The Francis Hotel

Hotel · Portland

The Francis Hotel

Hotel · Portland

747 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102

Highlights

Nestled in a charming 19th-century mansion, this boutique hotel in Portland boasts chic rooms, a serene spa, and a farm-to-table restaurant, all with a homey, personal touch.

747 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102 Get directions

thefrancismaine.com

@thefrancismaine

@cntraveler

"One of Portland's newest boutique hotels is housed in a historic 1881 building. With only 15 rooms, each with a character all its own, the Francis has been beautifully restored to combine classic West End charm with more modern touches. Room décor is understated and reflective of the history of the building as a home built by one of the city's leading 19th century architects. Each room features custom-built furniture and art by acclaimed photographer Nicole Wolf. The hotel is located nicely set away from the Old Port to avoid the summer's crush of tourists." - Joe Ricchio

13 Best Hotels in Portland, Maine | Condé Nast Traveler

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@cntraveler

"Why did this hotel catch your attention?One of Portland's newest boutique hotels is housed in a historic 1881 building. With only 15 rooms, each with a character all its own, the Francis has been beautifully restored to combine classic West End charm with more modern touches. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book?Room décor is understated and reflective of the history of the building as a home built by one of the city's leading 19th century architects. Each room features custom-built furniture and art by acclaimed photographer Nicole Wolf. Linens and bedding are soft and comfortable, products are from Malin + Goetz. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi?Wi-Fi comes free. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at?Flood’s Restaurant, run by the same successful team behind Palace Diner in Biddeford, has the casual feel of a supper club. Standouts on the menu include the mussels and clams on toast, chicken schnitzel, and the burger—one of the best in the city. And the service?Service is efficient, but not overly involved. What about the neighborhood? What else is near the hotel?Portland’s West End is close enough to most of the city's best restaurants that an uber will take just a few minutes, yet it's just removed enough from the touristy Old Port to avoid the crush of visitors, especially during the summer. Any other hotel features worth noting?Even though the hotel is quite small, there's still a spa right onsite. Bottom line: Worth it?Definitely. The Francis is a boutique hotel with historic flair." - Joe Ricchio

The Francis

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@bonappetit

"Stay at the 15-room Francis Hotel set in a historic Victorian Mansion (I prefer the junior suite, room 303). At night I like to sip an old-fashioned in front of the fireplace, but the best reason to stay here might be the fact that it’s located directly across the street from Tandem Bakery (see No. 1)." - ByAndrew Knowlton

Portland, Maine, Is the 2018 Restaurant City of the Year | Bon Appétit

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@sr

Portland, ME

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@sr

Portland, ME

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William L

Google

We came to Portland to spend some time with local friends on our way to Canada. Our 2 nights in this hotel were wonderful. They welcomed our dog with a personalized sign, a dog bed, a gourmet bone, and bowls for water and food. The room was quiet and the king bed was very comfortable. We enjoyed the sitting room off the lobby, while visiting with our friends. Everyone on the staff was welcoming and professional. I would definitely stay there again.

Adam W

Google

Beautiful spot in the heart of Portland’s arts district. This place has class and style, super friendly and responsive staff and a unique experience for their guests. The Francis offers an upscale getaway with a bnb feel, no pretense just great attention to the details.

Ashley Brown

Google

My boyfriend and I stayed here for a night to celebrate his birthday. The staff texted/emailed prior to our visit to see if there was a special occasion, and upon arrival there was a sweet note and the staff wished him a happy birthday. The staff was very attentive! The room was an impeccably clean and there was a great little mini bar (stocked with some beer and wine) along with some local snacks. It was very cold the evening that we visited, so we chose to take a Lyft into the old port for dinner and drinks but if the weather had better, maybe we would’ve walked. Can’t wait to stay here again!

Briana

Google

I can't believe this hotel has anything less than a 5 star review. Although owned by a larger company, it feels like a small locally owned hotel. The rooms, or at least my room (301) was incredibly spacious with lovely fixtures. My room booking included negronis which were ready to go in the fridge. Hand written notes throughout to welcome you. They are constantly in contact via text and the staff are so friendly. Love sitting downstairs by the fire. If you book the romance package, the box of chocolate from local chocolatier Chocolats Passion, is incredible. Will definitely recommend this hotel to anyone coming for a visit. Only con, room was slightly noisy (still slept fine) which is absolutely expected in a historic building.

Sally M

Google

Such a lovely stay at The Francis. We are repeat visitors and always have a good experience. This time we were traveling with a new dog and the staff was so sweet. They provided a dog bed, bowels, treats along with a handwritten welcome sign for our puppy. We highly recommend!

Patrick G

Google

Met all my needs. Super helpful and accommodating my slightly irregular schedule. Comfy room. Good exercise climbing the stairs. Easy access through the day. Fantastic setting if historic architecture is your interest. Take a walk to the western promenade!

Nancy Greenberg

Google

Pros: * It's a lovely old building * The staff is very pleasant * Our friend's upstairs room was beautiful, with gorgeous ceilings, fireplace, and character (and they paid much less than us). Cons: * We spent a ton of money for a 1 bedroom suite. Much to our surprise, the suite is in the basement, next to the exit door. We heard every single guest coming and going after 9pm. Haven't you heard of soft closing doors? * The suite was depressing. The couch was worn. The windows were small and looked directly out to anyone walking by. One of the blinds did not work. The ceilings were low. The floors were plastic laminate. There was a dripping sound of water ALL night long. * For the amount of money spent, I would expect something for breakfast - even if it is just muffins, fruit, and beverages. We were so looking forward to staying at an old home. Unfortunately, it was a massive disappointment, with the tired, plastic, dingy basement suite.

Kelsey Gerber

Google

Great location! The hotel is in the quiet West End but a short walk gets you to all the great restaurants and shops in the East End. The room had a great view of the street and the staff were friendly and helpful. Definitely listen to their suggestions of where to eat and what to skip.