The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection

Should You Book The Press Hotel?

If you're returning to Portland, Maine and last time you stayed somewhere generic, The Press Hotel is the upgrade worth making. Housed in the former home of the Portland Press Herald on Exchange Street, this Autograph Collection property leans hard into its newspaper heritage — exposed brick, vintage press equipment, editorial photography — in a way that feels considered rather than costume-y. For a second visit to the city, or for anyone who wants a hotel that reflects the neighborhood rather than sitting above it, this is the right address.

The Space and What You're Actually Buying

The building's bones do a lot of work here. High ceilings, original architectural details, and a ground-floor bar give the property a physical presence that most Portland hotels don't have. The rooms themselves are compact by design , this is a converted historic building, not a purpose-built resort , so managing expectations on square footage is important before you book. What you're paying for is location, character, and atmosphere, not sprawling suites.

On that note: room category selection matters here more than at a standard chain. Entry-level rooms are functional but tight. If you're staying more than one night or traveling as a couple who actually plans to spend time in the room, stepping up to a superior or king-category room is worth the additional cost. The layout difference is meaningful, and the Exchange Street-facing rooms add street-level city energy that Portland's quieter hotels can't replicate.

Booking and Timing

Booking at The Press Hotel is direct , this is not a hard reservation to secure, and you won't need to plan months ahead outside of peak summer weekends and major local events. That said, Portland's Old Port fills up faster than visitors expect in July and August, so aim for 3–4 weeks out minimum during those months. Shoulder season , late September through November , offers the leading combination of availability, mild weather, and lower rates, making it the strongest window for value-seekers. The hotel sits at 119 Exchange St, putting you inside walkable distance of the Old Port's restaurants and bars without the noise exposure of the waterfront itself.

Mini Comparison: Portland Downtown Hotels

For a broader look at where to stay and eat across the city, see our full Portland hotels guide, our full Portland restaurants guide, and our full Portland bars guide.