The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection

Character and identity

Set in the former Portland Press Herald building just back from the bustle of Old Port, this 110-room Autograph Collection property leans hard into its journalism heritage: vintage typewriters in the lobby, blown-up news copy on the walls, and a writerly atmosphere that draws touring authors and performers from the nearby Merrill Auditorium. LEED-certified and recently refreshed with plant installations and plush lobby seating, it pairs sustainability with a polished design sensibility. Union, the in-house restaurant, leads with hyper-local ingredients (including honey from rooftop hives), while the Inkwell coffee bar morphs into an evening lounge.

Who's it for

Bottom line

What sets this place apart is character: the newspaper theme is executed with genuine wit rather than gimmickry, and the service register punches above what you'd expect for Portland. Book it if you care about design, food, and a quieter perch near the action. For a splurge, the Penthouse Suite delivers ten-foot ceilings and a private rooftop patio with city views.