Clarion Hotel Airport

For those searching within the "Hotels Near Of Me" category in the Portland, Maine vicinity, the Clarion Hotel Airport presents itself as a practical and accessible lodging choice. Located at 1230 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102, USA, and reachable via phone at (207) 774-5611 or +1 207-774-5611, this hotel offers a blend of essential amenities and a prime location for travelers utilizing the Portland International Jetport (PWM) or exploring the city.

Environment: Strategic Location for Accessibility

The Clarion Hotel Airport's environment is characterized by its strategic placement for convenience, particularly for air travelers. Situated on Congress Street, a major thoroughfare in Portland, it offers direct access to the Portland International Jetport (PWM), which is approximately 1.2 to 2 miles away, depending on the route. This makes it an excellent choice for guests with early morning flights, late arrivals, or those simply seeking a hassle-free airport transfer. The hotel is also well-connected to major highways, providing easy access for those traveling by car. While not in the immediate heart of the bustling Old Port district, its location puts it within a relatively short drive (around 10-15 minutes) to downtown Portland's popular attractions, including the Portland Museum of Art, Children's Museum of Maine, Merrill Auditorium, and various shops and restaurants. Furthermore, its proximity to Thompson's Point, a popular venue for concerts and events, is a significant advantage for attendees. The surrounding area of 1230 Congress St is a mix of commercial establishments and residential areas, offering a functional urban setting rather than a secluded resort feel. It provides a straightforward and accessible base for exploring the greater Portland area without being immersed in the downtown bustle.

Services: Core Amenities for a Relaxing Stay

The Clarion Hotel Airport aims to provide a comfortable and convenient experience through its array of services and amenities. These include:

• Airport Shuttle Service: A standout service is the complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle to and from Portland International Jetport (PWM). This is highly valued by guests for its reliability and ease of use, especially for early morning departures or late-night arrivals.
• On-site Dining: The hotel features Pete & Larry's Restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering classic American cuisine. A complimentary breakfast buffet is often served in the dining area, and there is also a Grab and Go breakfast option for guests on the move. The bar/lounge provides a space to relax with a drink.
• Recreational Facilities: Guests can enjoy an indoor heated swimming pool and a hot tub/jacuzzi, providing options for relaxation and leisure regardless of the weather. A fitness center with exercise equipment is also available for those wishing to maintain their workout routines.
• Guest Room Amenities: Rooms are equipped with essentials for a comfortable stay, including flat-screen TVs with cable channels (and often Nintendo game systems in some rooms), free Wi-Fi and wired internet access, coffee makers, hair dryers, irons and ironing boards. Many rooms also feature microwaves and refrigerators, adding convenience for longer stays or families.
• Business and Event Facilities: The hotel offers a business center with copy and fax services, along with meeting and banquet rooms. This makes it suitable for corporate meetings, small conferences, or social events.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: The Clarion Hotel Airport welcomes pets (dogs and cats) for an additional fee per stay, making it a viable option for travelers with furry companions.
• Parking: Free private parking is available on-site, which is a significant advantage for guests traveling by car, including options for extended parking when utilizing the hotel's "Park, Sleep, Fly" packages.
• Guest Services: A 24-hour front desk with friendly and helpful staff is a consistent positive point in customer reviews, assisting with check-in, check-out, and any inquiries. Other services include luggage storage and a safe at the front desk.

Features: Highlights and Areas for Consideration

The Clarion Hotel Airport boasts several features that contribute to a positive guest experience, as well as some aspects that have been noted for potential improvement:

• Comfortable Rooms: Guests consistently praise the comfort of the beds and the cleanliness of the rooms, stating that the rooms "met our needs" and were "clean, quiet, and well appointed."
• Excellent Staff: The staff is frequently highlighted as "very friendly," "helpful," "lovely and efficient," contributing significantly to a welcoming atmosphere.
• Convenient Airport Access: The free and reliable airport shuttle service, combined with ample parking options (including park and fly), makes it exceptionally convenient for air travelers.
• Pool and Hot Tub: The indoor pool and hot tub are popular amenities, providing a recreational outlet for guests of all ages.
• Pet-Friendly: Being a pet-friendly establishment broadens its appeal to a significant segment of travelers.
• On-site Dining: The presence of an on-site restaurant and bar is convenient, particularly after a long day of travel.
• Consistency in Dining Quality: While the restaurant is a convenience, one review noted a negative experience with breakfast pancakes having an "old grease taste" and causing stomach upset. This suggests that dining quality might be inconsistent.
• Housekeeping Communication: A specific instance of a request for fresh towels not being passed on to housekeeping indicates a potential need for improved internal communication processes.
• Dated Appearance (in some areas): While rooms are generally clean, some reviews (from external sources beyond the provided text) occasionally mention that certain areas of the hotel, like the pool area, might appear "dated and dark," suggesting that some updates could enhance the overall aesthetic.

Overall, the hotel’s strong points lie in its practical location, friendly staff, and key amenities, while attention to consistency in dining and certain aspects of housekeeping could further enhance guest satisfaction.

Promotional Information: Your Stress-Free Gateway to Portland

The Clarion Hotel Airport positions itself as a hassle-free and value-oriented choice for travelers visiting Portland, Maine. Promotional messaging often focuses on its core strengths:

• "Experience unparalleled convenience with our complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle service to Portland International Jetport."
• "Relax and recharge in our comfortable rooms, featuring plush beds and essential amenities like free Wi-Fi and microwaves."
• "Unwind in our inviting indoor pool and hot tub after a day of travel or exploring Portland."
• "Dine on-site at Pete & Larry's Restaurant, offering classic American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with a complimentary breakfast buffet to start your day right."
• "Perfect for 'Park, Sleep, Fly' packages, ensuring a smooth start and end to your trip."
• "Pet-friendly accommodations mean your furry friends can join your adventure in Portland."

The consistent positive feedback regarding staff friendliness serves as a strong endorsement, encouraging guests to choose the Clarion Hotel Airport for their Portland stays. Guests can inquire about specific packages, such as "Park, Sleep, Fly" deals, directly through the hotel's phone numbers or via the Choice Hotels website, as Clarion is part of the Choice Hotels family. While some aspects like consistent restaurant quality might need minor attention, the Clarion Hotel Airport generally delivers on its promise of a convenient, comfortable, and welcoming experience, making it a reliable option within the "Hotels Near Of Me" search for many travelers.