Autograph Collection Hotels, Marriott International’s brand of one-of-a-kind hotels that celebrates individuality and independence, has added to its porfolio The Press Hotel, the first lifestyle boutique hotel in Portland, Maine, USA.
Driven by the vision and passion of local developer Jim Brady, The Press Hotel aims to capture the essence of Portland by inviting guests to get the insider experience through the Maine artisans, craftsmen and local culinary talent featured throughout the 110-room property and the coastal culinary destination its newest restaurant, UNION.
The Press Hotel, located in the Old Port neighborhood, is inspired from its origins in the historic Portland Press Herald building. The hotel’s dedication to celebrating the city’s local authors, arts and culinary community is evident throughout: local painters, sculptors, textile makers and woodworkers were commissioned for the boutique property. Setting the tone for guests’ first-impression on arrival is a striking “letterpress art wall” at reception. In the main lobby, the signature piece is a two-story installation of antique typewriters. Additionally, the hotel features an art gallery comprising works by Maine artists, open to the public and providing moments of quiet repose or cocktail sipping.
The hotel’s 110 guest rooms include a Penthouse Suite with exclusive rooftop access and 360-degree views of the city. Four private function rooms are available for groups and special events. Interior design firm Stonehill & Taylor is responsible for The Press Hotel design along with local Architect of Record, Archetype. Referencing the building’s history, Stonehill & Taylor worked closely with the Portland Press Herald editors on selecting content from the newspaper’s pages that is weaved into various aspects of the design, including the remarkable custom hotel corridor wallpaper comprised of enlarged newspaper headlines. The carpet is playfully scattered with typewriter letter keys.
Each guestroom is inspired by a 1920s writer’s office, including a vintage-styled journalist desk and clever newsroom references. Bathrooms feature a reeded glass door similar to those in historical newspaper offices. Wood floors with herringbone area rugs, throws and bedding by local Maine-based companies give a residential feel. Prints by Portland-area artists decorate the guestrooms. Playful branding touches will be found throughout the hotel such as “Hot off the Press” French-pressed coffee, typewriter-key-styled bar coasters and “Beat-reporter” note pads. Guests will find thought-provoking authors’ quotes at unexpected turns—from in-room safes to meeting spaces to the lobby bar.
The Press Hotel is home to the 65-seat restaurant UNION. Executive Chef and Portland native Josh Berry created a menu that takes a fresh look at classic dishes using contemporary preparations and regional ingredients.
The lobby bar, fittingly named The Inkwell, will feature handcrafted vintage cocktails and small bites in the evenings prepared by culinary team at UNION. The 24-seat indoor Inkwell lounge area will also have seasonal outdoor seating.
The Press Hotel is part of Autograph Collection Hotels and managed by Trust Hospitality. www.autographhotels.com