Fireside Inn and Suites Bangor

Bangor's hotel scene tilts toward predictable chains, so the Fireside Inn occupies an honest middle ground - a two-star property on Main Street that knows exactly what it is and mostly delivers. The location is its biggest asset: you're across from Hollywood Casino Hotel and Raceway, a ten-minute walk from the Cross Center, and within walking distance of downtown restaurants and bars. The attached Irish pub (Geaghans) draws its own crowd, which is convenient if you're hungry at 9 p.m. but less welcome if you're trying to sleep.

The rooms are dated - reviewers consistently flag "needs updating" and "tired" - but many note they're clean and the beds are comfortable. Fireplace rooms exist if you want an extra touch. Couples rate this place higher than families (8.8 vs. 7.1), likely because the location suits evening-out trips better than extended family stays. For a one-night stay centered around a concert or event, it works. For a long weekend, expectations matter.

Location is genuinely convenient. The hotel sits two blocks from downtown Bangor, a 10-minute walk to the Cross Center and concert venues. If you're attending an event and don't want to drive, this is your play. Free parking helps.

The on-site pub fills a real need. Geaghans Irish Pub occupies the ground floor. Multiple guests praised the food and staff, and the convenience of not leaving the building after a long day is real - even if the noise carries upstairs on peak nights.

Fireplace rooms add character. The King Rooms with Fireplace get specific love in reviews. They're not fancy, but the touch matters if you're staying for a romantic getaway or just want something beyond the standard Queen setup.

Friendly front-desk staff. This recurs often enough to be reliable. Several guests who encountered issues (cold showers, noisy neighbors, room-temperature problems) noted that staff offered to move them or apply discounts - and actually followed through.

The price makes sense for the location. Reviewers regularly call it "good value" when stacked against proximity to the casino and downtown. You're not paying waterfront rates for a waterfront view, which is the whole point.

The hotel's two main room types are Queen Rooms with Two Queen Beds (the majority) and King Rooms with Fireplace. Most rooms include a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, refrigerator, microwave, and private bathroom with shower/tub combo. The building layout doesn't include an elevator, so if stairs are an issue, request a first-floor room at check-in.

• Queen Room with Two Queen Beds: The workhorse. Comfortable beds, adequate space, fireplace not guaranteed.
• King Room with Fireplace: Larger footprint, fireplace in-room, solid for couples.
• Queen Room with Two Queen Beds and Fireplace: Occasional variant combining both features.

One consistent note: reviewers flag the furnishings as dated. Carpet, wall panels, TV stands, and bathroom fixtures show age. If you're noise-sensitive, be aware that hallway and neighboring-room sounds carry - the building is older and not heavily soundproofed. Some guests report musty or stale air; request a room away from any kitchen or service areas.

Dining & Drinks · Geaghans Irish Pub (on-site, dinner only) · 24-hour lobby coffee

For Practical Travel · Free Wi-Fi · Free parking · 24-hour front desk · ATM on-site · Business center · Express check-in/out · Fax/photocopying

Creature Comforts · Air conditioning · Non-smoking rooms · Pet-friendly · Laundry service · Wake-up service

Safety · Key-card access · CCTV in common areas · Smoke alarms · Fire extinguishers · Carbon monoxide detector

Note: The hotel does not have a pool, gym, or hot tub - common requests from guests.

The restaurant deserves its own mention because it's genuinely the hotel's standout feature. Multiple guests specifically traveled here because they knew the pub was attached. The menu runs comfort-pub (burgers, wings, smoked salmon), the bar staff gets strong marks, and it's open for dinner only - a mild gotcha if you expect morning options (they offer 24-hour lobby coffee, not breakfast).

Fair warning: on busy nights (especially event nights), the line extends into the parking lot and the kitchen backs up. Come early or set expectations low.

Fall (September–October) - Peak season for event traffic; the Cross Center fills up and hotel rates climb. Leaf-peeping season (foliage peaks late September through mid-October) brings leisure travelers. Geaghans gets busy; reserve a table if you want dinner.

Summer (June–August) - Concert series and outdoor events draw crowds. Warm, pleasant, but expect traffic on event nights. Good time for riverside walks along the Kenduskeag Stream.

Winter (December–February) - Quieter overall; rates drop. The holiday season picks up briefly. Cold, but free parking and fewer crowds appeal to some travelers.

Spring (March–May) - Shoulder season. Easter week and Mother's Day weekend spike traffic. Otherwise relaxed and mild.

"Great location, fireplace was lovely, and the pub attached to the property had decent food and great staff."

• James, United States · Couple · 8/10

"Big, clean room in a convenient location. Staff was helpful and the location works perfectly for event-goers."

• Lisa, Canada · Couple · 8/10

"The receptionist for the evening shift was outstanding. She helped change our itinerary to make sure we saw fall foliage."

• Charaye, Slovenia · Family · 7/10

"Easy access to everything and the staff was friendly and very helpful."

• Pamela, Canada · Family · 7/10

"Clean rooms, fireplace in the room, and great restaurant on site."

• Cassandra, United States · Couple · 8/10

The recurring criticism across reviews centers on the building's age. Multiple guests use the words "dated," "tired," "dingy," and "outdated." A few mention bathroom maintenance issues, drainage problems in tubs, and inconsistent water temperature (occasionally running cold). Some report hallway noise, particularly when the casino next door is active. These aren't deal-breakers for a one-night stay, but they're worth knowing if you're staying longer or are noise-sensitive.

• Hollywood Casino Hotel and Raceway - directly across the street · 0 min
• Cross Center - 10-minute walk · event venue, concerts, conferences
• Kenduskeag Stream Trail - 0.3 miles · paved riverside path, good for morning walks before checkout
• Downtown Bangor - 2 blocks · galleries, vintage shops, Penobscot River waterfront
• Bass Park - within 1 mile · sports complex, minor-league baseball (summer)
• Maine Discovery Museum - 0.8 miles · kid-friendly natural history and children's galleries
• Bangor International Airport - 3 miles · if you're flying in/out
• Beal College - within 1 mile

The walkability to downtown is legitimate, especially for dinner or drinks. The Penobscot River is a few more blocks if you want to stretch your legs and catch the water view.

Is breakfast included? No. The hotel does not offer breakfast. There is 24-hour lobby coffee. Geaghans (the on-site pub) serves dinner only, so plan accordingly if you arrive hungry in the morning.

Is there an elevator? No. Rooms are accessed via stairs. If mobility is a concern, request a first-floor room when you book and confirm availability before arrival.

Is the hotel pet-friendly? Yes. Pets are allowed, though the policy details (fees, weight limits, specific restrictions) should be confirmed directly with the property before booking.

Is there parking? Yes, free parking. One reviewer with a larger vehicle noted the lot is tight but functional. Arrive early during event nights if you want a convenient spot.

How close is it to the airport? Bangor International Airport is 3 miles away - roughly a 10-minute drive or $15–20 taxi/ride-share trip.

Is there a casino shuttle? The hotel is directly across from Hollywood Casino. There is no shuttle mentioned in reviews, but the walk is negligible (under 2 minutes).

What's the noise situation? The hotel sits on Main Street and next to an active casino. Expect some street noise and, on busy nights, hallway activity. Earplugs recommended. Interior rooms away from the main entrance are quieter.