Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Maine

The boxy brick exterior of the Embassy Suites Hilton Portland resembles a lot of other upper-middle-range hotels. Inside, however, the decor of the renovated lobby has more warmth. High-back chairs are arranged around a fireplace, and the light-wood columns and molding suggest accents that might be found in an English library or pub. Oversized contemporary couches and chairs fill out the rest of the room. Part of the lobby is used as a bar, and the hanging glasses accentuate the taproom style. The dining room decor is more contemporary with slate-green chairs and beige walls decorated with modern artwork in gold tones. The event rooms are fairly basic with stackable metal-and-cloth chairs as well as fan-shaped lighting sconces on the walls. These rooms can be arranged either for business presentations or celebration dinners. Guests are a mix of business travelers, couples, and families who want easy access to the airport.

This Embassy Suites by Hilton is so close to the Portland International Airport that arriving travelers can walk to the hotel in seven minutes. Downtown Portland, home to the Portland Museum of Art as well as other restaurants and attractions, is about 12 minutes away by car. The Tate House museum, a pre-Revolutionary War home built in 1755 with beautiful period furniture and an herb garden, is a three-minute drive away. The University of Southern Maine campus is a 10-minute drive away. Hadlock Field, home of the minor league Portland Sea Dogs baseball team, is nine minutes away by car. The Sable Oaks Golf Club, one of the most celebrated 18-hole courses in the area, is a seven-minute drive away.

Decor in the 119 guest rooms at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland is pleasant and practical; the room perks are much more memorable. Suite beds are either king- or queen-size, and the overstuffed sofas in the suites' living rooms also have pull-out beds. For travelers who need to get a little work done, each desk has enough space to spread out with a laptop and several piles of paper. Each standard room kitchenette has a small sink, coffeemaker, microwave, and mini-fridge. Executive Rooms have the added bonuses of Keurig coffeemakers and access to premium snacks and drinks from a vending machine around the clock. Room service is available 24 hours for guests who don't want to put their microwaves to use. Wi-Fi and daily newspapers also come with the rooms. Each bathroom has a marble-top counter, shower/tub combo, and free toiletries. Do note, some guests complain about the beds being a bit worn.

Given that the Embassy Suites Hilton Portland is an airport hotel, accommodations come with several notable amenities. The lobby bar offers a free daily wine tasting and gets a good turnout. The Café Stroudwater serves local seafood as well as steaks and burgers. Breakfast is free with plenty of options (although it gets mixed reviews from guests). The gym has several treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes. The pool is a bit small for doing laps but large enough to float and relax. Working travelers can use the computer and printer in the business area. The meeting space can either be used for boardroom discussions, business presentations, or large events. The biggest meeting space is 1,620 square feet. Wi-Fi is free throughout. And traveling families with small children will appreciate that cribs are free.