Francene T.
Yelp
If your preference is for a predictable (bland) chain, then keep scrolling. The Portland Regency Hotel & Spa is part of the historic hotels collection and, as such, is unique and charming and a tad bit quirky.
It's also a lovely property with staff that are welcoming and accommodating. We visited Portland for 8 days and have been delighted with the Regency. Here's a recap of our experience:
Location: the Regency is located in the heart of the Old Port section of the city. The building faces Milk Street and is an easy few minutes' drive from the airport. The location is quite literally perfect - two blocks from the wharves and in the middle of fantastic dining and shopping. The museum is a half mile walk to the west and Fort Allen Park (with access to the beach) to the east. The Regency's location is the best in the town.
Food & beverage: the hotel offers breakfast at 1895, the restaurant located in the lobby. The Armory - located on the ground level - offers small plates to entrees, along with a fantastic bar. In addition, the hotel has Iron Sides, a whiskey bar on the main floor. Open Wednesday through Saturday, this is a wonderful place to relax - their selection is impressive and I was delighted to find they have my favorite (Ardbeg). A whiskey, neat, is the perfect restorative after a long day's walking!
Room and Amenities: we booked a King room with a balcony. The room was spacious, with a very comfortable bed, a sofa and ottoman, a mini-fridge and an in-room Keurig (access to coffee in the mornings is VERY important to Hubs and it makes him happy if he doesn't have to put on pants to go out of the room to get it!). They provide comfy robes, umbrellas (rain is a fact of life here) and the bath amenities are Moulton Brown.
The hotel also has a well appointed spa - guests have access to use the steam room, sauna and jacuzzi even if you don't book spa services.
Service: full disclosure - I spent 20+ years in the hotel business, so I'm keyed into hotel operations and service levels. Without exception, everyone we encountered at the Regency was top notch. From the valet to the front desk to the staff in the Armory, the Regency team is to be commended. I especially appreciated Liz at Iron Sides - she knows her whiskeys and is one of the kindest & friendliest people you'll ever meet.
As previously noted, the Regency is in an historic building so can be a bit quirky: short half-stairways on the same floor and odd turns to hallways are just a couple of hallmarks. Again, if you're looking for predictable and bland, then book a room at a chain. Seasoned travelers will appreciate the Regency for the jewel that it is.