Month: November 2025

Fall in Portland, Maine, is meant for exploration – golden leaves lining cobblestone streets, crisp ocean air sweeping through the Old Port, and café patios still buzzing with cozy conversation. It’s also the perfect season to bring your four-legged travel companion along. With its walkable downtown, scenic waterfronts, and welcoming local spirit, Portland is one of New England’s most dog-friendly cities. And at The Press Hotel, pets aren’t just allowed – they’re treated like honored guests.

A Boutique Stay Tailored for Two (and Four)

From the moment you check in at The Press Hotel, you’ll notice the thoughtful touches that make traveling with pets easy and enjoyable. The staff is quick with smiles and treats, ensuring tails start wagging right away. The hotel’s historic setting – once the home of the Portland Press Herald – now hums with creative energy and quiet comfort, offering an inspiring space for humans and dogs alike.

Spacious rooms with wood floors make for easy clean-ups after city strolls, while oversized windows let in plenty of sunlight for mid-day naps. Some suites even feature cozy seating areas where your pup can curl up as you unwind with a cup of locally roasted coffee or a cocktail from Inkwell downstairs.

For guests seeking an elevated stay, The Press Hotel’s “Pampered Pets” package-bookable through Marriott.com-adds an extra layer of indulgence. The offer includes special pet amenities and cozy comforts that make both you and your pup feel instantly at home. Even better, with every overnight pet fee, the hotel donates to Almost Home Rescue, supporting the care and adoption of local animals in need.

Step Outside to Explore Portland Together

The best part about staying downtown is how much you can experience on foot – or paw. Just steps from The Press Hotel, you’ll find Monument Square, Post Office Park, and the Old Port’s waterfront views. Stroll along Commercial Street, where fishing boats bob in the harbor and local shops offer everything from handmade leashes to Maine-made dog biscuits.

When it’s time to stretch those legs, the Eastern Promenade Trail awaits just a short walk away. This scenic path hugs Casco Bay, offering spectacular views, fresh sea breezes, and wide open spaces perfect for an energetic run or leisurely walk. It’s one of Portland’s most picturesque spots – and your pup will love it just as much as you do.

Dining Out, Dog-Style

Portland’s food scene is legendary, and that includes its pet-friendly options. Many local cafés and breweries welcome dogs on their patios well into fall. Grab a coffee and pastry from a nearby bakery, or stop by one of the city’s craft breweries, where water bowls and friendly pats are always on the menu.

After a day of exploration, return to UNION Restaurant at The Press Hotel for your own seasonal feast. While pups relax back in your room, you can enjoy Maine’s fall flavors – perhaps a roasted vegetable dish, a glass of cider, or a seafood special that reflects the best of the local harvest.

A Tail-Wagging Welcome Year-Round

The Press Hotel’s pet-friendly policy means your dog is welcome any time of year, but autumn is truly special. The cooler temperatures make long walks comfortable, the colors are spectacular, and the city feels alive with cozy energy. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend escape or an extended stay, the hotel offers the perfect base for you and your furry friend to experience Portland’s charm together.

A Story You’ll Both Remember

Traveling with your dog isn’t just about convenience – it’s about creating shared memories. Watching leaves fall on a quiet street, stopping for photos along the waterfront, curling up after a day of adventure – these are the moments that turn a getaway into a story worth retelling.

At The Press Hotel, every guest – two-legged or four-legged – is part of that story. This fall, pack the leash, grab your walking shoes, and head to Portland for a stay that’s as inspiring as it is heartwarming.

Because here, every guest deserves the headline treatment – especially the ones with paws.

As the chill of November settles over Maine, Portland transforms into a city of golden leaves, glowing windows, and inviting aromas drifting through the cobblestone streets. Thanksgiving week is one of the most heart-warming times to visit-when locals and travelers alike slow down, savor good food, and reconnect with the simple joys of the season. At the center of it all sits The Press Hotel, where history, design, and culinary artistry come together for a downtown Thanksgiving escape that feels both festive and refined.

A Downtown Stay with Character

Housed in the former headquarters of the Portland Press Herald, The Press Hotel balances modern elegance with the spirit of storytelling that defines the city. Its location on Exchange Street places guests steps away from the Old Port’s boutiques, harbor views, and candle-lit restaurants, yet it offers a calm retreat from the bustle outside.

Thanksgiving week here begins slowly-perhaps with coffee by the lobby fireplace, a round of Scrabble before heading out, or a stroll through the crisp autumn air toward the waterfront. Each room feels like a writer’s sanctuary, designed for reflection and comfort. Oversized windows frame the late-fall colors of downtown, while plush bedding and quiet corners encourage rest before a day of discovery or a night of feasting.

Thanksgiving Flavors at UNION

At UNION Restaurant, located just off the hotel’s lobby, the team sets the table for one of Portland’s most anticipated Thanksgiving experiences. Executive Chef Christian Bassett’s seasonal menu captures Maine’s harvest in every detail-think roasted root vegetables, butternut squash, and the aroma of maple and sage drifting from the open kitchen.

Guests can expect a Thanksgiving dinner that blends classic traditions with a local twist: tender turkey with cranberry-apple relish, creamy mashed potatoes touched with Maine butter, and fresh seafood starters honoring the state’s coastal heritage. Those who linger for dessert will be rewarded with spiced pumpkin creations and perhaps a warm apple crisp, crafted from regional orchards.

It’s more than a meal; it’s a celebration of Maine’s autumn bounty and the welcoming spirit that defines UNION’s “altogether local” philosophy.

Exploring Portland Between Courses

Thanksgiving week in Portland offers plenty to do beyond the table. Wander the Old Port’s cobblestone lanes lined with galleries, vintage shops, and artisan bakeries. Visit the Portland Museum of Art, or catch the first of the city’s holiday lights along Commercial Street. On a clear day, a walk to the Eastern Promenade rewards you with sweeping views of Casco Bay, painted in late-autumn hues.

Back at The Press Hotel, the rhythm slows again-perhaps a nightcap at Inkwell, the cozy lobby bar where conversation hums like a printing press of ideas.

A Place to Gather and Give Thanks

What makes Thanksgiving at The Press Hotel truly special is its sense of community. It’s where visiting families meet locals celebrating tradition, where travelers find a place that feels instantly familiar. Whether sharing dinner at UNION or simply reflecting with a glass of wine in your suite, the atmosphere invites connection and gratitude.

Portland in late November glows softly with warmth-a contrast to the crisp air outside. And The Press Hotel, with its timeless charm and attention to every thoughtful detail, offers the perfect place to embrace that warmth fully.

Your Thanksgiving Story Begins Here

This Thanksgiving week, trade kitchen chaos for coastal calm. Stay where hospitality feels like an art form and dinner is served with a local accent. From the flavors of UNION to the quiet comfort of your guestroom, The Press Hotel captures the essence of Portland in one unforgettable holiday stay.

Book your Thanksgiving getaway downtown, and let your story of gratitude begin here-one bite, one memory, and one Maine evening at a time.