The Press Hotel, Portland, Maine's First Lifestyle Boutique Hotel to Open April 2015

Driven by the vision and passion of local developer Jim Brady, The Press Hotel aims to capture the essence of Portland by enabling guests to get under the city's cultural skin through featuring Maine artisans, craftsmen and local culinary talent.

Located at the corner of Exchange and Congress streets in the Old Port neighborhood, The Press Hotel got its brand identity and ethos from its home in the historic Portland Press Herald building. The hotel is dedicated to celebrating the city's local authors and arts community, and has commissioned the entirety of its artwork to be executed by local painters, sculptures, textile makers and woodworkers. A soon to be iconic front-desk “letterpress art wall” sculpture will be in the main lobby. Additionally, the hotel will feature an art gallery comprised of local Maine artists, open to the public, for moments of quiet repose or cocktail sipping. The signature piece in the gallery will be a stunning installation of antique typewriters.

The VIA Agency helped conceive of The Press Hotel's brand and its positioning as the place that curious travelers and locals alike will gravitate to if they want to be culturally in-the-know. VIA then brought the positioning to life throughout the guest experience by creating surprising and playful branding touches like customizable “Do not disturb” signs, “Hot off the Press” French-pressed coffee, typewriter-key-styled bar coasters and time-lapse video clips of insider hotspots in the city. Thought-provoking author quotes will also be delightful discoveries at unexpected turns throughout the property–from in-room safes to meeting spaces to the lobby bar. “VIA feels a special kinship with The Press Hotel and how it's celebrating Portland's creativity and independent spirit. It has been a joy working with them to tell the story behind such an important Portland landmark,” said Leeann Leahy, President of VIA.

The hotel will have 110 thoughtfully appointed guest rooms, including a Penthouse Suite with exclusive rooftop access and 360-degree views of the city; four private function rooms will also be available for groups and special events. High-profile interior design firm Stonehill & Taylor–whose recent portfolio includes NYC's NoMad Hotel, Refinery Hotel and Crosby Street Hotel–is responsible for The Press Hotel design along with local Architect of Record, Archetype. Referencing the building's history, Stonehill & Taylor worked closely with the Portland Press Herald editors on selecting content from the newspaper's pages that is weaved into various aspects of the design.

Each guest room has design inspired by a 1920s writer's office, including a vintage-styled journalist desk and playful newsroom references throughout. Each bathroom will feature a reeded glass door similar to those in historical newspaper offices. Wood floors with herringbone area rugs give a residential feel, and prints by Portland-area artists will adorn the walls, including a woven wall tapestry by renowned local artist Angela Adams.

General Manager Michael Strejcek stated, “We are incredibly inspired by the spirit and creative culture of Portland. From top to bottom our goal is to deliver a guest experience that is authentic to the city, and that will also delight and surprise both Portland residents and visitors. Having remarkable chefs Mark Gaier and Clark Frasier as our restaurant partner is a perfect complement to the property.”

Aiming to enhance the already vibrant and booming Portland dining scene, The Press Hotel will be home to the 65-seat restaurant M.C. UNION by highly acclaimed James Beard Award-winning chefs Mark Gaier and Clark Frasier. Widely regarded as the originators of farm-to-table sustainable cuisine before it was on trend, and 26-year Maine restaurant veterans, the chefs will stay true to their passion for the classics. Menu details will be available later this spring, and guests can expect M.C. UNION to feature creative takes on recognizable “Americana” favorites from coast to coast, uniting the chefs' California and Maine backgrounds. The lobby bar, aptly named The Inkwell, will feature handcrafted vintage cocktails.

The Press Hotel will partner with like-minded Portland institutions such as the Portland Museum of Art, MECA (Maine College of Art), The Telling Room, the Portland Public Library and the many events taking place at Merrill Auditorium just across the street. These partners will offer guests exclusive insider access to some of the city's most unique entertainment, art programs, creative community gatherings and trade workshops through collaborations and a lecture series at the hotel itself.

The Press Hotel is part of the Autograph Collection™ and managed by Trust Hospitality.

For more information: www.thepresshotel.com