Holiday Inn Portland By the Bay

The Holiday Inn Portland By the Bay sits exactly where it should: one block from the Old Port, steps from the Civic Center, and within walking distance of the Portland Museum of Art, boutiques, restaurants, and the harborfront. It's not a boutique property, and it doesn't pretend to be. What it is - reliably, consistently - is a three-star hotel that understands its job: get guests close to the action, feed them well, and let them sleep comfortably. Over 1,000 reviews confirm it's doing that work.

The building itself feels its age in small ways: elevator doors that show wear, carpets that have stories to tell, a lobby that's serviceable rather than swoon-worthy. But the rooms are clean, the beds genuinely comfortable, and the staff - from the front desk to the breakfast omelet station - treat guests like they matter. It's the kind of place where solo travelers come back, where couples book anniversary stays, where families know they'll find a hot breakfast and a pool to reset the day.

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The breakfast is worth the extra charge. Not all hotel breakfasts are equal. This one features a made-to-order omelet station where staff actually care about the food they're serving, plus pastries, fresh fruit, yogurt, pancakes, waffles, sausage, bacon, and potatoes. Multiple reviewers flagged it as a standout feature - one visitor from Iceland specifically praised the quality and the friendliness of the cook who prepared eggs to order. Yes, it costs extra. No, most guests don't regret it.

The location is genuinely walkable to everything. Ninety feet to the State Theatre. One block to the Old Port's shops and bars. Two blocks to Congress Street galleries. Easy walk to the Civic Center for hockey games and concerts. This isn't a hotel on the outskirts offering shuttle service to downtown - you're downtown. Reviewers who came for events, shows, or business meetings consistently noted they could leave the room and reach their destination on foot, even in snow.

The staff knows how to make a guest feel welcome. Friendly front desk. Helpful shuttle drivers who go above and beyond. An omelet cook who cares. Housekeeping who keeps rooms spotless. The property doesn't advertise itself as luxury, but it advertises itself through people, and that comes through in nearly every positive review.

Free Wi-Fi, free airport shuttle, and a heated indoor pool with extended hours. The pool opens at 5:30 a.m. and stays open until 11 p.m. - longer than most hotels offer. That's useful for early risers and families trying to tire out kids before bed. The shuttle saves money on rental cars or taxis. Free Wi-Fi is table stakes, but it works.

Good value for downtown Portland location. One reviewer noted being surprised by the room size and price point - spacious rooms at a mid-tier cost is rare in a walkable city center. The property caters to couples, families, and business travelers who want to be in the action without paying waterfront luxury rates.

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Standard rooms feature bright, clean finishes with two queen beds (the most common configuration) or king options. Rooms are described as "spacious" by multiple guests - a pleasant surprise at this price point. Beds are a consistent highlight; reviewers used words like "super comfy" and "plush" repeatedly. All rooms include a flat-screen TV, work desk, and tea/coffee maker. Some rooms overlook the city or water; corner premium rooms and ocean-view options offer better vistas. The building is older, so room finishes are traditional rather than modern, but everything functions well.

• Standard Room with Two Queen Beds - the workhorse option; clean, comfortable, good size for the rate
• Standard Room with King Bed - same layout, single bed instead
• Premium Queen Room with Two Queen Beds and Ocean View - upgraded finishes and a water view; notably better reviews
• Premium King Room with Ocean View - single king bed with water view; popular for couples
• Premium Corner King Room with Sofa Bed - largest option, sofa bed for extra sleep space, corner views

One honest note: temperature control in rooms is inconsistent. Multiple guests mentioned difficulty regulating heat - the system doesn't always respond intuitively. Call the front desk if you're cold or hot; maintenance is responsive. The heating system is functional but not granular.

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Food & Drink · Restaurant serving American cuisine (breakfast, lunch, dinner daily) · Bar with cocktails and beer · Coffee house in the lobby · Wine and champagne available

Pool & Relaxation · Heated indoor swimming pool (open 5:30 a.m.–11 p.m., all ages welcome) · Sauna · Steam room

Fitness & Activities · Fitness center · Bicycle rental · Bike tours · Walking tours · Live sports broadcast (watch games at the bar)

Practical · Free Wi-Fi throughout · Free airport shuttle · On-site parking (paid, $20/night) · 24-hour front desk · ATM on site · Business center with fax and photocopying · Room service · Express check-in/out · Baggage storage

For Families · Kids' meals available · Kid-friendly buffet at breakfast · Flat-screen TV in all rooms · Darts in the bar area

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The breakfast buffet deserves its own section because it's mentioned so often and so positively. The spread includes eggs (station-made omelets, scrambled, fried), fresh fruit, pastries, yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, bacon, sausage, and potatoes. It's included in some room packages and available for an additional charge on others - confirm at booking. The quality is notably above typical hotel-buffet standards. One international guest specifically called it "great, where they make eggs for you from scratch." Another noted the made-to-order station as "very good," staffed by someone "very genuine" who "cares deeply about the food he serves." One caveat: a small number of reviews mentioned the restaurant's dinner and lunch menus as unremarkable, and one guest had a food-safety concern. Overall, the breakfast reputation is earned; the restaurant itself is functional but not a destination.

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Fall (September–October) The leaf-peeping season brings visitors to Maine. Portland stays mild; the pool is still heated and pleasant. Weekend crowds increase, especially weekends. Nearby Acadia National Park and rural Down East Maine are at peak color. Indoor pool and sauna are nice bonuses.

Winter (November–March) Cold, sometimes snowy weather makes the hotel's downtown location particularly valuable - walk to dinner rather than navigate snow-covered roads. The pool and sauna are especially popular. Holiday décor in the lobby is noted in reviews (particularly December). Some reviewers enjoyed the "New England winter vibe" of snowy views from their rooms. The free airport shuttle is especially useful in winter weather.

Spring (April–May) Shoulder season with fewer crowds. Weather is unpredictable - rain and cold are common, but warming trends emerge late April. A good time to visit if you want the city without peak-season prices. The pool is heated year-round.

Summer (June–August) Peak season for Maine tourism. Portland fills with visitors, hotel rates rise, and downtown streets are busy. The pool is open and popular. Waterfront restaurants and shops have extended hours.

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"Breakfast was excellent! I especially appreciated the variety of offerings."

• Matthew, United States · Solo traveler · 9/10

"The pillows and the soft bed... we were satisfied with your stay."

• Sherry, United States · Family · 10/10

"Clean and comfortable with excellent staff and service."

• Betts, United States · Family · 10/10

"The room was spotless and the beds were comfortable. The view out the window looked out on the snow."

• Tim, United States · Couple · 9/10

"Absolutely perfect location, easily walkable to all points of interest even in winter."

• Champion, United States · Group · 10/10

"The rooms are big, they were clean and staff was very friendly. The breakfast is great."

• Óttar, Iceland · Group · 10/10

Minor friction points: Temperature control in rooms requires calling the front desk for adjustments. The parking garage is tight and narrow, making it challenging for large vehicles or nervous drivers - one reviewer noted only $20/night is reasonable for downtown, but the space itself is cramped. Elevators are noted as "slow and antiquated" by multiple guests and are flagged in property management responses as a known issue under active repair. A few guests mentioned the property feels dated overall, which is fair - it's a 1980s–90s–era chain hotel, not a renovated boutique. Lastly, parking isn't included in standard rates, and some guests were surprised by the $20 fee at check-in; clarify this at booking.

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• Old Port - one block away; galleries, antique shops, restaurants, harborfront walk
• State Theatre - across the street; concerts, theater, comedy shows
• Portland Museum of Art - 5-minute walk; modern and classical collections, well-regarded New England institution
• Children's Museum of Maine - 5-minute walk; hands-on exhibits for ages 3–10
• Congress Street Gallery District - 2-block walk; independent galleries, bookstores, cafes
• Civic Center - 2-block walk; home of the Portland Pirates hockey team, concerts, events
• Victoria Mansion - 8-minute walk; restored 19th-century mansion, historic interiors
• Waterfront Park & Eastern Promenade - 5-minute walk; walking trail along the bay, seasonal views, picnic spots

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Is the hotel on the water? No, it's one block inland in downtown Portland. However, the Eastern Promenade waterfront park is a 5-minute walk, and many rooms have water or city views. The location is waterfront-adjacent, not waterfront-on.

Is breakfast included? Breakfast is available for an additional charge on standard bookings, but some packages include it. Confirm at booking. When included, it's typically for two people; additional guests may be charged separately.

Is there free parking? No. Parking is $20 per night in the on-site garage or adjacent lot. This is standard for downtown Portland but should be factored into your budget.

Is the free airport shuttle reliable? Yes. Multiple reviews praised the shuttle and its driver, especially during winter weather. Call ahead to arrange pickup times.

Can I book directly to avoid fees? Yes. One reviewer specifically recommended booking directly through the hotel rather than third-party sites, citing easier modification options and direct communication with management.

What time is check-out? Standard check-out is 11 a.m. One reviewer wished it were noon. Call ahead if you need a late checkout; staff may accommodate.

Is the pool good for kids? Yes. The pool is heated, open from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., and has a shallow end. Kid-friendly meals are available at breakfast. One family noted bringing kids for a game or concert and using the pool to reset the evening.

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