The Press

A stone’s throw from the heart of Old Port, this whimsical yet incredibly comfortable boutique hotel is a great home base from which to explore Portland.

• The convenient location just a few minutes’ walk from the center of Old Port, home to the city’s best restaurants and bars
• The art gallery featuring works of local artists
• The property’s pride in its former status as a printing press

Set in the Portland Press Herald landmark building, The Press pays homage to its history with creative newspaper-themed accents; the lobby has two typewriter installations; oversized printing press letters are a backdrop to the reception desk; antique printing tools are carefully placed throughout the lobby and the hallways are lined with past headlines.

Inspired by 1920’s writer’s offices, the property’s 110 high-ceilinged rooms feature vintage-style journalist desks, wood floors and local artwork. Midnight blue walls contrast with padded, light beige leather headboards, dark wood and earth tones. The news theme continues with subtle details like funny one-liners decorating the walls, but is far more subdued in guest rooms than in the hotel’s public spaces. Each room comes equipped with a large flat-screen TV, ergonomic leather writer’s chair, mini stereo system with Bluetooth compatibility, multiple USB and power outlets, Keurig coffee maker, Frette bed linens and a Cuddledown comforter. The marble-tiled bathrooms have large rain showers and many have bathtubs.

The Press is home to UNION Restaurant, a contemporary American farm-to-table eatery (helmed by Josh Berry, a Maine native) and Inkwell Bar, the café by day and bar by night. The basement holds both a fitness center and an art gallery that features Maine-based artists’ work. While there is no spa, the Press has a partnership with Akari, a spa and salon just a block away from the property.

Where to Eat (Portland)

Portland’s food scene lives up to the hype. Don’t miss the popular Eventide Oyster Co. (86 Middle Street), known for its delicious oysters and seafood. Visitors should sit at the bar next to the rugged granite display of fish and watch the team as they expertly shuck oysters. Located in a historic brick building, Central Provisions (414 Fore Street) offers an impressive variety of small plates (and a few larger dishes) as well as great cocktails. Opened in 1996, the Portland institution Fore Street(288 Fore Street), is set in a beautiful brick warehouse with an exposed wood-burning oven, grill and turnspit. The seasonal menu changes daily so that chef and owner Sam Hayward can incorporate the best local ingredients. Note that Eventide and Central Provisions do not accept reservations.

Travelers in search of a comfortable, full-service hotel within walking distance of the restaurants and sights of Old Port.