Tough assignment, staying at the Portland Harbor Hotel and checking out the executive suites. Bottom line, if you can swing it, book one.
Now Maine isn’t a state that’s big on the luxury schtick. No Four Seasons, no Ritz Carlton. Sure, there are some boutique B&Bs and inns that do fussy well, but this was the first Portland hotel to really offer the red carpet treatment.
Originally posted in 2009: Updated may 9, 2019
Luxurious bathrooms
Can’t think of another place where you can practically swim (yes, I mean swim, it’s humongous) in the whirlpool tub (supposedly for two, but heck, you could have a pool party in it) while watching the flames flicker in the fireplace AND view the flat screen simultaneously. Separate shower is equally oversized, with two shower heads and a bench. And two sinks. And, well, let’s just say the bathroom is larger than many a starter New York apartment.
Not much not to like here. If I have to draw upon my inner curmudgeon, well, the fake apples should be real and there should be more outlets near the desk. I had to unplug the phone to plug in my laptop. It was either that or the light, and I’ve got this thing about seeing what I’m typing. Like I said, minor complaints. I mentioned the outlet to the manager, and I have no doubt that will be corrected.
Cool, contemporary decor
Decor in the executive suites is modernesque, with beige tones, cool artwork, and hardwood floors with area rugs; a nice change from the usual hotel vibe. Furniture is comfy, especially the bed. Nice white duvet, of course, and nightly turndown with robes, slippers, and chocolate lobsters: Gotta like that.
And downstairs in this section of the hotel is the updated fitness room. Greatly expanded (thank you!), with nice aerobic equipment (with TVs and iPod docks) and weights. No stretching area, but hey, can’t have everything. Big restrooms with showers provide a place for guests who stay beyond checkout to change before the long slog home.
Recently updated rooms & suites
The rest of the hotel recently completed an update that I really like. Guest and public rooms now have a chic and fun nautical vibe in red, white, and blue. During my 2018 visit, I stayed in a Jacuzzi suite with this new decor. In suite amenities included a sitting area, a small fridge, robes, a big Jacuzzi tub, and a separate shower.
The lounge flows into the Blue Fin North Atlantic Seafood restaurant, which opens to a central garden courtyard with a firepit. In January, the annual Ice Bar here always draws a crowed.
Hotel amenities
- A certified concierge is on staff.
- Professional nannies are available.
- Bicycles and Wifi are complementary.
- Each floor has a station where Starbucks coffee and tea are available each morning.
- Some rooms are pet friendly ($25/pet/night).
- Room-service is available at all hours.
- Valet parking is $22/night.
Note: Since I originally posted this review in 2009, a number of upscale hotels have opened in in the city, including The Press Hotel.
