THE PROPERTY

Reverie Awaits at the Best Bower

The compound, once known as The Portland Monument Grounds, was initially developed in the 1800s by local entrepreneur Captain Lemuel Moody. The grounds were an anchor for locals and visitors alike, featuring a marine signal tower for communication between land and sea, a community dance hall and a bowling alley.olks would gather at the grounds to celebrate ships returning from a voyage, and the guesthouse welcomed seafaring travelers on stopovers in Portland. Today the grounds boast a spacious six-room guesthouse, and a distinctive terraced courtyard tucked between the Best Bower and the Observatory. 

We hope our rendition serves as much of a  respite today as it did in the past, and inspires a sense of curiosity, celebration and play.

Six Classic Guestrooms

Our rooms and suites combine natural materials and comfortable furnishings exemplary of the timeless laid-back style of Portland, Maine. The custom stone, tile, metal and woodwork throughout are all unique representations of the skill and creativity of our local craftsmen. All rooms come equipped with a minifridge, high-speed WiFi, flat screen TV, plush linens, heated bath floors and towel bars. Each room also  includes access to a shared kitchenette and terraced courtyard anchored between the guesthouse and the Observatory. At the time of booking, guests can add on locally sourced provisions (beer, wine, snacks) to sample local Portland fare. Our guesthouse walls are adorned with original artwork of rotating artists-in-residence. A price list for the paintings on display is posted t in each room, as are bios and resource lists of all other locally produced items or work.

Four of our six guestrooms, each with private entrances overlooking the bower courtyard, are accessed by way of the brick walkway between the Best Bower and the Observatory. Two of our guestrooms are accessed through the front of the guesthouse on Congress Street, and have interior doors secured by key code. The main entryway also provides access to the shared kitchenette on the lower level of the building.

All have keyless entrances, making check in and check out contactless and convenient. 

Shared Kitchenette

Features a microwave and compact convection oven, dishwasher, full-size refrigerator and commercial ice machine.  It can be accessed through the Congress Street entrance and is located on the lower level of the building.

Host a Group Getaway at the Best Bower

One of the best parts of traveling with friends and family is the downtime in between. The Best Bower guesthouse is perfect for just that. Our loft suites provide space for guests to gather together indoors with seating areas separate from the bedrooms. The Bower courtyard can host the whole group for a morning, afternoon or evening visit. Our onsite guesthouse coordinator is available to assist in planning your group's quintessential urban retreat.

For special pricing, availability and guesthouse takeovers send inquiries to: hello@bestbower.me 

Offering Guests Independence

At the Best Bower, guestrooms are yours to call "home" while you're away. We've removed the formality of checking in at a front desk and will not disrupt your privacy or enter your room once you've checked in. Though our style moves away from the traditional hotel model, guests can expect thoughtfully curated amenities and acute attention to cleanliness — creating the experience of a high-end getaway. 

Our onsite guesthouse coordinators are available to assist with anything that may arise during your stay, or to share recommendations on what to see and do while you are in our vibrant city and state.

A National Landmark Steeped in History

The Portland Observatory makes the landscape of the Best Bower grounds most unique. Guests will enjoy the connection between the properties while admiring the stoic tower from the terraced Bower courtyard or from the skylight views framed in the Bower guest suites. It is a one-of-a-kind backdrop and highlights the seafaring history of Portland. We are thrilled to call the Observatory our neighbor, and revel at the moments guests will share relaxing in her shadow — creating memories with friends and family, clinking glasses or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a book.

For details on scheduling a tour of the Observatory and the history of the tower visit: https://www.portlandlandmarks.org/observatory

Artist in Residence

Guests will appreciate the rotating works of art adorning the guesthouse walls.

The current exhibition features paintings by Maine artist Helena Wirth.