Name: Holiday Inn Portland-By the Bay by IHG
Address: 88 Spring Street, Portland Arts District, Portland, Maine, United States of America, Portland, Cumberland County, US
Price range: US$127–US$952 per night
Rating: 8.6

What guests think

At Holiday Inn Portland-By the Bay by IHG, travelers consistently praise the walkable location and bay views, clean and comfortable rooms, and friendly staff, while recurring concerns involve tight paid parking, renovation-related disruptions, and occasional slow or uneven dining service.

The free local shuttle is widely praised for easy trips to the waterfront, restaurants, and venues. Some guests report elevator waits, key-card hassles, noise from hallways, or sporadic room maintenance. Overall, expect a convenient base with solid essentials and a few operational quirks.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Indoor pool is popular but often described as chilly; the free shuttle helps avoid driving. Parking is in a tight paid garage, and renovations/elevator waits and a small gym are recurring inconveniences.

Related guest reviews

6

Jonathan

16 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Elevator wasn’t working and stairs were locked down. Getting in and out was quite an ordeal. It could take 10-15 minutes waiting in line for an elevator.

8

Toya

25 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

During our stay they were working on some renovations, however most everything seemed clean, the desk workers were friendly, the restaurant was a little slow however the food was very good. Parking is on the lower -end price wise than most places and tthere was in and out privileges but the parking was super tight. We were in a medium size SUV and were almost door to door with anyone beside us. Overall we had a great experience, a good view of the water front and all at a very reasonable price. I would stay again.

8

Lisa

13 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Parking tends to be a nightmare here. Because the spots are so small most people double park and don’t leave room for anyone else to get in

6

Morgan

5 May 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We checked in a few minutes early which was great. There’s two parking garages, one is located under the hotel which has such tight parking and the other is a garage next door with access to the hotel. That was a better option and completely safe. The key card for the garage was annoying, having to swipe 3 times for it to open. They have a free coffee station in the lobby which is convenient considering no free breakfast. Our room was located on the 5th floor. It was very spacious. But our door, you have to literally slam it shut because it doesn’t close by itself which was weird. Our bathroom had hair in the bathtub, buttons on the floor from somebody’s clothing and there was no bags in the trash cans. Also the elevators, you use your key to move floors which was great. But half the time it wasn’t working and we had to switch elevators. Multiple other guests we spoke to said the same. The beds were comfortable and the room was cozy. The area itself is walkable with a lot to do. That is why we chose this hotel so it was convenient for that. I hope they fix the little issues so others don’t have a similar experience. Richard checked us out and he was wonderful, very friendly. The others were whatever, they don’t greet you when you walk through the door or crack a smile nor do the ladies who clean the room.

10

Susan

20 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

All of the staff were very helpful. Our room had a great view of the bay. I think one advantage of this hotel over others in the area is a shuttle service- we used it from the airport and to the bus/train station.

6

Holly

27 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Overall this was a decent 2 night stay. The room we booked was huge and had a nice view of the bay. The bed was also extremely comfortable and the room was clean. The staff were all so friendly and helpful as well. Unfortunately there were some negatives though. The heat in the room was very inconsistent- sometimes it was freezing and blowing out cold air and other times it was hot. Also the hotel was going under renovations, which normally isn’t a huge deal, but we weren’t told of this until after we already booked the room and received confusing instructions on how/where to park. Not very convenient. The pool was also freezing and the sauna did not work. I also would not recommend purchasing the breakfast that is offered as I did not feel like it was worth it.

10

Jovanka

3 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Perfect location to shops and restaurants. Pool is 82 degrees and huge. On site food and drinks were good - had the charcuterie board. Great view from the room.

8

Jessica

18 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The rooms were large, beds comfortable. Front desk staff were very accommodating. The fitness room was small. Only 2 treadmills and 1 elliptical. No weight machines, just some dumbells. It was great to have free shuttle to the airport and within 2 miles of the hotel. Breakfast was not included, but kids ate for free. The dining area was small and as a party of 6 there was a long wait so we went to some local coffee shops instead. Our Saturday night stay was expensive, but Monday night was reasonable at 1/2 the Saturday price. The kids enjoyed swimming in the indoor pool

10

Angel

4 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Convenient location right near downtown old port which is easily walkable as well as a free shuttle for the area. The best price for parking on site as well in the old port area. We love the ocean views and comfortable beds.

8

Salina

20 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

we booked the room because we wanted to stay where there was a nice indoor pool so we could relax and decompress as we had family in the hospital. There’s a sign at the pool. It says heated to 80°. The room was freezing cold. The pool is cold, and the staff basically told us that we were in Maine. We’re from Maine. The restaurant staff was horrible. There was no one in there and our food was cold when it came out and the bartender was constantly on her phone and we could hear her conversation always a cold at our room is right next to the elevator. Upon speaking to the manager the next morning, she was very accommodating and helpful and turned our trip around by giving us a night for free to stay, moved us away from the elevator. She listened to our concerns and made it a point to take care of those issues. It was deeply appreciated. If it hadn’t been for her, I would’ve given the hotel, a two star rating. But because of Shawna I gave the hotel another two stars.

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Cleanliness

Most reviews note clean rooms and well-kept public areas. However, multiple guests reported lapses such as unvacuumed floors, hair or dust in bathrooms, and occasional missed housekeeping.

Related guest reviews

6

Morgan

5 May 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We checked in a few minutes early which was great. There’s two parking garages, one is located under the hotel which has such tight parking and the other is a garage next door with access to the hotel. That was a better option and completely safe. The key card for the garage was annoying, having to swipe 3 times for it to open. They have a free coffee station in the lobby which is convenient considering no free breakfast. Our room was located on the 5th floor. It was very spacious. But our door, you have to literally slam it shut because it doesn’t close by itself which was weird. Our bathroom had hair in the bathtub, buttons on the floor from somebody’s clothing and there was no bags in the trash cans. Also the elevators, you use your key to move floors which was great. But half the time it wasn’t working and we had to switch elevators. Multiple other guests we spoke to said the same. The beds were comfortable and the room was cozy. The area itself is walkable with a lot to do. That is why we chose this hotel so it was convenient for that. I hope they fix the little issues so others don’t have a similar experience. Richard checked us out and he was wonderful, very friendly. The others were whatever, they don’t greet you when you walk through the door or crack a smile nor do the ladies who clean the room.

10

Cynthia

5 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean room, great location.

6

BARBARA

1 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

The property was under renovation and for most of our stay there was only one working elevator that at one point stopped working. Our room was so dusty and at one time wehad to call the front desk to have our room cleaned when we came back from along day out so imagine coming in at 8pm and having to leave right back out because your room wasn't cleaned.They never refilled any of the coffee supplies in the room the four days we were there either. The best part were the shuttle bus drivers they were so nice it's a same because I will not recommend this establishment to my friends.

10

Lauren

7 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great stay. Very clean and comfortable.

10

Karen

23 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Our trip was great. Check in was smooth, our room was very clean and comfortable; and check out was smooth. Thank you for making the lodging portion of our trip great!

6

Laura

3 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The bed spreads had visible debris on them including hair and we found old blueberries on the floor.

2

Lisa M

1 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We had dirty bedsheets with a vape in the bed and bugs. Dining staff was extremely rude and the food was terrible at breakfast time. The walls are so thin we could hear the couple next to us going at it for hours

6

Zoe

31 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel is in an excellent location near to many great shops and restaurants. However the cleanliness of the room was sub-par, with the toilet not cleaned, leftover candy on the floor (not ours, yuck!), and a sticky substance all over the phone (soda?). The pool water was also very chilly, though the man at the desk said there had been some mechanical issues with the heater. The pool area was locked when we went down with keycards not working, and we received prompt care and assistance from the kind person at the front desk (I think his name was John), who walked us down, tried his own key, and ultimately resolved the issue, calling back to our room to notify us.

4

Haydee

1 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

The rooms weren’t vacuumed. The coffee was pretty bad tasting. No restaurant really. The phone in our room didn’t work. The tv has a small amount of channels. The room didn’t come with a pen and pad. Hotels of this stature usually give that. Poor experience over all

10

Rik

28 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice clean and well-appointed. A perfect place to stay in downtown.

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Rooms

Rooms are generally spacious with comfortable beds and many have impressive harbor or bay views. Some guests mention dated touches, noise near elevators or thin walls, inconsistent heating/AC, poor bathroom lighting, or basic TVs.

Related guest reviews

8

Douglas

30 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We had a nice room on the top (11th) floor with a view of the waterfront. We had a 45 min delay getting into our room upon arrival even though it was 4:30 pm. But they did give us some vouchers for free drinks in the bar while we waited. The parking garage is pretty tight and gets filled up. The location is good with many walkable sights and restaurants. We didn't eat at the hotel, so can't comment on that.

8

Elinor

21 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was comfy and quiet. Good blackout shade. The lighting in the bathroom looks attractive but it isn’t good for even putting in earrings much less any make up or shaving. The mirror in the living area isn’t any better. The coffee was good but better creamer would be nice. And maybe more than two.

10

Lynn

15 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very comfortable room. Clean and spacious. We had a beautiful view of the water. Check in was quick and they got us in our room early. Staff is friendly and professional. Easy walk to restaurants and attractions.

10

lauri

13 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The view of the harbor was amazing! The room was very spacious and the bed…omg the bed was the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept in!!! 15 min walk to downtown was very doable. Tho the pool was indoors, it was heated to a very nice 82 degrees and lovely!

10

Shane

31 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We had a great room overlooking the harbor. It was spacious and clean.

8

Elizabeth

1 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great location, some nice updates to an older hotel. Beds were too soft and they should have microwaves. Rooms were spacious and hotel had a great indoor pool

6

Joyce

23 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very clean room with super comfortsble bed. The room was not very sound proof. We heard neighbors talking into the morning and doors to other rooms slamming quite loudly.

6

Leigh

23 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

The property was a basic hotel. No AC really in the hallways of the rooms. Laundry only on the 11th floor. No water pressure on the 11th floor. Toilet seat was so loose, tried to fix but fastens didn’t even fit the toilet. AC in the room only worked if you were inside the room. Coming back to a warm room after a day of sweating isn’t idea. The bed was good and the TV worked.

8

Jane

8 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel was clean & comfortable. Just stayed 1 night at the end of a trip, so didn't spend much time there. Phone in room did not work. Disappointed that tv was not a smartTV and didn't get many channels.

10

Avi

12 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Big room, great ocean view. Really clean and new. Excellent breakfast. Staff very nice. Great location, 3 min walk to the old city.

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Service

Staff are frequently praised as friendly and helpful, and the shuttle drivers stand out. There are recurring complaints about slow or delayed check-in and occasional rudeness or unhelpful responses.

Related guest reviews

8

Dawna

16 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice stay, in town for a show with family and friends for just 1 night. Check in was a slow process, definitely could be quicker. Other than that, great stay!

10

Eliud

30 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great property with a very warm and attentive staff. From Richard at the front desk to the young lady in the restaurant, everyone has been friendly and helpful. I highly recommend this hotel if you’re in the Portland area.

2

Regina

13 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Got to hotel at 130. Was told I could not check in until 3 YET, as I was sitting there in the lobby, I watched as other people were being checked in. I had asked the desk clerk to notify me when the room was ready. His name was Cooper. VERY poor customer service. He was very condescending. I almost felt like he was discriminating against me. I am also a member of IHG and will report this to them.

10

Jason

29 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Richard check us in and was an exceptional host. He was extremely cordial complimenting and upgraded us to a room with an amazing view without us asking. He was very informative about the amenities of the hotel and acted as a concierge as well to inform us of nearby activities restaurants and the shuttle service. We are very pleased with our stay and we'll happily stay here again.

10

Ronald James

20 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

The staff was curtious and went out of it's way to assist in any way possible. For instance, arranging shuttle rides.

8

Edward

13 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Liked the location and had a nice view of the bay from our room. The bartender at the hotel bar was very friendly. The rest of the staff acted as if they didn’t want to be bothered. The key cards for the rooms deactivated very easily and frequently. One of the staff members scolded my wife because my daughter went to get it reactivated and said she should not have a key at 14 years old.

6

Lora

25 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We came to check in at 4pm not 3pm and was told our room was not ready This was the first time a room was not ready after check in time for us. I asked for any room with two queens she then preceded to tell us it was ready shortly after? The room was nice and so was the rep at the front desk

10

Mary

7 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Our stay at this hotel exceeded our expectations. Though the parts of the facility were under remodeling/construction we never would have known except for entering/leaving through an alternate route. All areas that we visited were very clean and beds in our room were very comfortable. All staff we encountered were courteous pleasant and concerned about our comfort and needs. My husband is blind and all staff were intuned to this. Mark, Grisel and Richard at the front desk were wonderful as were the dining room staff. We only had breakfast during our stay but it was delicious. Alex the van driver was pleasant as well. We will definitely return here.

10

Lorraine

5 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The staff was awesome. We took the shuttle to the waterfront and back and the driver was awesome and accommodating. My daughter left her makeup bag and they called her and we picked it up before we left Portland. Great customer service.

2

Jacob

16 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Had a 45 minute wait for the room. Waited from 3-345 and was late to my event at 5 after I was able to shower and dress. I prepaid so it was surprising that a room wasn’t ready for me… I also felt trapped here because of the prepay I had no real choice but to be at the mercy of the hotel. Given the price I can’t see myself staying here again. The hotels response to the long wait was to give me a drink ticket and to ask me to wait at the bar… I’m a recovering alcoholic so it wasn’t very welcoming or an experience I’d want to put myself into again. If I was late checking out I’d be charged… the hotel was late to check in and there restoration effort was a drink ticket. If you can’t accommodate the stated check in time you shouldn’t falsely advertise that’s the checking time - or at least put a disclosure that you may need to wait for 3-4 for your room to be prepared, despite prepayment based on 3pm check in. I would have went to a hotel that would honor the 3pm check in so I could make my event. I’m really frustrated and exhausted with the added stress trying to frantically get ready and to the event on time.

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Location

Walkable to Old Port, restaurants, museums, the arena, and waterfront, with scenic views from higher floors. A few note it’s a bit of a walk or uphill from some areas.

Related guest reviews

10

Caitlin

4 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Fabulous stay. Clean, updated, friendly front desk staff. Comfortable beds, good sized bathroom, nice view as well. Very walkable to the main areas in Portland. Would highly recommend!

10

Dana

19 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Excellent location in Portland. Walking distance to the Museum and Maine college of Art, shops, restaurants and the water. Staff was friendly and quick to check us in.

10

Steven

17 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location

10

Allan

28 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

This hotel was close and walking distance to many bars and restaurants. This hotel was also affordable compared to other hotels in downtown Portland Maine. I would stay here again.

8

Andrew

20 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice hotel close to the Old Port district in Portland. Clean, modern, and great location. Enjoyed our stay!

8

Landon

25 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice Holiday Inn. Within walking distance from downtown.

10

Julia

29 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Had a very positive experience staying here for 3 days! Hotel is very close to the State Theater & the Portland Art Museum. Also lots of good restaurants around the block. Staff was very nice and friendly!!! Breakfast was divine :-) There is construction going on but it did not bother us. I thought they were very quiet when we were there.

10

Denise

15 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Love the Old Port location. Hotel is so close to everything.

10

Turby

7 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great view! Very convenient to walking downtown.

10

Angel

4 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Convenient location right near downtown old port which is easily walkable as well as a free shuttle for the area. The best price for parking on site as well in the old port area. We love the ocean views and comfortable beds.

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Dining

Feedback on breakfast and the restaurant is mixed: some enjoyed the buffet or on-site options, while others found breakfast overpriced, service slow, staffing thin, or the restaurant closed/limited at times. Room service was a good fallback for some.

Related guest reviews

8

Rob

6 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel was very clean and comfortable. The front desk seemed overwhelmed at times during the day and a little rude. The night crew were much more polite. The morning/breakfast crew was very polite and accommodating. The bartender was rude and ignored patrons, leaving them waiting for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. She either needs help or a better work ethic. Also the fact that we had to pay an additional fee to park in the garage was a little ridiculous. Overall we enjoyed our stay here in SoPo.

8

Tracey

8 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It was a very good stay. Staff was very friendly and helpful, had planned to go out for dinner after arriving and ended up staying right at motel and having dinner and drinks and also breakfast the next morning, don't think they should charge for parking, rate was a little stout, but all and all it was a great experience, view from room was amazing

10

BERNICE

7 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The breakfast was great. The staff was night and the view was nice

10

Carla

1 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

We had reserved a standard king room with a harbor view. The room was exactly as described. We had a spectacular view of the very busy harbor as well as watching the planes approaching the airport. The room had recently been renovated and very nicely decorated. The bed, pillows and linens were of top quality. Their lounge and restaurant were closed. They were repairing some water damage. However, they were offering their entire menu for room service. The food was delicious. All in all I would give the entire stay a 10

8

Gregory

27 May 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Location was very good and absolutely loved the shuttle that we utilized numerous times for meals and sightseeing. Our only complaint was the breakfast which was one of the selling points that brought us to this property. The lady taking orders, serving, ........ did a very good job but was alone which made the meal extremely slow. We skipped it the second day due to your time was more valuable. Hope this helps

8

Morgan

16 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Overall, we enjoyed our stay. The restaurant and cleaning staff was very helpful and kind. Breakfast was good and had a nice variety. the location was walkable and very convenient. Parking was convenient and very reasonably priced. We wished the fridge in the room was larger and the microwave could’ve been in the room. The shuttle was an awesome feature and all the drivers were great and helpful. We had issues with the room keys not working with the parking and in the rooms, but the front desk fixed them. Overall, we would stay again and recommend this hotel

10

REBECCA

16 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Like the hotel. Would skip breakfast. Too expensive for what you get for free in other hotels. Walkable breakfast places would be a better option.

10

Delma M

22 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The breakfast buffet was excellent, lots of selections. Check in was fast and staff are very accommodating. Will stay here again .

10

Jovanka

3 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Perfect location to shops and restaurants. Pool is 82 degrees and huge. On site food and drinks were good - had the charcuterie board. Great view from the room.

10

MATTHEW

13 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great hotel, clean, modern, convenient. Restaurant was a disaster though at breakfast. Staff at restaurant needs better management.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	US$83
February	US$93
March	US$93
April	US$107
May	US$174
June	US$278
July	US$327
August	US$340
September	US$334
October	US$315
November	US$117
December	US$100

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15 $367	16 $266	17 $232	18 $232	19 $258
20 $198	21 $232	22 $232	23 $280	24 $319	25	26
27 $233	28 $323	29 $323	30 $266

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $260	2 $417	3 $952
4 $228	5 $469	6 $375	7 $303	8 $349	9 $421	10
11 $391	12 $280	13 $292	14 $325	15 $303	16 $443	17 $323
18 $210	19 $217	20 $256	21 $273	22 $266	23 $304	24 $242
25 $240	26 $201	27 $209	28 $209	29 $127	30 $127	31 $127

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Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Premium Room, 1 King Bed, Bay View, Corner (Sofa)

Standard Room

Premium Room, 2 Queen Beds, Corner

Premium Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Mobility)

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Premium Room, 1 King Bed, Bay View, Corner

Premium Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible (Communications, Mobility)

Premium Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa Bed, Corner

Guest reviews

Fabulous

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Holiday Inn Portland-By the Bay by IHG

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Prices for upcoming dates