In Portland’s Old Port, the holidays feel a little brighter at The Press Hotel – where cozy lights, thoughtful design, and locally driven cuisine come together under one roof. Whether you’re planning a sparkling cocktail hour or a celebratory dinner, the hotel’s lobby lounge, Inkwell, and its signature restaurant, UNION, make it easy to gather, toast, and savor the flavors of the season.
Inkwell: Craft Cocktails in a Story-Filled Setting
Set just off the lobby, Inkwell blends the hotel’s newsroom-inspired aesthetic with a relaxed, modern lounge atmosphere – ideal for pre-dinner drinks, a nightcap, or an unhurried catch-up with friends. Expect a creative bar program served with polished, welcoming service in a stylish, softly lit space. If you’re mapping out an evening, it’s the perfect first (or last) stop before or after dinner at UNION.
Guests love Inkwell for its comfortable seating nooks, refined cocktails, and easy proximity to the elevators – meaning you can keep the festivities close to “home” when you’re staying on property. When planning around peak holiday dates, check the hotel’s channels for current hours and any seasonal offerings; the lounge often pairs well with dinner reservations next door.
UNION: Altogether Local—and Perfect for Celebrations
Next door to the lounge, UNION showcases Maine’s seasons with a menu built around regional farms and fisheries. It’s an inviting choice for everything from a festive brunch to an elegant dinner, with hours that support holiday-week flexibility: breakfast on weekdays, weekend brunch, and dinner nightly (with later seatings on Friday and Saturday). Reservations are suggested during busy periods.
Beyond the reliable cadence of breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner service, UNION’s ethos remains constant: thoughtful technique, local sourcing, and attentive hospitality. The restaurant’s focus on Maine ingredients makes it a natural fit for celebratory dining when you want dishes that feel of-the-moment and distinctly of place.
How to Plan a Holiday Evening at The Press
Start with a toast at Inkwell. Ease into the night with a crafted cocktail in the lobby lounge – an atmospheric backdrop for exchanging gifts, sharing cards, or simply settling into conversation before dinner.
Move to UNION for dinner. With dinner served nightly and extended hours on weekends, you can choose an early reservation before a show or a later seating for a leisurely, celebratory pace. UNION’s service style and “altogether local” approach set the tone for a meal that feels special without being fussy.
Make it a weekend. If your plans include out-of-town guests or a staycation, pairing dinner with a room at The Press Hotel keeps everything effortless – brunch at UNION the next morning is an easy way to keep the celebration going.
Why It Works at The Press
A cohesive experience. From lobby lounge to dining room to guest rooms, you’re celebrating within one thoughtfully designed space – no driving across town, no juggling multiple reservations.
Local flavor, polished service. UNION’s kitchen centers Maine’s ingredients and presents them with an elegance that suits the season, while Inkwell’s lounge vibe keeps things warm and convivial.
Old Port address. Steps from galleries and boutiques, The Press Hotel places you in the heart of Portland’s wintry charm – ideal for an afternoon of wandering before you settle in for cocktails and dinner.
Whether you’re clinking glasses over a cocktail at Inkwell or gathering around a table at UNION, the holidays at The Press are all about easy elegance: local flavors, inviting spaces, and a pace that lets you truly enjoy each other’s company. Plan your evening, make your reservations, and let the season shine – right here at The Press Hotel.