When summer sun in Portland turns intense, there’s no need to retreat too far—The Press Hotel, housed in a centenarian newsroom building in Old Port, offers a stylish cool base from which to discover the city’s most refreshing indoor escapes. Whether you crave art, culture, family fun—or just chilled comfort—here’s your guide to staying cool while soaking in the best of Portland.
Escape Into Art & Culture
The Portland Museum of Art, Maine’s oldest and largest public art institution, offers air-conditioned respite among nearly 22,000 works—from Winslow Homer seascapes to Impressionist European paintings by Monet and Picasso. Located a short walk from the hotel in the Arts District, it’s perfect for a leisurely afternoon indoors.
For performance lovers, the historic State Theatre on Congress Street hosts concerts and shows in lush Moorish–Art Deco surroundings. With a seating capacity nearing 1,900, the venue feels grand yet intimate, making any indoor show feel like an event.
In nearby Munjoy Hill, the St. Lawrence Arts Center—housed in a remodeled Romanesque church—hosts theater, music, and community shows in a historic, climate-controlled setting that celebrates the region’s creative spirit.
Family-Friendly Indoor Fun
Families traveling with kids—or those just young at heart—will find interactive delight at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine. This 30,000‑square‑foot indoor space features an aquarium touch tank, a pretend lobster boat cityscape, and a theater program that brings local stories to life—making it the perfect escape from sweltering heat.
For an offbeat alternative, head to Factory3, a makerspace and community studio offering workshops in weaving, welding, woodwork, and even creative writing. Engaging and entirely indoor, it’s an excellent way to learn something new in Portland’s creative community.
Playful Escapes in Air‑Conditioned Comfort
Looking for active indoor fun? X‑Golf Portland, just blocks from the waterfront, offers state‑of‑the‑art golf simulators, arcade-style games, and a full bar. It’s a fun, climate-controlled spot to tee off without worrying about the humidity or sun exposure.
Arcadia, an adults-only arcade bar downtown, brings classic pinball, skee‑ball, vintage cabinets, and cocktails together in a retro-inspired setting—perfect for a playful and cool evening inside.
Chill Out at The Press Hotel
After venturing into Portland’s indoor scene, return to The Press Hotel and unwind in style. The lobby’s cozy lounges, board games, and a fireplace provide a inviting retreat from the heat. Complement your downtime with complimentary coffee or tea in the lobby or host casual conversations in Inkwell, the lobby bar styled like a vintage newsroom lounge.
Guestrooms boast air conditioning and amenities chosen with comfort in mind—like Frette linens, Keurig coffee makers, mini fridges, Bigelow bath products, and local art prints adorning walls that all echo the building’s journalistic past.
A Cooling Itinerary for Hot Days
Wake up and enjoy breakfast at UNION Restaurant, featuring seasonal Maine ingredients that feel light and fresh. Escape the midday heat with a visit to the Portland Museum of Art or the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine. After that, try a hands-on class at Factory3 or tee up at X‑Golf. Wrap the afternoon with cocktails at Inkwell—perhaps made with the hotel’s own rooftop honey—and a leisurely soak in your guest room’s deep tub.
Evening cooling comes naturally: the hotel’s lobby and lounges remain comfortably chill, ideal for reading, chatting, or playing nostalgic board games. End your day in the air-conditioned sanctuary of your typewriter-themed room, savoring serenity as summer breezes fade outside.
Why The Press Hotel Is Your Ideal Cool Getaway
Located in the heart of Old Port, The Press Hotel places you within walking distance of the city’s top indoor attractions and cultural venues. The thoughtful design, attentive hospitality, and literary ambiance turn every return into a stay-rooted experience. When the heat climbs, the hotel becomes your personal cooling center—inviting, refreshing, and perfectly Portland.
So while the sun blazes, the charm of Portland stays fresh—and your coolest moments are still best found at The Press Hotel.