Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by MBB1 Great Stay!
We stayed during the New Year holiday, and loved this hotel! We had a great view of the bay with a very comfortable room. This location is walking distance to many restaurants, cafes and clubs, which was great since there was a parking ban downtown due to snow. Fortunately the Holiday Inn has indoor, free parking, so we had no issues parking the car we rented. The staff was very friendly and accomodating. And we opted to have a quick dinner in the lounge, and the food was really good. No complaints!
January 5, 2013
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by rrrrasta the 12/27/12 snowstorm
The Room was clean,the beds were comfortable,the extra towels and pillow i asked for were in the room. the shuttle bus driver was execellent,. the pool area was well kept and clean. worth a repeat stay. the only drawback was they would not accomodate an early checkin that day of the storm.
January 3, 2013
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by newenglandvacationer1 We have always had good experiences at this hotel.
Every time we travel through New England, we stay at the Holiday Inn by the Bay, The room is clean, comfy, and in close proximity to the waterfront and easy to get to/from I-295. The bar is friendly and nice and the property is well maintained.
January 2, 2013
Rated 3.0 out of 5.0 by kat112012 okay to book when other nicer hotels are not avialable
The hotel is below average.
Room:
When we entered the room for the first time there was a pile of bedding on the floor. We were not sure the room had been thoroughly cleaned and changed out or not. Called front desk and house keeping supervisor promptly corrected the issue and assured us the room was cleaned.
HVAC unit in room stopped on its own. Maintenance showed us how to reset it so we could have heat.
Bathroom:
Hair, lent and dust behind the bathroom door. Strands of hair in the tub. Drain in tub was slow to drain. Called front desk on drain and it was dealt with quickly. Wad of hair pulled out of the drain.
Chatted with housekeeping next day to have the area behind the door cleaned to remove lent, dust and hair.
Bar and Restaurant:
Bar was staffed with 1 bartender to tend to about 25 people at once in the bar area. Bar crowd was heavy due to restaurant not taking patrons because a 'big party' was booked. It made for a very frustrating evening to find dinner due to other places local to the hotel closed at 9:00 p.m.
Other guest:
Hotel was hosting a 'home grown' convention. This is the equivalent of a moderate number of marijuana users having issues navigating in the hotel from their rooms, to snacks to the convention area. I see in 1999 Maine legalized marijuana so that explains why the convention was booked.
January 2, 2013
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by Hoho Comfortable bed & furnishings.
This is my 3rd stay here. The location is great & with your free covered parking garage we only have to use the car if we want to travel outside Portland.
January 2, 2013
Rated 3.0 out of 5.0 by cstac Water Heater Broke
We weren't able to take a shower because the water heater broke. It would have been nice if the hotel had told us prior to us having to call the desk.
December 14, 2012
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by applebeck Always the best place to stay in Portland
This hotel is always our first choice when visiting Portland Maine. The location is perfect for walking to any shops and bars. We love the comfort of the rooms and that they include a fridge and microwave. Loved the Bath and Body works amenties in the bathroom.
I do wish they had a hot tub after a long day of walking,but the pool is also very nice.
December 14, 2012
Rated 1.0 out of 5.0 by Skydog11 Poor service
As a platinium member my profile indicates a no-smoking room. This was not the case when checked in. They offered to ozone room and a free breakfast. The room smelled of smoke and the front end people were rude and I felt like they just did not care.
December 10, 2012
Rated 4.0 out of 5.0 by zcott getting around
shuttle was great to get picked up & dropped off!!!
December 8, 2012
Rated 2.0 out of 5.0 by Burner416 Disappointing Customer Service
Let me start by saying that the room was very comfortable and clean. The issue that I had was with the customer service. I booked the hotel online through the hotel company's Priority Club without using any points on the purchase. When I checked out I asked for a receipt but I was told since I booked online they were unable to give me a receipt and it should come to me via email. The receipt did not arrive via email. I called the front desk a few days later and they still refused to give me a receipt saying that I had a contact Priority Club. I called Priority Club and they told me that the hotel needs to give me the receipt. Only after asking to speak to a manager did the Priority Club employee call the hotel and explained my situation. Even though they called the hotel to help me work things out, I was then forced to call back the hotel. The person that I spoke with at the hotel was rude, cut me off while I was speaking, and claimed that the reason they did not give me a receipt is because I told them I used my Priority Club points (which I did not say). Finally, they emailed me a receipt. Isn't being part of a Priority Club supposed to make you a priority. Not in this hotel apparently. Don't stay here, they care little about simple requests from their guests.
November 25, 2012
Rated 4.0 out of 5.0 Our favorite hotel in Portland
We stay at the Bayside Holiday Inn when we travel to Portland, at least twice per year.
It is in a perfect location for exploring and enjoying all this great city has to offer. The view from the bay side rooms is spectacular! Though, the housekeeping staff could do a better job on keeping those windows clean. With that view, they should be sparkling!
Staff are always friendly and helpful, the restaurant is good, typical fare and prices for the chain.. I must mention the lobster bisque... The waiter was correct when he proclaimed it the best!
November 24, 2012
Rated 4.0 out of 5.0 by Lunenburglarry Good service and value, one glitch
Like other Holiday Inns we've stayed at, the reception staff, housekeeping quality and overall comfort level were very good. The enclosed on-site parking garage in this downtown location was a bonus. The location, next door to the art museum, and a moderate walk to the Old Port district, was just right for our two-night midweek sightseeing stay. The dining experience was less satisfactory. We were in no particular rush, but it was more than an hour before our meals -- salads!! -- arrived. There were perhaps a dozen diners in the restaurant, hardly an overwhelming crowd. Maybe the chef was having a bad night. Our breakfasts the next morning was served promptly and well-prepared.
November 20, 2012
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by barely Friendly Atmosphere, great service and amenities
My husband and I live about 2 1/2 hours away and we needed to just getaway for a nice weekend so we decided to use my points and stay in Portland, ME. I have to say our stay was great and the staff from the front desk, courtesy shuttle drivers, restaurant, bar and housekeeping were just fantastic. Our room very clean and comfortable, we had a beautiful ocean view from the 9th floor, we were pleasantly surprised to have a refrigerator in our room. The bartenders were fantastic, we could watch our favorite football team win The Patriots and had great service and excellent conversations. All of the staffs recommendations on places to eat and drink were great we went to many of them. The shuttle van is an absolutely amazing service, don't ever give it up. To be able to park at the hotel and go out for the day and not have to worry about drinking and driving and parking meters is a great amenity you offer. We also used your pool, it was very clean and the temperature of the water was great. What I also thought was such a great amenity was the fact that you have a handicap chair for people who can't use the stairs to get in the pool. You do not see that often at all and I wanted to point that out.
November 19, 2012
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by flutist West Side Story concert at Merrill Auditorium
The staff was so kind and helpful. I brought three teenagers and the staff went out of their way to welcome them and our service dog. We were greeted with a gift bag, provided with quick shuttle service to Merrill Auditorium and were offered bottle water for the trip home. We always stay at the Holiday Inn when we see a performance at Merrill Auditorium and will continue to do so!
November 16, 2012
Rated 2.0 out of 5.0 by AM12 Dirty wash cloth, bar of soap and a cloud of pot!
The title likely sums it up- but here goes!
We were on a smoking floor, guest services ionized our room for us and it would have been fine had there not been literally a cloud of pot smoke rolling down the hall both nights. (The second night we returned to our room early and requested another room). The dirty washcloth hanging over the shower curtain was gross- 2 phone calls later it was removed BUT shouldn't have been there to begin with. Second night room #2- bar of soap in shower-- Not from my party. Why bother complaining, used a piece of toilet paper and threw it out-- what is the cleaning process here folks??? Used to love visiting this hotel on trips to Portland but sadly won't be returning any time soon. The sign says we'll make it right or you won't pay for that part of your stay-- I didn't want to pay for any of it by the end of the weekend.
VERY DISAPPOINTED
November 16, 2012
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by outoftowner Great accomodations and AWESOME shuttle service
We were in town for a 50th party taking place about 1 1/2 miles from the hotel. We had a room with water view and it was gorgeous. The accomodations were great, very clean and comfortable. The best part for us though was the free shuttle service. There was probably about 20 of us in total staying at the hotel and the hotel was booked with (2) conventions also. However you would have thought we were the only guests. The shuttle drivers brought us to the party Saturday evening, from the party to a local club to hear music and dance, from the club back to the hotel. All we did was call the hotel from whereever we were and they came to get us. We had one or two different drivers throughout the night and they were courteuos and patient to a somewhat loud and rowdy group of middle-agers!
To know we could leave our car at the hotel and travel about Portland without having to call a cab or use public transportation will make us come to Portland again, and again and recommend the hotel to others.
Thanks for a great weekend!
November 16, 2012
Rated 4.0 out of 5.0 by Kertra Lack of
For the price we paid we should of gotten a continental breakfast vs. the choice to go to there restaurant for food we pay for. None of the soda machines had soda in them and we couldn't find any kind of snack machine. We spent two days there, would I return - unlikely.
November 15, 2012
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by clarinetplayer Enjoyable Three-Night Stay
I recently spent three nights here, starting on Halloween. I had originally planned to arrive on Oct 30th but my flight was cancelled, due to the lingering effects of "Superstorm Sandy". A quick call to the hotel's reservations desk and I was able to change my arrival date by one day, without hassle. I chose this hotel because of its location, around the corner from the Museum of Art - which was my main reason for visiting Portland in the first place - and because of its relatively attractive room rates. Upon checking in, I received a welcome bag of goodies, as I am a Holiday Inn Priority Club member. This was a nice touch. The room itself was clean and comfortable - large flat-screen tv, microwave, fridge, and coffee maker. The bed was comfy and the window in the room afforded me an interesting view of part of the waterfront. My floor was very quiet, although that might be due to there being fewer travellers as a result of "Sandy". A minor quibble: the bedside clock-radio had a confusing alarm system so I relied on the front desk for a morning wake-up call instead. The hotel is located within easy walking distance of the historic district, downtown offices, the Civic Center and all of the restaurants along Congress Street. Hotel restaurant whipped up a decent breakfast; I did not have dinner there, so can't. comment on the quality of the dinner menu. Front-desk staff were efficient and courteous and helped arrange a lift for me to the airport, by way of the hotel shuttle van. Would stay there again.
November 12, 2012
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 nice hotel in a nice location
easy walking to main downtown area shops and restaurants. shuttle service to/from airport and train. i was very happy with my stay here, and the bed was amazing! it was hard to get out in the morning. this was the first time i've stayed in a holiday inn since i was a kid; i usually prefer non-chains just to enjoy the individuality of local hotels, but i figured for one night why not, and save a little money. but it was a great choice, and make me more likely to consider them in the future
November 9, 2012
Rated 4.0 out of 5.0 by radle Great Views
Had a room with a beautiful view of the bay. Staff was he helpful.
November 8, 2012
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by Linda56 Comfortable and well appointed
I was here on business but the stay was also relaxing. I enjoyed the late swim and the fitness room. The conference rooms where set up efficiently and quickly for our functions. Rooms were clean and well appointed. Staff was extremely helpful and friendly.
November 4, 2012
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by Carrie0866 Pleasantly Pleased
This hotel is in a great location and is in walking distance to everything. The room was clean and updated and the beds are comfortable. The price was very reasonable compared to the comps. There is a restaurant, a bar/lounge, and a gift/snack shop next to the lobby. Parking is free but the garage is only 2 levels and fills up fast. Overall we enjoyed our stay and were satisfied with the hotel and the service.
November 3, 2012
Rated 4.0 out of 5.0 by GalontheGo2 Fall in Maine
The front desk staff were friendly & accommodating. As a priority club member we rec'd a greeting bag w/H2o, beverage coupons, & a snack bar, but even nicer was the upgrade avail. to an executive rm. w/more space for my parents & I to move around in. The view of Casco bay was great & proximity to the Art museum suited our needs.
November 3, 2012
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by okie1211 One of the Best Hotels In Portland
I've stayed here several times in the past few years and really enjoy the comfort that they offer. The staff were super helpful, the restaurant was superb. just have nothing bad to say.
I will reccommend this hotel to any one i know stopping over in Portland.
November 1, 2012
Rated 4.0 out of 5.0 by KG1234 So, So Stay
It was an easy enough walk to everything in Portsmouth. But the person who checked us in did not want to be there, their attitude showed and it was very dissapointing. Beds felt old and it was hard to get comfortable at night. Rooms were clean though. Lounge was ok, bartender seemed distracted though there were only 6 people including us in the lounge, at 6:00pm.
I would stay again, with hopes that they replace the mattresses soon and work on their customer service. Too expensive to have these issues.
October 27, 2012
Rated 1.0 out of 5.0 by MichelleH Won't Stay Here Again
I'm a Priority Club member & stay at Holiday Inns across the U.S. frequently for work as well as pleasure. This is one of the worst Holiday Inns I've ever stayed at; I won't be back.
Here are a few issues I experienced:
- Room falling apart & way too crowded
- Gave Visa to have charges billed to; upon check-out had wrong credit card on file
- Bill not delivered under door for check-out; required me to go to front desk where young girl was talking with fellow worker; had to ask them to assist me; she was very rude & didn't care to assist me
- Value of room accommodations was not good
On the only bright side:
- Gentleman that delivered my breakfast in the morning was very, very nice; we even joked about the earthquake!
October 23, 2012
Rated 4.0 out of 5.0 by seaglass Excellent location
Our stay at the Holiday Inn in Portland was great. Everything was withn walking distance. The room was large and comfortable. Unfortunately, the only rooms left were smoking and being non-smokers it was a little inconvenient but the staff did their best to help eliminate the odor. We also lit candles when we were in the room and that helped too.
October 20, 2012
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by curlygirl Good restaurant and friendly bar
Stayed 1 night on our way to Bar Harbor. The room was very comfortable and very clean. We were tired from a long stressful day of travel and took a chance by eating in the hotel restaurant. It was great! No need to walk around town looking for a good place to eat. The bartender was exceptionally friendly. Would definitely recommend this hotel and will be staying her again.
October 19, 2012
Rated 3.0 out of 5.0 by FirstTimeMainer Unfriendly
We started our weeklong trip in ME here for the first night. All was pretty good EXCEPT we had very poor service in the dining room for breakfast. The hostess and waitress were rude. Not just to us but we witnessed them treating others poorly also. Well, it wasn't just a bad day for them because when we returned at the end of the week for an overnighter, we experienced the same thing. :(
October 15, 2012
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by Jane59 Comfortable room, great customer service
The staff at the front desk were welcoming and courteous. The hotel is close to everything. We walked everywhere. I look forward to returning to this hotel in Portland!
October 14, 2012