalizing, you’d never have to (or want to!) leave the Harborview Hotel.

Click Here to Check Prices & Book!| 4-Star Hotel in Portland Maine | Address: 157 High St, Portland, ME 04101

Portland Regency Hotel & Spa

A large historic brick building looms large over cobblestone streets in Old Port Portland Maine under clear blue skies
Editorial credit: travelview / Shutterstock.com; the regency hotel in Portland Maine is one of the most popular hotels Old Port has to offer

Sometimes it’s nice to shower yourself in the grandeur of a historical, old-world city with a stay at one of the historic hotels Portland Maine is known for. Portland Regency Hotel and Spa will provide you with that opportunity. Housed in a repurposed late-19th century armory, this intimate Portland ME hotel has a spa, a rooftop terrace with sweeping city views, and cozy rooms and suites.

Step outside into the cobblestone streets of Portland; its location makes it an Old Port hotel that conveniently places its guests within minutes on foot of every type of restaurant, locally owned shop and boutique you can dream up. Not to mention, you will be a few minutes from Commercial Street and the oceanfront harbor.

Click Here to Check Prices & Book! | 4-Star Hotel | Address: 20 Milk Street, Portland, ME 04101

The Francis

a stately sitting room in a hotel, there are wood floors, accent chairs and a table, and an elegant fireplace with a wooden mantle

If you’d like to stay in one of the coolest historic hotels Portland Maine has to offer, check out The Francis! This historic mansion has been renovated beautifully and is today a glorious boutique bed and breakfast experience with 15 uniquely designed guest rooms to choose from.

Also onsite is one of the best hotel restaurants Portland has with its farm to table bar and restaurant, so while there are plenty of great restaurants to sample in Portland, you could stay in and enjoy what’s right where you are! This beautiful historic hotel is also home to one of the best Portland Maine spas, so a stay at The Francis is sure to leave you feeling rested and restored.

Editor’s Note: This is a hotel I have personally stayed at and can highly recommend! Read my review on The Francis for more details. – Amy

Click Here to Check Prices & Book! | 3-Star Hotel in Portland Maine | Address: 747 Congress St, Portland, ME 0410

The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection

Friends smile and clink their glasses together at a Portland Maine hotel that is dimly lit
The Press Hotel has one of the best hotel restaurants Portland Maine has to offer

As a total publishing nerd, The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection might just be my favorite hotel concept ever. This luxury Portland hotel is one of the best places to stay in downtown Portland, and is not only one of the best Portland Maine boutique hotels, but is also one of the best luxury hotels in Maine and New England!

The 1923 Gannett Building was originally home to the Portland Press Herald, the city’s major newspaper. In 2010 the Herald moved to a new location and was converted. Today, the hotel maintains this storytelling legacy as a newspaper-themed getaway and is one of the most unique places to stay in Portland Maine!

With a multi-floor typewriter installation, an art gallery featuring Maine artists, and creative literary designs in the rooms, this is truly one of the coolest hotels in Portland Maine.  Also on site is a fitness center, an award winning restaurant, and even a coffee and cocktail bar, so when it comes to Portland Maine boutique hotels, The Press Hotel has unique character and all the amenities!

Click Here to Check Prices & Book! | 4-Star Hotel in Portland Maine | Address: 19 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101

Portland Harbor Hotel

A historic red brick hotel in Portland Maine is seen on a sunny day
Editorial credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock.com; the Portland Harbor Hotel Portland Maine is a great example of classic Portland ME hotels

Portland Harbor Hotel is one of the best luxury Portland Maine hotels waterfront adjacent, so if you’d like to be near the waterfront, this might be the Portland ME hotel for you. This place manages to elegantly pull off a nautical theme, which is impressive considering there are so many tacky nautical hotels out there. With hardwood floors and cozy furniture making for a classic design, you’ll feel right at home at Harbor Hotel Portland Maine.

Besides the hotel’s excellent proximity to Old Port and the ocean, they also offer some unique experiences. The Blue Fin restaurant is right on site, so you don’t even have to leave to find the freshest seafood. And in the warmer months, there is a live music series on the hotel terrace to enjoy. Living is easy at the Portland Harbor Hotel. 

Click Here to Check Prices & Book!| 4-Star Hotel in Portland Maine | Address: 468 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101

Inn by the Sea

A very large white Portland Maine inn faces the ocean under a sunny sky.
Image courtesy of Inn by the Sea Portland Maine; this stunning photo shows exactly why this is one of the nicest hotels in Maine!

While technically on Cape Elizabeth, Inn by the Sea definitely deserves a spot on this list, especially if you’re looking for beachfront hotels in Portland Maine. A stay here is an oceanic fairytale. This luxurious beachside hotel rests on beautifully curated grounds with incredible views of the sea. It is also only minutes from Portland by car, making it accessible but still removed from the hustle and bustle and absolutely an excellent choice for where to stay near Portland Maine. 

Pet lovers will be excited to see how welcoming the inn is to furry friends. Their one mile of sandy beach is private and secluded, so you won’t have to be worried about crowds or noise. And possibly the best thing about the Inn is their food. The Sea Glass fine dining restaurant offers delicious meals with optional outdoor seating to fully take in the seaside at one of the best places to stay Cape Elizabeth has.

Click Here to Check Prices & Book! | 4-Star Hotel in Cape Elizabeth Maine | Address: 40 Bowery Beach Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107

Blind Tiger

A stately red brick historic hotel in Portland Maine has three stories and is well landscaped with green grass and plants under a pale blue sky.
Photo courtesy of Lark Hotels. © Cody James Barry; definitely one of the coolest historic hotels Portland has!

Previously known as the Danforth Hotel, Blind Tiger Portland Maine has a lot of history and a lot of charm built into each room of this Federal-style mansion. Located on Danforth Street, this stately building was originally constructed as a family home in 1823. Before becoming a hotel in the 1990s, this beautiful house also served as a private school, then a rectory. Today, it’s eclectic, cozy, and one of the best places to stay in Portland ME.

Each room has a unique interior design, highlighting a breadth of art, vibrant colors, and vintage furniture. A little different than other hotel suites Portland Maine has to offer, the suites at Blind Tiger are made to look and feel like home. Pantries are stocked with homemade snacks, fresh pastries, coffees and teas. The common spaces are very inviting and vibrant, encouraging strangers and friends to come together to stay in what could certainly be argued to be the best place to stay in Portland ME!

Click Here to Check Prices & Book!| 4-Star Hotel in Portland Maine | Address: 163 Danforth St, Portland, ME 04102

Inn at St John

A simple breakfast at an inn in Portland Maine is seen of juice, coffee, pastries, and fruit on a bed with white linens
Simplicity at its finest at this Portland Maine inn!

If you’re looking for nice hotels in downtown Portland, you’ll want to put the Inn at St John on your list. This Victorian-era inn is the oldest operating hotel in the city! Conveniently situated on Congress Street in the Arts District, Inn at St John serves up old school charm. 

Originally built to take in travelers coming by train in the late 1800s, the hotel stays true to its roots with quaint decor and vintage furniture. The standards of cleanliness and service are immaculate here, and guests are offered free coffee, pastries, and fruit for breakfast. 

A unique aspect of the Inn at St John Portland Maine is their variety of room offerings. Choose from luxury suites, traditional family-style rooms, or budget accommodations for those looking to stay in the city long term. As a solo traveler, I really appreciate budget options, especially when I’m looking for where to stay in downtown Portland Maine!

Click Here to Check Prices & Book! | 2-Star Inn in Portland Maine | Address: 939 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102

Hyatt Place Portland, Old Port

A tall grey-blue Portland Maine hotel in Old Port is seen against a cloudy sky
Editorial credit: jejim / Shutterstock.com; Portland Old Port hotels are where it’s at!

Hyatt Place Portland, Old Port is where history meets modernity. Situated right in Old Port, all the amazing historical sites, local shops, and award winning restaurants will be at your fingertips. Not to mention the waterfront is just two blocks away, and the best nightlife in Portland can be found around Fore Street; this is a great choice for anyone looking for a waterfront hotel in Portland ME!

This modern Portland hotel offers spacious and tech-equipped rooms, many of which have sweeping Casco Bay views. Amenities are plentiful too. A free breakfast bar, a restaurant and lounge, and the popular EVO Kitchen led by a ‘Chopped Champion’ Executive Chef are all part of the deal.

Click Here to Check Prices & Book! | 3-Star Hotel in Portland Maine | Address: 433 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101

AC Hotel by Marriott Portland Downtown/Waterfront

Two glasses are seen closeup at a restaurant at a waterfront hotel in Portland Maine on a cloudy day
Dining at one of the best Portland Maine hotels on the water means views for days

The AC Hotel by Marriott is another modern hotel in an excellent Old Port location. Found on Fore Street just minutes from the waterfront and seconds from restaurants and shops, this hotel is the perfect basecamp for adventure and leisure, and one of the best hotels in Portland, Maine waterfront. Within the hotel is the AC Lounge, a cocktail and tapas bar with outdoor waterfront seating. 

But the AC Hotel in Portland ME is also a pragmatic choice if you’re here on business. The rooms come equipped with workspaces, a 24-hour business center, and high-speed internet. If you’re here long term, you’ll want to take advantage of their fitness center or grab-and-go breakfasts at the AC Kitchen.

Click Here to Check Prices & Book! | 3-Star Hotel in Portland Maine | Address: 158 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101

Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Maine

A tall grey sculpture near the Portland airport is seen near a Portland Maine hotel
Editorial credit: Xackery Irving / Shutterstock.com; If you’re looking for where to stay in Portland ME near the airport, this is it!

The Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Maine is for the frequent flyers. Situated right next to the Portland International Jetport, guests arriving by flight will love how easy it is to get in and out of the city. The hotel offers a shuttle service to bring you to and from your flight if you don’t have a vehicle. 

Aside from its proximity to the airport, the Embassy has spacious rooms with a unique layout. The divide between the living room and the bedroom makes the two-rooms-in-one feel more like a house than a hotel. This comes in handy if you have small children and don’t want to disturb their sleep. 

You’ll also find the free, plentiful parking is a great perk. Downtown Portland may be more happening than this area, but makes for a massive headache to find parking.

Click Here to Check Prices & Book! | 3-Star Hotel in Portland Maine | Address: 1050 Westbrook St, Portland, ME 04102

The Pomegranate Inn

A boutique Portland Maine hotel is seen on a sunny day surrounded by trees
Image courtesy of Pomegranate Inn; does this not look like an absolutely darling place to stay in Portland ME?

One of the best luxury inns in Maine, hands down, is the lovely Pomegranate Inn. This Portland Maine boutique hotel is pricey, it’s true, but oh so worth it if you’re willing to pay to stay in the best hotel Portland Maine has to offer! It’s also one of the most romantic hotels in Portland ME, too, so if you’re with your significant other, it could definitely be well worth it to stay at this gorgeous Portland boutique hotel.

Beautifully decorated eclectic guest rooms create an atmosphere that will have you feeling like you’ve gone beyond inns in Portland Maine to a whole other world of whimsical romance! Their all vegetarian menu is locally sourced and breakfast is included; isn’t that always delightful?

Click Here to Check prices & Book! | 3-Star Hotel in Portland Maine | Address: 49 Neal Street, Portland, ME 04102

Whether you’re looking for the best hotels in downtown Portland Maine, the best Portland Maine boutique hotels, or simply the very best hotel in Portland Maine, this list will help you get there! Have fun checking out all the best hotels in Portland ME.


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