Holiday Inn Portland-by The Bay By Ihg

The hotel offers a memorable stay, largely due to its stunning bay views from many rooms, making it a signature feature. Its central location is highly praised, placing guests within easy reach of downtown attractions. The friendly and attentive staff consistently receive commendations for their helpfulness and professionalism. While the hotel is undergoing extensive renovations, which can impact the guest experience, many appreciate the efforts to update the property. This hotel is particularly well-suited for sightseers, concert-goers, and business travelers due to its proximity to key venues and walkable access to the city. For a more enjoyable stay, guests are advised to request a room on a higher floor for the best views and to be aware of potential parking challenges.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities, though some are affected by ongoing renovations. The pool is generally described as large and clean, with many guests enjoying it, though some note that the water temperature can be chilly and the sauna may not always be operational or reach optimal heat. The fitness center is available but is considered small by some. Guests frequently mention issues with the elevators, citing them as slow, often crowded, and sometimes requiring key card re-activation due to sensitivity. While Wi-Fi is available, some guests experienced intermittent connectivity. Rooms are equipped with a mini-fridge and a coffee maker, and shared microwaves are located on each floor.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is generally positive, with many describing rooms as very clean and comfortable. The beds are consistently praised for being very comfortable, ensuring a restful sleep, though a few guests found them either too soft or too firm. Rooms often boast beautiful bay views, enhancing the overall experience. However, some guests reported issues such as stained sheets, dirty coffee makers, or hair and dust in bathrooms upon arrival, indicating occasional lapses in housekeeping. The bathrooms are sometimes described as small or dated, with some fixtures showing wear. Noise can be a significant concern, with reports of hallway noise, wind sounds, and considerable construction noise during the day.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on the hotel's dining options is mixed, with many guests expressing disappointment, particularly regarding breakfast. The breakfast is not complimentary and is often described as overpriced for its quality, with issues like slow service due to understaffing, rubbery eggs, burnt bacon, and limited variety. Some guests found the food to be good, but many felt it was not worth the cost. The main restaurant has been under renovation, leading to limited menu choices and long wait times, though the bar area often receives praise for its service and food quality. Guests frequently recommend exploring nearby dining options within walking distance for a better culinary experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major highlight, offering easy walking distance to many popular attractions, including the Old Port area, various restaurants, and entertainment venues like the Cross Insurance Arena and the State Theatre. A convenient shuttle service is available, providing transport to local points of interest and the airport, which many guests found to be a significant benefit. Parking is available in an underground garage, which is secure and convenient with direct hotel access, but it incurs an additional daily fee and is frequently described as having tight spaces that are challenging to maneuver, especially for larger vehicles.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight positive interactions with the front desk staff, who are noted for their efficiency during check-in and their willingness to accommodate requests, such as room upgrades or late check-out. Housekeeping is often commended for its thoroughness. The shuttle service drivers are also singled out for their professionalism and promptness. While most experiences are positive, some guests reported communication issues regarding ongoing renovations or room readiness, and occasional instances of staff appearing overwhelmed during busy periods.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel is undergoing extensive renovations, which can impact various aspects of the stay, including lobby access, noise levels during the day, and the availability of certain facilities. While the hotel strives to communicate these changes, some guests felt they were not adequately informed prior to arrival. Another recurring issue is the sensitivity of the key cards, which frequently demagnetize, requiring multiple trips to the front desk for re-activation. Furthermore, while rooms include a coffee maker and mini-fridge, microwaves are not available in individual rooms but are instead located in common areas on each floor.