15 Best Hotels in Portland, Maine for Historic Mansions, Chic Boutiques, and Plenty of Sea Views

Converted mansions and stylish new builds alike make this Downeast lodging scene seriously destination-worthy.Greg PremruIt 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.Read our complete Portland, Maine, travel guide here, which includes:The Best Things to Do in Portland, MaineThe Best Boutique Hotels in Portland, MaineThe Best Restaurants in Portland, MaineThe Best Bars in Portland, MaineHow we chose the best hotels in Portland, MaineEvery hotel review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider properties across price points that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination, keeping design, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind.FortlandA 10-minute boat ride from Portland, and you might as well be in another country. And in some respects, you are: You’re on a 16-acre, eco-spectacular glampground built on a private island so stunning, it makes almost all other glamping look and feel like normal camping. You’ve also, it turns out, gone back in time. There are countless historic military forts dotting the islands of Casco Bay, but Fort Scammel on House Island is the only one to have ever seen combat. It was built of granite in 1808 and then upgraded significantly during the Civil War—an enormously impressive site filled with underground tunnels and stunning architecture. Fast forward to 2014, and you have the creation of eco-glampround Fortland. Seven yurts or cabins—sleeping from between two to four—decorated in Scandi-inspired patterned rugs, quilts, pillows, and footrests. That’s all set against hardwood flooring, daybed trundles, queen or king beds, some with a private deck. There are private yards and so, so many views to be had—of the sunrise over the harbor, lighthouses, the beach, and the city’s skyline. All bedding and towels are included in your stay.Read Full ReviewInn at Diamond CoveHenry Wadsworth Longfellow and Harriet Beecher Stowe knew a good thing when they saw it. Before Great Diamond Island ever became an essential part of America’s coastal defense system in the 1800s, it was an artists’ retreat. Today it’s returned to its roots as a resort. The former military base, Fort McKinley, that safeguarded Portland’s Harbor has been transformed from barracks into a sprawling and modern, swanky inn. While much of the car-free island is private, guests can access several private beaches. On the property there’s the duckpin bowling; a game room filled with pool tables and old-school arcade mania; a yoga studio and indoor basketball court; the 24-hour fitness center; and free bikes. There are tennis courts, too, an outdoor pool to spend your day paddling around, and fire pits to hang at. They’re greeted in golf carts at the dock (most arrive via Casco Bay Lines from the Maine State Pier in town or hired boat), and are advised to buckle up—figuratively, at least—for days of eating, biking, beaching, gaming, and otherwise chilling out.Read Full ReviewEvalina HotelOld Port is one of Maine’s most trafficked areas, and its harbor—one of the few working waterfronts in New England—is a prime attraction. The Evalina puts you in the center of that high-energy action, while still providing a private, tranquil enclave (shout out to its soundproofed interiors and keyless entry for that). The 19th-century building has played a part in the waterfront’s history, and its suites lean into that design cue via restored details, handmade elements by local artisans, and luxuriously decked-out full kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Meanwhile, what the property doesn’t offer in hands-on service, it makes up for in proximity to world-class restaurants, bars, art galleries, boutique shopping, and tours (by land and sea).Read Full ReviewThe Docent’s CollectionTo the conventional hotel guest, The Docent's Collection may initially seem a bundle of contradictions. It does, for example, offer plenty of grandeur—witness the three 19th-century buildings spectacularly restored in painstaking detail, decorated in original local art and lavish modern finishes. Yet don’t expect the hand-holding of a grand hotel. Instead, there’s mobile check-in with an on-call staff. And while the fully stocked kitchens and plentiful bathroom amenities—as high-end as they are high-tech—abound, there’s no restaurant, room-service, spa, or fitness center on-site. All that said, consider the meaning of the property’s name: a “docent” is an educator and guide. And with its multi-bedroom suites, perfectly situated within Old Port next to shops, sites, partner gyms, spas, and restaurants, the staff here aims to guide guests in experiencing the best of the city as they might in an extraordinary residence.Read Full ReviewPortland Harbor HotelIn many ways, a stay at Portland Harbor Hotel exemplifies the best of what modern Portland is today. It’s coastal without being kitschy, small but worldly, and high quality yet easygoing. With recent renovations under its wing and a staff encouraged to offer highly personal service, the locally owned property’s approach to caretaking and comfort always feels deftly balanced. Even the design reflects those balances; its public spaces’ take on coastal living, for example, veers from the traditional (schooner models crowning mantels) to the less so (hanging abstract art installations suggesting schools of fish). Meanwhile, its restaurant, Harbor Bistro + Terrace, is a legitimately solid draw in its own right—particularly the enchanting outdoor space. Guests of the hotel join Mainers there in brunching gardenside, supping under twinkling lights, gabbing on the sofas over cocktails, and catching live music on scheduled evenings.Read Full ReviewWeldon HotelAmid the cobblestoned, tourist-packed streets of Old Port and steps from the fish pier on the city’s historic working harbor, The Weldon is an enclave of calm in the frenzy surrounding it. And that, in itself, is one of this property’s greatest calling cards. While it may not be a local hangout—there’s no bar, lounge, or restaurant on-site—it’s amassed a following of savvy regular visitors who love the apartment-style lodging. Some of those are well-heeled families of all ages in sizes big and small (often with pets in tow), who want the easy feeling of being in a home while soaking up the best of the city for a vacation. Others are business execs who already know their way around town and just want an easy in and out—and also luxurious amenities and seamless high-speed Internet and access to co-working rooms, but don’t need the hand-holding of a concierge.Read Full ReviewLongfellow HotelThere’s been no shortage of boutique hotel openings in Portland, Maine, in recent years, but the Longfellow is the grandest in scale–and that’s apparent from the moment you enter its sweeping lobby space. It feels like the West End’s unofficial living room, with enormous windows overlooking Congress Street, comfy banquettes, locally-sourced furniture pieces, and a welcoming lobby bar. Even in the middle of the day, the lobby hums with energy–and you’re as likely to see a local grabbing a cappuccino as a visiting New York or Boston couple plotting out their weekend plans. The 48 rooms here offer a pared-back-yet-luxe take on the Maine aesthetic, offering a beautifully serene contrast to the city streets. The off-white walls and high ceilings create a light-filled canvas that lets the carefully-selected furniture pieces shine, including unbelievably comfortable TRNK velvet chaise lounges. Yes, there’s an entire city to explore just outside your door, but these are the kinds of rooms where you’ll want to kick back with a book and spend some time.Read Full ReviewWest End InnPortland, Maine’s historic West End neighborhood, lined with gracious and romantic Victorian-era mansions, is one of the city’s most charming and relaxed areas. Nestled in here is The West End Inn—two beautifully restored buildings located a block away from one another, both of which reflect the easygoing elegance of the neighborhood. In the beautiful-but-cozy common areas (complete with 12-foot ceilings set with anthemia medallions), couples on their honeymoons or celebrating an anniversary sip tea by the fireplace in the afternoons after a stroll along the nearby Western Promenade. In the evening, solo travelers swap tales of the day’s art gallery-hopping adventures as they hang out at the wine bar. And every morning, just about everyone shows up for the magnificent breakfast. The property is independently owned by innkeeper Milan Barlov, who grew up working in his parents’ restaurants in Serbia. After moving stateside, he worked in multiple large Portland, Maine, hotels before opening up The West End Inn, where he personally sees to just about everything.Read Full ReviewThe Press Hotel, Autograph CollectionLet the explosion of vintage typewriters suspended from the giant wall abutting the check-in desk be your first clue as to what this contemporary but cosseting boutique property is all about. That abstract art installation is both a nod to the building’s former function—the historic home of the Portland Press Herald (Maine’s newspaper of record)—and to its urbane, artful spirit rooted in the local community. It's restaurant is not to be missed. Union has been known as one of the city’s finest restaurants since it first opened, and is also one of its most handsome rooms. Chef Christian Bassett leans into local ingredients to whip up spectacular dishes like oatmeal with brown butter streusel from nearby maker Maine Grains laced with maple and sea salt at breakfast; sesame noodle bowls with lobster and chili crisp at lunch; and killer local crab with sweet pea pasta at dinnertime. Meanwhile, his happy hour menu has its own fan club.Read Full ReviewCanopy by Hilton Portland WaterfrontA blend of cosmopolitan cool and friendly hangout spaces, Canopy has come to occupy an enviable space in Portland, Maine’s hotel landscape—literally and figuratively. Its location at the edge of Old Port makes exploring the waterfront and its superb restaurants and activities ideal, yet also allows folks to hang back from the fray when they’d rather relax. With its mix of upscale contemporary decor and two energetic eateries, it appeals equally to guests staying at the property and professional young Portlanders in for a drink and some live tunes. Luna, the property’s swish and clubby rooftop spot, is a style-conscious destination for evening cocktails, small plates, and weekend brunching. Its expansive balcony overlooks the working waterfront—seagulls swoop by your table over Commercial Street by day—and firepits at night. Dig into platters of Mere Point oysters with melon granita, or plates of peppery and light crab salad on crisp crackers. At brunch, don’t miss artfully mixed salads of ripe melon, creamy ricotta, torn mint leaves, and crisp and salty Serrano ham.Read Full ReviewWestin Portland HarborviewEven the staunchest chain-adverse travelers will find a number of things to enjoy at this sleek and modern yet historic—it used to be the Eastland Park Hotel, which opened in 1927—15-floor luxury property in Portland, Maine’s Arts District. Whether it’s the 360-degree panoramic views of the pretty surrounding neighborhood and water, the prompt service from its dedicated staff, the solid on-site day spa, or the convenient location—there’s plenty to recommend it. Grandfathered into the history of the hotel is Top of the East—just the kind of old-school, sprawling rooftop lounge with a drop-dead panoramic view of the twinkling town that every city needs. You don’t come here to try and pretend to be cool; you come for the history, the extra-strong cocktails, maybe some live music, and the conversation. And in the case of Top of the East in particular, you come for the people and conversation. Oh, and if you’re feeling peckish, grab a plate of lobster crostini or two.Read Full ReviewHyatt Place Portland-Old PortWe all know what we’re getting from a Hyatt. But what distinguishes this particular iteration is the city of Portland, Maine, itself, and where this Hyatt is situated. With such a superb location in town, there are plenty of reasons to recommend this as a choice stay in Portland, Maine. The tastefully neutral-toned property is steps from almost anything you want in Old Port—from the coveted tables of celebrated restaurants to the arts district to the sailboats making their way out to the Casco Bay Islands. Rooms with separate sleeping and living areas overlook the port area's historic buildings, and creature comforts pervade—from in-room Chromecasts to the plush beds. Glass Lounge and Restaurant is a solid coworking option that serves burgers, sandwiches, and salads alongside cocktails and local craft beers and wine.Read Full ReviewInn by the SeaSprawling and sustainable, this Cape Elizabeth property, a 15-minute drive from downtown Portland, Maine, seamlessly blends top-notch service with laid-back style. It leans into its five-acre spot on Crescent Beach State Park with environmental programs, long-term commitments to restore the land around it, and green design throughout. That means breathtaking landscaping and stunning marches double as a habitat for local wildlife, and 7EV chargers, green energy (100% of the property’s clean electricity comes from solar), and composting programs are ready for guests. And the Inn doesn’t merely accept dogs, it celebrates them; with spaces and treats for pooches, it’s one of the most canine-friendly high-end properties in New England.Read Full ReviewCambria Hotel Portland Downtown Old PortTucked between Old Port on one side and the now-expanding eastern waterfront on the other, this newcomer is a welcome trifecta of sleek, boutique, and chic. With extra-wide windows looking out to Portland, Maine, harbor, our sixth floor king bedroom felt a bit like sleeping in the highest cabin on a yacht, looking at all the ocean and city. A garden terrace—complete with water fountains, lounge seating, and a tony bar—loomed just below. Softly striped duvets, graphic wallpapers depicting historic Portland, Maine, and mod lighting lend character. And state-of-the-art tech is everywhere (including in bathroom mirrors that double as TV screens). Alto Terrace Bar + Kitchen, the property’s in-house restaurant, turns out topnotch bowls of plump local mussels scented with chipotle, and plates of salmon with fragrant basmati rice bolstered by white wine and cream, asparagus, and spinach. Sample the entire menu out on the rooftop terrace whenever the weather cooperates.Read Full ReviewAloft Portland Downtown Waterfront MEClean-lined and airy in design and convenient to almost everything visitors to Portland, Maine, want to see, Aloft manages to be many things to many visitors. It’s a casual and kid-friendly property for young families. It’s an efficient place to bunk down and kick back before meetings if you’re on a business trip. It’s a stylish base camp for exploring the city; colorful graphic rugs and splashes of bright furnishings met with pristine white linens and views of Portland, Maine, harbor and surrounding rooftops all render an energetic feeling of being welcomed and enveloped by the city. Amenities by Dry Bar and walk-in showers (complete with rainfall shower heads) were the icing on the proverbial hospitality cake.Read Full Review