"The four developers of the Society Hotel saw potential in its formerly grand turn-of-the-century buildings. Built in 1881 by the Portland Seamen’s Friend Society, the hotel was first known as The Mariners Building, a boarding home dedicated to keeping Portland’s sailors on the straight and narrow and out of the infamous Shanghai Tunnels. When renovation began in 2013, the upper floors hadn’t been touched since 1945, and the crew unearthed a time capsule of treasures, and many of these historical finds are placed around the hotel. Favored by cost-conscious travelers, history buffs, high-end hostelers, and young adventurers seeking good style and downtown digs on the cheap, the staff is always ready to help you find your way around their fair city, and have excellent recommendations for restaurants, bars, live music, late-night eats, food carts, cheap or free to-dos, and clubs (many are within a few blocks). Or, consult the wall board by the front desk, neatly hung with dozens of coasters covered in handwritten suggestions for awesome and unusual things to eat, drink, or do." - Jen Stevenson
