Experience Maine

worth the drive

A thoughtful approach to wellness at the Longfellow Hotel

words by rachel sagiroglu
photography by carley rudd

Tucked in the historic West End, the Longfellow Hotel offers a relaxed yet stylish retreat for exploring Portland in the springtime, a season marked by longer days, fresh energy, and renewal. Just minutes from the Old Port and the working waterfront, the 48-room hotel reflects Portland’s rugged charm while weaving wellness into every part of the guest experience.

The hotel takes its name from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Portland’s most celebrated poet and one of the most influential literary figures of the 19th century. Born in Portland in 1807, Longfellow spent his formative years here, where the landscapes and rhythms of coastal Maine left a lasting impression on his work. Themes of daily life, quiet reflection, and nature subtly shape the hotel’s atmosphere. The Wadsworth-Longfellow House and Maine Historical Society is a short walk away for a more immersive experience.

The Longfellow opened in 2024 under the direction of Uncommon Hospitality, a Maine-based, family-owned hospitality group. Since then, it has drawn acclaim from national publications. Travel + Leisure included it on its It List of the “Best New Hotels” of 2025, Town & Country recognized it as one of the best new hotels globally, and it ranked #6 in the Northeast in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Intentionally Designed Rooms

Guest rooms are designed to feel more like private residences than traditional hotel accommodations, blending comfort and simplicity with nods to Maine’s coastal and literary heritage. High-quality bedding, refined furnishings, and a soothing palette of natural tones create an atmosphere that encourages rest and relaxation.

Soft lighting and natural materials enhance the sense of calm, while thoughtful amenities—French press coffee, plush robes, guided meditations, sound baths, and a curated bedside sleep guide—support restorative sleep. For those seeking enhanced space, the Evangeline Suite and Gabriel Suite offer freestanding soaking tubs, separate living areas, and an elevated sense of retreat.

Food, Drink, and Gathering

Food and beverage offerings are intentionally understated, designed to complement the pace of the stay rather than compete with it. The Twinflower Café serves coffee, smoothies, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches, providing a welcoming start to the day and serving as a favorite gathering spot for locals.

In the evenings, Five of Clubs becomes a warm place where guests linger over crafted cocktails or wine in the chic lobby, encouraging conversation and quiet connection. Just across the street, guests can enjoy dinner at Wayside Tavern, a beloved neighborhood restaurant located in Longfellow’s sister property, The Francis.

Wellness as a Way of Staying

Astraea Spa anchors the Longfellow’s approach to wellness, offering a restorative experience shaped by Scandinavian spa traditions and modern therapeutic practices. Infrared sauna suites guide guests through a calming rhythm of heat, cooling, and rest, promoting circulation and deep relaxation. Massage therapies and healing treatments complement the experience, along with a Wellness Membership offering monthly sauna access and spa discounts.

Historical, Yet New

In a season defined by renewal, the Longfellow Hotel is a place where rest feels natural and deeply restorative. Like the poet whose name it bears, the Longfellow celebrates quiet moments and peaceful reflection—offering more than a stay, but a thoughtful, old-world reset.

To browse & book your spa or stay, visit longfellowhotel.com