Old Port Style Right in the Heart of Things

It's really no surprise that one of America's best cities would house a variety of fine lodging experiences. The West End of Portland is host to several fine bed & breakfasts, and the "Old Port" and Financial District boasts some of the cities most exciting accommodations. I think that one of my favorites to date is the Portland Harbor Hotel. The marketing tagline "Where Luxury Comes to Life" is absolutely no understatement.

With old world inspiration, this gem stands proudly in the heart of the Old Port's shopping and dining districts. The French-inspired rooms offer lucky guests the finest amenities. A stay at the Portland Harbor Hotel is nothing short of fabulous. Wonderful beds adorned with down comforters graced in blue toile, pillow top mattresses, a selection of comfy pillows, and full luxury baths make it hard to leave your room despite the city's beckon call.

Take advantage of Starbucks Coffee in the morning, and enjoy breakfast in the lovely courtyard during the warmer months. In the evenings, be tempted by Eve's At the Garden Restaurant and swanky martini bar. Additional goodies include valet parking, Maine's only certified professional concierge service, laundry service and in-room laptop rental. The area's only four diamond hotel will not disappoint!

My pick at the Portland Harbor Hotel: The Jacuzzi Suite

"The evening turndown service, and chocolate novelty will indulge your senses and put you in a restful, blissful sleep. Complementing the visual experience are our custom-made guest room furnishings including his and her armoires.

Luxury bathrooms are a standard at Portland Harbor Hotel. Granite complements separate enclosed showers and soaking tubs. Enjoy your favorite music over the unique bathroom sound system." ~ Portland Harbor Hotel Website

A Bethel Surprise

If you are visiting the Bethel area, you will be tempted with many options for fine lodging. Although Main Street is only a few blocks long, it is packed with lovely buildings, inns, great dining, and quaint specialty shops. Be sure to stop in to Linda Clifford Scottish Irish Merchant for some delightful jewelry and gifts from across the seas. Absolutely the highest quality!

If you continue up Main Street towards the village common and gazebo and turn left onto Broad Street, you will find a pleasant surprise at the end of the road. The Bethel Hill Bed & Breakfast blends perfectly among the stately homes of Broad Street and offers the finest comfort in a true bed and breakfast atmosphere. Situated a short walk to the Bethel Inn golf course and equidistant to an amazing dining experience at 22 Broad Street (and superb martinis!), the Bethel Hill Bed & Breakfast is ideal!

Any of the three rooms offer exceptional cleanliness, comfort, and style that is true to the Bethel area and country feel. An eco-friendly b&b, Bethel Hill offers en suite cable t.v., WIFI, wonderful baths with hydro-massage and whirlpool tubs. One concern with smaller b&b's can often be the noise level of an older home and your neighbors. This is absolutely not a concern at Bethel Hill. The guest rooms have no adjoining walls, and soundproofing in the walls and floors assures complete peace and privacy when you retreat to your room.

A wonderful gourmet breakfast awaits you as you sip coffee on the sunporch or in the lovely front yard overlooking the lovely homes with the mountains beyond.

I must mention 22 Broad Street, just a few steps from the Bethel Hill b&b. Built in 1848, this wonderful old columned home now accommodates one of the finest culinary treats in the Bethel area. " You'll find yourself surrounded by the owner's passion for historic Manhattan, together with the Amann vintage family photos and as the log burning fire gets roaring, the atmosphere is positively cozy." ~ 22 Broad Street Website http://www.gideonhastingshouse.com/index.html

In addition to the wonderful atmosphere, you will be tempted from a well-planned selection of Italian inspired cuisine with no shortage of accompanying wine and spirits. Coda Al Chianti (Monkfish Scallopine with Chianti), Stufato di Pesci con Crostini all' Aglio (Mussels, Clams and Shrimp in a spicy tomato broth) are just a few of the entrees that are sure to please. Remember to ask your server for the best wine selections to accompany your meal, and don't forget those fabulous martinis!

The Bethel area is full of things to do. Home to some of Maine's most amazing mountain scenery, hiking, boating, and scenic drives abound. Check out some of the waterfalls nestled in the woods, many accessible by easy walking trails. Downtown has some great shopping, and during the winter there is plenty of downhill skiing at Sunday River or Mt. Abram. Cross Country skiing at Carters will give you a peaceful workout through the quiet woods and fields along in the valley. For some serious adventure, call upon the good people at Mahoosuc Guide Service. Dog sledding, canoeing the Allagash are examples of some of the great adventures you'll find here.
http://www.mahoosuc.com/

My Pick at the Bethel Hill Bed and Breakfast: The Fernwood Suite

"This first floor suite is at the far end of our foyer and is handicap accessible. The room features hardwood floors, a spacious sitting area with gliding love seat and is furnished in antique oak including a Larkin desk, unique marble top bow front dresser and bow front night stand. A queen brass bed with white matalasse bedspread compliments the light ivory wall color. The soft garden tones of red, green and blue in the fabrics add interest and color to the simple Maine Victorian feel. A ceiling fan over the bed enhances the rooms central air conditioning. The rooms character carries into the large bath with an antique oak washstand and mirror. At the end of the day, relax in your 6 foot hydro-massage tub with back massage and shower. Through the french door and down two steps, is your private stone patio with comfortable Adirondack chairs set amidst a secluded perennial garden." ~ Bethel Hill Bed & Breakfast Website

An 1805 Sea Captain's Home is a Kennebunkport Tradition

I recall my first real bed and breakfast experience in the small seaport town of Kennebunkport. In early spring of 1997, I moved from P.A. to West Kennebunk into a tiny little one-bedroom house. The flowers were just beginning to show their true colors, the air was still cool during the day but the sun shined brightly, burning off the fog around the harbor. I was on the hunt for a very special place where my best girlfriend, also visiting from P.A., could spend a few nights with her significant other. So, as the newbie in town, I headed down to "the port" to begin my search.

In a town like Kennebunkport, it's no small task to visit all of the incredibly fine lodging. Dotted with exquisite sea captains' homes, a few grand nostalgic hotels from a by-gone era, and graceful "cottages", I certainly had my work cut out for me. In and out I went, gathering brochures, chatting with innkeepers and concierges, adoring all of the splendor of the sea and my new "home town".

Finally, I settled on a "home" situated pleasantly on the Village Green. A short stroll to all of Kennebunkport's fine shops, galleries, and restaurants, the Captain Jefferds Inn Bed and Breakfast spoke to me. A stately white mansion with black shutters, it was graced with spansive lawns in a gorgeous "residential" neighborhood of other fine inns and homes. Peeking over the knoll I could see the river meandering towards the open sea and Kennebunk Beach.

Built in 1804 by Daniel Walker and completed in 1805, the Captain Jefferds Inn was given to his daughter, Mary, as a wedding present, not an uncommon thing to do in this era and area. She married Captain William Jefferds, and the mansion stayed in the family until 1884. It became an inn in 1980, and over the years with love and care has become the incredibly luxurious and comfortable inn that proudly stands today.

You will find no shortage of comfort and amenities here. Rooms are adorned with linens, classic window treatments and decor, tile baths, whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, and exceptionally comfortable beds. There is plenty of room to spread out, but guests are sure to maintain that cozy and personal touch that one expects from a small inn. Sara and Erik Lindblom have spared no expense. A lovely sunroom is the perfect place to enjoy coffee, tea, wine, and fabulous cookies. Gardens and meandering paths around the property beckon you outdoors and onto the Village Green to enjoy the salty air and beautiful gracious homes.

The attentive staff is ready to help you get settled, make dinner reservations, and suggest all of the things that you must see and do in Kennebunkport. Or, simply enjoy your private room and all of the goodies within.

Most Luxurious Room: The Baxter Suite

"Baxter is a fabulous newly renovated rustic luxury suite. Inspired by the old Maine camps, this room has a unique king size wooden bed, gas fireplace, terra-cotta tiled bath with walk-in shower and a large two person whirlpool tub. This is a very romantic and private room with it's own entrance and screened in sitting area." ~ Captain Jefferds Inn website