Cambria Hotel Portland Downtown Old Port

We chose the Cambria Hotel in downtown Portland, Maine for what was to be a 2-night stay January 5&6, 2026. Our pre-Covid travel experience with the Choice Hotel group of hotels was excellent, but our loyalty points had expired and we are planning a return to extended travel with our remaining pet. The Portland Cambria offered indoor parking (at $30/night), an onsite restaurant and bar on the same 4th floor as the front desk that—in better weather, not the 13 degrees Farenheit predicted— would be delightful. We hadn’t noticed the $25 amenity charge*, so we believed that the $25 “discount” described on check-in would indeed apply to either dinner or breakfast. No matter—eating inside in very spacious and comfortable surroundings when outdoors is freezing was great. Getting to and from the 4th floor front desk from the parking lot may require walking out of the parking lot and into the un-attended ground floor lobby, but it’s easy. Everyone we encountered at the front desk was helpful and friendly, starting with Andrew on the telephone, Patrick in person. The limited dinner menu was fine, maybe a tad expensive, but given the winter lull in hotel traffic to Maine, not an issue—no coats & boots to deal with, no danger of slipping on ice outside & waiter Chris a delight. Our room was spotless, sheets crisply clean, TV worked, hot water great, chaise lounge by the window clean & comfortable, internet fine. We could hear our upstairs neighbor running water, we woke frequently because of thirst attributed to extra-dry air, but otherwise restful silence prevailed until early morning—fine by us, given 9:30 am appointment. Our second night stay was cancelled in time to avoid fees, the noon checkout enabled us to walk back in time to collect our pet & exit. I can imagine that this hotel is booked spring & summer, its 4th floor courtyard etc. is a great amenity. *Our initial search for pet-friendly hotels in Portland—which has disappeared—was from 2020, which may have accounted for my missing the $25 amenity fee.

This hotel was a wonderful surprise, everything from arrival to departure was fantastic. The rooms are well thought out with plenty of space, I loved everything about the room. Our room was exceptionally clean, something I greatly appreciate. The staff were accommodating, Chris at the bar was truly lovely, and the bar man on Saturday (01/10/26) was such terrific. The food was incredible, my burger was delicious, my husband thoroughly enjoyed his spaghetti and meatballs, the food is a good price as well. We cannot fault this establishment or its staff members, my only gripe is the parking garage, anyone on the street can enter, it’d be far better if it were not accessible to some of the riff raff on the street.

It is in a good location. The staff was wonderful. The facilities were clean and comfortable.

There is a $25/day mandatory fee that you are informed about just prior to checking in. It can only be used on the day it is imposed and cannot be applied cumulatively. It can only be used in the restaurant or on overpriced convenience snacks. What an incredibly distasteful policy. It feels cheap and underhanded. We will not stay at the Cambria again. There are plenty of good accommodations in Portland.

The fire alarms

This modern establishment boasts a welcoming staff, a full bar, and complimentary coffee. Rooms had a minimalist design. The bed and pillows were confortable. Bathroom. Was roomy and modern. Parking is $30 per day, and they also accept pets for an extra fee. My only downside, walls are thin, which could be bad!

We enjoyed the location.

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