Back Cove Views

Back Cove Views is a no-frills two-bedroom apartment on Cumberland Avenue, squarely in Portland's East End neighborhood - close enough to downtown that you can walk there in under ten minutes, far enough that you're not paying downtown prices or dealing with the noise that comes with it. The unit is fully equipped with a kitchen that invites you to cook, hardwood floors, streaming services, and the kind of straightforward comfort that makes sense for a family weekend or a small group splitting a longer stay. It's an apartment rental, not a boutique hotel, which means no housekeeping between days and no front desk - but also no checkout fuss and more space for your money.

Guests tend to be straightforward about it too: the reviews skew positive, with most mentioning the location and the functional kitchen as the real wins. One visitor called it "the perfect base for walking downtown." Another praised the owners' responsiveness. There are caveats (window treatments could use updating, street noise on some mornings, the building itself isn't designed to win design awards), but for a short Portland stay where you want breathing room and kitchen access, it lands solidly.

The location puts you steps from Washington Street's restaurant row. Maureen highlighted "many ethnic restaurants" within walking distance, plus a Belgian-style fritkot at a nearby brewpub. Aldona noted the neighborhood is "surrounded with plenty of great restaurants" - the kind of casual walkability that Portland's East End delivers. You're close enough to downtown for evening strolls but not so close that you're paying premium rates.

A full kitchen means you can eat the way you actually live. The unit includes a stovetop, oven, microwave, refrigerator, toaster, and full kitchenware - plus a dining table where groups can gather. Phoebe appreciated it as "well furnished if you wanted to cook." For families on a budget or travelers who prefer flexibility, this is a genuine advantage over a traditional hotel room.

Two full bedrooms give you actual separation and space. Unlike a junior suite or studio with a sofa bed, this apartment has distinct sleeping areas, a living room with a sofa, and a walk-in closet. Groups of four or five can spread out without negotiating bathroom schedules or tripping over luggage.

The owners are responsive to questions and issues. Phoebe noted they were "very responsive" when she needed something, and that hands-on management shows up in the overall cleanliness and upkeep guests report.

Back Cove Views offers a single unit configuration: a two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment with hardwood and tile floors, a separate living and dining area, and a sofa bed in the living room for overflow sleeping. The bedrooms have walk-in closets, and the overall aesthetic is functional rather than designed - clean and comfortable, but not recently updated.

• Two-Bedroom Apartment: Full kitchen, living and dining areas, sofa bed, air-conditioning, flat-screen TV with streaming services, free WiFi throughout.

One consistent note: street noise can carry through the windows in early mornings, especially if you're a light sleeper. The window shades are original and could benefit from an upgrade - something to know before you book a stay during Portland's louder seasons.

Kitchen & Cooking · Full appliances and cookware · Dining table for group meals · Coffee machine and tea maker.

Entertainment & Connectivity · Free WiFi · Flat-screen TV · Streaming services (Netflix, etc.).

Climate Control · Air-conditioning · Heating · Fan in bedrooms.

Practical · Washing machine · Iron · Hairdryer · Full bathroom with shower and bathtub · Smoke-free property with smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detector.

Summer (June–August): Peak season. Portland's restaurant patios are full, waterfront shops are open, and the city draws tourists. East End Beach is at its warmest. Expect higher rates and busier sidewalks; book ahead.

Fall (September–October): Leaf-peeping season. Weather is cool and clear; fewer crowds than summer but still plenty of visitors. Restaurants remain open late. This is when many reviews were written - a sweet spot for comfort and access.

Winter (November–March): Quietest season. Many seasonal restaurants and attractions scale back or close; the ice-skating rink operates. Weather is cold and often gray. Rates drop significantly. Best for travelers seeking solitude or a working-from-Portland base.

Spring (April–May): Mud season inland, but Portland stays fairly dry. Restaurants reopen. Shoulder-season pricing. Less reliable but cheaper than summer or fall.

"Neighborhood was outstanding. Many ethnic restaurants on Washington Street. Local brewpub was within easy walking distance."

• Maureen, United States · Couple · 9/10

"Beautiful apartment, clean, comfortable, fully stocked."

• Aldona, United States · Group · 9/10

"The location was great for accessing all the cool stuff to do in Portland, and the owners were very responsive."

• Phoebe, United States · Group · 9/10

"Fantastic place!"

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

"Perfect base for walking downtown."

• Phoebe, United States · Group · 9/10

"Great location, close to several nice restaurants and bars."

• Madeline, United States · Family · 7/10

The minor criticisms center on the unit's age. Window treatments need updating, and street noise on some mornings can wake light sleepers - especially on weekends. One guest noted it's "not the most attractive unit but totally fine for a short stay," a fair summary of the vibe. There was a single problematic booking experience flagged; most guests had smooth, responsive interactions with the owners.

• 7 minutes walk: Downtown Portland - Dock Square, Exchange Street shops, galleries, and evening bar scene.
• 12 minutes walk: East End Beach - a quiet neighborhood strand with views back toward the city and Casco Bay.
• 10 minutes walk: Portland Observatory (1312 feet) - 86-step climb for 360-degree views of the city, islands, and White Mountains on clear days.
• 15 minutes walk: Portland Museum of Art - contemporary and regional collections; under half a mile away.
• 5 minutes walk: Washington Street restaurant corridor - ethnic cuisines, casual brewpubs, and neighborhood spots locals actually frequent.
• 20 minutes walk or short drive: Cape Elizabeth Light - Maine's most photographed lighthouse, about 4 miles south on Route 77.
• 15 minutes drive: Two Lights State Park - Crashing Atlantic views, walking trails, and a working lobster shack.

Is there a kitchen? Yes - fully equipped with stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator, toaster, and full kitchenware. A dining table seats the group. Great for families or anyone cooking some meals.

Is there a washer and dryer? There is a washing machine on-site. No dryer mentioned in the amenities - confirm with the owners before booking if you need laundry facilities.

How far is it from downtown Portland? About seven minutes on foot. The East End neighborhood sits north of downtown; Dock Square and the Old Port are easily walkable for dinner or evening drinks.

Is breakfast included? No - this is an apartment rental, not a hotel. You'll cook or walk to nearby restaurants and cafés on Washington Street or downtown.

Is parking available? The listing doesn't specify parking. Confirm directly with the owners - Portland street parking can be tight, and some apartments include spot assignment while others don't.

How far is Portland International Jetport? About 3.1 miles (roughly 15–20 minutes by car or rideshare from the airport).

Are there any fees beyond the nightly rate? One guest reported unexpected additional charges at checkout. Confirm the full booking terms and any fees (cleaning, service, etc.) before confirming your reservation.