Portland Sheraton at Sable Oaks

The Portland Sheraton at Sable Oaks sits in wooded grounds a mile from the airport - close enough for the free shuttle to matter, far enough that you're not hearing jet noise. It's a functional, well-maintained property that does what a business and family hotel should: clean rooms, a decent restaurant, an indoor pool, and staff who mostly get it right. The location near South Portland's shopping and dining makes it useful for travelers who want convenience without pretense.

The hotel draws couples, families, and the occasional solo traveler passing through Maine. Its strength isn't in luxury or surprise; it's in reliability and the small courtesies - free parking, the 24-hour shuttle, a fitness center, and grounds that are genuinely pleasant to walk. The restaurant has been a flashpoint across reviews - some travelers praise it highly, others say it's declined - so expectations should be modest if dining on-site.

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The free airport shuttle runs round the clock, and the proximity to Portland Jetport is real. One early-morning arrival at midnight, the shuttle was there. For anyone flying in late or leaving early, this is the most practical choice on the South Portland strip. The hotel is close enough to walk to restaurants and shops - the Maine Mall, chain restaurants, and coffee spots - but far enough back that you're in a quieter pocket.

The indoor heated pool and fitness center keep families and business travelers occupied without fuss. The pool is open year-round, and guests consistently note it as a draw, though one or two reported it closed for repairs during their stay and others found the water temperature inconsistent. Still, the fact that it's heated and available matters for shoulder-season visits.

Rooms are spacious and genuinely clean, with modern work desks and firm beds. Multiple reviewers - including a regular from Washington State - mentioned comfort and cleanliness as the reason they return. The walk-in showers are a small luxury, and streaming Netflix and YouTube in the room is now table stakes, but here it works.

The restaurant and breakfast service attract praise from most, though recent experiences are mixed. When breakfast is included or purchased, guests consistently call it excellent - smoked salmon, overnight oats, fresh fruit, coffee. The dinner menu offers solid options: one reviewer noted "exceptional" food and "efficient, friendly" dining staff. However, other recent guests reported understaffed service, missing menu items, and a decline in food quality since the restaurant was revamped. Go in with moderate expectations and you may be pleasantly surprised.

The location balances proximity to Portland attractions with quiet, wooded grounds. Guests appreciate that it's not downtown - no traffic noise, no crowded sidewalks - yet nearby destinations are accessible. It's a home base for exploring the Midcoast or Portland's Old Port, not a destination itself.

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The Sheraton offers standard and family configurations. All rooms include air conditioning, a work desk, and modern bathrooms with shampoo and soap; most have either a single king bed or two double beds. The building is straightforward - no boutique surprises, just reliable hotel-grade finishes: carpet, contemporary furniture, flat-screen TVs. One repeat guest noted some rooms need updates to baseboards or tile grout, a fair observation for a property of this age.

• Guest Room, 1 King – Single bed, suitable for couples or solo travelers. Walk-in shower, adequate space.
• Guest Room, 2 Double – Two double beds, configured for families or travelers who prefer extra space.

A honest caveat: multiple guests flagged that double beds are small for two adults to share comfortably, and the hotel has no queen-bed option. If you're a couple booking a double-bed room expecting more space, you'll be disappointed. Request the king if possible.

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Pool & Grounds · Indoor heated pool (open year-round, all ages) · Outdoor fireplace and picnic area · Beach chairs and towels provided · Landscaped grounds suitable for walking · Pet-friendly areas on property

Dining & Bar · On-site restaurant serving American lunch and dinner · Coffee house · Full bar with wine and champagne · Room service available

Fitness & Recreation · Fitness center with standard equipment · Free bicycle rental · Golf course within 2 miles

Practical · Free parking · Free airport shuttle (24-hour) · Electric vehicle charging station · Accessible parking and facilities for disabled guests · 24-hour front desk · Business center · Concierge · ATM on-site · Baggage storage · Express check-in/out

Cleaning & Services · Dry cleaning and laundry · Suit pressing and ironing service

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If you're opting in, breakfast is one of the property's genuine strengths. The spread includes fresh fruit, smoked salmon, overnight oats, pastries, coffee, and juice. One guest on a week-long holiday gave the breakfast five stars and noted how the waitstaff were pleasant and accommodating. The newer "Grab & Go" option addresses the need for speed during busy mornings. Breakfast is not typically included in standard room rates, so factor that into your pricing.

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Fall (September–October) The pool is still open and warm enough for families. Leaf-peeping season means crowded roads to Bar Harbor and the North Conway area, but the hotel itself remains accessible. Foliage peaks in early October. Book early if visiting during foliage weekends.

Winter (November–February) Snow is less frequent here than inland, so driving conditions are usually manageable. The heated indoor pool becomes a real asset. Holiday and winter-break travel fills rooms, so rates climb. Good for couples seeking a quiet getaway or business travelers.

Spring (March–May) The pool remains open and heated. Unpredictable weather and occasional snow, but tourism is lighter and rates drop. Easter break brings families. Shoulder-season pricing is often the best value.

Summer (June–August) Peak tourist season across Maine. The pool is busy with children, rooms fill quickly, and rates are highest. Good for families but not for travelers seeking calm. Book weeks in advance.

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"Shuttle from airport @ midnight. Very helpful and easy stay." - Dorothy, United States · Family · 9/10

"Great location, love the 24-hour shuttle and the hotel restaurant is excellent. Beautiful lobby, pool and gym." - Kim, United States · Family · 9/10

"Comfortable bed, clean, stylish. Big room, well equipped. Location was good. Elegant atmosphere." - Lauren, United States · Couple · 8/10

"I stay here every time I come to Maine. The staff are welcoming, the food is great, and the grounds are beautiful. It feels like coming home." - Williamson, United States · Family · 9/10

"The dinner menu provided an excellent selection. Food was exceptional. The dining room staff was friendly, efficient and a joy to be around." - Cara, United States · Group · 9/10

"Clean, comfortable, convenient spot. Rooms were clean, beds comfortable, pool great, and location convenient. Nice places to walk the dog." - Katherine, United States · Family · 8/10

On the downside: Recent guests have flagged inconsistent restaurant service - slow or inattentive staff, empty coffee pots, missed menu items - suggesting that dining-room staffing or training may need attention. A small number of guests reported facility maintenance issues: a shower head that didn't function properly, thin walls, occasional AC temperature control problems, and one deeply troubling case of inadequate room cleaning. These are exceptions, not the norm, but worth noting. Front-desk service is generally praised, though a few international guests felt unwelcome or unsupported during check-in.

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• Portland International Jetport – 1.2 miles; 10-minute drive; free shuttle available anytime.
• Maine Mall – 0.5 miles; walking distance; outlet shops, chain retailers, restaurants.
• Portland's Old Port – 5 miles; 15 minutes; waterfront dining, galleries, lobster rolls, and tourist attractions.
• Two Lights State Park – 8 miles; Cape Elizabeth; rocky coastline, trails, and lighthouse views.
• Funtown Splashtown USA – 11 miles; Saco; amusement and water park; major family draw.
• Merrill Auditorium – 6.2 miles; downtown Portland; concerts, theater, and civic events.
• Crescent Beach State Park – 7 miles; Old Orchard Beach; sandy beach, boardwalk, seasonal attractions.
• **Outlet shopping at Desert Road – 2 miles; various outlet stores; useful for rainy days or retail-focused trips.

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Is the airport shuttle really free and available 24/7? Yes. This is one of the property's best features. The shuttle runs around the clock, so whether you arrive at midnight or depart at dawn, transportation to Portland Jetport is covered and included. Call ahead to schedule.

Is breakfast included in the room rate? Not typically. Breakfast is available à la carte or as an add-on at booking. Pricing varies, but expect to budget an additional $15–25 per person per day if you want the full spread. A new "Grab & Go" option is faster if you're in a hurry.

Are there queen beds available? No. The hotel offers either a single king or two double beds. Couples should request a king room to avoid sleeping on uncomfortable double beds. If doubles are your only option, call ahead and confirm bed size.

Is the pool heated year-round? Yes, the pool is heated and open all year. Water temperature can vary, so don't expect summer warmth in winter, but it's usable. Occasionally it closes briefly for maintenance; check directly if pool access is crucial to your stay.

Is the property pet-friendly? Yes. Pets are allowed, and the property has designated areas for walking dogs. Confirm any pet fees or restrictions when booking.

What is the parking situation? Free parking is included for all guests. The lot is spacious and well-lit. Electric vehicle charging stations are available if you have a compatible car.

Is the restaurant worth eating at? It depends on timing and luck. Recent reviews are split - some praise the food and service as excellent, others report slow service and quality issues. Breakfast receives consistent praise. For dinner, the Maine Mall nearby offers faster, cheaper alternatives if you want to avoid the hotel restaurant.

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