6 Portland, Maine, Hotels & Airbnbs for a Picturesque Getaway (2026)

Summers in Portland, Maine, are legendary—between the briny sea air, endless lobster rolls, and the charming boutiques that line the cobblestone streets of the Old Port district. Picturesque views of the surrounding Casco Bay are abundant, and its consistently excellent food scene has made the city a culinary hot spot for the ages. Accordingly, several new hotels have opened up in the past few years—especially in the historic West End neighborhood—to keep up with the waves of tourists to the area. From a wellness retreat that prioritizes deep rest and relaxation to a boutique hotel that feels more like a cozy antique-filled home, these are the hotels that our editors recommend for making the most of your trip to Portland. We’ve also surfaced a rental that will help you feel right at home during your stay, along with some stays further afield for day trips that let you take in more picturesque sights off the beaten path.Carley RuddLongfellow HotelPerks: Complimentary bicycles, in-town luxury car service, luxury amenities, spa, gym, valet parkingNamed after one of the city’s most famous creatives, poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the Longfellow Hotel takes a more holistic approach to the concept of wellness. Sunlit suites feature perks like rainfall showers, reading nooks, and smart Loftie alarm clocks while its in-house cafe serves up superfood smoothies and grain bowls for health-conscious travelers. Shopping director Lori Keong notes that the rooms are carefully curated with sophisticated velvet furnishings, heavy blackout drapes for sleeping in, and comfortable seating arrangements that allowed her to speed through a few chapters of her book.The hotel’s prime placement in the heart of the West End also offers guests sweeping views of the waterfront from its upper suites, and on the ground floor lies the well-equipped wellness center Astraea for spa treatments and saunas. Before a night out filling your belly with local grub in the Old Port (which is a leisurely 20 minutes away on foot), hit the Five of Clubs bar for a seasonal drink like the cantaloupe- and lemon-laced Melancholia, along with half a dozen oysters. From $499 per night.Photo: Read McKendreeBlind Tiger PortlandPerks: Complimentary coffee and tea, bath amenities, LED smart TVs (depending on the location), personalized concierge servicesBeloved by locals as well as tourists, the Blind Tiger feels like a well-kept secret. It provides a cozy, eclectic setting for catching up with friends in the lounge over a game or staying the weekend in one of its well-curated suites. The establishment occupies two 19th-century homes in the West End: a Federal-style mansion on Danforth Street and a Victorian town house a few blocks away on Carleton Street that have both been tastefully updated by the Lark Hotels. The Danforth Street location (equipped with its own billiards room) functions more like a typical hotel, with an on-site innkeeper to cater to your needs, while the latter follows a more independent model: For those who want to come and go with as little fanfare as possible, check-in here is self-appointed—though assistance is always a text away.Each of the layered rooms has a distinct vibe, from moody jewel-box paint colors to tweedlike wallpaper, and lodging at either location gets you access to a wealth of IYKYK insider tips on how to spend your days in Portland. Start your day here with a wellness shot or a buttery slice of toast, then make your way back to the lounge after-hours to wind down over a cup of tea. From $249 per night.Courtesy of The FrancisThe FrancisPerks: Comfortable bedding, historic architecture, pet-friendly lodgings, central locationJust across the street from the Longfellow Hotel is The Francis, named after Francis Fassett, the architect who built the stately 1881 mansion it inhabits. Formerly a single-family residence before it was repurposed as a boutique hospitality space, the building still feels very much like a home with its historic stained glass windows, moody color palettes, and antique furnishings. Stay here if you want to experience the area’s historic architecture for yourself, as well as perks such as fluffy Cuddledown duvets and pillows, pour-overs with local Burundi Star Coffee, and art by local photographer Nicole Wolf. For dog parents, there’s an entire pet-friendly floor, and beer lovers can sip local brews just next door at neighborhood watering hole Wayside Tavern. From $269 per night.Portland Home RentalsCourtesy of AirbnbPenthouse Waterfront SuitePerks: Full kitchen, stainless steel appliances, soaking tub, balcony, stove, floor-to-ceiling windowsThe award for best views goes to this penthouse in the Old Port district with wraparound windows that allow guests to warm their feet by the gas-fired Jotul stove while gazing out at the lobster boats on the water. Get some fresh air on the private deck while you watch yachts navigate DiMillo’s Marina, or prep yourself a snack in the full kitchen that’s outfitted with alderwood, Shaker-style cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances. One of the two bedrooms even boasts a soaking tub for laying back and propping open a book. From $1,028 per night.If you want to venture beyond Portland…Courtesy of White Barn Inn, Auberge Resorts CollectionWhite Barn Inn & SpaPerks: Spa services, historic architecture, spacious roomsOnly 40 minutes southwest from Portland’s city center, White Barn Inn & Spa is a luxurious Auberge Resorts Collection property in an 150-year-old clapboard building in Kennebunk. Its guest rooms, suites, and standalone cottages embody a rustic New England aesthetic featuring large gingham and small floral prints, turned wood beds, and rattan accents. The award-winning spa menu ranges from river stone massages to raindrop therapy based on Native American wellness traditions, while the inn’s two restaurants satisfy both fine-dining and casual palates. From $1,000 per night.Photo: Reel Maine Co.The NevadaPerks: King-size beds, decks with outdoors eating, on-site restaurantAlso in York and from the same owners as The Viewpoint, The Nevada is a 1951 motor motel on Long Sands Beach. The interiors of the curvy midcentury building were recently remodeled for modern travelers with wood floors, king-size beds, and tiled bathrooms. Each room has its own dedicated deck and chairs with views of the Atlantic Ocean—and some guests can see the waves crashing from under the covers. Downstairs, Lulu’s Tiki Bar + Restaurant provides a taste of the tropics in Maine. From $199 per night.