Extended Stay America Suites - Portland - Scarborough

Located just 2.5 miles from Portland International Jetport, Extended Stay America Suites - Portland - Scarborough markets itself as a functional alternative to traditional hotels. The property targets families, solo travelers, and couples on short visits or longer stints who value kitchenette access and straightforward amenities over finesse. It's the kind of place where you know exactly what you're getting: a room with a stove, a fridge, and parking included - no surprises in either direction.

The hotel delivers on its core promise: kitchens work, beds are mostly comfortable, and staff friendliness appears consistently across reviews. But the property struggles with execution on fundamentals. Cleanliness remains the most divisive issue, with reviewers split between "clean room, fair value" and detailed descriptions of unacceptable conditions. Maintenance shortfalls - broken appliances, low water pressure, malfunctioning elevators - recur throughout the data. The breakfast offering is universally described as minimal, and pet-related issues (dogs barking, lingering odors, grounds cleanliness) frustrate a vocal subset of guests.

This is not a hotel for those who prioritize ambiance or pristine conditions. It's a pit stop - useful because of what it includes, tolerated because of what it costs, and worth considering if you're passing through and need a functional kitchen.

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Full kitchens in every room change the economics of a short trip. No hunting for takeout in unfamiliar neighborhoods. Guests repeatedly single out the kitchenette - with stovetop, microwave, refrigerator, and full-size fridge - as the standout feature. Families mention saving money by preparing meals; couples appreciate the option to cook breakfast in their pajamas.

The location near the airport makes it ideal for early arrivals and late departures. Two and a half miles from Portland International Jetport means you can land, grab a cheap rental car, and be settled in a room with a working kitchen in 15 minutes. Several guests note using the hotel as a night-before-surgery base or a recovery spot after hospital visits, where having a kitchenette nearby eliminates logistical friction.

Friendly front desk staff and responsive management stand out. A handful of guests mention by-name staff (Nanda, Patricia) who went above and beyond - early 5 a.m. check-ins, rapid responses to maintenance issues, refunds when conditions fell short. The property manager and daytime staff seem genuinely engaged; night staff and housekeeping consistency is the weak point.

Wheelchair-accessible rooms with roll-in showers and grab bars exist and are priced within reach. One guest, wheelchair-bound, praised the accessible room - including a wheel-in shower with transfer bench - as exceptional value at $89. This is rare in the budget sector.

Parking is free and on-site. No metered streets, no garage hunts, no daily fees. Useful for anyone staying more than a night or two.

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The hotel occupies a multi-floor building with elevator access (though that elevator breaks periodically). Rooms are studio-style layouts with a bed, kitchenette, work desk, and bathroom. The standard unit feels compact but functional - adequate for a night, potentially cramped for a week-long stay.

Room categories pulled from guest reviews:

• Queen Studio - Non-Smoking - The standard offering. One queen bed, full kitchen, bathroom. Most common booking.
• Studio with 1 King Bed - Non-Smoking - Larger sleeping area; same kitchen and layout. Better for couples seeking space.
• Studio with 2 Double Beds - Non-Smoking - Two double beds, kitchenette, bathroom. Family or group option.
• Queen Studio with 1 Queen Bed - Disability Access/Non-Smoking - Roll-in shower, grab bars, lowered countertops, bench seat in shower. ADA-compliant.

Honest caveat: Beds themselves earn mixed marks. Some guests call them "super comfy"; others describe them as hard and uncomfortable. Wear and tear is visible - one guest found stained headboards, peeling furniture, and worn carpet. If you're sensitive to noise, request a room away from hallways and upper floors; thin walls and sound travel are recurring complaints. Cleanliness at turnover varies significantly; check the microwave, fridge, bathroom corners, and closet shelves before settling in.

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Grounds & Parking - Free on-site parking, picnic area with BBQ facilities, elevator access to upper floors. Outdoor seating limited. Grounds maintenance is inconsistent per reviews.

In-Room Kitchen & Utilities - Full kitchenette with stovetop, microwave, refrigerator, toaster, kitchenware (though guests report empty cabinets at check-in - pack basic utensils if staying more than one night), work desk, private bathroom with tub/shower, air conditioning, heating.

Practical Services - Free WiFi (basic speed included; premium available at extra cost), laundry facilities on-site, vending machines for snacks and drinks, non-smoking rooms throughout, facilities for disabled guests, pet-friendly (with noted complications around management and cleanliness).

Breakfast - Complimentary grab-and-go breakfast included: typically two types of muffins, a nutrition bar, and hot coffee. Universally panned as minimal and uninspiring. Not worth factoring into your decision.

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Summer (June–August) - Peak season. Families traveling before fall school; leaf-peeping season hasn't started. Rates rise mid-June through Labor Day. Pool facilities (if any) are open. Nearby attractions like Funtown and Old Orchard Beach are fully operational. Weather is warm; no heating needed.

Fall (September–November) - Shoulder to peak foliage season. Some guests report rates spiking on weekends in October. The hotel remains open year-round. Excellent weather for coastal walks at Cape Elizabeth and hiking at Range Pond.

Winter (December–February) - Off-season rates drop significantly. Fewer families. Heating runs; outdoor attractions like picnic areas and BBQ facilities are rarely used. Some guests note using the hotel as a recovery base near Maine Medical Center during winter surgeries and hospitalizations.

Spring (March–May) - Unpredictable Maine weather. Rates moderate as Easter passes. Outdoor BBQ and picnic area become usable by late May. Portland restaurants and shops are in full swing.

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"Room was spacious and clean, bed was super comfy. Fair value for the price." - Meredith, United States · Family · 7/10

"I like the kitchen. Location very very convenient." - Potter & Lyman, United States · Couple · 7/10 & 6/10

"Friendly staff, comfortable bed, great price. The elevator was broken so had to lug our things." - Amber, United States · Group · 8/10

"Perfect wheelchair-friendly. Wheel-in shower with bench seat for $89. Rarely included at budget level." - Allyson, United States · Couple · 9/10

"Staff is wonderful. The rooms are under major renovations." - Soliman, United States · Solo · 10/10

"It was quiet, like an Airbnb. Very hidden." - Tazmi, United States · Couple · 7/10

Common criticisms, summarized: Multiple guests report arriving to rooms that weren't fully cleaned - leftover coffee cups in microwaves, towels on floors, dishes and utensils missing despite full kitchens advertised. Breakfast is a sore point: muffins and coffee don't justify the "included" label. Pet management is inconsistent - barking dogs at night, hallway odors, and grounds littered with dog waste frustrate those seeking quiet. Noise transmission between rooms is noticeable. A small but vocal cohort found conditions severe enough to check out immediately, citing odors (cigarette smoke, marijuana, wet dog), mold, stains, and visible filth. These are outliers in the 1–2 score range, but they're not isolated incidents. The property appears to cycle between acceptable and unacceptable depending on which housekeeper worked your room and what time you arrive.

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• Portland International Jetport - 2.5 miles south; about 10 minutes by car. Ideal for arriving passengers.
• Funtown Splashtown USA - 9.3 miles west in Saco; seasonal water park and amusement rides. Opens late May through Labor Day.
• Old Orchard Beach Pier - 11 miles south; classic Maine seaside boardwalk with arcade, restaurants, and sand beach. Family draw year-round.
• Downtown Portland & Dock Square - 6 miles north; restored brick warehouse district with restaurants, galleries, and shops. The city's cultural heart.
• L.L.Bean flagship store - 7 miles west in Freeport; iconic Maine retailer and tourist destination.
• Range Pond State Park - 5 miles northwest; hiking and lake access.
• Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse - 8 miles south; Two Lights State Park offers clifftop walking trails and Atlantic views.
• Shopping at The Maine Mall - 3 miles north; traditional indoor mall near downtown.

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Is breakfast included? Yes, a complimentary grab-and-go breakfast is included: usually two muffin varieties, a nutrition bar, and hot coffee. Guests universally describe it as minimal. Don't expect fresh pastries or eggs. Bring your own groceries and use the kitchen if you want a real breakfast.

Do I need to bring dishes, cups, and cooking utensils? The kitchenette comes equipped with stovetop, microwave, fridge, and toaster, but cabinets are often empty at check-in. Multiple guests report missing cups, plates, forks, and knives. Call the front desk immediately upon arrival; they may provide a basic set. Otherwise, buy disposables or pack your own for stays longer than one night.

How far is it from the airport? Portland International Jetport is 2.5 miles away, about 10 minutes by car or taxi. Ideal for early arrivals or last-minute overnight stays. No shuttle service is mentioned in reviews; you'll need a rental car or rideshare.

Is the hotel pet-friendly? Yes, pets are allowed. However, reviews consistently mention dog barking at night, lingering odors in hallways, and grounds littered with dog waste. If you're traveling without a pet, request a room away from the parking lot and note that quiet is not guaranteed. If you're bringing a pet, expect neighbors' dogs and be prepared for potential noise.

What's the deal with the "condemned" rooms? Multiple guests mention seeing rooms marked "condemned" or "out of order" on the second floor. A property manager's reply suggests flooding caused the closure. The signs are ominous-looking rather than reassuring. Rooms near condemned units may have lingering odors or noise. Request a room away from the second-floor hallway if possible.

Is the elevator reliable? Several guests report the elevator being broken during their stay, forcing them to carry luggage up stairs. This is an accessibility issue for elderly guests and families with small children. Call ahead to confirm elevator status, or request a ground-floor room.

Are rooms actually clean? It depends. Half of guests report clean, well-maintained rooms and satisfactory turnover. The other half describe arriving to rooms with previous guests' belongings, food waste in sinks, dirty towels, dust, and odors. Arrive early enough to request a change if needed. Inspect the microwave, fridge interior, bathroom grout, and closet shelf before unpacking.

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