Please advise concerning a good hotel in Portland, ME for a weekend in October. I'm a regular on the Asia forum and need help. Thanks.

Holiday Inn by the Bay is decent and not too pricey (downtown - near shops/restaurants in Old Port). The Eastland is a few blocks away though I've heard mixed reviews. Also a few new hotels close to the waterfront...

The Eastland is rumored to be haunted. It is worth a trip to the Top of the East bar which is on the top floor of the hotel and has a great piano lounge that overlooks the city.

I would also recommend staying at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Portland.

We've stayed at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland and would recommend it. They have a pool, a nice restaurant for breakfast *and* free self-parking in their garage. The rooms on the upper floors have great views of Portland Harbor. They are downtown, close to the waterfront and the museum. Have a nice time - October is beautiful.