Hotels

If you're looking for something central, Hilton has unveiled a brand-new waterfront hotel across the street from the city's island ferry dock. The Hilton Garden Inn, 65 Commercial St. (tel. 207/780-0780), though made from a cookie-cutter plan, is convenient to the Old Port's restaurants, bakeries, and pubs -- not to mention the islands of Casco Bay. You'll pay for the privilege of being in the heart of the waterfront, though: double rooms mostly run from about $189 up to $369 per night.

The Holiday Inn by the Bay, 88 Spring St. (tel. 800/345-5050 or 207/775-2311), offers great views of the harbor from about half the rooms, along with the usual chain-hotel creature comforts. Peak-season rates are approximately $180 for a double. Budget travelers seeking chain hotels typically head toward the area around the Maine Mall in South Portland, about 8 miles south of the attractions of downtown.