Portland’s newest boutique hotel is The Francis, located in a historic brick building at 747 Congress Street in the heart of downtown. The hotel is named after architect Francis Fassett, who designed the building as a home for Mellen E. Bolster in 1881. Fassett 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 neighborhood.

The fifteen-room hotel is designed around the history and culture of Portland. It underwent a two-year restoration project and is now on the National Park Service’s Registry of Historic Places. No two guestrooms are alike but there are wonderful architectural details such as stained glass, bay windows and vaulted ceilings, with local artwork throughout. Room amenities include duvets, Frette robes, Malin + Goetz toiletries and a mini bar.

Bolster Snow is the onsite restaurant, bar and lounge, serving “fresh, seasonal and approachable American Northeast cuisine.” At the helm of the kitchen is Executive Chef Nicholas Verdisco, who hails from the Inn at Pound Ridge by Jean Georges. The Spa is located on the second floor and offers a wide range of treatments. The location is walking distance to downtown Portland’s many restaurants, shops and museums. Visit The Francis.