Long Creek Hotel

Long Creek Hotel sits in that middle ground where most travelers land: close enough to Portland Jetport that you won't waste your arrival or departure hour in a rental car, but far enough from downtown to keep nightly rates reasonable. It's the kind of place where regulars cycle through a couple times a year because the location works and the staff remembers your name. The property itself shows its age - and reviewers are candid about that - but if you're looking for a clean bed, hot breakfast, and a working pool without paying upscale prices, this is where South Portland delivers.

The hotel draws a steady mix of couples, families en route to the Maine Mall, and solo travelers catching an early flight. Pool temperatures run warm year-round, the front desk team earns consistent praise, and parking is free and plentiful. The trade-off is clear: you're trading fresh finishes and interior design for proximity and value.

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Staff goes the extra mile. Reviewers consistently single out the front desk team for genuine friendliness and willingness to solve problems on the spot. No scripts, no phone tree - just people who want you comfortable. Several guests who've stayed multiple times mention staff by personality alone ("She was awesome," "Very kind").

Location works for airport trips and mall runs. The hotel sits 1.2 miles from Portland Jetport and walking distance to the Maine Mall. If you're catching an early flight or spending an afternoon shopping, you save 20–30 minutes of driving versus staying closer to downtown Portland. The I-295 on-ramp is minutes away for anyone heading north toward Acadia or south toward Old Orchard Beach.

The pool is genuinely warm and clean. Families praise the heated indoor pool, especially guests with younger kids. Unlike some hotels where the pool is an afterthought, this one sees regular care. It's open year-round, which matters for families visiting in colder months when the weather doesn't cooperate.

Breakfast is included but simple. Continental offerings include cereal, bread, fruit, sausage patties, juice, and coffee. Several reviewers note the menu has shrunk over time and items run out by 8 a.m. on busy mornings. It's no gourmet spread, but it costs nothing and covers the basics for an early departure.

Free parking and no hidden fees. In an era when hotels add charges for everything, this property offers free on-site parking and a straightforward booking. One caveat: some guests report unexpected card holds or late-discovered charges - read your confirmation carefully.

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The hotel has a mix of standard layouts and mobility-accessible rooms, all non-smoking. Standard Queen and King rooms dominate the guest mix, with a handful of suites available for families needing extra space.

• Standard King Room: Most common, appears in roughly half the reviews. One bed, standard finishes.
• Standard Queen Room with Two Queen Beds: Couples and families splitting a room.
• Double Room with Two Double Beds: Ground-floor option, often booked by families.
• King Room with Mobility Access/Non-Smoking: Accessible bathroom, roll-in shower, grab bars.
• King Suite with Mobility Accessible Tub: Larger layout for guests needing space and accessibility.

What to expect: Rooms are functional and dated. Reviewers praise comfortable beds in some units ("Loved the bed!") but warn that quality varies significantly room to room. A few guests report lumpy pillows, thin walls (you'll hear the elevator and hallway traffic), and finishes that haven't been refreshed in years. Maintenance issues crop up frequently: loose plugs, running toilets, broken hinges, water pooling on AC units. Housekeeping is inconsistent - some guests find rooms immaculate, others report dust on lamps, fingers marks on doors, and musty odors. If cleanliness is non-negotiable, inspect your room at check-in and request a change immediately.

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Winter (December–February): Peak season for airport travelers and families on school breaks. The pool and hot tub operate year-round. Snow removal is occasionally delayed (one guest shoveled the walkway themselves). Bundle up; the Northeast corridor is cold.

Spring (March–May): Shoulder season. Weather warms, Easter families and spring-break visitors arrive. Pool is heated and welcoming. Breakfast can run short on items mid-morning.

Summer (June–August): School vacation peaks. The hotel fills with families heading to Funtown Splashtown USA (9.3 miles) or Old Orchard Beach (11 miles). Pool is perfect. Hot tub jets sometimes malfunction under heavy use.

Fall (September–November): Moderate traffic. Great time to visit if you want a quieter stay. Weather is cool but pool remains heated. Portland International Jetport sees steady business travel.

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"Staff were very nice, helpful, and understanding. Willing to accommodate guest no questions asked."

• Faith, United States · Couple · 6/10

"The front desk staff when checking in was extremely friendly. She was very kind. I forget what her name was, but she was awesome."

• Locke, United States · Couple · 7/10

"Location is great, walking distance to the Maine Mall. Maybe ten minutes to PWM. Ideal hotel for a quick night."

• Steven, United States · Group · 7/10

"Staff was very friendly, kids loved the pool and breakfast was nice."

• Obrien, United States · Group · 7/10

"The distance to everything was very simple and easy to get to. The pool was very clean and warm."

• Bethany, United States · Family · 7/10

"Convenient, pool, good sized room which was well maintained and equipped."

• Sally, United Kingdom · Couple · 6/10

The honest take: Cleanliness and maintenance are the consistent weak point. Multiple guests report mold or mildew smells in rooms, staining on carpets and furniture, dust in corners, and bathroom issues (clogged drains, soap dispensers empty, shower heads deteriorating). Housekeeping appears to prioritize speed over thoroughness. Several regulars who've stayed many times note the property hasn't kept up with upkeep and facilities feel older. Breakfast quality has declined, with common complaints about limited selection and items running out early. The hot tub jets frequently malfunction. If you're okay with "clean enough for one night" and can overlook cosmetic wear, you'll be fine. If you're expecting fresh finishes and pristine maintenance, look elsewhere or arrive with modest expectations.

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Is there an airport shuttle? There's a shuttle service, but it runs only 4 a.m. to 5 p.m. If your flight arrives or departs outside those hours, you'll need a rental car, taxi, or rideshare. The hotel is 1.2 miles away - a 5-minute drive.

Is breakfast included? Yes, continental breakfast is complimentary. Typical spread: cereal, bread, fruit, sausage patties, juice, and coffee. Hot items like eggs or waffles are rare. Busy mornings (7–8:30 a.m.) see items depleted quickly.

Is the pool heated? Yes, the indoor pool is heated and open year-round. Water temperature is consistently warm. However, the hot tub jets sometimes don't function properly and may need maintenance.

What's the pet policy? The hotel is pet-friendly. Pet bowls are available at the front desk. Confirm fees at booking - some guests report unexpected charges for service animals.

How close is the Maine Mall? Walking distance - roughly 10–15 minutes on foot or a 2-minute drive. Perfect for a quick shopping trip before checkout.

Is the property kid-friendly? Yes. The heated pool is the main draw for families. No kids' club or special programming, but the accessible layout and on-site amenities make a one-night family stop manageable.

Are there fitness facilities? A fitness center with basic equipment is on-site. One guest noted the sanitary wipes container in the gym was empty - bring your own or wipe equipment with your own supplies.

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