Where to Stay in Portland, Maine: 10 Airbnb Rentals That Deliver Coastal Charm
I’ve been a Mainer my whole life, and Portland remains my favorite place to play tourist in my own state. It’s not just nostalgia from my years living there—the city genuinely delivers. Cobblestone streets in the Old Port, restaurants that make you want to cancel dinner plans for a week, and independent shops that feel curated rather than corporate. One morning you’re browsing indie bookstores, by afternoon you’re eating a lobster roll with salt air in your hair, and by evening you’re watching fishing boats drift across Casco Bay with a local IPA in hand.
The rental scene here is just as varied. Historic brownstones in the West End, airy downtown lofts, and stylish apartments near the city limits all compete for your attention. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a family trip, or a solo food crawl, there’s a place that fits.
We picked these listings based on Superhost status, guest reviews, location, amenities, and editor experience. Here are the standouts.
**Best for families:** West End home with water views and private yard. This 1875 single-family house in the West End blends historic New England character with modern updates. It sleeps six in two bedrooms, with a fenced yard, a loft workspace, and pet-friendly policies. A short walk from the Old Port and top restaurants.
**Best for a romantic getaway:** Peaks Island escape. Accessible by ferry from downtown, this cozy studio feels worlds away. Bike the shoreline, explore beaches, and enjoy Casco Bay views without the crowds. Perfect for couples who want quiet.
**Best for walkability:** Artist’s suite with an antique clawfoot tub. Tucked in the West End, this light-filled suite has its own entrance, an eat-in kitchen, and a clawfoot tub. Walk to Tandem Coffee, the Portland Museum of Art, and the State Theatre.
**Best for a neighborhood feel:** Historic apartment with a hot tub, pool, and garden. Set in the Leonard Bond Chapman House in Rosemont, this ground-floor apartment offers a chef’s kitchen, radiant heated floors, a rain shower, and resort-style outdoor amenities—all a 10-minute drive from downtown.
**Other top picks include:** a bright apartment on Munjoy Hill with a private deck and trail access; a spacious four-bedroom near the Eastern Promenade; a renovated Old Port loft with exposed brick; a studio in the Arts District with free parking; and a third-floor Old Port apartment with sweeping waterfront views.
No matter the season, Portland’s rentals offer something for every kind of traveler.