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Inside Portland Harbor Hotel

Where: 468 Fore Street [map], Portland Maine, ME, United States, 04101

One of our tipsters spent some time at the Portland Harbor Hotel in Maine and sent us these shots of the place.

Now we don't know for sure what goes on in Portland, or the rest of Maine for that matter, aside from lobster fishing but apparently this place is in the heart of Old Port, which was voted one of America's Sixty Best Public Places. It is also the only four-diamond hotel in Portland.

Inside, the very New Englandy-rooms have views of either the city, Casco Bay or the hotel garden.  Yet despite some colonial stuffiness, the hotel does have Jacuzzi suites for all those late-night ragers you find yourself having in Portland. Rates start at $195.

Another exciting pic after the jump.

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Portland Harbor Hotel: Sleep On The Garden Side

Where: 468 Fore Street [map], Portland Maine, ME, United States, 04101

We will let you in on a little secret--there isn't a great hotel in Portland Maine.

If you want to stay within walking distance of the Old Port you will have plenty of choices, but, in our opinion they all have some drawbacks.

First, most hotels in-town Portland are extremely expensive. Hey, when your "season" is approximately six weeks long your rack rate better be high enough to cover your debt services.

One hotel to consider, if you are willing to navigate its shortcomings, is the Portland Harbor Hotel.

This property is relatively new, has a great little coffee bar and free Internet access for guests. Furthermore, it is directly in town so you can walk to all destinations Old Port.

So what is the issue?

Issues And Solutions Post Jump

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Portland Maine Is Not Steeltown

Where: 65 Commercial Street [map], Portland Maine, ME, United States, 04101

Maybe a new building with a facade of titanium steel would be welcomed with open arms in Pittsburgh, however, on Commercial Street in the Old Port, it ain't gonna fly.

The Old Port is a quaint section of Portland's "working seaport," and the Hilton Garden Inn looks completely out of place.

Of course the look of the hotel has nothing to do with the service. So how is the service? Here is what one miffed guest said:

This hotel ruined my girlfriend's and my vacation and has caused weeks of havoc and stress. The valet parking service blatantly crashed our car. The entire staff refused to accept responsibility, saying we had no proof.

Yes, we know, a car accident, allegedly at the hands of the hotel staff, will definitely taint your hotel experience. However, other guests have opined that this hotel is a tad over priced, at least for the type of service and amenities you get.

In general, Portland Maine is an expensive place to stay in the summer, we are talking rates that can break $200 a night. With that in mind do you really want to take a chance on this steel monolith?

More Post Break

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Celebrity Sighting: Eastland Park

The guys from Train having breakfast at the Eastland Park Hotel, where they stayed while gearing up for their October 2nd show at the State Theatre.