Residence Inn by Marriott Bangor

The Residence Inn by Marriott Bangor sits squarely on Bass Park Boulevard, a few minutes from the Kenduskeag Stream Trail and well-positioned for anyone attending events at the Cross Insurance Center. It's not beachfront or boutique. It's a three-star property designed to feel like home for a night or a week - and judging by the 234 reviews, most guests find exactly that. The hotel draws couples looking for a quiet weekend getaway, families seeking a pool and kitchenette combo, and business travelers needing reliable infrastructure. The breakfast consistently earns praise; the pool and hot tub appeal to kids; the on-site Timber Kitchen & Bar restaurant means nobody has to leave to eat well.

The property manages a 9.3 Wonderful rating. Couples rate it highest at 9.3, families at a strong 9.1.

The breakfast is the standout amenity. Guests mention it more than any other single feature - and the praise is specific. Continental, American, buffet, vegetarian, and gluten-free options all appear. One review called it "better than my wildest dreams." Another noted the coffee comes in limited flavors (a minority complaint), but the variety of hot and fresh items, pastries, and fruits keeps people talking. The 9 a.m. closing time frustrates some early risers, but the offering itself is solid for a three-star property.

Spacious rooms with kitchenettes make extended stays practical. King Studios with sofa beds and Queen Studios with two queen beds dominate the inventory. Guests consistently note full-size fridges, working kitchenette setups, and good shower pressure. The rooms are plainly decorated and clean, without frills. Several families mentioned using the kitchenette to store groceries and snacks, turning a hotel room into something closer to a temporary apartment.

The pool and hot tub are a genuine draw, especially for families. One family reported their youngest learned to swim during their stay. Guests repeatedly highlight the hot tub - though one reviewer noted the jets were broken during her visit, and others wish the pool area had a separate elevator accessible from the hallway without walking through the full lobby in swimwear. Still, for children, the pool is a highlight.

Location next to the Cross Insurance Center and highway access work in your favor. Business travelers and event attendees save drive time. The free airport shuttle (2.5 miles to Bangor International) is a genuine convenience. Several guests attending UMaine graduation events, hockey games, and concerts found the proximity invaluable.

Timber Kitchen & Bar, the on-site restaurant, serves solid American fare. Multiple reviews single out the restaurant by name. The menu includes wine and champagne. Service is efficient (one reviewer specifically praised the waitstaff during the busy UMaine graduation weekend). It's not destination dining, but having a decent restaurant steps away removes friction from your trip.

The Residence Inn's studio and suite format works well for families and couples staying 2–3 nights. All units include air-conditioning, private bathrooms, TV, and free WiFi. Most feature a kitchenette with full-size refrigerator and stovetop, plus a seating area. The studio with sofa bed is the workhorse; one-bedroom king suites accommodate groups. Beds are firm and generally comfortable, though one guest found the blankets not soft enough and another felt pillows were too small. Joining doors between adjacent rooms exist, and sound travels - multiple guests report hearing footsteps from the room above, which is a real drawback if you're noise-sensitive.

Room categories from guest stays:

• King Studio with Sofa Bed - Best for couples and small families; sofa allows a third person to sleep comfortably
• Queen Studio with Two Queen Beds - Good for two couples or a family with kids; slightly more spread-out layout
• One-Bedroom King Suite - Best for groups or families celebrating an occasion; separate bedroom and living area
• Large King Studio - Premium single-room option with extra space
• King Studio with Sofa Bed (Mobility and Hearing Accessible) - Roll-in shower and accessibility features for guests with mobility needs

Note: Sound insulation between floors and adjoining rooms is minimal. If light sleep is important to you, request a room on the top floor or a suite without joining doors.

Pool & Wellness · Indoor swimming pool (year-round) · Hot tub / Jacuzzi · Fitness center

Dining & Bars · Timber Kitchen & Bar restaurant (lunch and dinner) · Bar · Wine and champagne service

For Families · Family rooms · Kids' meals available · Bicycle rental

Practical Services · Free parking (abundant) · Free airport shuttle · 24-hour front desk · Free WiFi · Business center · Fax / Photocopying · Laundry and dry cleaning · Pet-friendly · Grocery deliveries available · Meeting and banquet facilities

General · Convenience store on-site · Air conditioning · Non-smoking rooms throughout · Smoke-free property · Elevator · Wheelchair accessible and mobility-accessible rooms

The indoor pool is maintained year-round and serves as the property's anchor amenity. The adjacent hot tub adds appeal, especially in colder months. The pool area itself is clean and inviting, though the lack of a separate elevator access from the guest hallways is an acknowledged design limitation.

Timber Kitchen & Bar operates for lunch, dinner, and serves the morning breakfast. The restaurant takes reservations and can get busy during major events (UMaine graduation, hockey games). Wine and champagne are available. One guest wished for priority seating or easier reservation access for hotel guests, a fair point for a property where the restaurant and rooms share the same building.

Winter (December–February) The hotel excels as a base for holiday getaways and winter event attendance. Snow removal is praised by guests. The pool and hot tub are especially appealing when it's cold outside. UMaine graduation (mid-May) and major hockey games drive bookings. Holiday décor in the lobby makes a good first impression.

Spring (March–May) UMaine graduation weekend (mid-May) is peak demand. Nearby trails begin to green up. The Kenduskeag Stream Trail is most pleasant late April and May. Breakfast room can be busy during major university events. Book early if attending graduation ceremonies.

Summer (June–August) Leaf-peeping season is fall, but summer brings families to the pool. Bar Harbor and Acadia are accessible for day trips (2 hours). The pool is warmest. Fewer business travelers; more leisure guests.

Fall (September–November) Leaf-peeping season peaks late September through mid-October. Weekend rates tick up. Families book rooms for foliage trips to the Midcoast and Down East Maine. The pool is less of a draw, but the property quiets down slightly compared to summer.

"This staycation was incredible! Easily the best hotel in Bangor! Breakfast was better than my wildest dreams! Hot and massaging hot tub, beautiful pool. My youngest learned to swim this trip."

• Whitney, United States · Family · 10/10

"Breakfast was excellent and proximity to the insurance center was super convenient. The beds were comfortable and the room was clean and quiet. It was a very relaxing stay!"

• Gina, United States · Group · 10/10

"This is the best hotel I have stayed at in the Bangor area. It is well run and thoughtful in its appointments. The pool and hot tub are fantastic. The restaurant, Timber, is excellent."

• Terry, United States · Couple · 10/10

"The room was spacious, clean and comfortable. I love the full size fridge and silverware being accessible. The pool area was a complete hit with my grandson."

• Sharon, United States · Solo traveler · 10/10

"Welcoming staff, room details were exceptional. Top notch hotel with top notch restaurant in the building."

• Rebecca, United States · Group · 9/10

"Clean room, convenient location, great restaurant. Staff is super friendly and the attached Timber restaurant is awesome."

• Teri, United States · Couple · 10/10

Minor frustrations: Some guests heard footsteps or movement from adjacent rooms and floors above - a real issue if you're a light sleeper. A few found breakfast closing at 9 a.m. too early. One guest wished for more coffee flavor variety. Noise insulation is the most consistent complaint, but it doesn't deter people from returning.

The hotel sits on Bass Park Boulevard, a short drive or shuttle ride from several Bangor anchor attractions and just 2.5 miles from the airport.

• Cross Insurance Center - 0.1 mi walk; home to hockey (UMaine Black Bears), concerts, and events
• Hollywood Casino - 1.5 mi drive; poker, slots, live entertainment
• Downtown Bangor - 1.5 mi drive; Kenduskeag Stream Trail for walking and biking, historic district, shops
• Collins Center for the Arts - 3 mi drive; UMaine performances and lectures
• Great Fire of 1911 Historic District - Walking distance from downtown; preserved architecture and museums
• Bangor International Airport - 2.5 mi; free hotel shuttle service
• Bass Park - 0.5 mi walk; recreational trails and green space
• Bar Harbor - 2 hours drive; Acadia National Park, coastal dining, carriage rides

Is breakfast included? Yes. Continental, American, buffet, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are served daily. Service runs until 9 a.m. on weekdays and weekends. If you plan an early departure, arrive by 8:30 a.m. or check the front desk about early takeaway.

Does the hotel offer airport shuttle service? Yes, free 24/7. The airport is 2.5 miles away. Call ahead to arrange pickup.

Are rooms pet-friendly? Yes. The property is pet-friendly, though specific fees and restrictions should be confirmed when booking.

Is there a full kitchen in the rooms? Rooms include a kitchenette with a full-size refrigerator, stovetop, and microwave. Cookware and dishes are provided. This is not a full kitchen; no oven.

Can I hear noise from other rooms? Sound insulation between floors and adjoining rooms is minimal. Multiple guests report hearing footsteps and movement from above. Top-floor rooms or one-bedroom suites may be quieter. Mention noise sensitivity when booking.

Is there on-site parking? Yes, free and abundant. Parking is never mentioned as a problem in reviews.

What time is check-in and check-out? Standard Marriott check-in is 3 p.m.; check-out is 11 a.m. Early check-in and late check-out may be available depending on occupancy; ask the front desk.