The Francis Hotel

I stayed at the Francis for the first time. It’s been lovely. The care and attention to detail have been lovely. They use texting with their guests in a smart way that delivers incredible service. The local products in the room are a great touch. I’ve enjoyed delicious meals and drinks at the adjacent Wayside Tavern several times. If you are coming to Portland, consider both. They are high quality experiences focused on giving people the best of Maine.

Staff was super attentive and ensured a stress free stay with our 2 dogs. Felt safe and secure, and rooms were well appointed. Enjoyed the coffee bar in the morning as well as breakfast. Will definitely stay again when traveling to Portland!

The Francis exceeded every expectation for my three-night stay. Set in a beautifully restored mansion, the hotel strikes a perfect balance between vintage charm and stylish modern comfort. The complimentary welcome drinks on arrival set a warm tone right away, and the staff couldn't have been more attentive throughout my stay. A complimentary breakfast delivered right to the door each morning was a lovely touch to start the day. The location on Congress Street puts you among some of the city's best bakeries, bars, and restaurants, making it easy to dive into everything Portland has to offer. For anyone seeking a boutique stay with genuine character and soul, The Francis is the only place to choose.

A small family-owned hotel in an historic building in downtown Portland. Spacious and comfortable rooms, good beds, good AC, parking. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Excellent choice to stay in downtown Portland.

This was my second time staying at the Frances the staff and rooms and entire facility are so nice. The rooms are thoughtfully appointed with every convenience you could need.

A wonderful small family-owned hotel in an historic building in the center of Portland. The rooms are large and comfortable. There is parking. The staff is excellent.

First, I love supporting establishments that are refurbishing/restoring historic buildings. The staff were super helpful and friendly. The shower was amazing as was the complimentary coffee. However, we found the beds less than comfortable and the breakfast a real let down at this price point. Also, more shelf/space in the bathroom is needed. Thanks for the stay. We also appreciated the blueberry wine upon arrival.

Tolles Haus mit wunderbaren Zimmern

My stay was wonderful! Everything was beautiful and clean. Everyone was so kind, accommodating, and knowledgeable. My stay at the Francis Hotel and in Portland made me wish it had been longer. Thank you to everyone at the Francis Hotel.

Seriously disappointed with my stay after seeing a pet friendly blogger review of The Francis in Portland, and then the large quantity of 5-star reviews! I do understand the description that this an older, "historical" property, but does that mean no warmth or charm at all? Did we stay in the same place?
The overall feel of this property to me was "institutional". Fairly certain almost all the "pet friendly" rooms are in the basement. No, it is not a 'ground floor'! Limited number windows set up high in a wall. Cement wall painted a uniform, unattractive light brown dullness through out most of the property. Minimal to no decoration on walls except in sitting area by Front Desk. Limited to no color in rooms. There is a pet fee, which provided us with a dirty stained dog pillow!, bowls, and 3 to 4 'milkbone' brand dog biscuits in a baggy.
I had what I assume was the smallest room in the hotel, a queen pet friendly, I believe it was room 3. Low ceilings, brown cement walls, one small window above chest height overlooking someone else's leaf and trash covered outdoor patio?
In this tiny, dark room there was a queen with tiny bedside built in shelves and, at foot of bed, one wood chair. That was all there was room for besides a miniscule fridge stuffed with $=drinks that was on the basement floor, narrow shelf that was full of $=snacks and pour over coffee equipment (way too much work). There was no room for any of our items except on the windowsill. A coat rack with shelf was next to long, narrow hallway to door. No air movement and I could not figure out confusing Nest control to even get a fan or something to turn on.
Bathroom felt bigger than room, wasted wide open space, poorly lit, with one glass shelf above sink that was mostly full of hotel items, so no room for toiletries anywhere.
No one on desk overnight, "reachable" by phone. Doors "lock" at 11 pm until 7 am, including door that you could just push open leading into those basement rooms the rest of the time. "Sitting area" in basement is minimal and very uncomfortable. Elevator beat up and old and right next to my room, very loud. Homeless people out front at night and in am. This made my hunt, and trust me I had to walk almost a mile round trip down and up a serious hill, to find a place my pup could actually get some grass and bushes to go to the bathroom.
Breakfast "delivered to room" was either a yogurt parfait cup or a "breakfast sandwich". That was it. No beverages or any other choices.
The one plus, the staff is super upbeat and friendly, they do apologize for the shortcomings of this property. Especially when I had to snag one right before we were deserted for the night because I had tiny ants running between my feet when I was sitting on the toilet. She came down to room 1/2 hour later to "spray" for them, unsure what was used with my dog in the room.
I did not sleep at all that night in that claustrophobic cell. Same Front Desk staff person was completely unsurprised when I met her at the Front Desk the next morning and handed her the key to check out a day early. I got an apology for not being able to get me a room above ground as the hotel was full.
The Francis did make it right and refund me the cost of the second night later that day. My thoughts are they most likely were able to rent the room again for that night.
Once again, your staff is lovely. But , I will not be back.

Loved our stay! Our room was very comfortable.Only recommendation is better bathroom lighting for applying makeup up. Staff was very warm and welcoming. We are sure to return!

Our first time visiting Portland and we had a lovely time. So happy we were able to stay at The Francis Hotel. Great location easy walk into town. The staff very friendly and helpful. Great restaurant right next door called the Wayside. We are looking forward to planning our next visit. Highly recommend.

This is our 4th stay at the Francis and each time our experience is amazing. The hotel is cozy and welcoming. We tried Wayside, their restaurant for the first time and it was fantastic. Will always stay here for our Portland trips!

Great addition of breakfast and friendly staff.