A few months ago, we were invited to Portland, Maine to check out a new concept hotel by Hilton, Tru by Hilton. A unique concept to offer affordable and stylish places to stay, work and eat while traveling. We had never been to Portland which is just a couple hours from Boston, so I obviously jumped at the idea of taking the trip. Also, the fact that the hotel is gravitated towards business and family travelers – it just was the perfect trip to take Zoe on her first little road trip.
One of the things that caught my attention the moment we stepped inside the hotel,was how vibrant the lobby area was. Usually hotels typically meant for business travelers are very monotone ( cough…dull ) – but not this one. A colorful and curated mural of local highlights, colorful seats, lounge couches … even some swinging wicker chairs! They have pool, foosball and table tennis tables – which I am sure are a hit if you are traveling with kids.
Although the rooms are on the cozy side, they are well streamlined and I was happy that the bathrooms were quite roomy. One thing I need is … counterspace! Another thing that doesn’t go unnoticed is – brightness in the bathroom. So important!
As a parent, what I found very useful was the mini-fridge in the room. Traveling with an infant, we had to have provisions for storing milk. Such details sometimes are not available in this category of hotels, so this was a huge plus for us!
Since this was the first time we were traveling with Zoe, I had pretty much figured that working inside the hotel room would be impossible. Therefore, semi-private business pods in the lobby were quite a well thought offering – especially if the hotel’s mission is to provide all the essentials for a business or family travel.
The breakfast in the morning has the usual breakfast options of oatmeal, bagels, toast – but then there’s a donut bar with almost every topping that catches your fancy – candies, sprinkles, nutella… who needs fruit anyway. That is also available, in case you are Amit. #eyeroll. There is also a gym if you want to burn out those calories.
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The Live TRU-Ly Local feature was another cool concept giving recommendations for local dining, sightseeing, coffee shops – it is like a mini local Yelp guide filled with suggestions from the staff as well as hotel guests.
If you visit Portland, you must grab a meal at Evo Kitchen – one of the best meals I’ve had in a very long time. Central Provisions was a popular recommendation I received from readers on Instagram – the old-fashioned classic drip coffee there did not disappoint. It was a surprisingly warm January weekend, atypical of New England – so we strolled by the pier with Zoe. There’s a Starbucks and also the Portland Mall right next to the hotel and other popular areas of the city are within 10-15 minutes driving distance, so Tru checks quite well on the location checkbox as well. Other restaurants that we dined in andI’d recommend are Bull Feeney’s, The Egg and I and Hi, Bombay!
I loved the local charm and bustling restaurant scene in Portland. I am sure, summers here are glorious. I’d have to say another stay at Tru is definitely on the charts.
14 comments
Looking good in the twin outfits. And i just hav to say, travelling with a kiddo sure looks like stressful, how do you manage that.
http://www.glitsxgrace.com/2018/02/01/4-tips-to-feel-good-be-more-organised/
aww, so cute!
Alex || Casual Style Ideas With Denim For This Spring
That photo of you guys in your matching raincoat has got to be the cutest thing I have ever seen!
I can’t believe that donut place – looks amazing!
xx
Lizzie | Takeoffs & Landings
That yellow rain jacket!!! LOVE IT! You have the cutest style and your photos are so beautiful too! Definitely adding your blog to my favorites. <3
xx, Emily | http://www.East91Blog.com
well that just made my day! 🙂 xx
It looks like you had such a great time and how adorable is your little mini?! I love the matching rain coats, so cute! Thanks for sharing, babe, and I hope you have a great week!
XO,
Jalisa
THE STYLE CONTOUR
haha I love playing matchy matchy with her and will probably do it, till she lets me 🙂
Thanks for stopping by.
xx
This sounds like the perfect getaway! The hotel looks great.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Thank you, Amy Ann.
I definitely like the doughnut station!
Mariya
http://www.brunetteondemand.com
haha that was one of my favourite parts for sure 🙂
Looks like a great time and your mini is just the cutest!
Happy Wednesday, babe!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
Awww thank you so much, Vanessa.
It was indeed a nice place – loved the vibrant decor.
You guys are sooo adorable! Love your vibrant yellow rain jacket, so cute!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com