How often do you get to be a tourist in your own city? Back in late March, I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Francis Hotel with my boyfriend Jarell and pup Lucy. With travel still challenging due to Covid restrictions, a staycation in Portland was just what we needed to scratch our travel itch, as well as gain a renewed sense of appreciation for where we live. Portland is very much a dog-friendly town and it was such a joy to be able to take our fur baby with us everywhere we went. Keep reading for the recap of our stay and my top suggestions for dog-friendly shopping and eating in Portland, Maine.
Not only did we receive a warm welcome upon our arrival, but the concierge offered great tips about the area and ensured we had everything we needed – including a dog bed and treats for miss Lucy. The convenient part too is that they utilize contactless communication via 24/7 text message, so it made it easy to ask questions and connect safely with the staff throughout our stay.
Once we got settled in our room, we made our way to the beautiful parlor area for happy hour and a photoshoot with Ranissa of Radiance Design. As part of one of their add-on packages, they had provided us a bottle of negroni for two from Cocktail Mary, a well-loved Portland East End bar, so we were able to enjoy a tasty drink by the warm fire. What makes the Francis Hotel stand out among the myriad of places to stay in Portland is that they really offer a boutique experience that highlights the local aspects and true feel of Maine. For instance, from their Cuddledown duvet and pillows to the in-room art by local photographer Nicole Wolf, they pay attention to the details, while also simultaneously supporting all local Maine businesses. You can opt to include a curated food and drink package to your stay from breakfast in bed to wine and cheese and more.
The Francis has 15 guest rooms, so not only do they provide superior care and service, but each and every room is uniquely designed with comfort and style in mind. What we found really interesting about the Francis was the rich history of the building. Named after Francis Fassett, who originally designed the building as a home for Mellen E. Bolster in 1881, the hotel has much of the original architecture still intact. Fassett had been a leading architect in Portland and is credited with helping rebuild much of the city after the Great Fire of 1866, heavily influencing the look and feel of Portland’s historic West End and Parkside neighborhoods. The perfect balance of historical value with the modern detail from the recent restoration makes the Francis a unique destination for tourists and locals alike. The parlor especially made for a stunning backdrop for photographing this upscale date night outfit.
Speaking of photography, I’m a big believer that you do not need a special photo shoot or excuse to wear an elegant dress (or gown). Having grown up in Maine, I find a lot of women ask the question “what’s the occasion?” seeing a well-dressed lady on the town. The occasion can simply be “I wanted to look and feel beautiful today.” Remember personal style is your form of self-expression and when you look good you feel good. I personally love when I dress like the one I’m wearing here is so gorgeous and simple that it truly speaks for itself – you need minimal accessories and it makes a statement.
Styling Tip
For a day-to-night styling trick, I like to wear a sweater over a dress during the daytime and once I’m ready for an elevated look at night (as in after work, especially on a Friday) I just remove the sweater and put it in my bag during dinner, or in this case during a luxurious, yet intimate happy hour at the Francis.
That evening after our mini photoshoot, Jarell and I enjoyed a special dinner downtown at Fore Street. It was such a relief to be able to leave Lucy in our room while we were out and not worry about her. Although had we wanted to, Portland has many dog-friendly restaurants we could have brought our pup to:
Where to Eat in Portland
Coffee
Tandem Coffee, 742 Congress Street, (located right across the street from The Francis), is the perfect place for breakfast set inside an old gas station serving up baked goods and delicious coffee roasted right here in Portland.
HIFI Donuts, 30 City Center, Instagram-worthy donuts and delicious breakfast options.
Restaurants
Eventide Oyster Co., 86 Middle Street, a must for getting oysters on the half shell as well as they serve the best lobster roll in town.
Local 188, 685 Congress Street, offers incredible an brunch and Spanish-influenced dinner menu.
Hot Suppa, 703 Congress Street, a New Orleans-style eatery serving up breakfast and lunch daily.
David’s, 22 Monument Square, an ever-changing array of comfort fare with flair, from crispy duck breast to hand-cut truffle fries.
Duckfat, 43 Middle Street, Small European-leaning sandwich shop & cafe known for its duck-fat Belgian fries & milkshakes.
Bars
Blythe & Burrows, 20 Exchange Street, Vintage-inspired cocktail bar with a maritime theme serving house cocktails & upscale small plates.
Bramhall Pub, 769 Congress Street, a modern speakeasy a few minutes down the street from the hotel.
A staycation would not be complete without a little rest and relaxation! Although The Spa at the Francis is currently closed due to Covid, they will be reopening soon in this 2021 season. I was still able to enjoy my downtime practicing self-care in plush Frette robes. Honestly, the nice thing about a staycation is it offered me a chance to actually catch up on freelance work with complimentary wifi and no distractions. (A much-needed reprieve from the studio apartment Jarell and I share downtown.)
We enjoyed the quiet, slow start to the morning with coffee in bed and treats from Tandem Bakery. It was so nice to be able to enjoy a different neighborhood in Portland than where we live and be able to take Lucy for a rejuvenating walk first thing when we woke up.
Be sure to follow the Francis on Instagram if you’re not already!
Whether you’re thinking of visiting Portland this summer or wanting to enjoy a staycation, the Francis is my top suggestion for where to stay. Not only is it affordable, but it’s rare to find a good dog-friendly hotel in town. Plus they really do go above and beyond to ensure you have a memorable experience. Jarell and I felt cared for and tended to throughout our entire visit. We both especially loved being able to take our dearly loved Lucy with us and that she was so well accommodated for as well.
Photography by Radiance Design
This post was created in collaboration with the Francis
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