Portland, Maine, may be home to plenty of new breweries, a growing foodie culture and a solid art scene, but the number one reason to visit this far Northeastern city is its breathtaking natural scenery. A harbor town that’s still active in maritime industry today, most come for its craggy coastline and picturesque beaches where the charismatic Atlantic crashes against the city’s rocky shores and neighboring capes and islands. There aren’t a ton of cat-friendly hotels in Portland (don’t worry, there are some!), but dog dads and moms have a handful of solid options, and this list of the best pet-friendly hotels in Portland, Maine, will point you in the right direction no matter what you’re looking for.
Inn by the Sea
Fifteen minutes outside the city, in Cape Elizabeth, Inn by the Sea is Portland’s premier shorefront property for a luxury stay with ocean views. Dine al fresco on fresh seafood and local ingredients at Sea Glass and come ready for pampering at the spa, but don’t forget your pups. Inn by the Sea prides itself on being one of the first pet-friendly properties in Portland, and continues to welcome pets with bowls, blankets, towels and turn-down treats, all at no additional charge.
Portland Harbor Hotel
Head to Old Port for all your vacation staples, like shops, restaurants and picturesque streets, and anchor yourself at Portland Harbor Hotel for prime positioning. Newly renovated rooms with nautical themes and local artwork will put you in the proper port-city mood, and you’ll appreciate classic touches like pillow-top chocolates. For $25 per pet, both cats and dogs are invited to stay on the first two floors.
Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
For a more foodie-focused Old Port stay, try Portland Regency Hotel & Spa, where the farm-to-table-when-possible Twenty Milk Street offers a distinctly New England spin on classic American fare and The Armory Lounge remains a consistent favorite among Portland’s top bars. Up to two dogs can join you at Portland Regency Hotel & Spa for an additional $75-per-stay each, with bowls, mats and treats available. Bonus: pups will be grateful for the two nearby parks!
Fleetwood House
About halfway between the airport and downtown, Fleetwood House is a tranquil Portland hideout for the cozy-minded. This bed and breakfast offers three antique-furnished rooms in a historic house that has been in the same family for four generations. Two lovable cats call Fleetwood House home, and they welcome up to two well-mannered dogs to join you for your visit. Because of the intimate size of this B&B, dogs cannot be left unattended here.
Hyatt Place Portland Old Port
If you’re a World of Hyatt member, or even just a Hyatt enthusiast, it’s a good thing you’re making your way to Portland, home of the only Hyatt property in the entire state of Maine. Hyatt Place Portland Old Port will be your home away from home with its upscale select-service offerings (i.e. no restaurant, but plenty of other amenities including bar, indoor pool and 24-hour fitness center). Bring up to two housebroken pups along (75-pound combined max) for a $75 fee.
The Francis
Named for the architect who helped rebuild much of Portland after the Great Fire of 1866, The Francis is a chic 15-room boutique hotel recently opened after a decade of abandon followed by a meticulous two-year restoration devoted to preserving its historic details. Now on the National Register of Historic Places, feel free to bring one dapper dog along for a $35 nightly fee (select rooms only; call ahead).
Inn at St John
If you like historic records and historic charm, check in to the Inn at St. John. Not only is this a Victorian Era building with a Traditional room category that includes period wallpaper and era-style furnishings, but it’s also the oldest continuously operating hotel in the city. Other self-explanatory room categories include Luxury and Value, and all reservations include taxi-reimbursement (to a limit) from the airport. Dogs are welcome here for a mere $10 nightly cleaning fee.
