Name: Inn at St John Portland In-Town
Address: 939 Congress Street, Valley Street, Portland, Maine, United States of America, Portland, Cumberland County, US
Price range: US$102–US$406 per night
Rating: 8.18

What guests think

At Inn at St John Portland In-Town, travelers highlight friendly service, generally clean, character-filled rooms, and good value compared with downtown hotels, while noting the property’s steep stairs and lack of an elevator, limited parking, and some dated elements.

Many rooms use shared or hall-access private bathrooms, and showers can be small with occasional hot–cold fluctuations. Free continental breakfast, coffee and snacks are appreciated, though the breakfast nook is cramped and opinions on quality range from good to basic. The location is handy for Maine Medical Center and Thompson’s Point, with bus links nearby, but walking to Old Port takes time and some find the area rough. Expect a quirky, budget-friendly historic stay with trade-offs.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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Facilities

Historic property without an elevator; stairs are steep and narrow. Free parking and continental breakfast add value, but the on-site lot is small with overflow nearby; coffee and tea are available during the day and pets are welcomed.

Related guest reviews

10

Susan

21 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very quaint, friendly, clean, comfortable and in a good location! Free wi-fi, parking and breakfast added to the great value!

6

Sandra

23 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

It is a clean hotel with friendly service BUT I do not recall, nor do I see where it says that there is no elevator. Having to climb stairs with 5 pieces of luggage is not ideal. Parking is limited but they do have additional parking available at a nearby BBQ place. The bed was on the firm side.

8

Thomas J

15 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Our stay was generally good. Our room was on the third floor and we had to climb steep stairways that took a circuitous route to our room, since the hotel has no elevator. It was certainly somewhat challenging, since we are older. The hotel has off street parking, included in the price, but if the small lot next to the hotel is full, you have to park a short block away, which we did. It is an old hotel and has a bit of charm, and it is in a good location. However, I did get scalded while taking a shower when, all of a sudden, the water temperature changed. Luckily, I wasn't seriously burned, but they should put temperature controllers on the plumbing. I would stay there again, but ask for a lower room. The staff was friendly and helpful.

10

Chelsea

1 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Pleasantly surprised at this little hotel. We had free parking, breakfast and no charge for dogs. They also stored our bikes for free in the basement. The staff was so friendly and the room was dated and old but CLEAN. There is no elevator which was fine for us but may be important to other guests. The only thing I would say was negative was the bed wasn’t as comfortable as it could’ve been but also the stay was extremely reasonable and the rest was truly a pleasant surprise. I’d stay again!!

10

Liza

21 Sept 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

We enjoyed our stay. The Inn is unique and as the oldest continually operating hotel In Portland, it was cool to be part of that history! Be aware if you are planning to stay, there is not an elevator so if you have any limitations, you will want to be sure you are on the first floor. The Inn is in a great location with the waterfront within walking distance and has free onsite parking. It was clean and quiet and the staff was friendly. Would definitely stay there again!

10

Paige

19 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great for a one or two night stay - parking options are available but you have to park a few blocks away if there is none close by. Not the most walkable area, but there are restaurants and grocery stores if needed. The staff and service were very accommodating! Easy check-in, free and well-supplied breakfast, coffee and water available 24/7. No elevator so if you have a room upstairs it can be a little annoying but worth it as the rooms were kept very clean and were spacious. Would stay again.

8

Rick

29 Jul 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

What a cool older place in Portland ME. Hotel stays are super expensive during the summer peak season. We found this gem that was walking distance to downtown. Had a nice continental breakfast. Staff was super polite and friendly. Only couple of drawbacks, no elevator and parking is tight and limited (however they do not charge for parking). Would go back in a heartbeat.

8

Miki

8 Jul 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

Had an overall great stay at the Inn at St. John in Portland. They are dog friendly, which was great for us. We had a room with a private bathroom in the hall, which worked out just fine. The free continental breakfast was great! Lots of to go snacks and good offering of bagels, muffins, danish, donuts, yogurt. The staff working there, front desk and housekeeping, were so friendly, nice, and helpful. The room is on the small side with no fridge (we had some leftovers we had to toss). However, the bed was comfortable, and the A/C worked very well. Location was a 30-40 min walk or so to the old port part of town, which we did not mind since we had our dog with us. Close to a grocery store for snacks or drinks.

10

Yizu

1 Aug 2024

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Stayed 3 nights

Easy access to downtown. No elevator. Shared bathroom takes time to adjust

10

Pedro

12 Jul 2024

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Stayed 2 nights

Excellent option. Quaint, well maintained, comfortable with a friendly staff. Lots of character. The Mediterranean restaurant next door -Bread & Olive- is a must! If you don’t mind the lack of an elevator, it is an excellent choice in Portland.

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Cleanliness

Rooms and common areas are frequently described as clean and well kept. Some guests noted musty odors, worn carpets, or isolated maintenance and cleanliness issues.

Related guest reviews

10

Dorothy

18 Nov 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

Staff was #1, offered to carry luggage up and down which was very important for us due to recent hand surgery. Room was spotless with a safe, fridge and microwave.

8

Camilla

15 Aug 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Spotless, quiet, and a comfy bed and pillows. A little musty in the room but not terrible. I had a sink in my room. Shared bathroom which was not a problem. I was on the top floor! Luckily I travel light. Breakfast offerings were varied for a budget hotel so great value there. Lovely old building with character! It was a treat to stay some where a little different on my business trip.

2

Diana

12 Oct 2025

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Stayed 1 night

The hotel is dirty. The carpet in the hallway was dirty and

10

Clarissa

31 May 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

What a great find! We had a wonderful stay on our mother/daughter road trip, stopped in Portland for 2 nights. The front desk staff was so welcoming/friendly. Our room was perfect, very clean and comfortable. We stayed in a king room with private bathroom, so spacious!

6

Jonathan

1 Sept 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Great location for concerts at Thompson Point but the inn is in very tired condition. Linens and room were clean but the bathroom was pretty gross and in need of a deep clean.

8

Patricia

1 Sept 2025

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Stayed 1 night

The word that comes to mind is eclectic. I've stayed here on and off for years but it's a $200 room-not $450 for Labor Day Weekend. The room was clean, yet a bit musty. The rugs need serious updating. The free breakfast is a nice perk and the staff were extremely helpful. I'll come back but not at the rate I paid.

10

Shelle

7 Jun 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Front desk employees were super friendly and the inn was soooo clean!!

6

Denise

29 Oct 2024

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Room was dark and smelled sort of dirty. The blanket on the bed was threadbare and had holes in some places. The A/C unit used for heat smelled bad and never really got warm. The parking was so limited that I had to park on the street both nights. There is no elevator so I had to pull my luggage up a steep and narrow staircase to my room. Staff was friendly. There was coffee and tea available at all hours. Overall it was just okay but much too expensive for what was offered.

10

J M

18 Nov 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Clean, well kept rooms, quiet, great location, staff and breakfast! Best place to stay in Portland!

6

Justin

16 Jan 2024

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Stayed 3 nights

Staff gets 5 stars. Hotel is in massive need of renovation. Walls are thin, can hear people above, below, and next to you. Not much temperature control. A/C was not working, only a single knob with an in-wall heat fan. Has so much potential, but falling short. Vent in bathroom ceiling hanging down. Light fixtures not working. Wallpaper peeling in spots. Carpet looks to be 100 years old. Some of the furniture (like bathroom sink and tub) appear to be low quality, builder-quality type fixtures. Very out of place amid the potential of old-world beauty/architecture. Breakfast was about what you'd expect except that they ran out of stuff over the course of the stay, like cream cheese and apple juice.

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Rooms

Rooms have vintage charm and vary widely in size and layout; some are spacious, others quite small, and many have shared or hall-access private bathrooms. Comfort is mixed due to street noise, small showers, variable water temperature, and beds that some found too firm or soft.

Related guest reviews

8

Cara

28 Oct 2025

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Stayed 1 night

The staff was friendly. We were on the third floor which was quite the hike up some steep stairs. However, I feel like it was fairly consistent for the age of the building. We stayed in one of the rooms with a shared bathroom since we were only staying for the night. The room itself did have a sink which was convenient for getting ready. The room was comfortable and overall pretty quiet throughout our stay.

8

Ryan

7 Apr 2025

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Stayed 1 night

The rooms are small. I opted for a private bathroom. The staff was friendly. I was hoping for a hot breakfast but the bagels, oatmeal, cereal, and yogurt was adequate. Limited parking.

6

Robert

15 Sept 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

An old hotel with character! The staff was very friendly and helpful. It had a nice breakfast. The rooms could use some updating with paint and wallpaper, and our air conditioner ran constantly and was pretty noisy.

8

Nancy

14 Oct 2024

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Stayed 1 night

The hotel is a unique, old hotel. However, it does not have an elevator. The rooms have no place to hang clothes. The lighting could be better. The room has a private bathroom, but it is off the hall. The room does have a sink, which is convenient. There is no control for heat in the room. There is a small refrigerator in the room, as well as a small microwave and coffee maker.

10

Nena

18 Aug 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Delightful bay window and spacious!

4

Richard

15 Sept 2025

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Stayed 3 nights

Our room was VERY small, and the en suite bathroom tiny, with barely enough room for one person. The shower was the narrowest I’ve ever seen, but there was a good supply of hot water. The bed was too small and way too soft. The “continental breakfast” was meagre and there was little space to sit comfortably. Our room was upstairs, but there was no elevator and the stairs were extremely steep. I would not recommend the inn to another. We were quite disappointed.

8

Aaron

19 Oct 2024

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Stayed 1 night

The inn is quite pretty and full of character and our room was large and clean. Our room faced the street and it was pretty loud, so loud it sounded like our window was open. We played brown noise during the night, which helped. The breakfast was good, but not a lot of seating, which was ok. We ended up just taking it to our room. Loved having breakfast included.

6

Kaitlin

18 Oct 2024

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Stayed 1 night

The property was okay. Probs: Staff was very kind. The room was spacious. Cons: The bed was terrible, so old and uncomfortable! The windows were old - we could hear everything from the street which was quite loud past midnight. Also, our room was on the 3rd floor… there’s no elevator and no help to get luggage upstairs, so we were left to haul our luggage up three very steep/narrow flights of stairs. It was fine for a night, but probably wouldn’t stay here again.

8

alexa

16 Jul 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

Very nice and convenient place to stay in portland for a few days, clean rooms and staff was friendly, and tv in the room was a bonus. Only thing I didn’t enjoy about my stay was the inconsistent water temperature and very small showers. Was very hard to just have consistent warm water in the bathroom near my room, as it was either insanely hot or insanely cold and taking a shower like that was almost impossible and very uncomfortable.

6

Vell

13 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Bed was like concrete and no elevator for the third floor dated but clean

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Service

Staff are widely praised as friendly, helpful, and accommodating, with occasional assistance for luggage and thoughtful upgrades or early check-ins. A few guests reported slow responses or unhelpful interactions.

Related guest reviews

10

Dorothy

18 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff was #1, offered to carry luggage up and down which was very important for us due to recent hand surgery. Room was spotless with a safe, fridge and microwave.

10

Alexandria

10 Jan 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

The staff at The Inn at St. John is friendly, warm, and made my stay very special! As a visitor from Massachusetts they brought the Maine charm!! There was one incident where me and a couple other residents were stuck outside at 1am ringing the doorbell for about 15 minutes because the staff wasn’t at the desk, but I think it was just a slip/she was in the restroom.

2

Jenniffer

26 Jun 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Horrible customer service.

4

Wenying

24 Jul 2024

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Stayed 1 night

1. The bathroom was not usable because the lock jammed. When we asked the front desk staff for help, they weren’t interested in helping us: they didn’t even come upstairs to help us try to open it, instead they just told us to use the public bathroom instead. So we didn’t get to use the bathroom we paid for. (we finally got it open in the morning) 2. The TV remote is held together with scotch tape. 3. The emergency sprinkler on top of the bed is full of dust. 4. Access to our private “hall” bathroom requires walking down the hall and passing the stairs and other ppl’s room. This fact is perfectly hidden by owner’s misleading photos. In conclusion, this inn is in a state of disrepair. Normally we are okay with that because we like old buildings but it is not acceptable when we don’t get what we pay for and the employees do not make any effort to help us with problems. The manager gave us $30 reimbursement for the bathroom troubles. When we booked, we paid an extra $80 for the room with the private bath. So we were not compensated appropriately.

10

Nichole

16 Oct 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Very nice staff who upgrade room bc I was with a kid! Loved it

10

David

3 May 2025

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Stayed 1 night

What a lovely Inn and such a friendly staff. They were so helpful. We are seniors and didn't realize we had booked a room on the third floor. There is no elevator and the house keeper carried my wife's bag downstairs to the lobby for us. This meant so much as my wife has trouble with stairs.

8

Susan

12 Jun 2025

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Stayed 1 night

We loved the location, and the inn is our style (a Victorian bed and breakfast), but only one staff member was friendly and helpful. The rest were average to poor (slow response time at the desk, little eye contact, not professionally dressed, no smiles, etc.) The housekeeper on our second day was not happy about being asked to accommodate our luggage while she was cleaning (we added a night and had to switch rooms). The morning we were leaving, she hovered and made us feel like we needed to get out quickly, even though we were checking out early.

10

Curt

20 Sept 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

They were very sweet. I took an over red eye across the country, got in very early and wanted to rest before meeting a friend for dinner. They let me in early. Made a big difference for my evening with friends. Thank you!!!

10

Gregory

30 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

I felt the staff was attentive to all areas of the property and were friendly as well

10

andrea

16 Aug 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Lovely hotel. Staff very friendly and kind. Amazing breakfast. Didn’t realise no lift and on top floor of 4. When I pointed this out though, staff said I should have asked and they would have moved me if they could.

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Location

Convenient for Maine Medical Center, Thompson’s Point, and transit, with downtown and Old Port reachable by bus or a longer walk. Several reviewers felt the immediate neighborhood was less appealing and reported some street noise.

Related guest reviews

8

Daniel

7 Sept 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Very nice old building, staff was excellent. Great spot for best price around if you are comfortable walking.

10

Catherine

19 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

In Portland for a concert at Thompson Point, pleasantly surprised that the Inn at St John’s was in walking distance! Comfortable room, nice variety in the continental breakfast.

8

Patricia

18 Aug 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

the inn at St John's was very comfortable and clean. The staff was very friendly and helpful. the only complaint was the parking lot was too small, I didn't like parking at overflow lot. Also being across the street from hospital was a little noisy one night

10

Elizabeth

3 Nov 2025

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Stayed 4 nights

Staff was very friendly. Rooms were clean. Little bit of a walk to get downtown, however there is a city bus stop close by. Be aware that this is an old building and every floor has a communal bathroom but there are private bathrooms that come with some rooms.

10

Paige

19 Aug 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Great for a one or two night stay - parking options are available but you have to park a few blocks away if there is none close by. Not the most walkable area, but there are restaurants and grocery stores if needed. The staff and service were very accommodating! Easy check-in, free and well-supplied breakfast, coffee and water available 24/7. No elevator so if you have a room upstairs it can be a little annoying but worth it as the rooms were kept very clean and were spacious. Would stay again.

10

Linda

4 Aug 2025

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Stayed 1 night

I love old historic inns and this one was a nice surprise with the unique design and old architecture. It was an easy walk to the waterfront, and so convenient to have parking included.

8

buzz

2 Jun 2024

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Stayed 1 night

Location was a little too far for us to walk downtown, it wasn't too far but there were some sketchy characters in the area. The staff were lovely, the room ideal. We worried about our car outside because the area looked sketchy, but we did not have any problems so perhaps we wrongly judged the area

10

Heather

4 Sept 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

Enjoyed our stay. Easy to find from Portland jetport.

8

Timothy

14 Jun 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

This is an older place in what has become a more seedy part of Portland. However the day was nice. I was by myself so the smaller room was perfect, didn't need more. They had lots of staff that were friendly. Good location to get to many parts of Portland.

6

Timothy A

3 Sept 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Nice staff but the hotel is very dated. Shower is REALLY small and it is a 20 minute walk to downtown Portland. Probably won’t stay here again.

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Dining

Included continental breakfast offers breads, yogurt, fruit, and grab-and-go snacks, plus coffee and tea available much of the day. Seating is tight and opinions on quality range from good to limited.

Related guest reviews

6

Susan

23 May 2024

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Stayed 1 night

Below average continental breakfast. Poor coffee and pastry.

8

Erin

5 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The room was clean, as was the shared bathroom. Breakfast was good with many options, including gluten free ones. The hotel was a little old, as expected, but it was also charming. I felt the price was fair. My room was on top floor, with very steep and narrow stairs all the way up. It was noted there wasn’t an elevator. While I did fine with my 2 heavy bags carried up 1 at a time, I could see it being a struggle for someone who wasn’t in as good of shape. The inn did offer assistance, however.

10

Marie

1 May 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Very nice people in a very charming hotel, european style, with real keys. Room 108 is on the street, ask for a quieter room if it's possible. The breakfast place is very small but you can bring your plate in your room. Limited menu, no egg no bacon but bagels, muffins, cereals and fresh fruits. Enjoy !

8

Carlotta

30 Jul 2024

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Stayed 1 night

The hotel is a charming old Victorian, and we liked it except for having to climb 2 sets of steep stairs to our room. The break fast facilities are very limited, and everything including yogurt and cereals were high carb and high sugar. The coffee was excellent, as was the service!

10

Paige

19 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great for a one or two night stay - parking options are available but you have to park a few blocks away if there is none close by. Not the most walkable area, but there are restaurants and grocery stores if needed. The staff and service were very accommodating! Easy check-in, free and well-supplied breakfast, coffee and water available 24/7. No elevator so if you have a room upstairs it can be a little annoying but worth it as the rooms were kept very clean and were spacious. Would stay again.

10

Steven

15 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We had a room with ensuite, near reception. Was a great room. Friendly staff. Enjoyable stay & decent breakfast included. May some extra seating for breakfast would help. Otherwise, highly recommended.

8

Amanda

21 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff was very nice, breakfast had good continental offerings, water temp and pressure were good.

8

Rick

29 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

What a cool older place in Portland ME. Hotel stays are super expensive during the summer peak season. We found this gem that was walking distance to downtown. Had a nice continental breakfast. Staff was super polite and friendly. Only couple of drawbacks, no elevator and parking is tight and limited (however they do not charge for parking). Would go back in a heartbeat.

2

Roberta

23 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Old, without elevator. Terrible breakfast. Noisy location. Not charming.

10

Dennis

22 May 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Pretty good hotel just outside of downtown. Fairly commutable with buses nearby if you're not driving because you're very drunk from all the craft beers Portland can offer. desk employees were super nice and the breakfast was passable when everyone is realistically going for local donuts and coffee. But the coffee service being 24/7 at the lobby is nice

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Month	Average price
January	US$80
February	US$80
March	US$77
April	US$81
May	US$123
June	US$150
July	US$207
August	US$215
September	US$175
October	US$160
November	US$92
December	US$84

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $213	2 $317	3
4 $132	5 $114	6 $112	7 $115	8 $134	9 $276	10 $406
11 $159	12 $132	13 $146	14 $239	15 $137	16 $146	17 $309
18 $113	19 $114	20 $115	21 $115	22 $136	23 $212	24 $146
25 $113	26 $114	27 $114	28 $117	29 $137	30 $134	31 $135

Inn at St John Portland In-Town

Prices for Inn at St John Portland In-Town

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Room (Queen Room)

Room (King Room)

Room, 2 Double Beds (One Queen One Full Bed)

Standard Room

Room (Double Bed Shared Bath)

Room (One Twin Bed-Private Hall Bath)

Room (Double Room, Private Hall Bathroom)

Superior Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub (Private Bath)

Interior King Room with Private Bathroom (No Windows)

Room (Queen Room, Private Hall Bathroom)

Room (1 Twin Bed Shared Bath)

Superior Room, 1 Queen Bed, Jetted Tub (Private Bath)

Guest reviews of Inn at St John Portland In-Town

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Inn at St John Portland In-Town

Prices for upcoming dates

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20 $108	21 $102	22 $132	23 $226	24 $207	25	26
27 $112	28 $115	29 $211	30 $187