Name: AC Hotel Portland Downtown-Waterfront, ME
Address: 158 Fore Street, East Bayside, Portland, Maine, United States of America, Portland, Cumberland County, US
Price range: US$172–US$970 per night
Rating: 8.85

What guests think

At AC Hotel Portland Downtown-Waterfront, ME, travelers consistently praise the walkable waterfront location, modern clean spaces, and friendly staff, while noting pricey or limited parking, paid breakfast, and occasional service, maintenance, or room-design frustrations.

Many guests value the free local shuttle and on-site bar, and some like water views and efficient layouts. Complaints include uncomfortable or firm beds, sliding bathroom doors that limit privacy, weak shower pressure, and sporadic housekeeping lapses. Overall, expect a clean, modern, walkable stay with a few tradeoffs.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Facilities include an on-site bar, a gym, and a free local/airport shuttle; many use valet parking while noting parking can be pricey or limited nearby. A few reported outages or issues (elevator, ice machines, Wi‑Fi/TV), and there’s no full restaurant or room service.

Related guest reviews

10

Tammy

1 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location, top-notch shuttle service, professional and courteous staff, good breakfast

10

Sharon

8 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was very clean as was the whole hotel. In great condition - did not feel worn at all. Everyone was super nice. My breakfast was included which was lovely. Available shuttle to the airport was considered in my stay as well. Would definitely stay here again if i come back to Portland. Location downtown was great.

4

Kelly

14 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

WiFi and tv was down our entire stay. No comps made due to their issue. The room was bland. The room I booked said city view; that view was of a side walk and another Marriott hotel; not the city. Staff was sweet and the bed and shower in the room was good. With no tv or internet for the whole stay one would think they would have offered comped parking (which was $40/day) or some kind of voucher for the inconvenience but nope.

8

Deborah

10 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

This hotel is beautifully maintained and scrupulously clean. We were only there on an overnight stay after a brutal travel schedule, but our room and the whole property were really lovely. The only criticism/question we had was regarding parking at this property. We weren’t directed to any type of self-park situation and instead it looks like the only option is valet. It seems like parking is a problem in that part of Portland, but it needs to be explained to visitors better before getting charged $38.

8

Diana

11 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Location was ideal. Walkable to restaurants and shopping. If you didn’t want to walk, they offered a free shuttle service. Checkin was quick and easy with valet parking. Onsite bar was a nice feature.

10

Satoko

14 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very good location to shopping and dining area. Very clean hotel. One of elevator and ice machine were broken for entire stay. No body came to fix it. I hope they maintain their facility in a good condition.

10

Philip

3 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

This hotel is beautiful and clean. The old port area is walkable but they have an amazing shuttle- that’s actually a GLS Mercedes that brings you anywhere. It’s in the description but know that parking is not included and you have to valet. If you don’t want to do valet, there’s a public lot nearby for $20/day.

8

Scott

22 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean room, room was also nice and modern. Bar on site. Close to Old Port restaurants and bars. Parking is an issue. You either have to valet for $40, park across the street in a garage for $55, or park a few blocks away in a lot for $25.

2

AMBER

6 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Broken elevator. Homeless on curb outside.

6

Carla

16 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

I reserved a King room but there were none left when we got there. There was no room service or restaurant in this upscale hotel. That was a big disappointment. When I made the reservation I paid extra to include valet parking and breakfast. They still charged us. I asked about it and they rebated the valet but not the breakfast. Won't be going back there are plenty of other places that are better.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Cleanliness is frequently praised, with many describing rooms and common areas as very clean or immaculate. Some guests reported dirty bathrooms or missed housekeeping during multi-night stays.

Related guest reviews

10

Peter

31 May 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Very clean property. Great location and great staff. Breakfast options were good as well.

10

Sharon

8 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was very clean as was the whole hotel. In great condition - did not feel worn at all. Everyone was super nice. My breakfast was included which was lovely. Available shuttle to the airport was considered in my stay as well. Would definitely stay here again if i come back to Portland. Location downtown was great.

6

JESSICA

30 May 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

This is our third time staying at a AC hotel, and I can say this is the first time I seen a hotel room dirty. The bathroom had hair all over the floor and the inside the shower, the toilet seat was also a mess. But besides that, everything was good but to me the bathroom cleanliness is very important and there is definitely room for improvement comparing the AC other states we stayed.

6

Amanda

22 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Half of the shower head did not work. Red splatter at the top of the stainless steel door casing to the bathroom. Shampoo was empty, condition got 1 pump out of.

10

Deborah

3 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Perfect location. Extremely clean .

8

sharon

26 Feb 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Excellent staff overall. However, housekeeping was not up to par. We were promised housekeeping service after first night. Never got it. When I complained, we received new towels only and a trash bag for us to empty trash. When we did get housekeeping, only got new towels and trash emptied. Floor was dirty. Dirty glasses not replaced. Very disappointing.

10

Peter

13 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location and clean facilities

4

Nathan

15 Mar 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel has no parking. $38 valet or city parking are your only options. Room was ridiculously expensive considering how filthy it is. Trash can wasn't emptied, floor is dirty and covered in sand, walls have numerous marks and scratches... The couch is broken and bed is very uncomfortable. Overall a complete waste of $500 for one night. Would have been better off at a Motel 6.

10

Jessica

15 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Everyone was super friendly and nice and everything was very clean

10

Rosanna

9 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Bathroom walls need to be cleaned

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are modern with some water views and efficient layouts. Downsides mentioned repeatedly are firm or uncomfortable beds, sliding bathroom doors that reduce privacy, weak shower pressure or faulty showerheads, and occasional Wi‑Fi/TV outages.

Related guest reviews

4

Kelly

14 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

WiFi and tv was down our entire stay. No comps made due to their issue. The room was bland. The room I booked said city view; that view was of a side walk and another Marriott hotel; not the city. Staff was sweet and the bed and shower in the room was good. With no tv or internet for the whole stay one would think they would have offered comped parking (which was $40/day) or some kind of voucher for the inconvenience but nope.

10

Sheila

26 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Location - modern and very comfortable

8

Dick

15 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Appreciated: the wood floor (without the mysteries of what lives in carpeting) Didn’t appreciate: the “glass” (translucent panel) sliding bathroom door, which not only transmitted (if not magnified) every bathroom sound, but also meant that light from the bathroom in the middle the night flooded the front part of the room. Predict they’ll be replaced with solid door eventually.

6

Michael

4 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The room design is strange either bathroom mirror in a strange position. - bad lighting - shower leaked into the toilet area because the showers door does not close and the shower head is aimed toward the edge of the shower door! Looks like everything is designed to have square lines instead of functional- location good free coffee but $18 for all or nothing breakfast

10

David

1 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Very nice room with water views. Walkable to shopping and dining. Great place to stay in Portland.

4

Greg

5 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I waited 10 minutes in the lobby for someone to check us in. We had to grab our own baggage cart and bring it up to the room and return it to the lobby. The sink in the tiny pantry didn’t drain, disgusting! The TV remote didn’t work! The bathroom door is a rolling barn door style that leaves no privacy for the user and the actual bathroom itself was tiny. It’s the price they charge you to stay there that makes the above unacceptable an AC hotel !!!

8

Daniel

9 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean and comfortable. Easy walking distance to restaurants and shops. Only downside is weak shower water pressure.

10

Mitch

27 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Location was ideal. Rooms were spacious and modern. Hotel staff were great!

10

Kristina

3 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was great, a couple issues, the bathroom sink did not drain well & the ceiling shower head only about half of the holes let water out. I couldn't find a pillow combination that worked for me, but that is more personal than a hotel issue. So convenient to the Narrow Gauge RR for the Polar Express. Not a bad walk to restaurants. Wish the hotel had a restaurant or a bar open earlier in the day.

8

Lisa

30 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

While it’s a beautiful property, I didn’t feel it was worth the high price we paid. Thank goodness for our Expedia perk of free breakfast, because $18 each for a limited buffet was high priced in my opinion. The bed was comfortable, the bathroom was very nice, and the ocean view when you stand at the window was lovely (no view from the bed or chair).

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Service is widely described as friendly, helpful, and efficient, including valet and shuttle teams. A minority cited issues such as rude or slow front-desk interactions, oversold or unhonored room types, and limited late-night food service.

Related guest reviews

10

Tammy

1 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location, top-notch shuttle service, professional and courteous staff, good breakfast

2

Erica

8 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

First room was clearly not cleaned. Marijuana was on the table and the room reeked of the smell. We were not offered another suite until asking twice for an acceptable resolution. Service was almost nonexistent. The lounge advertised food being served until 10pm - the cook was gone before 9:45 so we were unable to get anything once back at the hotel.

10

Kate

24 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Sebastian and Hailey at the front were excellent and made us feel welcomed. There was a woman bartender (didn’t catch her name) one night who was working very diligently and was doing an amazing job during a rush. The area shuttle was such a great accommodation especially during some chilly nights. Our king room with a sofa was perfect. All around great hotel, highly recommend.

2

Sara

21 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

When I landed, I received a voicemail stating that they had oversold their rooms and had to move us to their sister hotel. We had booked a view room and the room we where given was nowhere near as nice as the one we were planning on having at AC Hotel. We were told they would comp our hotel and breakfast (which was already included at the sister hotel) but we still were charged for the entire stay at the sister hotel. I am extremely disappointed in how this was handled.

10

Amber

25 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Clean, awesome location (right across from the water front and Portland Schooner Co. dock, very short walking distance to most Old Port bars & restaurants), super friendly staff and valet. Hotel shuttle great amenity!

10

JoAnne

9 Apr 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

We stayed for a large family gathering in about five of the rooms in the hotel. Every staff person that we encountered went out of their way to make sure we enjoyed our stay. Colleen in the front reception. Desk area was amazing and helping us get accommodations for my 86 year old mother. The rooms were spotlessly clean, and anyone that we needed some thing from wentout of their way to make sure we got it.

10

N

18 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Super easy check in. Front desk was very accommodating when I needed new room keys. Everything was clean, efficient and friendly.

10

Kimberly

9 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Unbelievable staff/ so helpful. Traveling with elderly parents and staff went above and beyond to help me.

4

Vidal

3 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I booked a Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, City View. When I checked-in, I was given a 2 Queen Bed. There was no acknowledgment of my original order from the front desk employee. There was no apology or explanation for the change in room type. They gave me a 2 Queen room in the hope that I forgot what type of room I actually booked. Given the cost of the hotel, I at least expected some honesty and transparency.

8

Melody

8 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

All was great except the staff upon check in. I walked in and two staff looked at me like I had 4 heads. I had to greet them, they didn’t greet me. I said we arrived very early (5 hours early) but were looking for insight on parking options and maybe leaving our bags to walk around since the website says they needed advanced notice for early check in. A man with tattoos said “valet is $38 a night” in a rude tone and then checked me in and handed me keys. I said “since we’re so early when can we access the room?” Since again we were 5hrs early — he looked at me with a rude face and said “those are your hotel key rooms…..” and I said “oh yes I know! Just wondering if we can access them right away or have to wait since were so early!” And he said “…those are your hotel keys… so you can access it now..” I said okkk then…. thanks bye! Very glad we could get into the room early but it was such a terrible check in experience overall. No nice greeting during check in or a “enjoy your stay” or any info, just lots of attitude and rudeness. Went back to my partner after and said wow that guy at the front desk was such a d*ck.”

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Excellent waterfront Old Port location that’s walkable to restaurants, shops, ferries, and attractions; several note it feels convenient and safe. A few mention encountering homelessness and related issues nearby.

Related guest reviews

8

Brian

17 Feb 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel and staff were great but there are issues with the surrounding area. Walking from the hotel to restaurants and venues in the area we encountered many homeless that were clearly intoxicated camping in the doorways of closed businesses. We crossed to the other side of the street upon hearing the loud cursing and seeing trash, drug use and vomit on the sidewalk. Past visits to the Old Port in years past was a much better experience. Not sure what has happened but I feel bad for the businesses that are working hard to attract and keep customers coming back.

10

Koi San

7 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

I love the location

10

Grace

17 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

Great location, walkable to many local fav restaurants. I enjoyed my room with a partial view. The staff was friendly and helpful. The only thing that missed the mark was the shower head was leaking. Other than that, it was near perfect.

10

Roy

17 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great location! Near the ports, and the ferry. Shopping and all of the major eateries are within a 10- 20 minute walk Safe and secure location . Very clean hotel, nice bar lodge area.

10

Amber

25 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Clean, awesome location (right across from the water front and Portland Schooner Co. dock, very short walking distance to most Old Port bars & restaurants), super friendly staff and valet. Hotel shuttle great amenity!

8

Diana

11 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Location was ideal. Walkable to restaurants and shopping. If you didn’t want to walk, they offered a free shuttle service. Checkin was quick and easy with valet parking. Onsite bar was a nice feature.

8

Scott

22 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean room, room was also nice and modern. Bar on site. Close to Old Port restaurants and bars. Parking is an issue. You either have to valet for $40, park across the street in a garage for $55, or park a few blocks away in a lot for $25.

10

Adam

14 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Perfect location to great restaurants and close to the water

10

Elizabeth

24 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Wonderful location for walking to dining and shopping. Beautiful property!

10

Amy

12 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Close to the waterfront and shopping. Lots of food options. The valet parking was very nice.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

Breakfast quality is often praised, with some calling it exceptional or upscale, but it is not complimentary and several find the price high or options limited. The bar and happy hour are appreciated; there is no full restaurant or room service.

Related guest reviews

10

barbara

20 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

really one of the best hotels ive stayed in in a while. the staff was extremely helpful with check in and whoever decided to give complimentary hibiscus iced tea for guests should get a raise. the room was clean and comfortable. the view was stellar ! in the morning i had a truly delicious breakfast. well worth the $18 fee for the meal. its not like a regular hotel chain breakfast. its upscale with eggs made to order and quality choices. i really cant wait to come back to this hotel !

10

Janice

16 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

10/10 It was my husband’s birthday and I wanted to give him a nice night out… and I can say that AC did that. Parking was easy… checking in was easy and smooth. When we entered our room we were in awe. The room was clean and neat and we loved it.. aesthetic is a 10/10. One of the things that stood out the most for us was the breakfast. Breakfast was not only affordable but it was nutritious and delicious… very delicious. I have to point out that my husband was not doing well during breakfast time and he was unable to come down and eat but the lovely staff helped me to pack a to go box so that I could take it to the room for him. I Will be visiting again AC and the next time I will be there for more than just a night.

6

Michael

4 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The room design is strange either bathroom mirror in a strange position. - bad lighting - shower leaked into the toilet area because the showers door does not close and the shower head is aimed toward the edge of the shower door! Looks like everything is designed to have square lines instead of functional- location good free coffee but $18 for all or nothing breakfast

10

Sarah

27 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Quiet, clean, comfortable, excellent breakfast, coffee

10

Lisa

7 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I enjoyed happy hour at bar, rooms were clean and staff were friendly.. loved Maine! Will go again!

10

Kenneth L

8 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

This hotel was amazing. If there was any suggestion, it would be to revamp the breakfast format but there are plenty of options in the surrounding area so no biggy.

6

Crystal

2 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Breakfast Buffet was limited with meat choices.

10

Emily

12 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

The hotel is immaculate, cozy, and close to all restaurants and shops within walking distance. The breakfast at the hotel is amazing!!!

6

Carla

16 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

I reserved a King room but there were none left when we got there. There was no room service or restaurant in this upscale hotel. That was a big disappointment. When I made the reservation I paid extra to include valet parking and breakfast. They still charged us. I asked about it and they rebated the valet but not the breakfast. Won't be going back there are plenty of other places that are better.

8

Lisa

30 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

While it’s a beautiful property, I didn’t feel it was worth the high price we paid. Thank goodness for our Expedia perk of free breakfast, because $18 each for a limited buffet was high priced in my opinion. The bed was comfortable, the bathroom was very nice, and the ocean view when you stand at the window was lovely (no view from the bed or chair).

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	US$108
February	US$115
March	US$121
April	US$141
May	US$251
June	US$402
July	US$508
August	US$503
September	US$430
October	US$391
November	US$167
December	US$135

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $447	2 $495	3
4 $513	5 $724	6 $632	7 $734	8 $438	9 $494	10
11 $625	12 $466	13 $420	14 $574	15 $466	16 $616	17 $616
18 $308	19 $346	20 $374	21 $532	22 $448	23 $496	24 $467
25 $172	26 $215	27 $215	28 $252	29 $186	30 $214	31 $215

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17 $383	18 $429	19 $588
20 $299	21 $425	22	23 $439	24 $440	25 $790	26 $970
27 $306	28 $447	29 $447	30 $448

Select dates to see prices and availability

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa Bed, City View, Corner

Suite, 1 Bedroom (Mobility Accessible, Roll-In Shower)

Room, 2 Queen Beds, City View (Mobility Accessible, Roll-In Shower)

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa Bed

Room, 2 Queen Beds (View)

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa Bed (View)

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa Bed, City View

Suite, 1 Bedroom

Room, 2 Queen Beds, City View (Mobility Hearing Access, Roll-In Shower)

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa Bed, City View (Hearing Accessible)

Room, 2 Queen Beds, City View (Hearing Accessible)

Suite, 1 Bedroom, City View

Room, 2 Queen Beds (Hearing Accessible)

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa Bed, Corner

Room, 2 Queen Beds, City View

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa Bed (Mobility Accessible, Roll-In Shower)

Guest reviews

Fabulous

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Security deposit

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about AC Hotel Portland Downtown-Waterfront, ME

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Prices for upcoming dates