Hyatt Place Portland – Old Port

Hyatt Place Portland's modern exterior stands apart from the many 19th-century brick buildings located in Old Port. At the hotel's entryway, two of the exterior walls are joined by a six-story, crinkle-cut glass column. Inside, the lobby is decorated with contemporary tan sofas, mint-green high-back chairs, and blonde wood. Large, multicolor paintings lend distinction to the lobby. Part of the space is also dedicated to the hotel's restaurant and bar, outfitted with the type of funky, wood and cloth chairs and banquettes one might find in an urban chain cafe. The floor-to-ceiling windowpanes nicely showcase the historic structures across the street. Several eco-friendly elements have also been added to the building, including electric-car charging stations, gearless elevators, and ultra-efficient heating units. Guests are mostly couples looking to enjoy the Old Port restaurants, galleries, and waterfront. A few families and some business travelers can also be seen at this property. 

The Old Port section of Portland, Maine, is filled with 19th-century brick buildings that have been transformed into designer clothing boutiques, artisanal brewhalls, and innovative restaurants. Once a working-class neighborhood populated with fishermen, Old Port is now a destination for foodies and weekend revelers who appreciate its nightlife scene. Local brewers and distillers not only make artisanal beer, but also gin, rye, and rum. For those who appreciate creativity that comes on a canvas, the Portland Museum of Art has works by Winslow Homer, René Magritte, and Pablo Picasso, and it's only an 11-minute walk from the Hyatt Place Portland. Walking to the State Theater, which hosts big-name musicians, will take 12 minutes. For visitors who want to catch their own lobster, Lucky Catch Cruises is a three-minute stroll away. Portland International Jetport (PWM) is about a 15-minute drive.

Guest rooms at Hyatt Place Portland are nicer than most found at mid-range chain properties. The furniture is stained wood with sharp corners and stylish hardware. The beds and sofas have clean lines yet are plenty comfortable. Still, this isn't quite a luxury experience. Even through each room has a couch placed in a living area, not much floorspace has been allotted to maneuver around the furniture. Single-cup coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi are convenient features. A one-bedroom Suite with a balcony also has a microwave and separate dining table. Rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out on Old Port have impressive vistas filled with historic buildings. Some guests complain about hearing street noise, including late-night partiers. (The hotel leaves a pack of new earplugs on the nightstand of each room with a note about getting a good night's rest.) Like the bedrooms, the bathrooms exceed expectations for a three-pearl hotel. Finishes suggest a high-end polish, with square sinks and walk-in showers in all rooms. Designer toiletries by KenetMD are a nice plus. 

The free daily breakfast includes hot items such as eggs, as well as fresh fruit. The 24/7 Gallery restaurant is open all hours and serves crowd-pleasing, all-American fare such as a Chicken Quesadilla and Mushroom & Swiss Burger. A market also sells more convenient choices like muffins. The combined bar and cafe, Coffee to Cocktails, offers beer, wine, cocktails, and Starbucks coffee. The Glass Lounge serves high-end liquor and craft beers along with small plates from late afternoon into the night. Though it's not sizable or atmospheric, there's a gym with a small handful of machines. There's also a pool, though it's not quite big enough to do laps. The decor of the meeting rooms looks like it was borrowed from a motel and is a step down from the rest of the hotel's interior. The business center has computers and a printer. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. Parking is valet-only for a fee. Pets are allowed for a fee, as well.