We stayed at the Hampton Inn in South Portland right next to the Maine Mall on July 3rd to the 5th, 2006. We stayed in the Hospitality Suite on the fourth floor of the Hotel.
The first thing we noticed about the room was the living and sleeping areas were not separate but was one large open space that used the daybed as a kind of divider to separate the two areas. Since the daybed was directly in front of the large king size bed it made it difficult to lay in bed and watch TV after a long day of sightseeing. The large open space was cozy to sit around and chat because there were lots of comfortable stuffed chairs to rearrange to our liking, which we did often. The king size bed was huge and very comfortable with a down mattress pad, down comforter, and very comfortable pillows, and at least while we were there, very quiet, it was the best two days sleep I have ever gotten in a hotel.
The room itself had undistinguished typical hotel furnishings and wall hangings. It had a separate breakfast nook that was nice but we did not use it except to keep cold drinks in the refrigerator. It had a sink, microwave and small wooden table and chairs but we all seemed to prefer eating in the living area. There was plenty of closet space with two closets that both had full length mirrors on the folding doors, which was good to check yourself in before going out. Our biggest pet peeve was one very small marble sink that didn't allow us to put out all our toiletries every day so we had to dig through a bag to get certain items, even though we stayed for two days. It also meant that each person had to wait until the other was done before the next person could start to get ready. It would have been much nicer if they had provided two sinks and mirrors so one person could be putting on makeup, combing their hair, etc. while an another person showered. The room itself was very clean and I didn't notice any areas that stood out such as water stains, rug stains, etc.
The hotel itself was very clean including parking areas and was well lit and felt very safe for women traveling alone this would be a good hotel. The continental breakfast provided plenty to drink and there were pastries and donuts, along with cereal, waffles, bagels, etc. At 5:30 pm each evening they provide a snack such as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the kids, and while we were there the first night they had warm egg rolls and crab ragoon, again with plenty of liquids such as lemonade, coffee and juice. The reception area includes a computer with high speed internet access and of course wireless internet for notebook users. There is a complimentary USA today paper that is available in the lobby for each guest who would like one.
At least the days we were there we found the hotel staff pleasant and helpful and express check-in and checkout with our hotel bill under our door and the day we were leaving. I would stay in the Hospitality Suites again just for the very comfortable bed and would recommend the hotel and will stay there again I'm sure. It is very convenient to the Maine Mall in fact we walked across the street to the Mall while we were there. It is very easy to access either Route 1 or Hwy 295 and the Maine Turnpike from the hotel going in either direction. We often went to the beaches for seafood and lobster along with many other fine restaurants in the area. For convenience, comfort, and affordability, the Hampton Inn in South Portland is hard to beat.