Guides / Hotel
The Press Hotel
Vibe
Literary sophistication
Location
119 Exchange St. Portland, ME 04101
Style
Historic industrial-chic
The Press Hotel occupies the former Gannett Building in downtown Portland, Maine, once home to the Portland Press Herald. Rather than glossing over that history, the hotel leans into it, weaving typewriters, typesetting-inspired art, and quotes from Maine literary figures throughout the property. It’s a design concept with a clear point of view: playful nods to the written word paired with a genuinely upscale, Autograph Collection level of polish.
Rooms and suites carry that same blend of character and comfort, from the Penthouse Suite with its ten-foot ceilings, private rooftop patio, and a 1925 Royal typewriter, to Executive Kings with soaking tubs, wet bars, and oversized windows. Frette linens and Cuddledown comforters round out the everyday luxury, while the lobby itself doubles as a gathering spot, complete with Scrabble by the hearth and a rotating art gallery featuring local Maine artists on the lower level.
Dining and drinks are handled by UNION Restaurant and the Inkwell lounge, both built around sourcing local New England ingredients and creating a laid-back but elevated after-hours scene, including live music and songwriter series nights. The hotel also positions itself as a wedding destination, framing celebrations as something closer to art than event planning.
Location adds another layer of appeal: the hotel sits in Portland’s Old Port district, putting guests within walking distance of the city’s restaurants, boutiques, and bars. Altogether, The Press Hotel comes across as a hotel with a strong narrative thread, historic bones, literary flair, and boutique comfort, tailored for travelers who want a stay with a story attached.
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