HOLIDAY INN PORTLAND-BY THE BAY BY IHG, Portland

The hotel is located in the heart of downtown, placing you within a 5-minute walk of the Cross Insurance Arena and less than 10 minutes from the shops, restaurants, and bars of the Old Port. The Portland Museum of Art is 250 metres away. The Portland Transportation Center (Amtrak Downeaster) is 3 km from the hotel. The area is highly walkable, though walking back uphill from the Old Port can be longer. Public bus stops are a few blocks away. The hotel offers a free shuttle to downtown destinations when available, which can be a useful alternative to walking or driving. The immediate vicinity has a high visible homeless population, which some travellers find concerning. Old Orchard Beach is a short drive away with municipal parking lots.

All rooms include air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a work desk, tea and coffee-making facilities, a mini-fridge, a hairdryer, a private bathroom with a bathtub/shower combination, and free toiletries. Microwaves are located in a common area on each floor. Room types include: King Bed Guest Room (with ocean views and a large desk), Two Queen Guest Room (with two queen beds and a large desk), King Executive Guest Room (more spacious, with a separate living area and a sleeper sofa, located on corners for more light), King Bed Accessible Room (with roll-in shower and grab bars), and the Presidential Suite (with a full kitchen, conference table, and expansive ocean views, can adjoin to other rooms). Bay-view rooms on higher floors are quieter and provide significant practical comfort with better views and less noise from the hallway and neighbouring rooms. Rooms facing the road or near the elevator can be noisier; rooms at the end of hallways are recommended for light sleepers. The property has a dated feel, particularly in bathrooms which may show wear. Road-facing rooms may be less suitable for light sleepers. No rooms have a balcony.

The Port of Call restaurant is located off the lobby. Breakfast is served daily from 6:30 am to 11 am as a buffet (available for a fee). The breakfast buffet has been described as limited and of poor quality, with eggs, bacon, and French toast often overcooked. Packages are available that include breakfast vouchers, which are given at check-in. The Port of Call Lounge is open from 3 pm to 10 pm, serving cocktails and light fare. Dinner is available from 3 pm, but menu availability can be inconsistent, with items like fish or steak sometimes unavailable. Room service is available during restaurant hours. A gift shop/marketplace offers limited snacks and drinks. The surrounding area has a wide variety of highly-rated restaurants within walking distance, including Bao Bao Dumpling House, Marcy's Diner, Emilitsa (0.5 km), and Otto (0.5 km).

The hotel features a large heated indoor swimming pool open year-round, with a shallow end and sun loungers. It is located on the G3 level. There is also a dry sauna within the fitness centre and a steam room. The fitness centre is small and equipped with basic cardio machines, and is free for guests. E-bikes are available on-site for exploring the city. Other leisure activities include free darts and bookable walking tours for an additional charge. The pool is clean and well-maintained, though some have noted the water temperature is not always hot. The sauna is traditionally not working or not heating properly, so plan accordingly.

Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. A business centre offers free printing. The 24-hour front desk can assist with luggage storage and express check-in/out. Valet parking is available for the same fee as self-parking ($20/night). On-site parking is in a garage which is narrow and can fill up, with an overflow lot next door. A free airport shuttle operates from 5:00 am, but service is not guaranteed and other shuttle destinations are on-demand and subject to availability. A coin-operated washer and dryer are available on the 11th floor; detergent can be purchased at the front desk. Dry cleaning services are offered via an external provider. Daily housekeeping is provided, but the standard of cleaning has been inconsistent. Connecting rooms are available upon request and subject to availability. The hotel is fully non-smoking.