MAINE LODGING
 

if you had a chance to stay at Inn by the Sea, Cape Elizabeth, or in Old Port, at Portland Harbor Hotel, in Portland, Maine, which would you prefer?
Old Port, more convenient I'd think, to all restaurants, shopping, etc, but Hotel is spendy. What kind of shopping in the Old Port area? antique & boutique shops?
Is there shopping close by at the Inn by the Sea? I assume we'd need a car to get around.
We appreciate any suggestions
(this is a group of 6 women, but, we may all want to do the same things each day. We'll be there, Portland, Maine 9/30 - 10/5/2004. Thank-you

I've stayed at both the Inn by the Sea and the Regency (and others) in the Old Port. If I were with a bunch of my women friends, we'd want to be in the Old Port. The Inn by the Sea is more of a quiet, couples or family place. Be sure to go the art museum in Portland and Street & Company or Fore Street for lunch or dinner...

Thanks, I appreciate the help

thanks, I forgot to ask, will we need a vehicle ? Are there tours offered by hotel? better to get our own car? thanks again

if you stay in-town portland, you won't need a car. in cape elizabeth you will definitley need a car. there is no shopping near Inn by the Sea. I agree with the other post that you will much prefer Portland. Lots of shops and restaurants, bars, etc. also recommend taking a ferry to one of the islands, it is cheap $ and you can just go out, walk around a bit and then come back on a later boat.

Portland doesn't have great public transportation so,if you're planning to do anything outside the Old Port area like shopping in Freeport,you'll need a car. Have you checked the prices at the Regency and the Hilton? Both are also in the Old Port. The Holiday Inn is a few blocks outside what is considered the Old Port but may be more reasonably priced.

thanks, I think the Regency was full during the time we will visit. I thought someone did NOT recommend The Hilton Garden (don't know why, any ideas?) I can't remember if we checked the Holiday Inn (Sept 30-Oct 5 seems to be a very popular time to visit)
Has anyone stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn? Pros? Cons? thanks for help/suggestions