Blind Tiger Portland – Danforth Street

Blind Tiger Portland – Danforth Street: A Charming West End Escape with Historical Flair

Blind Tiger Portland – Danforth Street, a distinguished Michelin One-Key property, consistently receives high praise for its unique charm, attentive service, and prime location in Portland's historic West End. Housed in a beautifully renovated 19th-century Federal-style mansion, once a Prohibition-era speakeasy, this boutique guesthouse offers a blend of historical elegance and modern comfort.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Blind Tiger Portland – Danforth Street is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "wonderful" and "5-star experiences." It boasts an "excellent" rating of 8.8 on platforms like Expedia, reflecting widespread guest satisfaction. The property is lauded for being beautifully decorated, comfortable, clean, relaxing, serene, and inviting, creating a stylish and cozy atmosphere.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several standout features:

• Design & Ambiance: The entire guesthouse is beautifully decorated with a cool, eclectic decor that blends mid-century furnishings with antique objects and original 19th-century architectural elements. The convivial social spaces, including a cozy living room with a fireplace and a wood-paneled billiards room (the former speakeasy), foster a welcoming and home-like atmosphere.
• Unique Amenities: A "free-for-all" pantry stocked with complimentary fresh fruit, nuts, packaged snacks, candy, and non-alcoholic beverages is a highly appreciated perk. The property also offers a Peloton studio and picnic blankets and baskets for guests to borrow.
• Service & Staff: The staff is frequently highlighted as welcoming, gracious, helpful, friendly, and attentive.
• Location: Its excellent West End location allows for easy and quick walks to main attractions.

3. Room Quality

The nine individually furnished rooms, including two suites, are described as lovely, cozy, very stylish, and exceptionally comfortable. Guests appreciate the spaciousness of some rooms, along with premium bedding, air conditioning, and free in-room WiFi. Each room includes a private bathroom with free toiletries, bathrobes, a work desk, and a seating area. Many rooms feature charming touches like balconies with city views or original wood-burning fireplaces. High-quality Firsthand Supply and Apotheke bath products are provided.

4. Dining Experience

Blind Tiger Portland – Danforth Street offers a complimentary "toast-bar" breakfast daily from 8:30 am to 10 am in the dining room. The self-serve spread includes various breads, quinoa, oats, yogurt (including homemade), and a selection of unique seasonal toppings. While there isn't a formal restaurant or room service, coffee and tea are available 24/7. The generously stocked, complimentary pantry serves as an informal "minibar" with an array of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Blind Tiger Portland – Danforth Street consistently receives glowing reviews. Guests commend the staff for being "welcoming and gracious," "very helpful and friendly," and "attentive." The front desk is noted for being "amazing and informative," ensuring a smooth check-in process. The Danforth location provides a "hosted service" model, encouraging communal gathering moments.

6. Location & Accessibility

The guesthouse enjoys a prime spot in Portland's vibrant and walkable West End neighborhood, placing guests within easy reach of numerous attractions. It's just a short walk from the waterfront, diverse dining options, and cultural sights. Notable nearby attractions include Victoria Mansion (0.2 miles), Portland Museum of Art (0.3 miles), State Theatre (0.4 miles), and Merrill Auditorium (an 18-minute walk). Portland International Jetport is approximately 3.1 miles away.

Accessibility Note: Due to its historic nature as a 19th-century mansion, the property does not have an elevator, and all rooms are accessed via stairs. There is also a threshold step at the rear guest entrance. This makes it unsuitable for guests with reduced mobility.

7. Value & Pricing

Guests generally consider Blind Tiger Portland – Danforth Street to offer good value for money, scoring an 8.1 for value. As a 4-star property, prices reflect its boutique nature and high-quality experience. Recent average prices have ranged around $493 for a weeknight and $288 for a weekend night, though prices can fluctuate significantly by season, with February often being the cheapest and November the most expensive.

8. Common Complaints

The primary and most consistent criticism revolves around the lack of an elevator, which can be a significant issue for guests with mobility challenges given that all nine rooms are only accessible by stairs. Some guests, expecting a traditional bed & breakfast experience, might find the self-serve, light buffet breakfast less extensive than anticipated. Additionally, it's important to note that as a guesthouse, it does not offer a formal restaurant or room service, and its "invisible service" model at its sister property (Carleton Street) suggests a more autonomous stay, which might not suit travelers seeking a full-service hotel concierge experience.

Sources

1. mrandmrssmith.com
2. michelin.com
3. newenglandinnsandresorts.com
4. booking.com
5. mrandmrssmith.com
6. expedia.com
7. hotelsinportlandmaine.com
8. larkhotels.com
9. larkhotels.com
10. agoda.com
11. kayak.com