The Cushman

If you're bringing a family or small group to Portland and tired of standard hotel rooms, The Cushman offers something different: three full bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a working kitchen inside a thoughtfully restored 19th-century townhome on one of the city's most walkable streets. You get the independence of a rental apartment with the care of a professionally managed property.

Located on Cushman Street in Portland's coveted West End neighborhood, this isn't a quaint B&B - it's a real home. The private entrance, fully stocked kitchen with modern appliances, and separate living spaces make it work equally well for a family reunion, a multi-generational trip, or friends traveling together. At 9.6 out of 10, guests consistently praise the space, the location, and the thoughtfulness that goes into the details.

The West End is old Portland at its best: tree-lined blocks, Federal and Greek Revival architecture, locally owned cafés and restaurants within a five-minute walk, and none of the tourist-trap energy of the Old Port just south. You're staying in a real neighborhood.

Three full bedrooms mean everyone gets actual space. Unlike typical hotel rooms, each bedroom is separately appointed with quality linens and dedicated bathrooms - you're not sharing one shower among six people or watching kids sleep in a rollaway bed. This is where families and multi-generational groups save money on multiple hotel rooms while gaining comfort.

A fully equipped kitchen changes how you travel. You have a refrigerator, stovetop, oven, microwave, toaster, and proper kitchenware. Brew your own coffee in the morning, pack picnics for day trips to Two Lights State Park or Cape Elizabeth, or cook a casual dinner without hunting for room service. For longer stays or travel with dietary constraints, this alone justifies choosing The Cushman over hotels.

The location is walkable to almost everything that matters. Victoria Mansion - one of New England's finest Victorian houses - is less than a block away. Merrill Auditorium (home of the Portland Symphony) is 1.1 miles north. The Portland Observatory, Congress Square, and the Old Port's galleries and restaurants are all within a 10-minute walk or a short drive. You're close enough to downtown to explore on foot but far enough away from the noise and crowds to actually relax.

Modern essentials are all there. Free WiFi, air-conditioning, heating, washer/dryer, work desk with TV - you're not roughing it. The property is smoke-free and managed with clear communication, so there's no ambiguity about check-in or house rules.

The Cushman is organized across three levels with three separate bedrooms, each with its own character and privacy. The layout works because everyone has their own sleeping space and, more importantly, their own bathroom option. Beds are dressed in quality linens, and each room gets natural light from the historic windows that are part of the building's charm.

If you're traveling with young children or need wheelchair accessibility, confirm those specifics when booking - the townhome's historic architecture means there's at least one flight of stairs involved.

Kitchen & Food: Refrigerator, stovetop, oven, microwave, toaster, dishware, kitchenware · Tea and coffee maker included

Laundry & Practical: Washing machine and dryer · Baggage storage · 24-hour front desk support · Ironing facilities

Comfort & Technology: Air-conditioning and heating throughout · Free WiFi · Cable TV · Work desk · Private entrance

Bedrooms & Bathrooms: Towels, hairdryers, free toiletries in each bathroom · Quality linens in all beds

Spring (April–May): Portland's best season. Gardens are blooming, temperatures are mild (50–65°F), and locals are outside again after winter. The city feels alive without summer crowds. Victoria Mansion opens for tours after its winter closure in mid-April.

Summer (June–August): Warmest and busiest. Perfect for exploring the Maine coast, swimming at nearby beaches (Old Orchard, Cape Elizabeth), and catching outdoor concerts and festivals in Congress Square. Book early; everything fills up.

Fall (September–October): Mild and gorgeous, especially mid-September through late October. Foliage is vivid along the coast and inland. Summer tourists have left; restaurants and attractions are still fully open. A strong choice for couples and solo travelers.

Winter (November–March): Quiet and cold (25–40°F). Some restaurants and attractions have reduced hours; Victoria Mansion is closed January–March. Good for off-season rates if you don't mind brisk weather. The Portland ice skating rink is nearby and in season.

• Victoria Mansion - <0.6 mi, a jaw-dropping 1858 Italianate villa with opulent interiors; guided tours Tues–Sat.
• Congress Street - walking distance, Portland's cultural spine with galleries, vintage bookstores, and locally roasted coffee.
• The Portland Observatory - 0.4 mi, climb 86 steps for views across the harbor and islands; open May–October.
• Old Port - 0.8 mi, the waterfront district with shops, restaurants, and working wharves; good for evening walks.
• Two Lights State Park - 5 mi south in Cape Elizabeth, rocky shoreline with two functioning lighthouses and coastal hiking.
• Merrill Auditorium - 1.1 mi, home of Portland Symphony Orchestra; check the season's music and theater lineup.
• Portland Museum of Art - 0.9 mi, contemporary and regional work in a renovated historic building with strong American collections.

Is The Cushman right on the water? No - it's in the West End neighborhood, about a mile from the harbor and waterfront. You'll walk to water views rather than wake up to them, but you gain a quieter, more local experience.

What's the closest airport? Portland International Jetport (PWM) is 2.5 miles away - roughly a 10-minute drive or a 50-minute walk. Uber and taxis are readily available.

Is breakfast included? No. The appeal of The Cushman is the kitchen; you're expected to make your own breakfast or grab coffee at a nearby café (several within a 5-minute walk).

Are there parking options? Street parking is available on Cushman Street and nearby, though it can fill up in summer. Confirm parking details when you book; the property manager can advise on the best spots.

Is this property suitable for families with young children? Yes - the multiple bedrooms and kitchen make it ideal for families. Note that there are stairs in the townhome (it's a historic building), so parents of toddlers should be aware.

Can I do laundry here? Yes. The in-unit washer and dryer mean you can do laundry any time - great for longer stays or families with active kids.

How far is The Cushman from Portland's main attractions? Very close. Victoria Mansion and Congress Street are walkable. The Old Port waterfront is a 10-minute walk downhill. Portland Museum of Art is under a mile away.