2024Best Hotels in Portland, ME

The thought of Maine may conjure up images of sleepy coastal towns with craggy coastlines, boats blowing in the wind and loads of lobster, but Portland is so much more than that. With a population of about 69,000, Maine's largest city may not be considered big to some, but it has all the offerings of a vibrant metropolis. Yes, it features typical Maine topography and a thriving harbor that offers plenty of delectable seafood, but Portland has made a name for itself in more ways than one. The city's outstanding dedication to the arts, revered dining scene and incredible preservation and reinvention of its historic Old Port continually impress and surpass traveler expectations. Museums abound, kitchens with James Beard Award-winning chefs dot the downtown area and local boutiques and bed-and-breakfasts share streets with national chains.