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HOTEL of the month

H.O.T.M.

The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection

June 2017

Former home of the Portland Press Herald, this historic building in Portland, Maine’s Old Port was transformed into a 110-room boutique hotel.  A 2016 Condé Nast Traveler Hot List Winner , The Press Hotel celebrates the local arts and newspaper past with thoughtful design details and an art gallery.  UNION restaurant impresses with enhanced local cuisine by 2017 Maine Chef of the Year Josh Berry.  www.thepresshotel.com | @thepresshotel

HOTEL INFORMATION

"The hotel captures the essence of Portland by inviting guests to get the insider, local experience through the Maine artisans, craftsmen and local culinary talent featured throughout the property from in-room amenities to art underfoot." 

Michael Strejcek

General Manager

Michael Strejcek

General Manager

the INTERVIEW

We had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with Mr. Strejcek, the General Manager at The Press Hotel. 

What was the design inspiration for The Press Hotel? 

The Press Hotel’s brand identity and ethos is aptly inspired from its home in the historic Portland Press Herald building.  The hotel’s dedication to celebrating the city’s local authors, arts and culinary community is evident throughout: local painters, sculptures, textile makers and woodworkers were commissioned for the entirety of the boutique property. 

Each guestroom is inspired by a 1920s writer’s office, including a vintage-styled journalist desk and clever newsroom references.  Bathrooms feature a reeded glass door similar to those in historical newspaper offices.  Wood floors with herringbone area rugs, throws by Brahm’s Mount and bedding by Cuddledown (local Maine-based companies) give a residential feel.  Prints by Portland-area artists decorate the guestrooms, including a woven wall tapestry by renowned local artist Angela Adams.  Playful branding touches will be found throughout the hotel such as typewriter-key-styled bar coasters and thought-provoking authors’ quotes at unexpected turns. 

What is unique about your property? 

We are the first boutique lifestyle hotel in Portland, Maine.  In addition, we have won awards for best historic building reuse and adaptation design.  We are LEED certified, and the only hotel in Portland, Maine with a dedicated art gallery for local artist exhibitions. 

The Press Hotel disrupted the hospitality industry in Portland, Maine by becoming the city’s first boutique lifestyle hotel in May 2015.  Our trademark “Beyond Words” is representative of the guest experience and service.  The hotel captures the essence of Portland by inviting guests to get the insider, local experience through the Maine artisans, craftsmen and local culinary talent featured throughout the property from in-room amenities to art underfoot.  Jaw-dropping signature artworks like “SWARM” – a two story typewriter installation and the woodwork “Resurgam” behind the Welcome Desk instantly “wow” and set the tone for the sophisticated and playful “Beyond Words” experience at The Press Hotel. 

What was important about having Frette in your property? 

The quality of the product is tremendous and it’s a brand that guests recognize and trust for a luxury experience. 

How does Frette add to the design of the hotel? 

There are many luxurious touches throughout the design of the hotel in the guest rooms and lobby.  The Frette product really enhances all these elements with the quality of the product.  Our guests certainly expect comfort and luxury weaved within a high-end design and I believe the Frette product truly provides both.  Our guests can acknowledge and recognize through the use of the Frette product here at the hotel that the experience we wish for our guests is to be unique and comfortable in all aspects even beyond a set of towels or sheets. 

What are the three most important elements when designing a bedroom/room? 

Comfort, lighting and functionality. 

What does it feel like to wrap yourself in Frette? 

It feels like a hug.  The weight of the silky cotton makes you feel like you’re wearing something luxurious, comfortable and has that “you-can’t-stop-touching-it” feeling to it. 

If you only have 72 hours in Portland, Maine what would you recommend doing or seeing? 

I would recommend going by the adage “one if by land, two if by sea” – Portland has some tremendous green spaces and state parks to take advantage of great hiking and ocean vistas, but we’re a working waterfront so it’s fun to get out on the water with a sunset cruise on The Frances Schooner or enjoy a lobster roll and local beer at Portland Lobster Company on the water.  The brewery scene is pretty phenomenal here in the city and many offer free tours and tasting rooms. 

What’s your favorite restaurant in Portland, Maine? 

UNION restaurant, of course, or I really like Emilitsa on Congress Street, or Lolita up on Munjoy Hill.