The Inn at St John is one of the older and more modest places to stay in Portland, a traditional inn with a long history of welcoming travelers to the city. It is not a polished boutique or a glossy waterfront tower. Instead it offers simple, affordable rooms in a building with real age and character, which makes it appeal to visitors who care more about spending money on lobster rolls and ferry rides than on a hotel room. It sits a little away from the cobblestones of the Old Port, in a more residential and everyday part of the city, so the stay feels like being part of Portland rather than a tourist district.
Rooms are typically straightforward and practical, with a mix of layouts that may include rooms with shared or private bathrooms depending on the room type, so read the details carefully when you book. Older buildings can have quirks, such as creaking floors, small spaces and limited soundproofing, and you should expect a plain but clean base rather than modern luxury. Check what is included in your rate, such as breakfast, parking and Wi-Fi, because these vary and affect the real cost of a stay.
The location trades a walk for a lower price. Depending on your pace, the Old Port, the Arts District and the waterfront are a longer walk or a short ride away, and in good weather many guests stroll in along Congress Street, passing shops, cafes and galleries on the way.
The Portland Museum of Art, the Eastern Promenade and the ferry terminals are reachable by bus, bike or a short drive. Parking is generally easier here than in the crowded heart of the Old Port, which is a real benefit if you are arriving by car from elsewhere in New England.
This inn suits budget-minded couples, solo travelers, backpackers, cyclists and anyone traveling through Maine who needs a clean night in the city before heading up the coast. It is not the best fit for guests who want a spa, a restaurant on site or a view of the harbor. If you are a light sleeper, ask for a quieter room away from the street, and consider bringing earplugs, as city noise can carry in older buildings.
To make the most of the money you save, plan one splurge meal and spend the rest of your days walking. Take a morning stroll along the Eastern Promenade, catch a ferry out into Casco Bay, and allow time for a food crawl through the Old Port and Washington Avenue. Summer and early autumn are the busiest and most expensive seasons, so book early, while spring and late autumn bring cooler weather and lower prices. Pack layers, because the harbor breeze can be cold even on a sunny afternoon.
Why stay here
- ✓Historic building
- ✓Budget-friendly rates
- ✓Simple, practical rooms
- ✓Walkable to Congress Street shops
- ✓Bus and ride access to the Old Port
- ✓Easier parking than the waterfront
- ✓Local, residential setting
- ✓Wi-Fi, typically
Good questions
Is it within walking distance of the Old Port?+
It is a longer walk or a short bus or ride. Many guests walk along Congress Street in good weather.
Are all rooms private?+
Room types can differ, including bathroom arrangements. Read the room details carefully when you book.
Is parking easy?+
Usually easier than in the waterfront district, but check current arrangements and fees when you book.
