The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection
Hotel · Portland ·
Stylish boutique hotel celebrating journalism with vintage touches
Stylish boutique hotel celebrating journalism with vintage touches
"Housed in the former home of the Portland Press Herald, this eco-minded, LEED-certified boutique celebrates journalism with vintage typewriters, enlarged news copy on the walls, and a writing-forward design that pairs swish-yet-sustainable touches (plant installations, recently refreshed lobby seating) with local engagement. Because of its theme and location near the Merrill Auditorium it attracts notable authors and performers, and guests can easily make use of Union, one of the city’s standout restaurants." - Alexandra Hall, Joe Ricchio
"Set in the historic headquarters of the local paper, this 110-room property blends a boutique sensibility with Marriott-level amenities such as valet parking and room service; breakfast at its on-site restaurant is notable for creative items like blueberry breakfast sausage that guests are encouraged not to miss." - Jacqueline Dole Jacqueline Dole Jacqueline Dole is a food and travel journalist based in Maine. A lifelong New Englander, her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, TimeOut, Insider, Thrillist, Eater, and more. With a background as a pastry chef, she’s always on the lookout for the next best snack. She is a theme park enthusiast and expert, and embroidered hotel robes, amazing pools, and hot dogs are some of her favorite things. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"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
"As the name suggests, the Press Hotel is newspaper-themed—and the place is steeped in real newspaper history. Located in the Old Port neighborhood, the corner building served as the headquarters of Portland’s Press Herald from 1923-2010. Some elements of the hotel's design scheme might have seemed a bit on-the-nose — the accents in black slate and white marble, inspired by newsprint, for instance, or the typefaces that resemble the fonts of an old-fashioned typewriter — but the look is so sleek, and the concept so well-executed, that it works. The 110 guest rooms are modeled after 1920s-era newsroom offices, complete with retro writer’s desks, reeded glass doors, and smooth white Frette linens." - 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
