Autograph Collection Hotels, Marriott International’s portfolio of hotels recognized for celebrating individuality, is pleased to welcome The Press Hotel, the first lifestyle boutique hotel in Portland, Maine, giving the coastal culinary destination its newest restaurant, UNION.
Driven by the vision and passion of local developer Jim Brady, The Press Hotel aims to capture the essence of Portland by inviting guests to get the insider experience through the Maine artisans, craftsmen and local culinary talent featured throughout the 110-room property. The hotel’s history and rich heritage in the Portland community makes it an ideal fit for Autograph Collection Hotels, a brand of one-of-a-kind hotels that celebrates individuality and independence. The Press Hotel brings the Collection to 82 hotels worldwide, and the brand anticipants welcoming its 100th hotel by the end of 2015.
“This year Autograph Collection Hotels has significantly expanded to include Mauna Kea Beach Hotel in Hawaii, Triada Palm Springs, Cotton House Hotel in Barcelona, and Kameha Grand Zurich, and we are excited to add The Press Hotel to our collection. The Press Hotel, with its rich history and original character complements Autograph Collection Hotels’ Exactly Like Nothing Else mantra,” said Julius Robinson, Vice President, Autograph Collection.
The newly added Press Hotel, located at the corner of Exchange and Congress streets in the Old Port neighborhood, is aptly inspired from its origins in the historic Portland Press Herald building. The hotel’s dedication to celebrating the city’s local authors, arts and culinary community is evident throughout: local painters, sculptors, textile makers and woodworkers were commissioned for the boutique property. Setting the tone for guests’ first-impression on arrival is a striking “letterpress art wall” at reception. In the main lobby, the signature piece is a stunning two-story installation of antique typewriters conceptualized and executed by students at the Maine College of Art (MECA). Additionally, the hotel features an art gallery comprising works by Maine artists, open to the public and providing moments of quiet repose or cocktail sipping.
The hotel’s 110 guest rooms include a Penthouse Suite with exclusive rooftop access and 360-degree views of the city. Four private function rooms are available for groups and special events. High-profile interior design firm Stonehill & Taylor is responsible for The Press Hotel design along with local Architect of Record, Archetype. Referencing the building’s history, Stonehill & Taylor worked closely with the Portland Press Herald editors on selecting content from the newspaper’s pages that is weaved into various aspects of the design, including the remarkable custom hotel corridor wallpaper comprised of enlarged newspaper headlines. The carpet is playfully scattered with typewriter letter keys.
Each guestroom is inspired by a 1920s writer’s office, including a vintage-styled journalist desk and clever newsroom references. Bathrooms feature a reeded glass door similar to those in historical newspaper offices. Wood floors with herringbone area rugs, throws by Brahm’s Mount and bedding by Cuddledown (local Maine-based companies) give a residential feel. Prints by Portland-area artists decorate the guestrooms, including a woven wall tapestry by renowned local artist Angela Adams. Playful branding touches will be found throughout the hotel such as “Hot off the Press” French-pressed coffee, typewriter-key-styled bar coasters and “Beat-reporter” note pads. Guests will find thought-provoking authors’ quotes at unexpected turns—from in-room safes to meeting spaces to the lobby bar.
Enhancing the already pulsating and booming Portland dining scene, The Press Hotel is home to the 65-seat restaurant UNION. Executive Chef and Portland native Josh Berry created a menu that takes a fresh look at classic dishes using contemporary preparations and regional ingredients. Diners will find the diverse dishes approachable, sophisticated and, most importantly, relevant to the vibrant Portland food scene. The name UNION represents the relationship with the community – the local farmers, fishermen, brewers and craftsmen that create the uniquely Portland experience. The restaurant design by Big Time Design Studios complements the hotel, and is intended as a centralized spot for locals—a place to converse, socialize, and share news. As the kitchen is traditionally a gathering place for family and friends, the restaurant’s design celebrates social interaction with a residential vibe.
General Manager Michael Strejcek stated, “If you want to know what Portland’s creative and independent spirit feels like, The Press Hotel is the place to stay, dine or meet. From top to bottom our goal is to deliver a thoughtful guest experience that is authentic to the city, and will surprise and entertain both Portland residents and visitors. UNION restaurant is the perfect match for our hotel, a social hub that will literally give guests a taste of Portland.”
The lobby bar, fittingly named The Inkwell, will feature handcrafted vintage cocktails and small bites in the evenings prepared by culinary team at UNION. The 24-seat indoor Inkwell lounge area will also have seasonal outdoor seating.
The Press Hotel will partner with like-minded Portland institutions such as the Portland Museum of Art, MECA (Maine College of Art), The Telling Room, the Portland Public Library and the many events taking place at Merrill Auditorium just across the street. These partners will offer guests exclusive insider access to some of the city’s most unique entertainment, art programs, creative community gatherings and trade workshops through collaborations and a lecture series at the hotel itself.
The Press Hotel is part of Autograph CollectionHotels and managed by Trust Hospitality.
