Plan Your Visit to The Francis Hotel in Portland, Maine
Prepare for your upcoming stay at The Francis Hotel by exploring our frequently asked questions, designed to help you make the most of your visit. As a premier Portland, Maine luxury hotel, we’re committed to providing a seamless and memorable experience from the moment you book to the day you check out. Have additional questions? Contact us, our team is always happy to assist!
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. If you’re arriving after 8:00 PM, just let us know and we’ll send along late arrival instructions.
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Early check-in and late check-out are available upon request and subject to availability. Let us know your travel plans ahead of time and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
For Standard Rate reservations, cancellations made at least 3 days before arrival will be refunded, minus a $35 cancellation fee. Cancellations made within 3 days of arrival will result in forfeiture of your deposit.
Other rate types, including promotional and third-party reservations, may have different cancellation terms. Please refer to your booking confirmation or contact us directly for details.
Yes! Every guest receives complimentary daily breakfast, delivered to your room each morning. Choose between a breakfast sandwich or a yogurt parfait—locally sourced and made with care.
Yes, we have a $30 per night hotel fee that helps support the care and upkeep of our historic property and includes:
- Welcome drink at check-in
- Locally sourced tea & coffee in the lobby
- In-room pour-over coffee setup
- High-speed WiFi
- Access to The Francis city guides
Yes—complimentary off-street parking is included for guests who book directly with us. We’ll direct you to one of our two guest lots when you arrive.
Please note: all vehicles are parked at the owner’s risk.
The building has an elevator that services all floors, and one of our guest rooms is accessible with a roll-in shower and wider clearances. If you have specific questions or requests, we encourage you to call us directly so we can ensure the best possible stay.
Yes! You can book out all 15 rooms for weddings, birthdays, brand events—you name it. Click here to learn more about private events at The Francis Hotel.
Guest Rooms
All rooms include a mini fridge and our signature in-room pour-over coffee setup featuring locally roasted beans. We don’t have microwaves in guest rooms, but we’re always happy to help if you need something warmed.
Yes. Every room has individually controlled air conditioning and heat, so you can set the temperature just how you like it.
Yes, we provide daily housekeeping to keep your room fresh and comfortable throughout your stay.
Yes. We offer accessible accommodations—please reach out to us directly so we can ensure we match you with the room that best fits your needs.
Yes—high-speed Wi-Fi is complimentary throughout the hotel.
Yes, every room includes an in-room safe for your valuables.
Several of our rooms include desks or seating areas ideal for working comfortably. We also have cozy common spaces if you’d like a change of scenery.
Pet Policies
Yes! We love welcoming furry companions. We have pet-friendly rooms available on the ground, first, and second floors of the hotel (just not the third).
- Pet fee: $35 per night
- Refundable cleaning deposit: $250, collected at check-in
We go all out to make sure your pet feels just as welcome as you do—with a personalized welcome sign, cozy bed, food and water bowls, and a few locally sourced treats waiting in the room.
Yes, we do ask that all pets follow a few house rules:
- Pets must remain leashed in public areas
- No pets in showers (even if they ask nicely)
- Please feed pets in the tiled bathroom, not on wood or carpet
- Wipe muddy paws before coming inside
- Pets may not be left alone in the room for more than 2.5 hours
- Staff may enter the room if a pet is causing a disturbance or appears unattended
📍 A full list of pet policies will be provided at check-in.
We welcome a wide variety! Dogs, cats, and even the occasional well-traveled rabbit. If you’re unsure, give us a call and we’ll let you know.
Portland is incredibly pet-friendly! We recommend:
- Deering Oaks Park for a quick stroll
- East End Beach (off-leash hours in the morning)
- The Eastern Prom trail for ocean views and tail wags
Find more pet friendly activities on our Pet Friendly page.
Getting Around & Local Tips
We’re just 10 minutes from the Portland International Jetport (PWM). You can grab a cab or rideshare with ease.
The Old Port is just a 5-minute drive or a 15–20 minute walk from the hotel. We’re located in the West End—Portland’s most charming (and less touristy) neighborhood, filled with award-winning bakeries, bars, and beautiful historic homes.
Yes! Guests of The Francis get complimentary access to a local fitness center located just across the street. Stop by the front desk for details and directions.
We operated a spa on-site for five wonderful years, but closed it in 2024. Luckily, Astraea, A Wellness Spa, is located just across the street and offers everything from couples massages to private infrared saunas and more. Highly recommended—click here to make an appointment.
Absolutely. We share the building with Wayside Tavern, one of the city’s most beloved restaurants. Click here to make a reservation.
That’s a hot debate (literally). Some staff favorites:
- Eventide for the brown butter version
- Bite Into Maine if you’re headed toward a lighthouse
- Or chat with the front desk—we’ll send you where the locals go
Visit our Area Experiences page for more information on local dining options.
You can’t go wrong with Portland Head Light—one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. Just a 15-minute drive from the hotel, and an excellent picnic spot, too.
Nope! Portland’s meters are digital and can be paid by card or via the Passport Parking app. But we include off-street parking with your stay, so you might not need a meter at all.
Layers are key. Even in summer, Maine mornings and evenings can be crisp. And no matter the season, always bring good walking shoes—you’ll want to explore the West End (and beyond) on foot.
Policies & Fees
Yes, we reserve the right to charge the following:
- Missing robe: $100
- Lost key: $50
- Missing in-room amenities (like steamers, hair dryers): Replacement cost
- Smoking in rooms: $250 cleaning fee
- Other damages or excessive messes: Billed as needed
Detailed policies are shared in your confirmation email and available upon request at the front desk.



