Black Elephant Hostel — Hotel in Portland

Black Elephant Hostel is a true gem in the heart of Portland, Maine! As the city's first hostel, this unique accommodation offers an unbeatable blend of comfort, affordability, and vibrant atmosphere1.

The location is absolutely perfect - just one block from Old Port and surrounded by some of Portland's finest restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues2]. You'll be within walking distance of major attractions and transportation options, making it incredibly convenient to explore the city.

The hostel itself is a colorful and funky space filled with good vibes and creative energy[1]. The rooms are super clean and comfortable, with options ranging from dorms to private rooms[2]. The communal areas, including the kitchen and lobby, are well-designed and perfect for socializing with fellow travelers[2].

What really sets Black Elephant apart is its incredible staff and welcoming atmosphere. The owners, Heather and Sadie, have created a warm and inclusive environment that truly feels like a home away from home[4]. They go above and beyond to ensure guests have a memorable stay, offering local recommendations and fostering a sense of community among travelers.

The amenities are top-notch for a budget-friendly option. You'll find very good coffee, a game room, and even movie nights[3]. The hostel also boasts a marijuana-friendly garden space, adding to its unique charm[2].

Whether you're a solo traveler, part of a group, or even planning a wedding, Black Elephant Hostel caters to all. Their commitment to affordable travel and creating meaningful connections between guests makes for an unforgettable experience[1.

In summary, Black Elephant Hostel offers the perfect blend of comfort, location, and community spirit. It's no wonder it's been voted the #1 budget place to stay in Portland[1]. If you're looking for a fun, friendly, and affordable base to explore this beautiful city, look no further than the Black Elephant Hostel!

Citations: [1] Home | Black Elephant Hostel | Portland, Maine's First Hostel https://www.blackelephanthostel.com [2] The Black Elephant Hostel, Portland Maine - 2024 Prices & Reviews https://www.hostelworld.com/st/hostels/p/287052/the-black-elephant-hostel/ [3] Black Elephant Hostel, Portland (updated prices 2024) https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/black-elephant-hostel.html [4] About Us | Black Elephant Hostel https://www.blackelephanthostel.com/about-us-portland-maine-hostel [5] BLACK ELEPHANT HOSTEL - Updated September 2024 - Yelp https://www.yelp.com/biz/black-elephant-hostel-portland [6] Black Elephant Hostel, Portland (ME) | 2024 Updated Prices, Deals https://www.agoda.com/black-elephant-hostel/hotel/portland-me-us.html [7] BLACK ELEPHANT HOSTEL - Updated 2024 Prices & Reviews ......

Great, affordable (by Portland’s standards), well-located hostel.

Starting with location, this hostel is in a great spot near a lot of good restaurants in Old Port. Also is walkable to the downtown/arts district and walkable to the Eastern Promenade. I arrived by train and you can easily get here by the $1 route 1 bus from the station or you can Uber. It is a quick Uber from the Portland Head Light. It is located near a Walgreens and a food co op place for shopping needs.

Regarding safety, I felt the area was overall pretty safe and had no issues personally. The doors are locked and by code access outside of staff hours, the dorm rooms are secured by key card, and the rooms come with large lockers for personal belongings (comes with a key so no need to bring a lock).

The common space is one of the best parts of the hostel. It is relaxing with great art and pictures from Wes Anderson films on the wall. Lots of books available for reading and large tables for doing work if that is needed for you. They also have a kitchen space for doing your own cooking, along with a garden. I didn’t see laundry facilities (could be wrong), but there was a nearby laundry facility down the road.

The bedrooms and bathrooms were overall clean and well designed. They provide you with your own towel so no need to bring one. They clean the rooms everyday between 11 and 1pm. The beds in the dorms are each provided with an outlet, a light, and a shelf along with a few hooks. Would have liked a privacy curtain for the beds, but that is a small detail.

The overall vibe of the place is certainly not sterile but it is more relaxing than social/party kind of place. There is not a bar on site, but there are quite a few options for libations down the road.

The staff was very pleasant and eager to help with recommendations. They have a binder downstairs with a bunch of local recommendations, several of which I tried and can attest they were good recommendations. They serve free coffee and tea in the morning and let you leave your things in the lobby after you’ve checked out that day if you have a later train.

Overall, I would highly recommend staying here. Great spot in a very...

I stayed in an all-gender, eight-person dorm room (“Nathaniel Hornblower”) on the 4th floor. My first impression of the hostel was that the staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and that the hostel was clean, organized, and bright. The dorm room is quite spacious and provides plenty of room to store personal belongings. It comes with lockers and keys, so you don’t need to bring your own lock. There is a bathroom inside the dorm room, and another right outside, so I never had to wait. I especially appreciate that there is a sink with mirrors on every residential floor, which I think is a great idea since people can brush their teeth, put in contact lenses, etc., without occupying the bathroom.

The hostel has a neat work area as well as a fully functional kitchen. I used it and appreciated that it’s quite spacious.

While the hostel doesn’t officially organize activities, there is a whiteboard with information about events happening in town. The board is updated every week, and the staff can also provide personal recommendations.

The hostel is conveniently located; walking downtown takes around 15 minutes. Portland is a very walkable and safe city in general, so I would say it’s unnecessary to have a car unless you decide to venture out to the more rural parts of Maine. There is also a bus stop a few minutes’ walk away that takes you to downtown Portland and the airport. There are a Walgreens and another grocery store just a few blocks from the hostel, but I’d say they are pretty pricey. If you’re interested, Trader Joe’s is about a 20-minute walk, and it’s a pleasant stroll on a fine day.

I would recommend Black Elephant Hostel to anyone traveling to...