Stay in the Heart of Portland: My Getaway at The Docents Collection
- Kate Curcio
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
I spent a few days in Portland this past week, and it reminded me exactly why it's one of my favorite cities to visit in New England. Between incredible restaurants, unique local shops, waterfront views, and some unforgettable experiences on Casco Bay, it was the perfect getaway. Even better? I stayed right in the heart of it all at The Docents Collection in Old Port Square.
From the moment I arrived, I knew I had picked the perfect place to stay. Check-in couldn't have been easier thanks to their convenient texting system, and parking was incredibly simple and convinet which is always a huge bonus when visiting a city. Spencer met me at the door with my key and immediately made me feel welcome, offering some fantastic local recommendations that helped shape my trip.
As soon as I walked into the loft, I was impressed. The space was beautiful, bright, and spotless, but what immediately caught my eye were the massive historic arched windows. They filled the room with natural light and overlooked a charming little park and the bustling streets of Old Port Square. Watching the city come alive below made me even more excited to get outside and start exploring.
Our suite featured two bedrooms and two bathrooms, making it the perfect setup for my aunt-and-niece getaway. It offered plenty of space to relax while still feeling cozy and welcoming.
Since it was the FIFA World Cup, my first stop had to be The Portland Zoo, which I previously featured on my YouTube show, New England Scuttlebutt. Even though it's outside the Old Port neighborhood, it was only about a $7 Uber ride from The Docents Collection. That's one of the biggest advantages of staying here.
The location is unbeatable. Whether you're exploring Old Port, heading to the waterfront, or venturing to another neighborhood, everything is quick, easy, and affordable to reach.
By the time I returned, my niece had arrived, and we headed over to Barkada, the new Filipino restaurant in Old Port Square. It was absolutely delicious, and the portions were huge! Since the weather was beautiful, we grabbed a table on the patio and enjoyed dinner outside before spending the evening wandering through the local boutiques and strolling down to the waterfront for the perfect cocktail as the sun began to set.
After a full day of exploring, we were more than ready to call it a night. Thankfully, the beds at The Docents Collection were incredibly comfortable, making it easy to recharge for another day of adventures.
The next morning started exactly how every good vacation morning should, with coffee and bagels. We walked over to PopUp Bagels for breakfast and grabbed iced coffees from Bard Coffee, both just steps from our front door. One of my favorite things about staying here is that you hardly need your car. Everything you could want is within walking distance.
Whenever I visit a coastal town, I always try to get out on the water, so we booked a trip with Casco Bay Legacy Charters, and it ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. Captain Tim welcomed us aboard with a beautiful charcuterie spread and drinks before taking us on a relaxing cruise through Casco Bay.
We passed picturesque islands, beautiful lighthouses, and even spotted a curious seal. It was such a memorable way to experience Portland from the water. After the boat ride, my niece headed home while I continued exploring Portland on my own. I spent the afternoon popping into more local shops before finishing the day with dinner at Lady Fish.
I absolutely loved the atmosphere there. I chose a seat overlooking the open kitchen and really enjoyed watching the chefs carefully prepare each dish. You could tell how much pride they take in their food. I also ordered an incredible gin cocktail that was so good I recommended it to the woman sitting next to me, and after trying it, she agreed!
Back at The Docents Collection, I was greeted with one final surprise. The staff had left me a little treat in the freezer from Gelato Fiasco.
It was such a thoughtful touch. They included several flavors, including their famous Brown Butter Lobster Gelato. I'll admit, I was a little skeptical at first, but it completely surprised me. It was rich, unique, and absolutely delicious. If you're visiting Old Port, you have to give it a try.
My stay at The Docents Collection was everything I hope for when I travel: beautiful accommodations, thoughtful hospitality, an unbeatable location, and the ability to experience Portland almost entirely on foot. Whether you're planning a girls' getaway, a family vacation, or a romantic weekend, it's the perfect home base for exploring everything Portland has to offer.
I already can't wait to come back. I feel like I only scratched the surface of everything there is to see, eat, and experience and when I do return, I'll definitely be staying at The Docents Collection again.
-Kate
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The Docents Collection and Old Port Square
