Black Elephant Hostel Portland Interior photoBlack Elephant Hostel Portland Exterior photoBlack Elephant Hostel Portland Exterior photo

BLACK ELEPHANT HOSTEL, Portland

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up to 10% cheaper
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Check rooms and rates
From$39 /night
Check-in
20Aug
Check-out
21Aug
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room

About the Hotel

33 Hampshire Street, Portland, ME 04101-
Close to the Portland Arts District

Key Highlights

Located in a historic building with sea views and a garden.

Central downtown location within a 4-minute walk of the Portland Downtown Historic District.

Free Wi-Fi, complimentary morning coffee and tea, and a fully equipped shared kitchen.

Adults-only property with a games room, movie nights, and board games.

CCTV and key card access for security.

Hotel Details

Location

Black Elephant Hostel is in the heart of Portland's downtown, 5 km from Portland International Jetport and an 18-minute walk from East End Beach.
The hostel sits within a 4-minute walk of the Portland Downtown Historic District, and under 500 metres from Merrill Auditorium and the Portland Observatory. The transportation center (Amtrak, bus station) is about 6 km away. For early airport departures, a taxi or rideshare is the recommended option. The surrounding area offers many restaurants and bars within a short walk, and the waterfront walking and running paths are easily accessible.

Accommodation

Rooms range from private studios with kitchens to shared co-ed and female-only dorms, all in a historic building with modern amenities.
Dorm rooms sleep 4 to 8 people with twin or full-size bunks, and many include en-suite bathrooms. Private rooms vary: the Lemur room has a private ensuite; other private rooms use private hall bathrooms. A studio apartment features a private entrance, kitchen, and balcony with garden views. All accommodations include air conditioning, heating, and free Wi-Fi. Bedside lights and plugs are standard. The locker in each room is large enough for a carry-on suitcase.

Dining

The hostel does not have a restaurant, but provides a fully equipped shared kitchen and complimentary coffee and tea each morning.
The shared kitchen includes a refrigerator, microwave, kettle, cookware, and utensils, allowing you to prepare your own meals. Free coffee and tea are offered in the mornings. Within a 5-minute walk there are numerous dining options including Eventide Oyster Co, Duckfat, and Fore Street Restaurant for those who prefer to eat out.

Wellness and Leisure

The hostel offers a garden, games room, movie nights, and board games for on-site leisure activities.
The outdoor garden provides a relaxing green space, while the games room and scheduled movie nights offer entertainment without leaving the property. Board games and puzzles are also available. The property does not have a spa, pool, or fitness centre.

Facilities and Services

Free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, daily housekeeping, and a shared lounge with TV are available.
The hostel provides free Wi-Fi throughout and a shared lounge/TV area. Luggage storage is available free of charge for those arriving before check-in or after check-out. Daily housekeeping keeps the common areas and bathrooms clean. Security features include CCTV, key card access, and smoke alarms. The property is adults-only and includes a designated smoking area.
Highly rated by guestsof Black Elephant Hostel
Amazing locationFriendly staffClean bathroomsComfortable beds
  • Guest Parking

    Stress-Free Parking

    “I parked for four days without paying. Parking signs were confusing, but it worked out perfectly!”

    Carlos from Spain
    Review on
  • Dining

    Equipped Kitchen

    “The kitchen had everything I needed. I cooked a great breakfast and saved money!”

    Mei from China
    Review on
  • Bathroom

    Spotless Bathrooms

    “The bathroom looked recently renovated. It was completely spotless. It felt like my own private bathroom!”

    Rajesh from India
    Review on
  • Room Features

    Cozy Room

    “My room was comfortable with good airflow and sufficient lighting. I had a great night's sleep.”

    Ingrid from Sweden
    Review on

Critical Operational Notes

  • Check-in is from 15:00 to 20:00; check-out is by 10:30.
  • No pets allowed.
  • No on-site parking; free street parking with time restrictions (9 AM-5 PM) and paid lots nearby.
  • No restaurant, spa, or swimming pool on-site.
  • Sheets and towels are included; lockers with locks provided.
  • The property has multiple floors with no elevator.

Most popular facilities

at Black Elephant Hostel
Wi-Fi
Kitchen facilities
Air conditioning
TV
Adults only
Facilities for kids

Top Strategic Tips

  • 01

    Book a private room if you prefer not to use shared bathrooms; only the Lemur room has a private ensuite.

  • 02

    Use free street parking from 4 PM to 10 AM, or use the Ocean Gateway Lot ($15/24h, seasonal) or County Courthouse Garage ($18/24h).

  • 03

    Reserve a taxi or rideshare in advance for early morning flights; no airport shuttle is available.

  • 04

    Arrive before 10 PM if booking a dorm bed to avoid a $10 late check-in fee.

Choose your room type

Black Elephant Hostel — double rooms, family rooms, and suites. Breakfast options and free cancellation available on selected rates
  • Budget Double Room
    2 persons
    8 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
  • Classic Quadruple Room
    2 persons
    13 sq. feet
    4 Single beds
    Air conditioning
    Heating
  • Quadruple Room
    2 persons
    12 sq. feet
    2 Double beds
    Air conditioning
    Heating
Show all rooms

Hotel Price Calendar

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August 2026 - August 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

What's included at Black Elephant Hostel — facilities and services available during your stay
Facilities: Perfect
9.4/10Review score

General

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Wi-Fi
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Security
  • Adults only
  • Luggage storage
  • Locker room
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Guest Parking

  • Shared kitchen
  • Electric kettle
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

  • Housekeeping

Children

  • Board games
  • Game room

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Sink

Self-catering

  • Shared kitchen
  • Electric kettle
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils
Show more

Black Elephant Hostel Location

33 Hampshire Street, Portland, ME 04101
Explore Portland
Explore Portland
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Portland Observatory
10 minutes' walk
Historic maritime signal tower with panoramic views of the city and guided tours showcasing Portland's rich harbor history.
Wadsworth-Longfellow House
11 minutes' walk
The childhood home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, featuring period rooms and fascinating stories from its historical past.
Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine
16 minutes' walk
Interactive exhibits and engaging performances perfect for families, sparking creativity in children. Great for rainy days!
Portland Museum of Art
16 minutes' walk
Maine's largest art museum houses American, European, and contemporary art, with occasional free admission days and special exhibits.
East End Beach
20 minutes' walk
A relaxing beach with stunning views, perfect for sunbathing and picnicking. Seasonal lifeguards keep families safe all summer.
Biking on the Eastern Promenade
30 minutes' walk
Scenic biking trails along the waterfront, offering beautiful views of Casco Bay. Rentals available nearby for a fun afternoon.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
5 minutes' drive
Thrilling water activity available at local rental shops on the waterfront. Great for adventure seekers looking to explore the bay.
Tomaso's Canteen
1 minute' walk
Casual diner-style eatery offering hearty breakfasts and classic comfort dishes, perfect for fueling up for the day.
Anthony's Italian Kitchen
5 minutes' walk
Cozy Italian restaurant known for its fresh pasta and delectable sauces, suitable for date nights or family dinners.
Banh Appetit
5 minutes' walk
Vietnamese street food with a twist, featuring delicious bánh mì and fresh rolls. Vegetarian options available for health-conscious diners.
Cumberland County Civic Center
10 minutes' walk
Home to live sports and entertainment events, offering a vibrant atmosphere and fun options for fans and visitors of all ages.
John Ford
5 minutes' walk
Live music venue showcasing local and touring artists in an intimate setting, great for a night out with friends or a date.
Commercial Street
9 minutes' walk
Bustling street filled with shops, bars, and waterfront views. Perfect for an evening stroll and lively nightlife scene.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    Portland 5 min  ·  1400 ft
  • Airports
    Portland International Jetport (PWM) 12 min  ·  4.7 mi
    Augusta State (AUG) 132 min  ·  54.4 mi
Book early and pay less
See available rates for your dates
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-20:00
Check-out
from 04:00-10:00
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
49

Guest Reviews and Ratings

What guests said after staying at Black Elephant Hostel
Review score
Based on 187 verified reviews
9.2 /10
Perfect
96 %
Recommend
Breakfast
10.0/10
Cleanliness
9.3/10
Comfort
9.3/10
Facilities
9.4/10
Free WiFi
9.0/10
Location
9.6/10
Paid Wi-Fi
9.3/10
Staff
9.8/10
Value for money
8.9/10
Pros
Clean rooms
Comfortable beds
Friendly staff
Central location
Free coffee
Cons
Loud noise
Hidden fees
Temperature issues
Guest reviews
based on 376 reviews
9.2/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
FAQs
About Black Elephant Hostel
What are the check-in and check-out times at Black Elephant Hostel?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:30.
What attractions are nearby Black Elephant Hostel?
Popular nearby attractions include Merrill Auditorium (1 km), Portland Observatory (2 km), and the Portland Downtown Historic District (1 km).
How far is Black Elephant Hostel from Portland International Jetport?
The hostel is 5 km from Portland International Jetport, approximately a 10-minute drive.
What room amenities are available at Black Elephant Hostel?
Rooms feature air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and some units come with balconies or sea views.
What food and drink options are available near Black Elephant Hostel?
Nearby dining options include Eventide Oyster Co (0.5 km), Fore Street Restaurant (0.5 km), and Tomaso's Canteen (0.5 km).
What facilities are available at Black Elephant Hostel?
The hostel offers a shared kitchen, leisure/TV room, game room, board games, and luggage storage.
Does Black Elephant Hostel provide any shared spaces or communal facilities?
Guests have access to a shared lounge and a shared kitchen.
What languages do the staff at Black Elephant Hostel speak?
The staff can communicate in English.
Is there a designated smoking area at Black Elephant Hostel?
The property is entirely non-smoking.
Does Black Elephant Hostel offer any activities for guests?
The hostel organizes game rooms and movie nights for guests.

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