How to Find Cheap Hotels in Portland, Maine

Portland is Maine's largest city, located in the magnificent Casco Bay on the southern coast. The metropolitan area, including Freeport, is a microcosm of the entire state, with coastline, inland forest and everything in between.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access

Instructions

Find Transportation to and Around Portland, Maine

1. Fly to Portland International Jetport. Just 5 miles from downtown, it's easy to find a taxi to take you into Portland when you arrive.

2. Rent a car in Boston. This is a popular method, and it makes for a scenic 2-hour drive through Massachusetts and New Hampshire on your way.

3. Ride in comfort on Amtrak's Downeaster train. It travels between Boston and Portland 4 times a day, and it takes just 2 1/2 hours.

Know What to See and Do in Portland, Maine

1. Tour Casco Bay on a ferry, or ride on a genuine lobster boat and help bait the traps and throw them into the sea.

2. Visit the Portland Head Light and Museum. A scenic lighthouse on the bay, this is where you can learn about the history of seafaring in this part of Maine.

3. Be arty at the Portland Museum of Art. Or, if you have kids along, try the Children's Museum of Maine.

4. Catch a baseball game. The Portland Sea Dogs, AA affiliates of the Boston Red Sox, play in a replica of Fenway Park.

Find Accommodations in Portland, Maine

1. To book accommodations, contact the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Greater Portland at [phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources, below). Consider looking at budget-class motels near the Portland Airport and the mall. You can easily find cheap rooms in this area of Portland for under $50.

2. Stay at a cozy bed and breakfast in the Portland or Westbrook area. Prices are very reasonable, and some are as cheap as $100 per night. Breakfast and friendly hosts are included.

3. Camp at the nearby Wassamki Springs Campground, just a couple miles outside of Portland. Lodgings don't get any cheaper than this.

4. Look for a cheap hotel or motel near the Old Port. Here, boutiques and unique stores line the cobblestone streets. Tourist-class hotels in this area offer basic amenities and might offer extras such as free parking, local discounts or continental breakfast.

5. Keep your preferred activities in mind when choosing a location for your accommodations. Fishing in the bay, biking on the beautiful coastline, kayaking in and around the islands and rafting on the rivers are just a few of the outdoor activities available. It's easier to access outlying areas from suburban motels or hotels.

6. Score cheap lodging by looking outside Portland's perimeter. Check lodging prices in Cape Elizabeth (to the south) or Freeport, Pownal or Falmouth (to the north).

7. Try your luck in the Portland peninsula area. Generally, this is where the 3- and 4-star hotels are gathered, but off-season rates may get you into the lap of luxury for cheap.

Tips & Warnings

• Be prepared for changes in the weather. Keep in mind that when you travel from the interior to the coast, it can get cooler fast. Carry a sweater or jacket. In the autumn a heavier sweater will be needed, and a parka and boots will keep you toasty in winter.