Maine’s most beloved city, Portland, has made a name for itself as a can’t-miss travel destination in New England for its amazing galleries, state parks, gorgeous beaches, and beautiful boutique hotels!
Whether you’re in town ahead of a trip to Acadia National Park in the fall or looking for a weekend city break, you’ll undoubtedly start your trip to Maine in lovely Portland.
This is a city that’s incredibly enchanting in its own right, but picking the right hotel can add so much to your trip. Fortunately, there will be an abundance of boutique options available to you.
If you like stylish, privately owned properties that feel like a home away from home or prefer modern hotels with sleek interiors, you’ll love picking your favorites for your next visit from this list of the best boutique hotels in Portland, Maine.
Keep reading to uncover Portland, Maine’s boutique hotels that will have you itching to visit!
*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*
Table of Contents
Quick Lockdown of the Best Boutique Hotels in Portland, Maine
- Prettiest Boutique Hotel in Portland, Maine, with the Best Location: Portland Harbor Hotel
- Best Portland ME Boutique Hotel near the Art District: The Francis Hotel
- Best Luxury Boutique Hotel in Portland, Maine: Blind Tiger Portland – Danforth Street
- Best Mid-Range Portland Maine Boutique Hotel: Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
- Best Budget-Friendly Boutique Hotel in Portland: AC Hotel by Marriott Portland Downtown/Waterfront, ME
Best Luxury Boutique Hotels in Portland, Maine
1. Blind Tiger Portland – Danforth Street
The Blind Tiger is a boutique hotel set in a historic building dating back to 1823 that has held on to its old-school features despite undergoing a lengthy renovation.
You can get a great sense of what Portland has to offer as soon as you walk outside, with tourist hotspots like the Victoria Mansion and Deering Street Park both reachable within 10 minutes.
I think you’ll find the breakfast at the Blind Tiger truly wonderful. Guests can enjoy quick and tasty breakfasts from their toast and yogurt bar and a pantry filled with snacks and hot drinks — the best way to start your morning.
If you have some downtime, hang out at the downstairs billiards room or use the hotel’s picnic equipment and dine outdoors.
No two rooms are alike here; some features include one-of-a-kind furniture, extra soft bathrobes, and smart TVs with all your favorite channels.
2. The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection
One thing I love about New England is how the hotels are super chic yet still give you a sense of homeliness, which is why I’m super fond of The Press.
The location is one of the biggest selling points of this property. You’ll have Portland’s historic district right on your doorstep, lined with some of the finest eateries and bars, including the Highroller Lobster Co. and Black Cow Burgers and Fries.
If you fancy a night in, you can always order room service from either of The Press’s two restaurants. Also available to all guests is a handy free shuttle to and from the airport and a bike rental service.
The guest rooms at the Press Hotel are designed with neutral tones like navy and beige, and the classic furnishings are contrasted by bold artwork and quirky quotes. All of the suites come with pristine marble bathrooms, safes, and mesmerizing city views.
3. West End Inn
Speaking of boutique hotels in Portland ME, the West End Inn is a cozy bed and breakfast set in a beautifully maintained red brick townhouse.
Aptly named due to its location in the West End residential area, this property is surrounded by old-style buildings dating back hundreds of years, giving it more of an authentic feeling than other options on this list.
If you book one of their six guestrooms, you’ll be treated to cooked-to-order breakfasts, complimentary snacks, and access to their drinks bar, where you can grab wine on tap and bottled craft beers.
All the rooms follow a contemporary style and are stocked with everything you need for the most comfortable stay, from smart TVs to air conditioning, while some even have living spaces and outdoor decks.
4. Portland Harbor Hotel
Imagine waking up overlooking Portland’s iconic waterfront each day. Well, you don’t have to anymore because the Portland Harbor Hotel offers just that.
At just 5 miles (8 km) from the airport, you can get to the Portland Harbor Hotel within minutes of landing. Once you’ve settled in, explore some of the fascinating nearby sights like the Wadsworth Longfellow House or walk the Bayside Trail.
To say the Portland Harbor Hotel has some fantastic amenities would be an understatement. Starbucks drip coffee is available in the lobby every morning, a toasty outdoor fireplace is lit in the evenings for guests to relax under the stars, and they recently renovated their on-site gym.
The white, red, and navy upholstery make each room feel fresh and bright. If you want a little more luxury, opt for a suite that’s kitted out with premium features like hot tubs, fireplaces, and hardwood floors.
Best Mid-Range Portland Maine Boutique Hotels
5. The Francis Hotel
Do you tend to prefer low-key neighborhoods rather than busy downtown areas? If so, The Francis Hotel is a great place to experience the quiet life without moving too far away from the center!
A stay at the Francis Hotel places you minutes from interesting museums, galleries, and scrumptious local eateries, allowing you to get your culture fix without going far. If you want to head further afield and get a taste of the city, you can take a 20-minute stroll to the heart of Old Port.
One unique feature at the Francis Hotel is that they have their own spa, perfect if you need a day off from all the sightseeing you’re going to be doing.
Take your pup along to one of the pet-friendly rooms, or get some extra space in an expansive suite. No matter what room you choose, you’ll enjoy a mini-bar filled with local bites, premium bathrobes, and luxury toiletries.
6. Canopy By Hilton Portland Waterfront
For a more modern place to rest up, head to Canopy By Hilton Portland Waterfront, a sleek hotel that is all about your comfort.
Less than 1 mile (1.6 km) from the Portland Observatory and just a few blocks from downtown, The Canopy boasts an incredibly convenient location and is ideal for anyone who loves to explore a new city on foot.
That being said, if you’d rather get around a little differently, The Canopy has a set of bikes that guests are free to use! Some of their other fantastic amenities include their fitness center, upscale bar, and 24-hour front desk, not to mention their on-site restaurant with a plethora of international dishes on offer.
Like many of the other Portland, Maine boutique hotels, the rooms at the Canopy are fitted with modern furnishings, including crisp white bed linen and slick wooden paneling. If you’re a fitness fanatic, select rooms come with a spin bike and weights!
7. Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront
A fellow Hilton with some different amenities to bring to the table, the Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront feels like the sophisticated older sister to the glitzy Canopy Hotel.
The Garden Inn is centrally located and is close by to countless spots for eating and shopping. If you’re visiting during summer and fancy a break from the heat, East End Beach is just 0.8 miles (1.3 km) away. Alternatively, you can cool off in the hotel’s spacious indoor pool!
Some other facilities that will make your stay more comfortable include their fully equipped fitness center and upscale restaurant offering an excellent range of delicious dishes.
With a host of different rooms available to guests, you’ll have your choice of family-friendly connecting rooms, corner rooms with waterfront views, and doubles looking over the city.
8. Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
A charming historic hotel with a hard-to-beat location, the Portland Regency Hotel & Spa has made sightseeing around the city easier than ever before, as the likes of the Portland Observatory, Bay Trail, and Victoria Mansion are all less than 3,100 feet (950 m) away.
You can also get out of the city to see spots like the Old Orchard Beach Historical Society Museum, just 24 minutes away by car.
The Regency’s facilities are equally as impressive as its location. You can dine in their fancy seafood restaurant, grab a more casual meal in the lounge, or spoil yourself with a trip to the spa or sauna. To make your life easier, you can hop on the free airport shuttle if you’re arriving by plane.
Having made it onto a list of the best hotels in Portland, Maine, it’s no surprise that the rooms here are superb. Styled with neutral, soft decor, you can expect luxurious bedding, coffee machines, and spotless marble bathrooms in every room.
9. The Westin Portland Harborview
Sitting in the center of Portland’s thriving shopping district, The Westin Portland Harborview is a hotel you’ll love if rooftop bars and contemporary furniture are up your alley.
Its ideal location will allow you to reach Deering Street Park or the Portland Museum of Art in a matter of minutes and also puts you in easy reach of tons of boutique stores and eclectic spots for a bite to eat.
After you’ve tucked into your dinner, head up to the rooftop and take in the view before the sun sets. As well as their bar and restaurant, The Westin also has a supply of vending machines if you get a little peckish later in the evening.
Whether you decide to go for a standard or king room, you’ll enjoy fresh white linen, warm wooden furniture, and plenty of desk space, along with essentials like LCD TVs, a mini-fridge, and tea and coffee facilities.
Best Budget-Friendly Boutique Hotels in Portland ME
10. Cambria Hotel Portland Downtown Old Port
The excellent Cambria Hotel Portland Downtown Old Port proves that the best hotels in Portland ME, don’t have to cost you an arm and a leg!
A stay here will have the city of Portland at your fingertips, and you’ll likely find that many of the attractions on your one day Portland itinerary are within walking distance from this spot.
Beach bums will be just over 3,000 feet (900 meters) from East End Beach, or venture out of town to the Old Orchard Beach Pier, a 25-minute drive from the Cambria.
When you’re not taking in the highlights of Portland, you can chill out at the hotel and order some of Maine’s iconic lobster rolls on the outdoor terrace or curl up beside the firepit. Other top facilities include a well-equipped gym and a convenient on-site ATM.
However, I have found that the rooms at the Cambria are really what sets it apart from others in the area! Each room has a statement wall that modernizes the simple but sophisticated decor, with the artsy theme continuing into the bathrooms.
For your comfort, you’ll be provided with complimentary tea and coffee, a flat-screen TV, and free toiletries.
11. AC Hotel by Marriott Portland Downtown/Waterfront, ME
Despite being a modern and fashionable lodging, the AC Hotel by Marriott Portland Downtown/Waterfront manages to fit in with Portland’s historic old town.
The scenic Fort Allen Park, the must-see Portland Observatory, and the city’s lively nightlife scene are just minutes from the AC Hotel. As if the location wasn’t already pretty incredible, the airport is reachable in only 10 minutes, too!
I think you’ll find the facilities here are what makes this spot a go-to for many visitors. Not only can you find pet-friendly rooms, but you can hit the gym, rent a bike, and get a shuttle right to the airport!
When you’re not hopping between some of Portland’s nearby restaurants, you can grab dinner at the AC Hotel’s lounge, where wines on tap, craft beers, and flavorful tapas plates are served.
The rooms are nothing less than what you’d expect from a Marriot: cloud-like beds, giant TVs with Netflix, expansive bathrooms, and elegant decor.
12. Aloft Portland Maine
Affordable hotel rooms have never looked so chic! Nestled along the waterfront overlooking the harbor, Aloft Portland Maine is surrounded by some of the city’s main points of interest, such as the Wadsworth Longfellow House, just 10 minutes from the property, and the Victoria Mansion, 950 feet (290 meters) away.
Their on-site bar has always been a popular spot for guests to hang out and mingle, where you can enjoy live music and bar bites with a specialty cocktail in hand! You’ll also find Aloft’s 24-hour snack bar a savior when you’re craving something sweet.
Other notable facilities include the fitness center, laundry facilities, and pet-friendly rooms. On the subject of rooms, guests at Aloft can enjoy complimentary bottled water, free tea and coffee, and cable TV. Each room is filled with natural light and gets a pop of color from the quirky carpets and cushions.
13. Hyatt Place Portland-Old Port
Boasting top-notch facilities and a brilliant location, the Hyatt Place Portland-Old Port should definitely be on your radar for boutique hotels in Portland, Maine!
As the name suggests, the Hyatt is situated in Old Port, making the entire city accessible to you and giving you lots of opportunities to explore the historic streets of Portland as you please.
Should you want to head out of the center, the Hyatt runs a shuttle bus to take you anywhere you want to go within 1 mile (1.6 km) radius. Guests can sample some of Portland’s traditional dishes at the hotel’s restaurant, grab some snacks from the 24-hour market, or chill out on the terrace.
You’ll be assured of a good night’s sleep in the Hyatt’s oh-so-cozy rooms, which are tastefully decorated with elegant furnishings, including corner couches and granite countertops.
14. Residence Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront
Are you traveling with your little ones? Residence Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront has to be the boutique hotel you stay in.
Since Residence Inn lies along the waterfront in the historic Old Port neighborhood, your feet will be your main mode of transport. Less than 76 meters from the property is a local brewery you’ve got to try; the beers there are so good!
There are plenty of kid-friendly amenities at the Residence Inn, with the indoor pool, hot tub, and BBQ facilities being favorites among families.
In your well-appointed guestroom at the Residence Inn, you’ll have a kitchenette if you’d prefer to dine in and a smart TV for all your movie nights. All the spaces are classic and colorful, with plenty of space for you and the family to enjoy.
15. Inn at St John Portland In-Town
I couldn’t possibly complete a list of boutique hotels in Portland, ME, without mentioning the adorable Inn at St John Portland In-Town.
This Victorian-style bed and breakfast is tucked away in the West End neighborhood, just a short ride from Old Port. Though the city center is less than a 10-minute drive away, this guesthouse feels like a world away from the busy streets and landmarks Portland is known for.
A delicious continental breakfast is provided each morning, and the attentive staff are on hand at reception all day to help you plan your Portland explorations.
This 39-room hotel caters to a range of price points, with budget, traditional, and luxury rooms available to guests. The cost-friendly rooms feature comfy robes and free coffee, while their higher-end counterparts include expansive king-size beds and bubbling jacuzzis.
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