COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT PORTLAND DOWNTOWN/WATERFRONT, Portland

The hotel sits directly on Commercial Street, with the harbour across the street and the dock used by American Cruise Lines about a 10-minute walk away. Victoria Mansion is 400 metres away and the Wadsworth Longfellow House 500 metres away. Old Orchard Beach and Crescent Beach are within a 25-minute drive. Many restaurants, including Tiqa, Zen Chinese Bistro and Portland Pie Company, are within 0.5 km. The area is highly walkable for dining and shopping, and the free airport shuttle makes car-free arrival straightforward. Street parking has a 2-hour limit, so the hotel's valet or the nearby public garage are the practical options for longer stays.

Rooms are air-conditioned and feature a private entrance, coffee machine, seating area and wardrobe. En suite bathrooms are included, with walk-in showers available in some rooms. Certain rooms offer city or harbour views; top-floor harbour-view rooms are particularly spacious. All rooms include a mini fridge and microwave. The décor is modern and well-maintained, though some furnishings show light wear. Beds are generally comfortable, though a few find the mattresses firm and pillows thin - requesting extra pillows may help. Rooms away from the road are quieter. No rooms have balconies. Junior suites provide a separate bedroom, and rollaway beds are available upon request.

The Bistro offers American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with a bar, snack bar and coffee house serving Starbucks coffee. A children's menu is available, and wine or champagne can be ordered for an additional charge. Breakfast is available to purchase but is not included in the room rate. The Bistro operates on limited hours - confirm opening times at reception as they can vary. For a wider selection, the surrounding Old Port area has numerous restaurants and cafés within a short walk.

The indoor swimming pool is open all year, typically until 10pm. It is generally well-used, especially on weekends and holidays. The pool temperature can vary, so check with the front desk if a warm swim is important. The fitness centre is well-appointed with modern equipment. There is no spa or jacuzzi at this property.

The free airport shuttle can be arranged by calling the hotel from baggage claim. Valet parking costs US$40 per night and requires a reservation; a public parking garage across the street offers a cheaper alternative at around US$20 per day. The 24-hour front desk can assist with express check-in/out, luggage storage, and currency (ATM on site). Wi-Fi is free throughout. Business facilities include a business centre, meeting/banquet rooms, and fax/photocopying (additional charge). Laundry services (dry cleaning, ironing, daily housekeeping) are available; daily housekeeping is not automatic - request it at reception if needed. The property is fully non-smoking, has a lift, and offers accessible parking and rooms. Safety features include 24-hour security, CCTV, key-card access and a safety deposit box. No pets are allowed.