Hotels & GuesthousesPortland

State of Charm

State of Charm: A Two-Bedroom Retreat in Portland's West End

9.5

Why Stay

Why State of Charm

State of Charm occupies a corner of State Street in Portland's most walkable neighborhood - the kind of address where you can forget your car exists. This isn't a hotel; it's a residential apartment with two proper bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a kitchen built for cooking, not just reheating. You'll find it steps from indie bookstores, coffee roasters, and the brick-lined blocks that make the West End feel like an actual neighborhood rather than a tourist zone.

A full kitchen means actual meals, not hotel room dining. The space includes a stovetop, oven, dishwasher, microwave, and full refrigerator. If you're traveling with a family or staying more than a night or two, this changes everything - you can buy fresh lobster rolls from a fishmonger and eat them on your own table, or prep breakfast without the hotel-lobby shuffle.

The West End location puts you within walking distance of everything that matters in Portland. Merrill Auditorium is a 13-minute walk. Victoria Mansion, the city's best-preserved Victorian estate, is just over a quarter-mile away. Congress Street, the heart of Portland's dining and shopping corridor, is a few blocks south. You won't need a car for most of a two- to three-day stay.

Two real bedrooms mean families and multi-generational groups actually have privacy. Unlike hotel suites, each bedroom can close a door. Guests have specifically called out the comfortable beds and the extra bathroom as key perks for longer stays.

Pets are welcome, and you have a barbecue and private outdoor access - rare amenities in Portland's apartment-rental market.

Rooms

The rooms

State of Charm is a single two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment occupying its own unit. The space is described as spacious - a genuine distinction from typical downtown Portland hotel rooms, which tend toward the cozy. Both bedrooms have real beds with quality linens, and the layout gives each room a sense of separation rather than the open-concept layout many modern rentals default to.

  • Apartment (2 bed, 2 bath): Full kitchen, separate living area, laundry in unit.

One caveat worth noting: this is a residential apartment, not a hotel. There is no front desk, no daily housekeeping, and no concierge. Guests handle their own check-in and checkout, and should expect a home-rental experience rather than a service-oriented one.

At a Glance

At a glance

Guest score

9.5 Exceptional

Amenities

On-site amenities

Kitchen & Dining · Fully equipped kitchen with stovetop, oven, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, and kettle · Tea and coffee maker · Barbecue for outdoor grilling

Practical · Free WiFi · Washer and dryer in unit · Air conditioning and heating · Luggage storage · TV

Safety · Smoke alarms · Carbon monoxide detector · Smoke-free property

Seasons

When to visit

Spring (April–May) Portland's best season for walking around the West End. Trees come back, sidewalk cafes open, and the neighborhood feels alive. The Portland Art Gallery restarts after winter. Plan on mild temps and rain.

Summer (June–August) Peak season for tourism, which means busier streets and restaurants with longer waits, but also warmth and daylight until 9 p.m. The Old Port and waterfront fill up, and ferries to Casco Bay Islands run daily. Barbecue weather.

Fall (September–October) A quieter version of summer. Leaf-peeping inland draws some crowds out of the city, so West End feels more residential again. Afternoons are still warm; evenings require a sweater.

Winter (November–March) The quietest season. Many tourists have left; restaurants and galleries stay open but are less crowded. Cold, shorter days. The ice-skating rink mentioned in the location description operates during these months.

Reviews

What guests say

"We could walk everywhere we needed to go. The beds were comfortable and the kitchen had just what we needed."

  • Mary, United States · Family · 10/10

Appreciated the location and space for a multi-night stay, ideal for a couple exploring Portland on foot.

  • Tyler, United States · Couple · 9/10

With only two reviews on file, there are no consistent criticisms to surface. Both guests rated the experience 9 or higher, citing walkability and the practical comfort of a full kitchen and multiple bedrooms.

Location

Things to do nearby

  • Congress Street (3 blocks) - Portland's main drag for restaurants, galleries, and cocktail bars.
  • Merrill Auditorium (13 minutes walk) - Home to the Portland Symphony Orchestra and touring Broadway shows.
  • Victoria Mansion (quarter-mile) - A jaw-dropping 1858 Italian Renaissance villa with period rooms and a top-tier guided tour.
  • Wadsworth Longfellow House (5 blocks) - The childhood home of the 19th-century poet, now a museum run by the National Park Service.
  • Portland Observatory (10 minutes walk) - A restored 1807 signal tower with views over the harbor and islands.
  • Eastern Promenade Trail (8 minutes walk) - A 2-mile cliff-top path along the waterfront, perfect for jogging or a slow afternoon stroll.
  • Dock Square (15 minutes walk) - The Old Port's warren of fish markets, tourist shops, and serious restaurants.

FAQ

Good to know

Is this apartment on the water? No. State of Charm is on State Street in the West End, a residential neighborhood inland from the waterfront. The Eastern Promenade waterfront path is about an eight-minute walk away.

Is breakfast included? No. The apartment has a full kitchen, so you're expected to supply or prepare your own. Several nearby cafes - including coffee roasters within a two-block walk - can substitute if you prefer to eat out.

Is there parking? The listing doesn't specify included parking. Given the location on State Street in downtown Portland, you may need to pay for street parking or a lot. Confirm with the property before booking if you're bringing a car.

Can I bring a pet? Yes. The property is pet-friendly, though size and breed restrictions may apply. Contact the host directly to confirm your specific pet.

Is laundry included? Yes. A washing machine is in the unit, a significant advantage for families or longer stays. You'll need to supply your own detergent.

How far is the airport? Portland International Jetport is 2.5 miles away, roughly a 10-minute drive or 30-minute rideshare ride. Public transportation options are limited; a rental car or taxi is recommended.

Can I barbecue? Yes. The property includes a barbecue, a rare amenity in downtown Portland. Confirm any rules about timing or fuel type when you book.

Guides

Restaurants

Nearby restaurants

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American

Portland

Wharf Street Yacht Club

Dive bar energy meets craft cocktails on Portland's waterfront. Happy hour bites, strong drinks, vegan options. Open Wed–Sun on Wharf Street.

$$$

Contemporary American

Portland

Fore Street

Wood-fired contemporary American in Portland's Old Port. Daily-changing menu of local seafood, farm vegetables, and meats. James Beard-recognized since 1996.

$$$

Bistro

Portland

Isa Bistro

Award-nominated chef Isaul Perez serves inventive seasonal bistro fare - eggplant lasagna, lobster tostada, sole - in a cozy Portland room. Reservations essential.

$$$

Indian

South Portland

Taj Indian Cuisine

Award-winning Indian restaurant in South Portland with handcrafted cocktails, a celebrated lunch buffet, and outdoor igloos. James Beard semifinalist.

$$$

Farm-to-table

Portland

Bread & Friends

Michelin-level farm-to-table dining in a casual bakery setting. Grilled oysters, duck, harissa carrots & house-baked bread. Dinner Thu–Sun, brunch daily.

$$$

Sushi & Seafood

Portland

Mr. Tuna

Fresh Gulf of Maine tuna and inventive sushi in Portland. Chef Jordan Rubin's casual sushi bar earns Food & Wine #6 ranking and James Beard recognition.

$$$

Northern Italian

Portland

Solo Italiano

Northern Italian restaurant in Portland led by Chef Paolo Laboa. Handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and an all-Italian wine list. Perfect for special occasions.

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Chinese (Cantonese + creative)

Portland

Lucky Cheetah

Underground fine-dining Chinese in Portland with creative dim sum, craft cocktails, and exceptional service. Champagne pairings and a sexy atmosphere.

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Contemporary American

Portland

David's Restaurant

Award-winning chef David's in downtown Portland serves contemporary American cuisine with Maine seafood, housemade pasta, and famous meatloaf in a casual-elegant setting.

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Italian-American

Portland

Benny's

Philly-inspired Italian-American comfort food in Portland's Arts District. Chicken parm, cheesesteak, and tiramisu. Reservations essential.

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Mexican

Portland

Bird & Co.

Best tacos in Portland at Woodfords Corner. Creative fillings, margaritas, full vegan menu, brunch. Casual neighborhood gem under $30. Reserve ahead.

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Argentine Bodegón

Portland

Franciska

Intimate 20-seat wine bar in Portland's Old Port serving Argentine Bodegón cuisine with house-made specialties and curated global wines. Reservations essential.

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