You can be anyone you want to be in Portland. Want to be outdoorsy and see sunbathing seals and pirouetting porpoises? Head to Casco Bay for a kayak ride and picnic on one of the nearby islands. Or, experience the city through culture and art by visiting The Portland Museum of Art and hanging out with local artists at First Fridays Art Walk, where you get to meet local artists as you wander the city and sip cocktails. No matter what your passion, make sure you reserve at least three times a day for finding your favorite local restaurant, whether it’s a casual bistro, fine French dining, or a Vietnamese noodle house.
Portland has never been uninteresting, but much of Portland has shifted and grown, leaving very cool buildings available for converting into charming and fascinating boutique hotels along with luxurious hotels that offer delicious spa options overlooking one of the most talked about coastlines in all of New England. From the old newspaper building that’s been reconfigured into a journalist’s dream retreat to the 200-year old house that’s now an eclectic inn in the middle of the city, we’ll have a look at the eight coolest hotels in Portland Maine. These are some of the hippest, most relaxing places not only for a peaceful slumber but also to see how life in Portland has both the charm of a fishing community and a thriving city.