It was barely 10 years ago that, when discerning friends of mine visited Portland, Maine, their best option was always to stay at my house. I knew perfectly well that nothing among the city’s perfunctory chains or makeshift bed-and-breakfasts—decked out in unironic Ye Olde nautical kitsch—would pass muster. And then, like a sudden storm in Casco Bay, a brave new era of hospitality went and changed everything: This tiny town’s reputation as an outsized stronghold of gastronomy, craft beer, arts, and culture pushed the landscape of the best hotels in Portland to expand—and expand rapidly.
These days? Whether you’re craving world-class wellness amenities, looking to rack up luxury reward points, angling for a romantic tryst, or want something more indie and avant garde, these hotels in Portland, Maine, have your back. Cushy inns and tony boutique properties have risen up in the historic West End, conversions of industrial and commercial buildings provide artsy new alternatives in Old Port, and idyllic and eco-driven resorts nearby let you escape the city altogether. Likewise, the levels of service at all of the above have evolved to accommodate your personal preferences wherever they fall on that spectrum, from white-glove hand-holding to contactless check-in. And as for the town’s aforementioned signature nautical flavor? You’ll still find plenty of it, albeit in different form—think more contemporary artisan, less kitsch. Not to mention lots more room service; less my kitchen. These are the best hotels in Portland, Maine.
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