The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection
Hotel · Portland
119 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
Highlights
The Press Hotel blends chic 1920s newsroom vibes with luxe marble baths, local art, and a prime Portland spot steps from Old Port hotspots.
The Press Hotel blends chic 1920s newsroom vibes with luxe marble baths, local art, and a prime Portland spot steps from Old Port hotspots.
"Housed in the former home of the Portland Press Herald (Maine’s biggest newspaper), this eco-minded LEED-certified boutique property plays up its journalism theme and celebrates the art of writing with flourishes like vintage typewriters in the lobby and old news copy blown up on walls. Recent renovations play to both its dedication to the local community and its swish-yet-sustainable ethos, with beautiful plant installations and sumptuous new lobby seating. Though locally owned, the property is a member of Marriott's Autograph Collection. Because it's themed around the written word, the hotel attracts notable authors like Christina Baker Kline and Emma Straub, and since it's steps away from the Merrill Auditorium, plenty of big-name celebs often stay here as they swing through town for their performances. Union is also one of the city's standout restaurants, and hotel guests may make the best use of it by stopping by in the morning for breakfast." - Joe Ricchio, Alexandra Hall
"The Press Hotel is newspaper-themed and located in the Old Port neighborhood, the building served as the headquarters of Portland’s Press Herald." - Sophie Friedman
"Why did this hotel catch your attention?The Press Hotel, housed in the former home of the Portland Press Herald, Maine's biggest newspaper, plays up its journalism theme and celebrates the art of writing with flourishes like typewriters in the lobby and old news copy blown up on the wall. What's the backstory?The Press Hotel, though locally owned, is a member of Marriott's Autograph Collection. Because it's themed around the written word, the hotel attracts notable authors like Christina Baker Kline and Emma Straub. Tell us rooms. Any tips on what to book?Rooms look like modern writers' studies, with sumptuous leathers, vintage desks, textiles from local artist Angela Adams, comfy beds, and modern bathrooms. The penthouse suite has a private rooftop deck. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi?Wi-Fi comes free. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at?Union is one of the city's stand out restaurants, though hotel guests may make the best use of it by stopping in the morning for breakfast. Union uses lots of local ingredients (some very local, like the honey that comes from rooftop hives). And the service? It's friendly and well-informed, accommodating needs without being intrusive. Check-in and check-out were seamless, as was the valet service. What about the neighborhood? Hustle and bustle or more relaxing?The hotel is just far enough from the Old Port to avoid heavy traffic—from both cars and tourists. Any other hotel features worth noting?The gym has Peloton equipment—a pleasant surprise. The Inkwell coffee bar opens early if you want something more complicated than what you can whip up in your room. Bottom line: Worth it?The Press has the most character of any Downtown hotel—with service that wouldn't be out of place in a larger city." - Joe Ricchio
"A multi-story floor to ceiling wall stacked with typewriters welcomes guests to the Press Hotel. Once the Portland Herald Press headquarters, the hotel elegantly embeds its journalism history with contemporary and clever twists. Below the lobby, a permanent gallery featuring local Maine artists is a must-see, as is the fully stocked state of the art gym ready for a sweat session on the go. Perhaps the most centrally located hotel in Portland, the Press Hotel is a few steps from just about everything. While the walls are literally inked with wit and wisdom from the past, the hotel is writing a new story rooted in exemplary service and style." - Eliseé Browchuk
"Park yourself at the Press Hotel, a boutique spot that opened in 2015 in the building that used to be home to the Press Herald."
