We are looking for a place to stay in or near Portland, ME. We prefer something that has a beautiful view. I've found Holiday Inn by the Bay but was wondering if anyone had any additional recommendations. Thanks!

It depends on your price range. A beautiful hotel right on the ocean in Cape Elizabeth (15 minutes south of Portland) is the Inn by the Sea. Portland has a Residence Inn that's new & is about a block away from Casco Bay. You could stay on Peaks Island at the Inn on Peaks, which is a short ferry ride from Portland -- rent a bike & tour the island. Portland is a working harbor, so there aren't many buildings, including hotels, to block the views. I hope you have a great time -- it's a terrific small city with friendly people & great restaurants.

Black Point Inn in Scarborough

These Inns look beautiful, though a bit above our price range. Any suggestions that might be just a bit more moderate?

As a Portland resident, I wouldn't recommend the Holiday Inn by the Bay. It's an older hotel and isn't well-located for a visit to Portland. There may be some views from the higher rooms on the water side, but I wouldn't say they'd be "beautiful."
Unfortunately, there aren't really any hotels in town with sweeping views (unless you venture out to the pricey Inn by the Sea or Black Point Inn). I would recommend staying at one of the newer, downtown hotels (Holiday Garden Inn, Hampton Inn Downtown or for a bit more - Portland Harbor Hotel). Walk around downtown. There are wonderful restaurants, shops, a working waterfront, a ferry terminal where you can hop a ferry to an island or just for the ride, all within walking distance.
Hope that helps - good luck!

Another thought is to look at AirBnB, where you could stay in someone's home. You'd likely be in a neighborhood and get to know a resident's perspective.

This definitely helps. I will check out some of the places you have mentioned. Thanks!

We stayed at the Pomegranate Inn b&b years ago. I loved the unique decorating! doesn't have water views, but it is a fun place to stay and it was easy to get around from there. http://www.pomegranateinn.com/

Don't know your dates. except that it's in July and everything is filling up. Fast. Since you have teenagers and are interested in the beach, I would look at Ogunquit or Kennebunkport instead of Portland. You can always do an easy day trip or dinner trip into Portland. The Sebago Lakes or Shapleigh Lake areas are also pleasant. Terrace by the Sea in Oqunquit, The Fontenay Terrace in Kennebunkport and Billowhouse in Ocean Park are all worth considering if by any chance they still have vacancies.