Holiday Inn Portland-By The Bay

For those searching for "Hotels Near Of Me" in the vibrant city of Portland, Maine, the Holiday Inn Portland-By The Bay offers a compelling combination of convenience, comfort, and value. Located at 88 Spring St, Portland, ME 04101, USA, this well-established hotel provides a reliable and enjoyable stay with its friendly service, notable amenities, and a strategic position that balances accessibility to downtown attractions with a peaceful bay-side setting. Recent renovations have further enhanced its appeal, making it a solid choice for a variety of travelers.

Environment and Location:

The Holiday Inn Portland-By The Bay enjoys a prime location that contributes significantly to its appeal. Situated at 88 Spring Street, it is nestled along the scenic shores of Casco Bay, offering "spectacular bay views" from many of its rooms. While one review described it as "a bit of a walk compared to other hotels" to reach the immediate heart of the Old Port, it is still very much "within easy walking distance" of Portland's most popular attractions. Guests can comfortably stroll to the Old Port's shops, diverse restaurants, bars, and waterfront sights.

The hotel is strategically located in the Arts District of downtown Portland, adjacent to the Cross Insurance Arena and other key venues, making it an excellent base for attending events. The eleven-story property overlooks both Casco Bay and the city, providing diverse scenic vistas. Its position offers a quieter alternative to staying directly within the busiest parts of the Old Port, while still ensuring quick access to the action.

Services and Amenities:

The Holiday Inn Portland-By The Bay is designed to offer a comfortable and convenient experience with a wide array of amenities:

• Recreation and Wellness: A key highlight is the large, heated indoor pool and sauna, providing a relaxing option year-round. The hotel also boasts a 24/7 fitness center, Re:charge, equipped with various exercise machines.
• Dining: The on-site Port of Call Restaurant and Lounge serves American cuisine with a New England-inspired menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While the full cooked-to-order breakfast is typically available for a surcharge (varying, but generally $6-$25 per person), it offers fresh options. There's also a gift shop and vending machines for snacks and drinks.
• Connectivity: Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available in all rooms and public areas, ensuring guests can stay connected with ease.
• Transportation: A significant convenience is the complimentary guest shuttle service (subject to availability) that can take guests to the airport (Portland International Jetport, just 2 miles away) and other local destinations within the city. This is particularly helpful for navigating the city without a car.
• Parking: The hotel offers an on-site parking garage directly underneath the hotel for a daily fee (approximately $20 per night for overnight guests), which includes complimentary valet service. Reviewers note this is often "cheaper than the nearby public lots" and provides secure, covered parking, especially beneficial during winter weather.
• Guest Services: The front desk staff are consistently praised as "friendly, efficient, and very accommodating," often assisting with early check-ins and late check-outs when possible. Other services include daily housekeeping, dry cleaning/laundry services, luggage storage, and a 24-hour business center with free printing.
• Events and Meetings: The hotel is a significant venue for events, offering over 35,000 square feet of dynamic and flexible meeting and conference spaces, including a large ballroom, equipped with state-of-the-art AV technology.

It's worth noting that the hotel has undergone renovations, with one review mentioning lobby renovations during their stay, suggesting continuous efforts to update and improve the property. While the reviews indicate some areas like bathrooms "could use an update," the rooms themselves have been recently updated, ensuring a pleasant stay.

Features of the Rooms:

The Holiday Inn Portland-By The Bay offers 239 spacious guest rooms and suites, many of which have been recently updated to enhance guest comfort. Key room features include:

• Comfortable Beds: Rooms feature plush bedding, and guests often mention the "comfortable" beds, with some citing "very comfortable mattress and pillows." Pillow menus are available, and hypo-allergenic bedding can be provided.
• Views: A major draw for many rooms is the "pleasant view of the harbor" or "spectacular bay views," with some rooms offering views of Casco Bay and the Calendar Islands, while others provide city views.
• Convenience: Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels (including premium channels and pay movies), a mini-fridge, and a coffee/tea maker. Microwaves are available in some rooms or communally on each floor next to ice machines.
• Workspace: A desk and work area are provided, along with free high-speed Wi-Fi, making it suitable for business travelers.
• Bathroom Amenities: Private bathrooms typically feature a shower/tub combination, complimentary toiletries, and a hair dryer. While one review mentioned bathrooms "could use an update," they are consistently noted as "clean and functional."
• Climate Control: Rooms offer individual climate control (air conditioning and heating) and blackout drapes/curtains for a comfortable environment.
• Accessibility: The hotel offers accessible rooms and features, including an elevator for upper floors and adapted bathrooms.
• Family-Friendly Touches: Free cribs/infant beds and rollaway/extra beds are available on request, and the hotel has a "Kids Stay & Eat Free" policy, making it appealing for families.

Promotional Information:

The Holiday Inn Portland-By The Bay actively promotes itself as a convenient and comfortable option for visitors to Portland, Maine. Its key promotional points include:

• Prime Downtown Location: Emphasizing its proximity to the Old Port, Casco Bay, and the Arts District, highlighting its walkability to major attractions, dining, and shopping.
• Exceptional Views: Showcasing the "stunning ocean or city views" available from many rooms, particularly those overlooking Casco Bay.
• Comprehensive Amenities: Promoting its year-round indoor pool, sauna, 24/7 fitness center, and on-site dining options as significant value-adds.
• Convenient Services: Highlighting the complimentary shuttle service (airport and local area), as well as the affordable and secure on-site parking garage.
• Reliability and Value: As part of the Holiday Inn brand, it positions itself as a trusted name offering consistent quality and often competitive rates, making it a "great value for price."
• Event Capabilities: With extensive meeting and event spaces, the hotel is also promoted as an ideal venue for conferences, weddings, and other gatherings.

The hotel frequently highlights its staff's friendly and accommodating nature, which consistently receives high praise in reviews. It is a non-smoking property and generally accepts only service animals, focusing on providing a comfortable environment for all guests. For direct inquiries and reservations, the hotel can be reached at (207) 775-2311 or +1 207-775-2311.