The Chadwick Bed and Breakfast
The Chadwick Bed and Breakfast: Portland's Most Beloved Small Inn

Why Stay
Why The Chadwick Bed and Breakfast
The Chadwick isn't trying to be a hotel. It's a restored historic home on Chadwick Street - a tree-lined residential block on Portland's West Side - where four guest rooms, a working fireplace, a porch with rocking chairs, and a backyard with a fire pit exist to make you feel less like a visitor and more like you're staying with people who actually care about your stay. The owners, Erin and Zachary, run the place with their three huskies, and guests don't stop talking about the breakfast. Not "nice breakfast." Not "included breakfast." They mean the gourmet, changing-daily, made-from-scratch breakfast that has people booking return trips before they check out.
The Chadwick scores 9.1 overall from 101 reviews - Wonderful. Couples rate it even higher, at 9.0, and the property has earned a reputation as one of Portland's quietest, most attentive small inns.
The breakfast is the headline. Erin is a trained chef who changes the menu every morning - you'll find smoked salmon and overnight oats one day, gourmet French Bistro-style plates the next, blueberry smoothies, creative egg dishes, and pastries that guests say are worth the room rate alone. Reviews consistently describe it as "gourmet," "delicious," and "creative." Solo travelers, couples, and families all return specifically for this meal.
The hosts know how to be innkeepers. Erin and Zachary have mastered the balance between warmth and privacy. They greet you genuinely, offer real local recommendations for dining and sightseeing, help with logistics (one guest recalled Erin driving their rental car up and down the driveway during an ice storm), and then step back. International guests praise their hospitality with particular enthusiasm; one visitor from Ireland called Erin "a long lost sister."
It's a genuine historic home, not a hotel dressed up as one. The house has character - fireplace, natural wood finishes, thick fluffy towels, comfortable beds, a shared living room stocked with books and board games, a hammock in the backyard, and a fire pit. A few rooms have en-suite bathrooms; a couple require a private-but-hallway bath. This is the trade-off of a real 1800s house, and most guests find the authenticity worth it.
You're exactly where you need to be. A 20–30 minute walk puts you at the Old Port and waterfront. Downtown restaurants and shops are near enough to reach on foot, but the neighborhood itself is quiet and residential. Free parking is included - a genuine convenience in Portland.
The three huskies are part of the experience. They're contained in the kitchen and known for their "daily chorus." Guests find them entertaining and memorable. (If dogs make you uncomfortable, flag this in advance.)
Rooms
The rooms
The Chadwick has four guest rooms in the main historic building, each with its own personality and name. All feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms (though not all en-suite), work desks, and views of the garden or city. Several have fireplaces - electric, but atmospheric. The house does have stairs; if mobility is a concern, mention it when booking.
- The Chamberlain (King) - Spacious, a guest favorite with sitting chair and desk. Several reviews note this room's size and comfort.
- The Baxter (Queen) - The most frequently booked room; consistently praised for comfort and coziness.
- The Longfellow (Superior Queen) - Slightly more upscale finish and space. Good value if you want more room.
- The Abbott (Standard Queen) - Compact but perfectly appointed; one solo traveler called it "small but very comfortable."
A small number of guests note that some rooms have hallway bathrooms rather than en-suite, and one mentioned thin walls or noise from adjacent rooms. These are honest quirks of a historic house; the hosts are responsive if you have concerns.
At a Glance
At a glance
Style
Historic home–converted bed & breakfast; 4 rooms; adults-focused
Best for
Couples, quiet getaways, foodies, first-time Portland visitors
Price tier
Upper-mid-range; good value for the experience and breakfast
Open
Year-round
Walk to downtown
20–30 minutes on foot
Guest score
9.1 Wonderful
Couples score
9.0 / 10
Standout amenities
Gourmet daily breakfast · attentive hosts · fire pit · walkable location · free parking
Details
Check-in / out
Amenities
On-site amenities
Breakfast & Dining · Gourmet daily breakfast included · Coffee and tea available all day · Wine and beer available for purchase · Snack bar with cheese crackers and microwave popcorn
Outdoors & Gathering Spaces · Fire pit in backyard · Porch with rocking chairs · Garden · Outdoor furniture · Hammock · Fountain
Guest Rooms · Air-conditioning · Private bathroom · Flat-screen TV with cable and streaming service · Fireplace (electric) · Work desk · Bedside charging · Walk-in shower or bathtub
Living Area · Shared living room with comfortable seating · Selection of books, board games, jigsaw puzzles · WiFi throughout
Host Services · Private check-in and check-out · Concierge recommendations for dining and activities · Baggage storage · Responsive to text and email · Express check-in option
The breakfast is serious enough to warrant its own section. Erin prepares a different menu each morning - not a rotation, but actually different every single day. Guests mention smoked salmon, overnight oats, gourmet egg dishes, French Bistro-style plates, creative smoothies, pastries, and fresh fruit. Coffee is excellent and available all day, along with tea. Dietary requests are honored, though booking directly (rather than through a third-party site) makes the process smoother. One guest who booked via Booking.com had to request dietary accommodations the morning of arrival; had they communicated in advance, it would've been seamless.
Seasons
When to visit
Spring (April–May) The neighborhood blooms; it's a popular time for Portland visits. Weather is cool to mild. Pool areas elsewhere in Portland are opening. Rooms book quickly mid-May through early June.
Summer (June–August) Peak season. Warm, waterfront access is at its best, and Old Port foot traffic is high. The Chadwick can be fully booked; book well in advance. Blueberries appear on breakfast plates.
Fall (September–October) Still warm early in the season, cooling by late October. Leaf-peepers are active. A great time - still busy but slightly less crowded than summer. Breakfast features autumn ingredients.
Winter (November–March) Quiet and cozy. Fewer tourists; you'll feel like you have Portland to yourself. Heating works well; the fireplace and porch rocking chairs are less inviting in cold, but the interior is warm and intimate. A popular time for couples seeking a romantic getaway.
Reviews
What guests say
The breakfast is worth the price all by itself. Erin is a great chef.
- Michele, United States · Couple · 10/10
Warm and welcoming staff. Great team, especially the three furry taste testers they employ. One of the friendliest, most homely places we've ever stayed in.
- Laura, United Kingdom · Couple · 10/10
The hosts were very friendly and outgoing. The breakfast was delicious. Very comfortable in all aspects and convenient for its location.
- Eric, United States · Couple · 10/10
Household personalities, great breakfasts, privacy, my own bathroom, fabulous location. Treated with warmth and kindness constantly.
- Rachelle, United States · Solo traveler · 10/10
Erin and Zachary couldn't do enough to ensure our stay was perfect. The breakfasts were superb. Erin is a masterful cook. It felt like gourmet dining every morning.
- Steven, United Kingdom · Couple · 10/10
The room was small but very comfortable. They have thought about many ways to make your stay pleasurable. The owners are caring and personable.
- Renee, United States · Solo traveler · 9/10
Most criticisms center on logistics rather than service. A few guests note that hallway bathrooms require a quick walk, and one or two mention tight parking on the street or low water pressure in showers. One family noted the huskies are more present than expected if you have a dog phobia; guests with concerns should mention this at booking. The property limits guest access to daylight hours (you can't arrive early or linger after checkout), which is stated upfront but worth knowing.
Location
Things to do nearby
The Chadwick sits about 1.2 miles from downtown Portland - close enough to walk, but far enough to feel residential and quiet.
- 0.5 mi to Portland Stadium and ice-skating rink - Quick walk for seasonal fun.
- 20–30 min walk to the Old Port - Portland's historic and commercial heart; narrow streets, shops, galleries, and seafood restaurants.
- 25 min walk to the Portland Museum of Art - A major cultural draw on Congress Street.
- 15 min drive to Cape Elizabeth Lighthouses - Two iconic lighthouses on craggy points; about 10 miles south.
- 30 min drive to Boothbay Harbor - Picturesque harbor town with shops, galleries, and working fishing docks.
- 2.5 mi to Portland International Jetport - Easy airport access.
- Walking distance to West Side restaurants and cafes - The neighborhood itself has good dining options; guests mention being able to walk everywhere for meals.
- 15 min drive to Crescent Beach and Two Lights State Park - Ocean views and hiking trails.
FAQ
Good to know
Is breakfast really included every day? Yes. A full, gourmet breakfast prepared fresh each morning is included with every stay. Menu changes daily. Coffee and tea are available all day. Wine and beer can be purchased.
Is The Chadwick good for couples? Absolutely. Couples rate it 9.0 / 10. Many reviewers book specifically for anniversaries and romantic getaways. Quiet, intimate, and thoughtful touches make it ideal.
Are the rooms en-suite bathrooms? Most rooms have private bathrooms, but not all are attached to the bedroom. Some require a brief private walk across the hall. This is typical of historic homes. Confirm your room type when booking if this matters to you.
Can I check in early or stay late? No. The property maintains strict check-in (usually 3 or 4 p.m.) and check-out (usually 11 a.m.) hours. You cannot access the property outside these windows. This is clearly stated in advance.
What are the huskies like? Friendly, well-behaved, and contained in the kitchen area. They're not in guest rooms or common areas. Most guests find them charming; if you have dog anxiety or phobia, alert the hosts beforehand.
Is parking included? Yes, free parking is included. It's street parking on Chadwick Street, which guests generally find convenient though occasionally tight on busy weekends.
How far is it to downtown Portland? About 1.2 miles. A 20–30 minute walk gets you to the Old Port, restaurants, shops, and galleries. Close enough to be convenient; far enough to feel like a quiet neighborhood retreat.
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