Tiger Portland – Danforth Street
Polished urban guest house with a speakeasy history. Mid-century meets New England Federal architecture. Social and communal by design — common spaces are the real star. Hosted service model with local insider recommendations.
Book the Bon Viveur room if you want an outdoor terrace — it's the only room with a private furnished deck overlooking the neighborhood, and can sleep 2 extra guests on its sofa-bed for $50/person.
Why It Matters
Originally built in 1823 and later dubbed 'Social Corners' for its legendary gatherings, the building hosted an actual blind tiger (illegal speakeasy) in its basement during Prohibition. That underground space is now a billiards room. Every room is named after a Portland creative visionary, and each comes with a handwritten letter of local recommendations from the room's named 'host.'
A 19th-century Federal-style mansion in Portland's West End that moonlighted as a Prohibition-era speakeasy — and still carries that convivial, slightly subversive energy. Nine individually-designed rooms named after local Portland creatives, a wood-paneled billiards room in the former underground speakeasy, and a help-yourself pantry make this feel more like crashing at a well-connected friend's place than staying at any ordinary hotel. Lark Hotels renovated it in 2020 with interiors by Elder & Ash, leaning into mid-century furnishings, local artwork, and working fireplaces in every single room.
Where You'll Stay
9 room types available
Acadie
One of nine individually-decorated rooms at the Danforth Street house. Named after and inspired by a Portland-area creative or visionary. Working fireplace, mid-century furnishings, local artwork.
Baxter
One of the standout rooms, Baxter features broad bay windows that flood the space with light and a regal four-poster bed. Named after and inspired by a Portland-area visionary. Working fireplace included.
Bon Viveur
The most social-butterfly room in the house. Has a private furnished terrace overlooking the leafy West End neighborhood — the only room with outdoor private space. Can sleep two extra guests on a sofa-bed at $50/person/night, making it the best option for families or groups of 4.
Daymark
One of nine individually-decorated rooms, taking its name from a nautical Portland reference. Signature working fireplace, local artwork, mid-century furnishings.
Eight Bells
A guest-reviewed favorite, described as 'fresh and artsy' with an engaging decor scheme. Working fireplace adds warmth. Private bath with designer toiletries.
Event Records
Designed around the John Calvin Stevens architectural legacy — Stevens being one of Maine's most celebrated architects. The room's design reflects genuine historical credentials rather than generic period decor.
Little Bird
Named after a Portland creative. Features the signature Blind Tiger aesthetic: working fireplace, local artwork, and mid-century furnishings. Air-conditioned with private en-suite bath.
Nocino
Individually decorated room named after a Portland visionary. Working fireplace, designer toiletries, and Blind Tiger's signature blend of local artwork and mid-century pieces.
Norumbega
One of the nine individually-decorated rooms. Named after the legendary lost city associated with New England's colonial history. Working fireplace and full private bath.
The Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A wood-paneled billiards room set in the building's original basement speakeasy. Open to all guests. The same underground space where the illegal 'blind tiger' bar once operated during Prohibition — now guests can shoot pool where people once knocked back illicit drinks.
Available Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm, exclusively at the Danforth Street house. Includes access to common working spaces, high-speed WiFi, bottomless coffee/espresso/cold brew, all-day pantry snacks, billiards room, Peloton studio, library and board games, and toast bar during breakfast hours. Headphones required for calls.
Small elopement ceremonies held in the decorated common areas or outdoor garden. Includes officiant, witnesses if needed, champagne flutes, chocolate-covered strawberries, and breakfast in bed. Call to book.
A stocked communal pantry with snacks and drinks available to guests at any time.
On-site Peloton cycling studio available to all guests.
Guests can borrow picnic blankets and fully-equipped baskets for trips to Eastern Promenade, East End Beach, or anywhere in Portland.
A skyline-surveying cupola at the top of the mansion with views over Portland Harbor. A romantic sunset spot that guests can access — ask the hosts.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Historic building. All rooms accessed by at least one flight of stairs. Not ADA-compliant.
Self-serve breakfast bar with toast, oatmeal, yogurt, granola, fruit, and seasonal toppings. Served 8–10am daily.
Lark Hotels loyalty program offering room upgrades, complimentary stays, and custom recommendations.
8 numbered guest parking spaces at $25/night. Limited to one vehicle per room. First-come, first-served.
BUILD YOUR BLIND TIGER PORTLAND – DANFORTH STREET PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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