"Loved the decorations, location, and welcoming staff"
Connor from United States
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"Fun and funky decorating, nice facilities"
Eugene from United States
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"The space overall is beautifully designed, with modern meets historic detail."
Avaglows from United States
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"The decorations and interior design are super cozy, totally my cup of tea!"
Nguyen Khiet Li.. K from United States
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"Eclectic bohemian describes it perfectly but with a skilled artistic flair."
Pat W from United States
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Historic adults-only hostel with sea views in Portland
Historic Setting & Shared Spaces
Black Elephant Hostel is housed in a historic building with a garden that offers sea views. The property provides a shared kitchen, a lounge area, and an outdoor seating space. Guests have access to a games room for board games and puzzles, along with scheduled movie nights.
Room Options
The hostel offers a range of accommodations including mixed and female dormitories, as well as private double, twin, triple, and quadruple rooms. Each bed comes with a personal locker large enough for a carry-on suitcase, and some rooms feature a private bathroom with walk-in showers. The Nathaniel Hornblower dormitory room includes a smartphone for guest use and provides garden views.
Location & Accessibility
Located 5 km from Portland International Jetport, the hostel is an 18-minute walk from East End Beach. Merrill Auditorium is 500 meters away, and Portland Observatory is less than 1 km from the property. An ice-skating rink is nearby, and the building offers designated parking and facilities for disabled guests.
Guest Services & Security
The hostel is monitored by CCTV in common areas and outside the property, with smoke alarms and key card access for security. Daily housekeeping is provided, and lockers and luggage storage are available for guests. The check-in process after hours is clearly communicated via email, and the building offers a designated smoking area.
Entertainment & Social Life
A shared lounge and TV area invites guests to relax, while the garden and outdoor furniture provide additional spaces to unwind. Bicycle parking is available for those exploring the city on two wheels. The hostel also features a quirky 'vampire bathroom' that guests can access with permission from the front desk.
Highlights
Adults Only: Exclusively for guests 18+
Historic Building: Housed in a historic structure with a garden and sea views
Games & Movie Nights: Board games and movie screenings in the games room
Vampire Bathroom: Quirky themed bathroom accessible with front desk permission
Bicycle Parking: On-site parking for bikes
Location: 18-minute walk to East End Beach, 500 m to Merrill Auditorium
“Black Elephant Hostel strikes a remarkable balance, feeling both stylishly designed and genuinely welcoming, with staff who clearly understand what travelers appreciate. It's an exceptionally clean establishment, a rarity that sets it apart, and the convenient location makes it a smart choice for exploring Portland.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Usmaine
Select your room type
Black Elephant Hostel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Budget Double Room
2 persons
90 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Queen Room
2 persons
140 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Quadruple Room
2 persons
130 sq. feet
2 Double beds
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
Facilities
Black Elephant Hostel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Perfect
9.4/10Review score
General
Non-smoking rooms
Wi-Fi
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Security
Adults only
Luggage storage
Locker room
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Services
Housekeeping
Children
Board games
Game room
Spa & Leisure
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Room features
Air conditioning
Heating
Sitting area
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Sink
Self-catering
Shared kitchen
Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils
Show more
Black Elephant Hostel Location
33 Hampshire Street, Portland, ME 04101,
Map view
City landmarks
Museum
Portland Museum of Art
4200 ft
Museum
Portland Observatory
2600 ft
Museum
Victoria Mansion
4700 ft
Museum
Wadsworth-Longfellow House
2800 ft
Museum
Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine
4200 ft
Landmark
Commercial Street
2400 ft
Landmark
Cumberland County Civic Center
2700 ft
Museum
Museum of African Culture
2700 ft
Marina
DiMillo's Old Port Marina
2800 ft
Park
Eastern Promenade
1.4 mi
Museum
Portland Fire Museum
4500 ft
Landmark
Hilltop Superette
2100 ft
Library
Portland Public Library
2100 ft
Landmark
Fort Allen Park
4100 ft
Park
Deering Oaks Park
1.2 mi
Lighthouse
Bug Light Park
3.8 mi
Nearby
Commercial St
Old Port
1400 ft
Church
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
800 ft
Gorhams Corner
John Ford
1400 ft
267 Congress St (top of India St)
Maine Jewish Museum
1200 ft
312 Fore St
United States Custom House
1200 ft
Cemetery
Eastern Cemetery
1700 ft
Maine State Pier
1400 ft
Portland
Market Street
1500 ft
Island
Casco Bay Islands
1900 ft
9 Custom House Wharf
Harbor Fish Market
1900 ft
Public Building
Portland City Hall
1600 ft
Portland
Ram Island Ledge Light
1800 ft
Congress St & Pearl St
Lincoln Park
800 ft
Spa Centre
Nine Stones Spa
1000 ft
Restaurants
Tomaso's Canteen
300 ft
18 Hampshire Street
Amato's Sandwich Shops
500 ft
71 India St
Crema Coffee Company
1500 ft
9 Commercial St
Anthony's Italian Kitchen
1300 ft
151 Middle St Ste 5
Banh Appetit
1300 ft
171 Cumberland Ave
Crooked Mile
1600 ft
8 Milk St
Gorgeous Gelato
2300 ft
434 Fore Street
Lincolns
1400 ft
36 Market St
The Thirsty Pig
1800 ft
37 Exchange St
Explore Portland
Explore the Heart of Portland
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Portland Observatory
10 minutes' walk
Historic maritime signal tower offering panoramic city views and engaging guided tours on Portland's seafaring history.
Old Port
5 minutes' walk
Charming waterfront district with cobblestone streets, boutiques, and art galleries, ideal for a leisurely stroll.
Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine
16 minutes' walk
Interactive exhibits for kids, along with family-friendly theatrical performances, perfect for a fun family day out.
Victoria Mansion
18 minutes' walk
Gorgeous historic home showcasing mid-19th-century architecture and intricate period rooms, offering guided tours.
Kayaking at East End Beach
20 minutes' walk
Kayak rentals available for a scenic paddle along the coast, ideal for adventurers seeking a thrilling experience.
Yoga in the Park
5 minutes' walk
Outdoor yoga sessions at nearby parks, providing a serene environment for relaxation and wellness enthusiasts.
Tomaso's Canteen
1 minute' walk
Casual eatery serving hearty breakfasts and Italian classics in a cozy atmosphere, great for quick bites.
Anthony's Italian Kitchen
5 minutes' walk
Charming Italian restaurant known for its delicious pasta dishes and warm, welcoming ambiance. Reservations often recommended.
Crema Coffee Company
6 minutes' walk
Inviting coffee shop featuring artisan brews and pastries, perfect for a relaxed morning or a casual afternoon break.
Cumberland County Civic Center
10 minutes' walk
Home to various live events, from concerts to sporting events, offering a vibrant atmosphere for entertainment seekers.
DiMillo's Old Port Marina
11 minutes' walk
Unique floating restaurant renowned for seafood and stunning harbor views, with a lively bar scene and occasional live music.
Getting around
City Centre
Portland 5 min · 1400 ft
Airports
Portland International Jetport (PWM) 12 min · 4.7 mi
Augusta State (AUG) 132 min · 54.4 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-20:00
Check-out
from 04:00-10:00
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
49
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Black Elephant Hostel from previous guests about their experience.
Cleanliness
9.3/10
Comfort
9.3/10
Facilities
9.4/10
Free Wi-Fi
9.0/10
Location
9.6/10
Staff
9.7/10
Value for money
8.9/10
Pros
Artistic design
Clean facilities
Comfortable beds
Cons
High pricing
Noise disturbances
Guest reviews
based on 351 reviews
9.1/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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