turtle shell travel

It’s 3:15pm on a Monday of a holiday weekend, and my son and I are excited to arrive at the new Canopy by Hilton Hotel in Portland, Maine.  Located in the Old Port region of the city, this brick brand new hotel sits right on Commercial Street, walkable to many of the shops and most of the great restaurants Portland has to offer.  Also across the street from boat cruises and not a long walk to the Casco Bay Lines Ferries to escape to the many islands around the Bay

With the bicycles offered in the lobby, you can even bike to the Eastern Promanade, which offers one of the loveliest and breathtaking views of the water that Portland provides. 

We arrive shortly after check in time (3pm), which isn’t usually my M.O., because I usually travel on early morning flights and arrive at most properties around 1pm.  But I’m glad we waited because it turns out our room isn’t ready.  When asked about upgrades being available, I’m told the property is booked.  Unlikely the true reason, since there are still waterfront rooms with 2Q still available for booking on my Hilton Honor’s app…but aside from the disappointment at not getting a water view, I’m happy to wait and take in the beautiful, spacious lobby, which is quite large, if you include the space used for the Salt Yard café which closes at 2pm.  Plenty of space to hop on your lap top, enjoy a coffee with a long lost friend or entertain the kiddos while the room gets cleaned.

We waited less than 30 minutes, and Sam brought us our keys.  We enquired about Luna, the ultra-popular rooftop bar, checking to see if children are allowed in, and it turns out they are (with an adult) until 8pm after which it’s over 18 only.  She offers to make us a reservation which appears to be only offered to hotel guests this week.  I’m hoping that opens up to the  general public (via Resy) so I can come and enjoy oysters overlooking the port someday with my husband.

The room is adequate size and has bright windows, overlooking a side street, the hotel entrance and a parking lot.  I like that there is a “turn off everything” switch just inside the door – an environmental feature I’ve only seen in hotel rooms abroad.  The entry has an industrial feel, with the closet/drawers where you can put your suitcases, which is a nice change from having to fish a luggage rack out of the closet.  I also prefer to have the clothes NOT in the bedroom area since I can get a bit messy with my wardrobe options.   There’s a farm house door that opens to the bedroom which leaves you privacy to change/ use the vanity, and another farmhouse door into the toilet/shower room.

The finishes are wood, gray and, of course, Canopy’s signature color, orange.  Very clean and smelling quite new.  Fixtures by Kohler and Waterworks Studio and toiletries are by APIVITA. The beds are nicely appointed with throws from the local textile creator, Evangeline.

We rode the elevator up to Luna at our appointed time, and found a beautiful space, dark inside, bright outside, with a nice breeze on the deck, with many tables full of people enjoying small plates and oysters and bottles of rose.  We didn’t stay long, as my son was hungry and the menu looked spicy and not to his tastes, so we wandered down two blocks to Three Dollar Dewey’s where we walked in an instantly felt at home.  Ordered Orono Tubular Bomb! IPA from the tap and enjoyed vegan nachos, pasta with butter, and chili.  Since it appears there is no room service at the Canopy we opted to bring home leftovers and a pulled pork sandwich to go. 

Prior to check in, we enjoyed a late lunch at Central Provisions, a nostalgic favorite of mine an my first time eating at their outdoor patio which is lovely and tiered, with great people watching and enjoyable small plates. The highlight was the key lime tart at the end of the meal. Sitting under the sun and trees, it was an enjoyable afternoon in Portland.  One I can’t wait to recreate again.

For shopping we stopped in Gus and Ruby, coming off of pride month, with lovely display of inclusive stickers, cards, notebooks.  And as I can never leave this store without buying something (check out the one in Portsmouth, NH, too), I bought a candle and colorful matches for home.

We found Fat Face, a new store to us, and found helpful store workers and great quality summer clothes for my son.  And not to leave out gifts for Pilot, our beloved golden retriever at home, we stopped into Uncommon Paws, with pet outfits, chew toys, collars and leashes, and of course, treats!

Our overnight at the Canopy property was uneventful. It was very quiet, likely because the surrounding rooms were still not finished and hosting guests yet. I had a few questions for the front desk in the morning, and Becky was incredible friendly and helpful.

In the morning we stopped at the Salt Yard in the hotel’s lobby for a to go breakfast.  They have a selection of pastries and a menu of sandwiches, flat breads, soups and breakfast bowls available.  Hilton Honors Diamond members now get a $12 per person credit toward food at Salt Yard.  My son enjoyed a glazed donut from Holy Donuts and I got a toasted plan bagel from Rose Bagels.

Notable highlights from this properties were the refillable glass jugs and real glass glasses (something I haven’t seen since the COVID19 pandemic! And also gender neutral restrooms in the lobby. These features definitely help make the Canopy brand feel like it represents the real world in the 21st century, not a throw back to the great hotels of the 90s. The staff is well trained and their smile and helpfulness was much appreciated. Well done.