TL;DR

Location: Boutique hotel set in iconic building in Portland’s Old Port.
Theme: Journalism- and literary-inspired decor with vintage typewriters and Maine literary tributes.
Atmosphere: Pride in history and local culture, attracting writers and performers.
Check prices here

This Old Port hotel, set as it is in the Portland Press Herald’s former Gannett Building, is the perfect boutique hotel for admirers of the written word.

Sadly, you’ll no longer find hordes of camera-wielding Jimmy Olsens, though it’s not out of the question that you’ll see a Ron Burgundy type.

The hotel still attracts its fair share of high-profile writers and performers; it’s a lovely place for anyone to spend a night.

With a stash of vintage typewriters, letterforms and homages to Maine literaries on the walls, some might feel that there’s a dash of gimmick to the whole affair.

On the whole, however, it’s conducted with such a sincere pride for both the Portland Press Herald’s history and Maine’s, let’s face it, top-notch literary legacy that it’s pretty impossible not to be charmed.

Add to this impeccable service and a super-central location, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better spot in Portland.

What are the rooms like?

Number of rooms: 110
Design: Journalism-inspired with comfortable working desks and vintage touches.
Features: Frette linens, HDTVs, mini-fridges, Keurig machines, Bluetooth radios, marble bathrooms with Bigelow amenities, soaking tubs in select rooms.
Suites: Executive Kings and One-Bedroom Suites with extra luxuries; Penthouse Suite is a major splurge with top city views.
See each room in detail here

The journalism theme spills into the rooms too at Portland Press, each well-equipped with comfortable working desks.

Beds are so comfortable you might just take the laptops in with you.

The most simple are 250-300 square foot Kings and Doubles, ready with Frette linens, HDTVs, mini-fridges, Keurig machines, and mini Bluetooth radios.

Bathrooms are white marble and black-and-silver fixtures, fully modern with a kind of timeless elegance.

They feature Bigelow bath amenities.

Executive Kings add gorgeous views from extra-large windows and soaking tubs.

Each One-Bedroom Suite is unique, with various extras including soaking tubs, dining rooms, and extra half-baths.

The Penthouse Suite is an absolute splurge you’ll want to book far ahead. You’ll enjoy plenty of plush seating, an extra-large soaking tub, and some of the best views in the city.

What are prices like?

Check prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

Café: Inkwell serves complimentary coffee from 8am and transforms into a chic lounge at night with bar snacks.
Dining: UNION offers locally sourced, high-end breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch menus.
Facilities: Art gallery, Peloton machines, and other amenities to keep guests active and engaged.

First off, as convenient as a Keurig is, we recommend skipping it. The downstairs café, Inkwell, offers complimentary Joe from 8am.

All but the most early of risers can enjoy a cup from the OG local roastery Coffee by Design.

The cafe transforms into a chic lounge with a nice selection of upscale bar snacks at night, and is a great place to grab a relaxed drink before exploring the Old Port’s rather raucous bar scene.

You’ve also got UNION, a super-local high-end eatery with an (obviously) seasonal menu.

Veggies are locally sourced, there’s a strong seafood component, and the honey is even collected from rooftop hives.

They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a solid brunch menu that would likely be a must-try anywhere else.

In Portland, however, the brunch competition is both cutthroat, and within walking distance.

Other notable amenities at Portland Press Hotel are an art gallery featuring local artists and a small forest of Pelotons you can get lost in.

How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?

Location: Old Port, Portland, central and walkable to major attractions.
Food & drink: Bars, restaurants, brunch spots, coffee shops, and seasonal eats within walking distance.
Cultural: West End art and architecture, Eastern Promenade Trail, and local galleries.
Transport: Walk, car, or short ride to Bayside and Libbytown; easy access to the Old Port.

The Old Port, Portland. Historical, hysterical, fun and fancy. Most of the top bars are at your fingertips.

You’ll find anything you need here, positioned in the center of the city. The Portland Press Hotel is basically walking distance from all the city’s greatest hits.

Head up Congress to the West End for some art, some nice residential architecture, and a primo brunch at Hot Suppa.

Head past Lincoln Park to the East End for a perfect cappuccino at Moonday Coffee and a pastry from Belleville.

Or, head into the maze of brick buildings towards the water, enjoying a stroll along the Eastern Promenade Trail or straight to Central Provisions for brunch.

The up-and-coming areas of Bayside and Libbytown are a bit more of a stroll, or an easy car ride.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

Some things guests liked:

”Amazing, excellent, can’t believe it was our first time but definitely not our last! We loved the proximity to the Old Port. The service was exceptional. The newspaper vibe was well done and classy….”

”The Press Hotel was an amazing stay – one of my favorite hotels I’ve visited so far! Not only does the building have historical significance, but the attention to detail and cleanliness was amazing! The bed was also very comfy, and the location is stellar! So close to all the main attractions of Portland!…”