Where is a nice but Affordable Place to stay while visiting Portland Maine? (Lewiston: to rent, hotels)

[Danmac]

I'm looking to visit in Sep '09 to view the Portland as a potential home for myself. Can anyone give me some insight as to where is a good but affordable B&B, Hotels, Inns, or what not to stay at?

Also I'm a 35y/o man what are some good night time places to check out, and also some must see areas in the region?

Thanks in advance for all your help!

[Hyakurin]

I have just moved to Portland and was kindly pointed to the Inn at St. John's by lrfox. It's cute and affordable and in a great location. I'd say give that one a try.

[lrfox]

Originally Posted by Hyakurin

I have just moved to Portland and was kindly pointed to the Inn at St. John's by lrfox. It's cute and affordable and in a great location. I'd say give that one a try.

hahaha thanks for the props! Glad you liked it. Obviously I would still recommend it.

[Newdaawn]

Summer rates are a bit more but one place I can recommend is the Day's Inn at South Portland - right across the street from the Maine Mall. My son stayed there a week or so ago and it was $85. Sometimes in the winter you can get a room for $59. Right across the parking lot there is a Chili's restaurant. The hotel also has a pool and hot tub now. September is still considered "in season" here in Maine. Actually the prices stay up until mid October when follige season winds down.

[jimbob san antonio]

My wife has been wanting to visit Maine for a very long time. I think this fall is it. We're coming in from San Antonio via Southwest Airlines, maybe to Boston, Logan, or then again, Portland. The only time I was in Portland it was beautiful. We're thinking late October -- 22-28. Any thoughts on transportation or places to go? I promise we won't move there (last thing you need is a couple of transplanted Texans) but after 36 days so far since June of 100+ temperatures, we WANT to go where it is cool!

Jim

[WhoFanMe]

Originally Posted by Danmac

I'm looking to visit in Sep '09 to view the Portland as a potential home for myself. Can anyone give me some insight as to where is a good but affordable B&B, Hotels, Inns, or what not to stay at?

Also I'm a 35y/o man what are some good night time places to check out, and also some must see areas in the region?

Thanks in advance for all your help!

Hi Dan,

How many days/nights will you be in the Portland area?

[Maineah]

Originally Posted by jimbob san antonio

My wife has been wanting to visit Maine for a very long time. I think this fall is it. We're coming in from San Antonio via Southwest Airlines, maybe to Boston, Logan, or then again, Portland. The only time I was in Portland it was beautiful. We're thinking late October -- 22-28. Any thoughts on transportation or places to go? I promise we won't move there (last thing you need is a couple of transplanted Texans) but after 36 days so far since June of 100+ temperatures, we WANT to go where it is cool!

Jim

Texans are welcome and you're welcome to move here too. If I were you I'd fly into Portland if you can. If not there is a train that runs to Portland from Boston via Amtrak. It's like $48.00 round trip. Or you can get a bus from logan to PWM. I suggest going to PWM (Portland Jetport) as it is the best place to rent a car around here. You will need a car in Maine as public transportation is very limited. Get one with navigation and tell it you want to ride up Route One North bound. Late October is off season in Maine. By the end October 99% of the summer eateries and gift shops are closed for the season. Many of the seasonal motels are closed too. Be prepared to see a lot of "closed for the season "signs. You will pretty much have the place to yourselves though there will be little to do. The weather in late October is probably a bit cooler than you might want. It is usually only 45- 50 during the day and goes below freezing at night. I know that sounds good when it's 105 out but it's chilly and when you are in it a few days it feels cold especially at night. The wind off the ocean is downright cold in late October. Most of the summer lobstermen will be hauling out their gear for the winter by then. The tour busses carrying the "leaf peepers" as we call them, (people on foliage tours) will be gone by then too. You can still go to beaches, hit the Route One towns for some shopping and catch a bite to eat at the intown restaurants. Don't expect to find any festivals along the coast but further north(alot further north) in Aroostook County there will be a potato harvest festival or two though it's about a 6 hour drive up there from Portland.

[jimbob san antonio]

Thanks for the informative response. My wife is a painter and really wants to see some of the local architecture, including lighthouses. I'm not sure the temps will be to her -- or my liking. What you've described is very close to the dead of winter for us here in South Texas! It might be better if we postponed the trip until the spring. And when does spring usually boing up?

By the way, I really appreciate the transportation info. That is priceless stuff for out of towners.

[maureenb]

jimbob...if you decide to come to Maine, and I hope you do, you might consider flying into Manchester, NH on Southwest (Manchester Boston Regional Airport: Manchester, NH USA: A Boston Area Airport & The Convenient Alternative to Logan International Airport - rates may make it very worthwhile), and besides, does SW even go in to Portland or Logan??? So, fly into Manchester and rent a car, but don't stay in NH - come to Maine!!! Manchester, NH to Portland, ME is an easy one & one half hour drive.

My Auntie & Uncle live near Houston. I have a sense of what Auntie can tolerate for cooler temps. You will be ok. Just bring a sweater & jacket.

Maine.Info - Maine Travel and Living for events in Maine in October & Maine Bed and Breakfast; Pet Friendly Downtown Portland Historic Victorian Inn (hope that doesn't constitute advertising...) I ditto the others on their thumbs up for the Inn at St.John.

[Maineah]

Originally Posted by jimbob san antonio

Thanks for the informative response. My wife is a painter and really wants to see some of the local architecture, including lighthouses. I'm not sure the temps will be to her -- or my liking. What you've described is very close to the dead of winter for us here in South Texas! It might be better if we postponed the trip until the spring. And when does spring usually boing up?

By the way, I really appreciate the transportation info. That is priceless stuff for out of towners.

Well my "auntie" from Las Vegas won't come here in late October as it's already too cold for her!!
Rates to Manchester are no longer a bargain. My wife flies corporate several times a month and they gave up on Manchester in lieu of PWM. Boston is cheaper though you still have to get to Maine somehow. It's only about a 1/2 hour difference driving time to Boston instead of Manchester and with the train out of Portland it's far easier too.

That said it IS cold in late October. We're well beyond sweater weather in late October. We get snow in late October sometimes and almost always have it by the second week of November. I have taken the kids trick or treating more than once in the snow! It may not stay but the mere fact that it IS cold enough to snow gives you an idea. With the lack of sun this summer and the relatively cold ocean we can expect a cold October and another early winter.

If you can survive without visiting until Spring I suggest late May or early June. It can still be fairly cold in May especially on the coast. By June (unless we get all rain again) the temperatures are beginning to be tolerable. The tourist season has not really started yet (fourth of July is full swing) the bugs aren't all that bad yet and the tourists have not yet arrived so traffic is low until the schools get out.

Your wife will love the architecture in Portland and there is unique architecture in Lewiston as well. There are several lighthouses within easy driving distance of Portland including Maine' most beautiful and famous light Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth. There is a nice Hilton Garden Hotel in Portland which is within a coin toss of the best restaurant (Fore Street) and bakery (Standard Baking) in Maine.