Portland is very much a mariner's town. Along with the fishing trawlers that call this southern Maine city home, cargo ships dock and transfer their loads to waiting trains or 18 wheelers ready to transport goods across the country. The downtown area, or Old Port, is full of elegant hotels, quaint shops, upscale restaurants and lively pubs that blend in quite well with the area's Victorian architecture and charm.
Located in the Historic Old Port District, this 120-room property offers views of Casco Bay and the busy Portland waterfront. Original artwork, intimate conversation groupings and a floor-to-ceiling fireplace create an impression of elegance as you step into the high-ceilinged lobby. That elegance is carried into the rooms, some of which have ocean views of their own. Room amenities include either one king or two queen beds, easy chair with ottoman, mini-fridge, microwave and coffeemaker. Work desks offer two line phones with voice mail, speaker and data port. Wireless high-speed Internet access is also available. Corner suites on the upper floors of the property not only offer panoramic views of the waterfront but offer a dining area and a bathroom with extra large tub and walk-in shower.
Hotel amenities include an indoor saltwater lap pool, hot tub, fitness room, business center, meeting rooms, gift shop and valet service. The on-site Great American Grill is open daily for breakfast, the Pavilion Lounge offers a full bar and an on-site market offers snacks, beverages and sundry items. Nearby eateries include the Dry Dock Restaurant Tavern, the Porthole Restaurant and the Ra Ra Irish Pub and Restaurant, all within a two-block radius.
Hilton Garden Inn Portland - Downtown Waterfront
65 Commercial St.
Portland, ME 04101
207-780-0780
hiltongardeninn.com
Located in what was once an armory, a military barracks and then a warehouse for the State Paper Company, the Portland Regency Hotel & Spa is a luxury property that is on the list of Historic Hotels of America. The building itself dates back to 1895 when it was built for use by the Maine National Guard. It wasn't until 1987 that the renovated structure opened as the 95-room Portland Regency Hotel. Renovating historic building sometimes creates interesting architectural features. In this case, the eclectic collection of windows, fireplaces and turrets were incorporated into the buildings rooms, suites and common areas. The top floor Skylight Rooms follow the lines of the original roof and are bathed in natural sunlight. All rooms offer period furnishings, flat-screen TV and both wired and wireless Internet access. The two top-of-the-line corner Regency Suites offer 504 square feet of living space, brick fireplaces and an in-room jetted tub for two.
On site dining is available at Twenty Milk Street, available for breakfast, dinner and brunch and in the Armory Lounge, a full-service bar that offers a light pub menu. Guests also have access to the full-service Portland Regency Health Spa and fitness studio.
The Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
20 Milk St.
Portland, ME 04101
207-774-4200
theregency.com
One of Portland's newest luxury hotels has taken the meaning of having a drink on the rocks to new heights. Not only does this upscale boutique property offer impeccably furnished rooms in an enviable downtown location, its ICE Bar is creating a local sensation of its own. Instead of having the ice in your glass, the entire bar is one big ice sculpture. The hotel itself offers individually designed rooms that either face the street or the property's landscaped courtyard garden complete with water fountain. All rooms are non-smoking, offer pillow top mattresses with premium linens and complimentary wireless Internet access. Pets are allowed in certain rooms for a fee.
On-site dining is available in Eve's, the hotel's signature restaurant that is open all day. Other nearby eateries include the 51 Wharf Restaurant, Three Dollar Dewey's (pub grub) and Restaurant Sapporo (sushi bar).
Portland Harbor Hotel
468 Fore St.
Portland, ME 04101
207-775-9090
portlandharborhotel.com
