THE PROPERTY
Reverie Awaits at the Best Bower
The compound, once known as The Portland Monument Grounds, was initially developed in the 1800's by local entrepreneur and 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 bowling alley where folks would gather to celebrate the return from a voyage and a guesthouse for 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 inspires as it did in the past respite, curiosity, celebration and play.
Six Classic Guestrooms
Our rooms and suites combine natural materials and comfortable furnishings exemplary of Maines timeless laid-back style. The custom stone, tile, metal and woodwork throughout are all unique representations of the skill and creativity of our local craftsman. All rooms come equipped with a mini fridge, high speed wifi, flat screen tv, plush linens, heated bath floors and towel bars, and include access to a shared kitchennette 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 Portlands fare. Our guesthouse walls are adorned with the original artwork of rotating artists-in-residence. A price-list of paintings on display is present 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 services the shared kitchen on the lower level of the building.
All have keyless entrances making check in and out contactless and convenient.
Shared Kitchenette
Featuring a microwave & compact convection oven, dishwasher, full size refrigerator and commercial ice machine, our shared galley style kitchenette provides a space for guests to use to their liking. 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 and the Bower courtyard can host the whole group for a morning, afternoon or evening visit. The options in the Bower Courtyard are many and our onsite guesthouse coordinator is available to assist in planning your groups 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 & 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.