I recently spent a long weekend in Portland, Maine, and stayed at The Longfellow Hotel—and I’m still dreaming about it. Just under a two-hour drive from Boston (or an easy Amtrak ride away), Portland is the perfect city escape, and The Longfellow turned out to be exactly the kind of cozy-chic retreat I didn’t know I needed.
From the moment we arrived, The Longfellow felt different in all the right ways. Located in Portland’s historic West End, it offers a luxury experience that’s intentionally understated yet deeply thoughtful. The design, led by the award-winning Post Company, is rooted in a sense of place—reflecting Maine’s rugged coastline with warm woods, subtle textures, and a minimalist, residential feel. The result is a hotel that feels like a stylish friend’s home rather than a traditional luxury property.
Our room was spacious, serene, and filled with little details that made a big impact: spa-quality robes, an expertly chosen specialty alarm clock, and blackout shades paired with ideal sleep conditions certified by Sleep Wise Consulting. Every element was clearly considered, making it the kind of place where you can actually unwind, not just pretend to.
Each day began at Twinflower Café, the in-house spot serving excellent flat whites and a rotating menu of fresh pastries and nourishing breakfast bites. It was the perfect place to map out our day—whether that meant hitting the Technogym-equipped fitness center or taking the hotel’s luxury car service to the Old Port for shopping and a seafood lunch by the water.
One of my favorite features of The Longfellow was Astraea, the wellness studio and spa that’s open to guests. We booked an infrared sauna session—private, deeply relaxing, and the ideal way to reset after a day spent walking the cobblestone streets or exploring local galleries. Astraea offers a range of treatments and therapies designed for total mind-body restoration, and even if you don’t consider yourself a “spa person,” you’ll probably change your mind after a session here.
In the evenings, we gravitated toward Five of Clubs, the hotel’s cozy lobby bar that feels like a modern-day salon. With moody lighting, exceptional cocktails, and a menu of small plates, it was the perfect pre- or post-dinner hangout. Portland’s food scene is legendary, and the concierge helped us snag reservations at a few local favorites—but honestly, we could have spent every evening at the hotel bar and been totally content.
More than anything, what made The Longfellow special was how it made every day feel like it was designed just for you. Whether you’re recharging with a massage, enjoying a quiet morning coffee, or heading out on an adventure in one of Maine’s most vibrant cities, everything is easy, elegant, and intentional.
If you’re looking for a weekend escape where laid-back luxury meets timeless New England charm, The Longfellow Hotel should be at the top of your list. I know I’ll be back—next time, for longer.