Inn at St. John

United States , Portland - ME
PORTLAND, Congress Street, 939
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100 reviews shown

6/10

Pleasant

18 Jun 2026

Peter

This hotel is a historic building and needs major upgrades. First, it doesn’t have the elevator and the stairs are too steep to climb with baggies. Second, it doesn’t have in-room bathroom. And lastly, parking is limited and have to park a block away. It provides convenient location and breakfast was full of choices.

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jun 2026

Thomas

Parking was good

6/10

Pleasant

16 Jun 2026

Denise

This is an old historic property so there are going to be signs of it's age--but overall it was in good condition. My biggest concerns with the property were the cramped parking available behind the hotel, the very cramped bathroom in my room and the lack of places to plug in electronics. I had to move the mattress on the bed to access an outlet and unplug something so I could plug in my electronics. There is no elevator (again to be expected in a historic building) and the stairs are very steep. The free breakfast was underwhelming. I am not sorry I stayed at this hotel but if I were visiting the area again I would probably look for something different.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jun 2026

Angelo

Great hotel and perfect for our stay. We love the location and it was very clean. We would definitely stay here again.It was part of a longer trip.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

15 Jun 2026

Reva

Loved this Inn, clean and staff were so friendly and helpful. Only downfall is no elevator, so if you are on the 2nd, 3rd or 4th floors, you are hiking your luggage up narrow stairs. But . . . the stay was worth it, plus one gentleman helped us with luggage. Very small breakfast area, but was good.

Friends

4/10

Poor

13 Jun 2026

Jack

The Inn at St. John’s was welcoming and everything was clean though a bit run down. Our bathroom was across the hall which we found interesting. The day we arrived was unusually hot and the room was very warm. We notified an employee who pushed some buttons on the AC and said it was working. The second employee, who we called later, agreed the AC was not working but said he couldn’t do anything. We barely slept in an 83 degree room. When we checked out, we asked for compensation and were told the owner would be notified. Our emails regarding the broken AC were never answered and we never received any compensation for a very uncomfortable night at the Inn at St. John’s.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jun 2026

Kyle

Staff was always genuinely helpful and smiling. Loved the location as we like walking through town to get to places and the parking was easy and had great access to the highway for day trips. Looking forward to future stays.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jun 2026

Kimberly

great place

Pet

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jun 2026

Robert

Convenient location in town with free onsite or nearby parking. Can walk to many areas of Portland. Great prices compared to other in-city hotels. Incredibly helpful staff. Solid continental breakfast included.

Is there a catch? Yes. But it is not a deal breaker if you are aware that all rooms are accessible only by stairs, and the first staircase is a bit steep. Some rooms are one more flight up, and a few are three flights up. Front desk staff volunteered to bring our luggage upstairs for us on our most recent stay.

Also, while some rooms have a private bathroom and others have you sharing a bathroom, all bathrooms are down the hall from your room and require your room key to unlock the bathroom door. Not terrible, particularly since the hotel provides nice bathrobes in each sleeping room.

We have stayed there a number of times over the years. The money you save each night can cover your lunches and dinners at fine restaurants in this “foodie” town — and still cost you less overall than just the room rates and parking/valet fees at fancier brand-name chain hotels in Portland.

The beds are comfortable. Each room has a small fridge, a TV, a mini-safe, an iron and ironing board. You just need to be ready for stairs and for your private bathroom to be down the hall from your room rather than in your room. It is clearly not an ADA compliant hotel, being an older building with the quirky design issues noted above and no elevator.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jun 2026

Lori

This hotel is very unique. Everyone has a private bathroom near your room. There also was limited parking, however, there was more free parking a block away. The staff was very friendly and the breakfast area was constantly being cleaned so there were always clean tables for other guests. The only drawback to this hotel is that all of the room are on the 2nd or 3rd floor, so if stairs are an issue, then this hotel isn’t for you.

Friends

8/10

Excellent

11 Jun 2026

Margaret

No elevator and very tough stairs, but the front desk staff carried our suitcases up and down.

Friends

2/10

Poor

11 Jun 2026

Brenna

This place was so bad we left and drove 45 minutes to stay with an ex boyfriend instead. Didn't even have a bathroom in our room and the shared bathroom in the hall was one of the worst bathrooms I've ever seen. Shower would barely even be acceptable for a cheap campground.

Friends

2/10

Poor

10 Jun 2026

M D

I've stayed here before and the rooms were of reasonable size and beautifully decorated. My 3rd floor room was tiny, ugly and up two killer flights of stairs. The bathroom smaller than tiny. I'll never be back.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

09 Jun 2026

David

Breakfast was continental and hard to access during to the number of people and small space.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jun 2026

Roy

I think that this is a very nice hotel that is conveniently located to getting to the Old Port area and downtown. The rooms are nice. The only issue is my room was on third floor and there's no elevator. I didn't have a problem, but if you have problems then you may want to request a first floor room. Breakfast was fairly good for self serve with a nice variety. The best part was the choice of freshly brewed coffee. The staff are very nice and helpful! This is my second time here and I would be happy to stay here the next time I'm in there area.
Cheers!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jun 2026

DEBRA

This is an interesting historic hotel, its like staying at a relatives house. The staff were friendly & helpful. Nice hotel. Interesting concept with your own lockable private bath in hallway. You're given robes, take slippers. The stairs going upstsirs are awful , if you have mobility issues request a 1st floor accommodation.
Bed was comfy, double room w/hallway bath was perfect for us.
Parking is limited , but doable.
Neighborhood is historic & lil rough, but minor league baseball 2 min walk & a pizza shop across the street.
The free breakfast was phenomenal
24/7 free water, coffee, tea & ice is a lifesaver. Bring a refillable water bottle for traveling!
My only complaint is theres an \"old\" smell. The place needs to be refreshed with new flooring/carpet & all walls washed with bleach.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jun 2026

David

Very nice people. Parking is tight. Interesting location; walk to everything.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jun 2026

Cassandra

Great experience.

2/10

Poor

04 Jun 2026

William

When I went to check in I found out that I was on the fourth floor with no elevator. Aldo it was shared hallway bathroom. Unbelievable!

Naturally, I told them to cancel and left.

Self

8/10

Excellent

03 Jun 2026

Grant

I had an overall nice experience at the Inn at St John’s. Only issue was that it was quite cold in my room and it took me a while to figure out how to turn on the heat- all rooms have their own heating units.

Self

8/10

Excellent

03 Jun 2026

Kevin

Small nice place

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

31 May 2026

Karin

There is free parking in the back of the building which is very convenient. The building is beautiful.
I took 2 stars off because the room was extremely small and there was no elevator so carrying my heavy suitcase up 3 flights of stairs was brutal!!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

31 May 2026

Cynthia

Property was very clean and staff was friendly and helpful. We choose an upstairs room (no elevator) with private bath in hall. We are in our 70s and this was not a problem at all. Outstanding continental breakfast each morning with extras plus coffee, tea, hot chocolate and snacks 24/7. Short drive into town. Highly recommend.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

31 May 2026

Carol

We liked the place, but was a chore carrying the suitcases up a few flights of steep stairs!

Family

6/10

Pleasant

25 May 2026

sharon

Close to the family when visiting. This time, my room was not cleaned on Saturday or Sunday. In the past, my room has gotten cleaned every day.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

24 May 2026

Magdalena

Absolutely enjoyed our stay!
The parking was excellent and breakfast was perfect with excellent coffee. We absolutely loved the old world charm of the hotel. Loved the many stairs to our room, it was a lot of fun.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

22 May 2026

Umpai

The inn is an older nostalgic hotel that has unique charm and challenge. It is a surviving relic from a different era, so don’t expect elevators or high tech. The stairs are a challenge for some, as are the low sinks and toilets. It’s a cost effective overnight stay, but that is the best part. Aged charm has its appeal, but if you need comfort and convenience, probably not for you. The breakfast is convenient… just hit or miss on some days. Parking is tough for a large SUV, so be aware.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

21 May 2026

Christopher

Hotel is pretty much as advertised. Reasonably priced for an expensive city and had free parking and helpful staff. Decor is a bit outdated (room definitely could have done with a new mattress) and generally needs a lick of paint. Big complaint would be the AC in our room - it was easily in the 90s during our stay and the AC was making the situation worse. My other half was unable to sleep and had to take a 3am shower! She had to wet a washcloth with cold water and put it on her forehead to be semi-comfortable in the room. Should also note that we were up 3 flights of steep narrow stairs - completely fine if you are able (we were) but we did note that would be inaccessible for our older relatives. Additionally hotel is a good half an hour walk to the old port but this is obviously a trade-off for the price - uber/bus both easy to get close to town.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 May 2026

Vince

Parking was safe and easy, property beautiful

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 May 2026

James

Really great experience at a very cool and unique place! Breakfast was more than I was expecting and staff helpful and attentive at all times.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

13 May 2026

Brian

The staff were incredible! I loved the fresh coffee and the continental breakfast - much of which was available 24/7. Highest recommendation!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

12 May 2026

Rosalind

This is a homey place to stay. If you like an old inn, this is your place. Comfortable bed, well-furnished private bath down the hall, and relaxing breakfast room. Walkable from bus/train station.

8/10

Excellent

10 May 2026

Josette

The breakfast menu was fresh, the staff was very friendly and accommodating. They addressed a concern I had and made my stay pleasant.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

08 May 2026

Shyla

Our stay at Inn at St. John was absolutely wonderful from start to finish. The special touches by housekeeping were amazing and truly made us feel welcomed and cared for throughout our stay. From the fresh coffee each morning to the beautiful decorations and charming atmosphere, every detail reflected the rich history and character of the inn.
The entire staff was exceptional, friendly, and accommodating. A special thank you to the General Manager, who went out of his way to ensure we had a pleasant and comfortable stay. Their hospitality and attention to detail made this experience unforgettable. We would gladly stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Portland, Maine.

Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

07 May 2026

Joyce

Didn't look much like the photo. Old building with several small steps up and down, not well-marked; felt hazardous for me as an older person. No elevator. Not handicapped accessible really.

Self

8/10

Excellent

06 May 2026

Tyler

Very charming building with very helpful and attentive staff. Would return! Great deal as well.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

03 May 2026

Joshua

Pleasant staff that gave great recommendations. Very accommodating when traveling with newborn

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

03 May 2026

Lorena

Quirky old hotel, loved that there was no elevator. It didn’t feel at all corporate, there were live plants in the lobby. Parking felt safe, staff was kind, shower was spot-on. Sharing a bathroom was something I was worried about, but it was always available. I enjoyed my stay.

Partner

4/10

Poor

29 Apr 2026

Lenny

Not much offered for breakfast room was also very cold

8/10

Excellent

27 Apr 2026

Andrew

Great to have hotel parking and price was reasonable.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Apr 2026

Hoang Ngan

The room is very adorable. The staff is all so nice and kind with us. We had a great time there.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Apr 2026

Jackie

All good

Self

8/10

Excellent

25 Apr 2026

ALISON

Breakfast was great! Parking was adequate. Staff was very helpful and friendly. I did not know that there was no elevator or that we were on the 3rd floor. We made it, but for some it would have been more difficult. I chose by room and was not aware of the 3rd floor location, so it would be good to be clearer about the location. Otherwise it was a great stay.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Apr 2026

Maybe

Fantastic place

8/10

Excellent

20 Apr 2026

Tim

The place was really neat - it’s been a hotel for a for a century and has that charm / certainly worth checking out!

4/10

Poor

20 Apr 2026

Haley

The room advertised a jetted tub when in fact there was not even hot water to take a shower let alone use the tub. The rooms next to and adjacent also had no hot water. After running the tub I found someone else's used bandaid in there, so looked around other areas of the bathroom and noticed someone else's blood on the rim of the toilet seat.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

11 Apr 2026

James

Not much of a Continental breakfast

Self

10/10

Exceptional

08 Apr 2026

Vikki

I found the staff extremely helpful and kind.

Self

8/10

Excellent

07 Apr 2026

David

Nice staff. I would stay again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Mar 2026

Michael

Great stay!

10/10

Exceptional

29 Mar 2026

Chris

A solid hotel offering close to most of the Portland downtown. Staff is friendly and hotel was very charming.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

29 Mar 2026

Larry

Great vslue

Self

10/10

Exceptional

26 Mar 2026

J Merrill

Great place, great location, great breakfast, great service, probably the best place to stay in Portland, a real gem!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

26 Mar 2026

Patricia

A vintage building with individual rooms each with its own personality.

10/10

Exceptional

25 Mar 2026

Tim

We loved our stay. Food in walking distance and the room was spacious and well furnished.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Mar 2026

Jorika

We loved this quaint hotel. It has a lot of character, although is not accessible for many folks with mobility issues. Our dog stayed free. Continental breakfast was more than most that are labeled such. Complimentary snacks 24/7 like cookies, granola bars and fruit rounded it out. Staff were all quite pleasant and helpful.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

24 Mar 2026

Janette

Needs updating. Room was cold. Radiator doesn’t work. There was only a small electric heater which took forever to heat the room. Needed to get an extra blanket. The room was on the third floor of a three story walk up. Breakfast was less than great.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Mar 2026

Sara

The room was very cozy and the staff were excellent. Convenient location and parking on site. Would stay again.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

23 Mar 2026

Sara

Cute, inexpensive place to stay in Portland. The staff were helpful and pleasant. Convenient location.

Self

8/10

Excellent

22 Mar 2026

Jan

Very nice historic building, with all the usual hotel amenities, a better than average complimentary continental breakfast, and caring staff. As an older couple we found the 2 flights of stairs to our room challenging. The room was also extremely cold when we arrived and the electric heater unit took a long time to warm things up. There were no blankets and the coverlet was thin. Great Thai restaurant a block away.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Mar 2026

GLORIA I

Excellent!

8/10

Excellent

22 Mar 2026

Kaitlyn

Cute old inn. Breakfast was minimal. Nice to have a fridge and microwave in the room. Steep stairs inside, be careful! Staff was very friendly!

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

17 Mar 2026

Sophia

Wonderful unique place to stay in town. Staff is super friendly and kind, I would highly recommend staying here if you want a fun and unique experience while traveling!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2026

Sam

Great bang for your buck

Self

10/10

Exceptional

15 Mar 2026

Joann

The only problem staying in that place is there’s no elevators. My room was on the third floor and I have really bad knees. I couldn’t leave my room for a couple days cause I couldn’t climb up those stairs.I tried to get a room on the first floor they was none available but when you book a room at that hotel they don’t say no elevator this is not right

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Mar 2026

elizabeth

the property reminded us of a bed and breakfast!! We were wondering how clean it would be because it allows dogs (which was why we stayed there with our lab) and there was no smell of dogs and it was kept very clean!
We would stay again, even without our dog! The staff was nice and helpful too!!
One suggestion from my husband to put in a waffle maker in the breakfast area, but overall the breakfast bar had everything And was fresh and yummy!

Pet

10/10

Exceptional

14 Mar 2026

Morgan

Very cozy. Welcoming and friendly staff.

10/10

Exceptional

13 Mar 2026

Kathleen

Staff was very helpful and kind. Conveniently located to Maine Health.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Mar 2026

Joseph

The Inn had everything I needed for a quick overnight. It was affordable and the location was great since I needed to be downtown early the next morning. The free breakfast was what you'd expect. Things to note: There is no elevator so you may have some stairs to climb. Also parking is limited. There's a small lot in back that fills up quickly. They do have an overflow lot one block away. My room was small and had a shared bath across the hall. It has the feel of a guest house vs a hotel. All in all I enjoyed staying here and would stay again.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

09 Mar 2026

timothy

Old school charm . The staff made the stay enjoyable / and I would certainly stay there again.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

08 Mar 2026

james

what hot tub, not in my room

8/10

Excellent

04 Mar 2026

Dawn

Very adequate, vintage feel hotel. Room was spacious, like you were staying in Aunt Rose's spare room upstairs in a huge Victorian. Staff was very friendly, bed was clean and comfortable. Only downside was how low the toilet was and the very narrow staircase and 43 stairs it took to get to the third floor. But I would stay there again for the value!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

01 Mar 2026

Mark

Room was spotless. Staff was courteous. Liked the character of the building. Hot water was slow to get to the sink in 5B at 6am. Heater was much quieter than the heater at a Marriot Suite. Considering that I’m 73 and not in shape, I was ok and able to climb two flights of stairs with my suitcase. When I paid for the room on Hotels.com I missed seeing that my single twin mattress room would have a shared hallway bathroom. I would stay again and be sure to select a room with a personal bathroom.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

23 Feb 2026

Thomas

Clean, adorable, great location. Very friendly staff.

8/10

Excellent

21 Feb 2026

ESNALDO

Very good placd, well located and confortable

Self

10/10

Exceptional

20 Feb 2026

Michael

I always enjoy staying at this charming hotel. Its rustic setting and cheerful staff make my Portland visits comforting and memorable.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Feb 2026

Stuart

Great stay. Staff were very nice. Very dog friendly Inn.

Pet

10/10

Exceptional

17 Feb 2026

Edward

Staff awesome!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

15 Feb 2026

Laudy

Good area just within two miles of down town Portland but even around the inn, several places walking distance for food. Across the street the best BBQ wings I’ve ever had. Cute moody, antique looking inn, light breakfast, snacks and beverages available. Does not have a jacuzzi tub for two; only fits one and not comfortably which was the main reason I booked. And I have to say the bed was extremely uncomfortable. I really liked the inn but due to the back pain l left with I don’t know that I would book again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Feb 2026

Kathryn

Cosy, lovely room

8/10

Excellent

06 Feb 2026

I love this place for the reasons some may find fault: It is old school. Has what you need and is comfortable and the people are great.

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

01 Feb 2026

Jess

good location, night breakfast.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

29 Jan 2026

Sarah

The room was clean however it had a funky smell. The bathroomwas functional but is in need of an update. The bed was very comfortable and clean. We were kept awake by the guests above us well into the night.

8/10

Excellent

23 Jan 2026

Scott

Overall, very happy with the Inn. It is a great older building with a quaint country design style. It was much cleaner and well maintained than I was expecting, but there were some spots that showed the obvious age of the hotel. Staff were very friendly and accommodating. Continental breakfast was good and well appointed.

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

17 Jan 2026

Cynthiana

Room was clean and comfortable only thing that could have been better was the breakfast maybe a few more hot options would be a great thing to add

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jan 2026

David

all good

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jan 2026

Jane

Good coffee!

Free parking!

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jan 2026

Claudiu

Basic continental breakfast with good coffee variety, free parking. Great lobby area and overall vintage style of the hotel. Rooms are clean and spacious, following the same style. Would stay again.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jan 2026

Nancy

The Inn is very nice. The staff I encountered were all very pleasant. It has an old house feel and is very clean.
Breakfast was great. I have Celiac and they nicely had packaged baked goods, GF yogurt, hard boiled eggs and fruit. It was the best GF continental breakfast ever!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jan 2026

Chunlin

It was perfect

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jan 2026

Donna Maria

Inn at St. John was very friendly and wonderful. They help us at an time of need. A friend of my son, was stranded in Portland, ME. We worked with at the hotel were excellent. They went beyond the call of duty. I highly recommend this hotel to everyone. Donna

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

30 Dec 2025

Brianna

I always like staying here. It's quaint and clean and does all the basic amenities well. Good location.

10/10

Exceptional

29 Dec 2025

Steve

Inn at St John remains a budget friendly stay, with an emphasis on \"friendly\".

The rooms are clean and quaint and every room is an adventure. We have stayed here more than 15 times and we love getting a different room, and sometimes finding that we have been a room before. Always an adventure.

They also offer a complimentary breakfast that provides the essentials to get your day started.

Oh, let's not forget the FREE parking.

Fingers crossed that the Inn does not change a thing, because right now they do everything right, and with the customer in mind!

Leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

29 Dec 2025

Jeffrey

We got bed bugs and bites

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Dec 2025

Genevieve

Love staying here, the location is great and the rooms are very pretty. The folks at the front desk have great ideas for what to do in the area if you aren’t sure

10/10

Exceptional

22 Dec 2025

Rachel

Always a great stay from staff to cleanliness and comforts

10/10

Exceptional

17 Dec 2025

Susan M

The room was super cute, clean and festive for the holidays! You can tell housekeeping and staff take pride in what they do and making everything perfect to treat all as if they were at home! Thank you so much, i will return!!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

14 Dec 2025

Melinda

Clean room, friendly staff. An excellent value for the area.

Business Partner

6/10

Pleasant

13 Dec 2025

Candace

Breakfast was just muffin and danish. Parking limited. Staff was helpful.