Hotel question

Question

My husband and I are traveling to Portland for two days in September. I am trying to decide between The Press Hotel and Canopy by Hilton. Is one nicer than the other and how is the location of both for being in the Old Port area?

Thank you in advance!

Answer

Both and are excellent hotels — both are in or very near the Old Port district — but they offer somewhat different vibes. Which is “nicer” depends a bit on what kind of experience you and your husband are after. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide.

The Press Hotel

The Press Hotel is a boutique, design-oriented hotel housed in the historic former headquarters of a local newspaper — it leans into that heritage with “newsroom”–style décor, vintage-style desks, marble bathrooms, and literary touches, giving it a unique, artsy boutique-hotel feel.
It features an on-site restaurant (UNION) and a cocktail lounge/bar (Inkwell), plus an in-house art gallery — nice perks if you enjoy hotel ambiance and on-site amenities.
It’s located on Exchange Street, right in the Old Port District — which means easy walking access to cobblestone streets, shops, restaurants, and the historic waterfront.
Because it’s more of a boutique hotel, rooms may be cozier than large chain-style rooms (though still well-appointed), and given the historic building, some details may reflect that heritage.

Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront

Canopy is a newer, more modern “lifestyle” hotel with fresh, contemporary design, more modern amenities, and a bit more of an urban-hotel feel.
It sits on Commercial Street (Center Street & Commercial), literally on the waterfront and also within the Old Port area — so you’re also very close to shops, restaurants, the working harbor, and ferry/ waterfront strolls.
One of its highlights is a rooftop bar/restaurant with views over Casco Bay — nice if you want to enjoy a sunset drink or a more modern, social-hotel vibe.
Because it’s newer and part of a big chain (Hilton), rooms and amenities are likely more standardized and maybe more predictable than in a boutique hotel — useful if you prefer consistency.
That said, parking is via valet (or nearby self-parking, but self-parking doesn’t necessarily save much vs valet), which may add cost if you plan to have a car.

Which is “nicer”? It depends on your preferences:

If you value historic charm, boutique-hotel ambiance, a cozy and artsy atmosphere, and being right in the heart of Old Port with a strong sense of place — Press Hotel is hard to beat.
If you prefer newer modern amenities, a contemporary feel, possibly a rooftop bar and waterfront-hotel energy, and a more “hotel-chain” style stay — Canopy might suit you better, especially if you want convenience and predictability.

Location for Old Port / Waterfront walking:

Both hotels are very well placed for old-town Portland. The Press is on Exchange Street — basically in the heart of Old Port, meaning short cobblestone-street walks to shops, restaurants, galleries, and the waterfront.
Canopy is on Commercial Street / Center Street, along the waterfront — slightly more “water-front and harbor-side,” but still within walking distance to all the Old Port attractions (shops, dining, etc.).
Therefore, neither is “out of the way” — both offer easy walkability for exploring Portland on foot, which is ideal if you want to minimize driving or parking hassles.

My take — for a two-day visit in September for two adults

If you want a memorable, charming stay with character and good on-site dining/restaurant vibe — go with The Press Hotel. If you prefer modern convenience, a more hotel-style experience, and enjoy being right on the waterfront (with maybe a rooftop drink or two), Canopy by Hilton Waterfront is a great pick. Really, you can’t go wrong with either — they simply offer slightly different “feels.”

Given your short stay (2 days), if you plan mostly to walk, eat, explore downtown & Old Port, and enjoy a relaxed getaway — my leaning is toward The Press Hotel for that unique, boutique-hotel charm. But if you value newer finishes and a sleek feel, Canopy would be a solid, comfortable choice.