Cambria Hotel Portland Downtown Old Port

This modern hotel stands out for its contemporary design and prime location in Portland's historic Old Port district, offering guests easy access to the city's vibrant attractions. Its signature feature is the blend of sleek, new facilities with a highly walkable setting, making it an ideal choice for sightseers and couples exploring the area on foot. The hotel also caters well to business travelers seeking modern amenities and a central base, and is notably pet-friendly. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's cleanliness, comfortable accommodations, and the generally attentive service from the staff. To make the most of your stay, be aware of the hotel's unique amenity fee structure and consider the available parking options, as these are frequent points of discussion among visitors.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of modern amenities designed to enhance the guest experience. Many guests appreciate the inviting rooftop terrace with a fireplace, providing a pleasant outdoor space for relaxation and drinks, though some noted it was not always open. A well-equipped fitness center is available for those wishing to maintain their workout routine. While Wi-Fi is generally available, some guests reported connectivity issues. The presence of an on-site market or snack stand is convenient for quick purchases. However, the elevator system received mixed feedback, with some guests finding it slow or inconveniently located, requiring multiple stops or a circuitous route to reach certain areas like the parking garage. Guests also value the availability of ice and filtered water dispensers.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests largely commend the hotel for its exceptional cleanliness and the overall comfort of the rooms. The accommodations are frequently described as spacious and well-appointed, featuring comfortable beds and high-quality linens that contribute to a restful stay. The bathrooms are often highlighted for their generous size, modern fixtures, and amenities like rainwater showers and unique Bluetooth mirrors. Many rooms offer pleasant views, including some of the harbor. However, noise levels can be a concern for some, with reports of thin walls allowing sounds from neighboring rooms or hallways to be audible, and some air conditioning units being noisy. In-room amenities typically include refrigerators and coffee makers, though some guests noted a lack of streaming services on the televisions or the absence of microwaves.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel features an on-site restaurant and bar, often referred to as Alto, which receives varied feedback. Many guests praise the food quality and the cocktails served, describing them as delicious and well-prepared. The breakfast options are generally well-regarded, with some guests calling it "awesome," though others found it to be expensive or noted that it was not included in the room rate. Service at the dining establishments is often described as friendly and attentive, with specific mentions of helpful bartenders. However, some guests experienced slow service or found the bar hours to be restrictive, limiting opportunities to utilize the dining credit. It is important to note that room service is not consistently offered, which was a point of disappointment for some.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location in Portland's Old Port district is a significant draw, consistently praised by guests for its convenience. It offers excellent walkability to a multitude of attractions, including the waterfront, various restaurants, shops, and local breweries like Shipyard Brewing. Guests appreciate being able to explore the city on foot, often leaving their vehicles parked for the duration of their stay. The surrounding neighborhood generally feels safe and is well-maintained. A major point of discussion among guests is the on-site parking. While convenient, the valet parking service is frequently cited as being expensive, with costs ranging from $30 to $40 per night. Some guests found the parking process confusing, especially regarding ticket validation upon re-entry.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives high praise for their friendliness and helpful service. Guests frequently highlight the welcoming demeanor of the front desk team and the attentiveness of the bar and restaurant staff. The check-in process is generally described as quick and seamless, contributing to a positive first impression. The valet service is also often commended for its efficiency and the pleasant interactions with attendants. However, feedback regarding housekeeping service is mixed; while some rooms were impeccably maintained, many guests reported that rooms were not serviced daily unless specifically requested at check-in, leading to issues like unemptied trash or a lack of fresh towels and coffee supplies. Despite these inconsistencies, the staff's willingness to address issues when prompted is often noted.

Additional Information
A recurring theme in guest reviews is the hotel's amenity fee, typically a daily service fee of $25. This fee often comes with a food and beverage credit that can be used at the hotel's restaurant, bar, or market. While some guests appreciate the credit, many express frustration, viewing it as a mandatory, non-transparent charge that forces them to spend money at the hotel or lose the credit. The hotel also maintains a pet-friendly policy, accommodating guests traveling with animals, though finding suitable outdoor areas for pets nearby can be a challenge. Guests should be aware that the room cleaning policy requires a specific request for daily service, which is not automatically provided.