81 Riverside St, Portland, Maine, United States | (618) 248-8274
Variety of room options, all with Keurig coffeemakers
Some rooms have gas fireplaces; one suite adds a hot tub
Indoor heated pool and seasonal outdoor pool
Restaurant serves lobster rolls and other Main classics
Fitness room with sauna and hot tub
Business center and banquet room
Free Wi-Fi, parking, and continental breakfast
Pets allowed for a fee (though not in suites)
In an industrial area with lots of traffic and not within walking distance of downtown
Many rooms need a makeover
Some complaints about restaurant's food and service
The 196-room Fireside Inn & Suites Portland offers a wide range of basic room types, catering equally to budget-minded families and business travelers, though it's located in an industrial area and not within walking distance of downtown. All rooms have Keurig coffeemakers, plus a variety of upgrades depending on the category, from work desks and microwaves, to living rooms with gas fireplaces. The simple decor needs updates, however, and some of the rooms could use full renovations. The mid-range property has a seasonal outdoor pool as well as an indoor pool and hot tub. Other features include a small fitness center, sauna, and meeting facilities. A continental breakfast is included, but dining at the Ramada Plaza Portland up the street is a better bet.
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Scene
Dated mid-range hotel with free whoopie pies
Guests at the Fireside Inn & Suites Portland receive free locally made whoopie pies (the official state treat of Main) upon check-in. It's a nice touch that lends a bit of character to this mid-range hotel situated in a cookie cutter commercial district packed with chains and big box retailers. Even the hotel's own entrance looks more like an auto-service carport with green aluminum siding than someplace to have a vacation. Inside, the lobby takes a more civilized, if dated turn, with floral carpets and clashing upholstery around a gas fireplace. Weekdays can be busy with business travelers, while families and older couples tend to stay over the weekends.
Location
On a busy road, right off I-95
The hotel is located in a commercial area off I-95 on a main road surrounded by strip malls, car dealers, big box retailers, and fast food joints. Downtown Portland is about a 15-minute drive away, while the Old Port area along the waterfront can be reached in less than 20 minutes. Tourists and business travelers who don't mind being on the outskirts of the city will have easy access to area destinations via I-95, including Portland International Jetport, which is a 10-minute drive away.
Rooms
Dated value rooms with options for microwaves, work desks, and fireplaces
Some of the hotel's 196 rooms have been updated with new flooring and paint, but many are still in need of a makeover, or at least updated furnishings. We saw upholstery stains, rust, and significantly scratched furniture. Most rooms have flat-screen TVs, but there are still holdovers with old tube models. However, mini-fridges and Keurig coffeemakers come standard, and there are room options that include microwaves, sitting areas with tables and chairs, and work desks with ergonomic chairs. Upgraded rooms have gas fireplaces and some suites have leather massage chairs -- one suite adds an in-room hot tub. The tile bathrooms are basic with older shower/tub combos.
Features
Indoor pool, seasonal outdoor pool, fitness center with sauna, restaurant, and free continental breakfast
The hotel has two heated pools; one in a bright indoor atrium and another seasonal pool in an outdoor courtyard. The small fitness room has a pair of cardio machines and some weight training equipment, plus the hotel has a hot tub and a sauna. Zackery’s Fireside Restaurant serves the expected Main standards like lobster rolls and clam chowder in a casual dining room with old carpeting and upholstered booths. A simple continental breakfast is included in the rates. The adjacent lounge bar has a regular weekday happy hour with local beer and wine. There's also a business corner with a computer and printer, as well as a banquet room that can accommodate up to 235 people. Parking is free, as is Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
