Best Bower

For those seeking an exceptional stay under the "Hotels Near Of Me" category in Portland, Maine, Best Bower offers a unique and highly acclaimed guesthouse experience. Situated at 140 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, USA, with a contact number of (207) 402-2464, Best Bower stands out for its blend of historic charm, modern luxury, and an emphasis on guest independence. It provides a more intimate and personalized alternative to a traditional hotel, deeply rooted in the vibrant Munjoy Hill neighborhood and celebrated for its meticulous attention to detail and high-quality accommodations.

Best Bower is nestled in the picturesque East End neighborhood of Portland, specifically on Munjoy Hill, a highly desirable and historic area. Its location at 140 Congress Street places it directly alongside the iconic Portland Observatory, one of Maine's most cherished landmarks. This proximity to the Observatory, a marine signal tower dating back to the 1800s, gives Best Bower a distinctive historical backdrop and adds to its unique ambiance.

The property itself is a six-room guesthouse, boasting a charming and distinctive terraced courtyard. This courtyard, "embowered by the limbs of a giant oak" and lined with custom stonework, seasonal plantings, and café tables, serves as a tranquil oasis for guests. It provides an ideal spot for morning coffee or evening relaxation, allowing guests to admire the stature of the Observatory and soak in the quiet buzz of Munjoy Hill. The building was once a former church, meticulously restored by local owners into the elegant guesthouse it is today.

The neighborhood is highly walkable, allowing guests to easily explore local breweries, distilleries, art galleries, museums, boutique shops, and diverse culinary delights. The Eastern Promenade Park, with its sweeping views of Casco Bay and an extensive trail system leading to Portland Harbor and the cobblestone streets of the Old Port, is mere blocks away. This combination of historic architecture, serene outdoor spaces, and immediate access to urban amenities creates a truly enriching environment for visitors.

Best Bower operates with a philosophy of offering guests independence while ensuring a high-end getaway experience. This means a departure from the traditional hotel model, notably with a contactless, keyless check-in and check-out process. Guests receive clear communications from the owner/manager, ensuring a smooth arrival and stay. While there isn't a traditional 24/7 front desk, an onsite guesthouse coordinator is available to assist with any needs or to provide local recommendations, demonstrating a commitment to guest satisfaction without intruding on privacy.

The services and amenities are thoughtfully curated to enhance comfort and convenience:

• Accommodations: The guesthouse features six spacious and unique guestrooms, each distinct in layout, design, and custom furnishings. Rooms combine natural materials with comfortable furnishings, reflecting Portland's laid-back style. Custom stone, tile, metal, and woodwork by local craftsmen are prominent throughout. Reviews consistently praise the rooms as "super clean and new," "beautiful," "spacious," and "incredibly comfortable" with "crisp sheets" and "great bed." Specific room features often include:
  • Plush linens, heated bathroom floors, and towel bars for a luxurious feel.
  • Mini-fridges, proper kettles, and drip coffee setups (often with locally sourced coffee like Crossroads Coffee Beans) for in-room convenience.
  • Flat-screen TVs thoughtfully mounted for viewing from both sofa and bed.
  • Excellent showers and effective blackout blinds and air conditioning.
  • Original artwork by rotating artists-in-residence, with pieces often available for purchase.
  • Private entrances for many rooms (especially those off the courtyard), providing an enhanced sense of privacy.
  • Some rooms, like the "Crow's Nest," feature large skylights offering unique views of the Observatory, while others, like "The Library," boast custom woodwork.
  • Select rooms are family-friendly, offering king-size beds, twin XL beds, and pull-out sleeper sofas, and can accommodate 2-4 guests.
• Shared Kitchenette: A significant amenity is the shared kitchenette, accessible from the Congress Street entrance on the lower level. It features a microwave, compact convection oven, dishwasher, full-size refrigerator, and a commercial ice machine. This allows guests to prepare simple meals or store groceries, adding to the home-away-from-home feel.
• Outdoor Spaces: The terraced courtyard is a central feature, offering communal seating for guests to relax, socialize, or enjoy a drink. A picnic area is also available.
• Connectivity: High-speed WiFi is complimentary throughout the property.
• Parking: While the property itself does not have dedicated on-site parking, free street parking is generally available right in front of the guesthouse on Congress Street and nearby side streets (e.g., Kellogg Street & North Street), a major convenience in downtown Portland.
• Local Provisions: Guests can often add locally sourced provisions (beer, wine, snacks) at the time of booking, allowing them to sample local Portland fare without leaving the property.
• Sustainability: The guesthouse uses sustainable practices, such as refilling soaps and products from a local sustainable refill shop.

Best Bower is distinguished by several unique features that contribute to its high praise from guests:

• Custom Design and Local Artistry: The commitment to high-quality design is evident throughout, with custom stone, tile, metal, and woodwork by local craftsmen. This creates a refined and unique aesthetic in each room. The rotating artist-in-residence program adds a dynamic cultural element.
• Proximity to Portland Observatory: Being next to this national landmark provides a unique historical context and picturesque views, making the property a one-of-a-kind destination.
• "Home Away From Home" Feel: Despite its luxurious touches, guests consistently report feeling "at home" due to the thoughtfully designed spaces, comfortable amenities, and the independent service model.
• Contactless Experience: The keyless entry and lack of daily room disruption appeal to travelers seeking privacy and a streamlined check-in/out process.
• Excellent Location on Munjoy Hill: This prime spot offers a quieter, more residential feel than the busiest parts of downtown, yet still provides easy walking access to Portland's top attractions, including the Eastern Prom, various eateries, and shops. The presence of a "great coffee and bakery across the street" (likely The Holy Donut or a similar establishment) and a "shockingly well stocked convenient store right next door" further enhance convenience.
• Versatile Accommodations: With six unique rooms, including "lofts" that can accommodate more guests with separate seating areas and sofa beds, Best Bower caters to a variety of travelers, from couples seeking a romantic getaway to families or groups of friends.

Best Bower is a highly sought-after property, and its popularity is reflected in its positive reviews and competitive pricing. While it may not offer frequent, broad promotional discounts like larger hotels, its value comes from the quality of the experience.

Key booking and policy information includes:

• Booking Channels: Best Bower can be booked directly through its official website, which provides detailed information about each of its six unique guestrooms (e.g., The Library, Crow's Nest, Loft East, Loft West, Courtyard Queen, Congress Street Queen - ADA Accessible). It is also listed on major Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) like Booking.com, where it consistently receives exceptional ratings (e.g., 9.5/10 based on over 120 reviews).
• Pricing: Rates typically start from around $250-275 onwards, varying by room type, season, and demand. Guests can often add on locally sourced provisions during booking.
• Check-in/Check-out: Standard check-in is from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Guests should communicate their arrival time in advance. Check-out is typically between 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM.
• Cancellation Policies: Cancellation and prepayment policies vary depending on the accommodation type and dates. It's essential to review the specific conditions at the time of booking. For example, some flexible reservations made directly through the hotel might allow cancellation up to 48 hours before arrival at no cost, with later cancellations incurring a fee equal to the first night's charges. Advance purchase rates are often non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Age Restriction: The minimum age for check-in is 21 years old.
• Pets: Pets are generally not allowed at Best Bower.
• Smoking: The property is non-smoking throughout.
• Quiet Hours: Guests are requested to observe quiet hours between 9:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
• Accessibility: The Congress Street Queen room is noted as ADA accessible, with features like roll-in showers and wheelchair accessibility in the unit. However, some upper floors may only be accessible by stairs.

For the most accurate and up-to-date availability and pricing, guests are encouraged to visit the official Best Bower website or use reputable booking platforms. Given its high demand and unique offering, early booking is recommended, particularly during peak seasons in Portland. Best Bower truly offers a "fabulous place" to stay, providing a memorable and refined experience for anyone searching for quality "Hotels Near Of Me" in Portland, Maine.