It’s Local Season at Uncommon Hospitality
Photo by Amanda Huebner Photography
We recently caught up with Tony DeLois, Co-Principal of Uncommon Hospitality to learn more about the locally owned, independent hotels he and his team run in Maine.
An intentionally local experience
As an independent hospitality company, Uncommon is uniquely positioned to deliver an authentic Portland experience to every guest. Free from the restrictions that come with operating under a national brand, Uncommon Hospitality has the flexibility to be dynamic and creative in their mission to provide exceptional hospitality rooted in a true local perspective.
Curious how this very Portland, very independent hospitality group came to be? Uncommon Hospitality began with two brothers who shared a clear vision: to develop the smallest hotel in Portland - a move that stood in direct opposition to the growing trend of large, big-brand hotels popping up across the city.
A commitment to Portland’s history and community
Their first property, The Francis, is located in Portland’s historic West End neighborhood and was named after Francis Fassett, who, according to the hotel website, “designed our building as a home for Mellen E. Bolster in 1881. Born in Bath, Maine in 1823, Fassett was a leading architect in Portland, and is credited with helping rebuild much of the city after the Great Fire of 1866, heavily influencing the look and feel of Portland’s historic West End and Parkside neighborhoods.”
Photo by Amanda Huebner Photography
The Francis was mighty but small, and Tony and his team quickly found themselves having to turn away guests. That demand sparked the idea for a second hotel; this time, a new building developed on a lot directly across the street.
In keeping with Uncommon Hospitality’s commitment to honoring Portland’s historic placemakers, this second property was aptly named the Longfellow Hotel. As described in the hotel’s story on their website, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow “wrote of living in the moment and being present, and we wanted to create a wellness-themed hotel inspired by those same ideas. Here we care for ourselves, our guests, and our community.” Like The Francis, the Longfellow Hotel benefits from being independent and is built to provide a genuine sense of place and wellbeing for visitors and locals alike.
For Uncommon Hospitality, being rooted in place is not simply a marketing strategy, it is a core value. While the hotels benefit from all that Portland has to offer, the owners believe it is equally important to give back to the community that makes the city what it is. With a West End location bordering Portland’s Arts District, Uncommon Hospitality actively supports local arts through monetary donations and accommodations for visiting artists. Their partners include Indigo Arts Alliance, Maine Inside Out, Pavlar Strings, and Mayo Street Arts.
Tony’s top local season recommendations
We asked Tony for his top recommendations to guests during the winter months. His perfect day starts with a warm cup of coffee from one of our many local cafes. Then a walk in the crisp winter air paired with gorgeous ocean views from the trail at Mackworth Island. He’d then spend the afternoon exploring local art galleries followed by a cozy dinner at Shultz & Herr, a hidden gem and local favorite.
Uncommon Hospitality proves that a hotel can be more than a place to stay. By pairing thoughtful, local-first guest experiences with exceptional service, and prioritizing meaningful investment in the arts and community, they continue to set a standard for what authentic Portland hospitality can look like.
Are you as intrigued, impressed, and ready for a staycation as we are? Check out all Uncommon Hospitality’s properties and choose your local adventure!
