Portland: Love it or Hate it & why? (South Portland: townhouse, to buy)

[AlisonL]

Seems like I heard that the Holiday Inn by the Bay is very pricey. But I could be wrong.

[stephenw]

Originally Posted by AlisonL

Seems like I heard that the Holiday Inn by the Bay is very pricey. But I could be wrong.

I've been checking, and unless you go in the dead of winter, most normal big name hotels and business hotels are expensive (more then 100.)

The guest houses and B&Bs were a little more reasonable and really very cheap during non touristy season. But you've got to make reservations way in advance if there's only, say, 5 rooms.

[flycessna]

It may not be in the best area but I stayed at the "Inn at St. Johns" on congress st my first trip to portland. I actually went back there and stayed again on a second trip. It was a while ago but thought I'd mention it.

[stephenw]

Originally Posted by flycessna

It may not be in the best area but I stayed at the "Inn at St. Johns" on congress st my first trip to portland. I actually went back there and stayed again on a second trip. It was a while ago but thought I'd mention it.

I've been checking into that place. How may it not be in the best area?

[flycessna]

Originally Posted by stephenw

I've been checking into that place. How may it not be in the best area?

Ya, that didn't come out right. there is absolutely nothing wrong with that area. Its just with Portland there’s always "something special" about any particular area or neighborhood. Where the Inn is, its just a typical mixed use city block. However the base ball field is around the corner, Maine medical center is nearby, and there are still many small mom and pop eateries and some chain food places as well. And in reality its like a 5 minute bike ride to the old port or anywhere else you want to go so it is convenient. I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again.

[bhanson]

Inn at St John is great. Although it's on a busy intersection and may seem out of place it's easy access to the Old Port, mall, ball park and the interstate. If you stay check out the Dogfish Cafe next door..excellent little restaurant.

[stephenw]

Thanks for the info!

[Elcarim]

Originally Posted by bhanson

Inn at St John is great. Although it's on a busy intersection and may seem out of place it's easy access to the Old Port, mall, ball park and the interstate. If you stay check out the Dogfish Cafe next door..excellent little restaurant.

We spent our first night in Maine at that inn. It was incredible and so reasonably priced. It did seem out of place in the middle of such a commercial district, but was nicely centrally located. The staff were amazingly helpful and genuinely interested in connecting with us as guests. They even had a few suggestions of "hometowns" to check out while we were there and gave us maps and directions. Very nice folks!

[MsJL]

Just to throw in my .02, I've found all of Maine (of the several areas I've been in, anyway) to be beyond tolerant to openly welcoming.

[MsJL]

As for Portland, there is no city anywhere that can match any aspect of it. I live 15 minutes out, but only because the housing is somewhat more affordable here.