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Back Cove Gem ★ 5 Min to Old Port ★ Bright and New

Apartment in Portland with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Back Cove Gem ★ 5 Min to Old Port ★ Bright and New

Living area
Living area
Bathroom
Room
Bathroom

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6111 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View map
Portland, ME
  • Maine Medical Center
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • State Theatre
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Thompson's Point
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Portland, ME (PWM-Portland Intl. Jetport)
    ‪7 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet

Master Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Back Cove Gem ★ 5 Min to Old Port ★ Bright and New

Just a 5-minute drive from downtown Portland, this bright and comfortable third-floor apartment offers a convenient home base for exploring the Old Port, waterfront, and local dining scene. With two full bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and off-street parking, it’s ideal for couples, friends, or small families seeking an easy, well-located stay.

Key Amenities & Features
• Sleeps up to 6: 2 queen beds + 1 queen air mattress
• 2 full bathrooms: one with stall shower, one with soaking tub
• Fully equipped kitchen with full-size appliances and dining for 6
• Smart TV + high-speed Wi-Fi
• Off-street parking for 2 vehicles
• Hair dryer, linens, towels, and shampoo provided
• Complimentary coffee (Keurig) + tea
• Seasonal covered porch with seating + honeycrisp apple tree
• Smoke and CO detectors + fire extinguisher + first aid kit + noise monitoring device

The Space

Bedrooms & Bathrooms
Two private bedrooms, each with a queen bed, quality linens, and plenty of natural light.

Two full bathrooms: one with a soaking tub for a relaxing soak, and one with a stall shower for quick convenience.

Living Area
A bright and inviting living room features large bay windows and comfortable seating: perfect for unwinding after a day out in the city.

Kitchen & Dining
A fully equipped kitchen with a stove, full-size refrigerator, microwave, and cooking basics like pots, pans, oil, salt, and pepper. Dining table seats up to six for shared meals or game nights.

Outdoor Space
A covered porch with seating overlooks seasonal gardens, plus a honey crisp apple tree for fall-time treats.

Parking
Two dedicated off-street parking spaces are included with your stay.

Guest Access
Entry is via a shared front door, with private access to your apartment from the second-floor landing.

Safety Features:
Smoke detectors
Carbon monoxide detectors
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit
Noise monitoring device (monitors decibel levels, not conversations)

Please Note
This home is over 100 years old. While extra insulation has been added, you may still hear occasional footfalls from the family in the unit below.

Property manager

Danni Higgins
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Portland

Oakdale, a neighbourhood in Portland, is home to this apartment. Shoppers can check out Maine Mall, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Thompson's Point and Old Orchard Beach. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Fitzpatrick Stadium or Portland Exposition Building.
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Map
Portland, ME

What's nearby

  • University of Southern Maine - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Maine Medical Center - 2 min drive - 2.2 km
  • State Theatre - 2 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Cross Insurance Arena - 2 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Thompson's Point - 4 min drive - 3.3 km

Getting around

  • Portland Transportation Center - 3 min drive
  • Portland, ME (PWM-Portland Intl. Jetport) - 7 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪The Great Lost Bear - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Chipotle Mexican Grill - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪The Continental - ‬6 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Back Cove Gem ★ 5 Min to Old Port ★ Bright and New pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

Where is Back Cove Gem ★ 5 Min to Old Port ★ Bright and New located?

Located in Oakdale, this apartment building is within a 5-minute walk of Casco Bay, Southworth Planetarium and University of Southern Maine. Deering Oaks Park and Fitzpatrick Stadium are also within 15 minutes. Portland Transportation Center is 24 minutes by foot.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 40 out of 42 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 42 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 42 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 42 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 42 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Eden R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean, updated, safe and comfortable! Great location for exploring Portland.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tara (Harris) K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect accommodations! My best friend and I, along with my husband, had the best time. The beds were dreamy and the kitchen had all the supplies we needed. Quiet neighborhood within a 5 minute Uber to downtown- our first trip to Portland and we hope to be back soon!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Portland, Maine Getaway

The property was nice and very helpful owner.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

cynthyjoe G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet Location

Relaxing after visiting the sites around Portland. Off-street parking is a great feature.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

casey w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Portland Gem

We loved staying at this adorable apartment in Portland. It’s in the cutest neighborhood and not far from old port and downtown.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barry S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay in Portland!

Had a great stay in Portland. The place was exactly what we needed and well kept! The host was extremely pleasant and responsive. Made for a great experience.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

John P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

Really enjoyed our stay and the host was awesome. While your here go the the Rose which is walking distance from the house. Best beagles we’ve ever had. And if you looking for beer the Bier Cella has everything. Highly recommend very well located by the city without being in the city.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Back Cove Garden Gem

Lovely place in a great neighborhood. Danni and Sean are superb hosts!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lauryn D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a lovely stay at this charming third-floor walk-up in Portland! The apartment was exactly as described — thoughtfully decorated, well-equipped, and very clean. It had everything we needed for a comfortable visit, including a full kitchen, cozy living space, and reliable Wi-Fi.The location was ideal — just a short drive to downtown Portland and close to grocery stores, restaurants, and other essentials. Despite being near everything, the neighborhood felt peaceful and safe.Communication with the host was excellent from start to finish — very responsive and helpful with tips about the area. Just note that it’s a third-floor walk-up, so pack accordingly if stairs are a concern, but we didn’t mind at all.We would absolutely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Portland!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gerard R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

First time in Portland

The location and convenience to everything within and outside Portland is ideal
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy Jeff C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Portland Getaway

We had a wonderful stay! The apartment was immaculately clean and well stocked with everything we needed. The beds were comfortable and there was plenty of room to relax. The free off-street parking was very nice, as Portland parking can be hard to find and expensive. The location was great; a nice, quiet neighborhood within a quick drive to the Old Port and other Maine Coast sights. We would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Katherine Q.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice 3rd Floor apartment

We (2 couples) choose this space for its closeness to downtown, on a residential street, and ease of parking. The apartment is clean and bright. Nice bedding, towels and toiletries. Be sure to bring your own K-cups for coffee or tea. The owner is responsive. Would stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Home Base for Exploring Portland

Stayed here with my partner and a couple of friends for a quick getaway. We had an awesome time! The hosts were communicative and shared recommendations for restaurants and other things to do nearby, which were all awesome. The place itself was clean, comfortable, and convenient to everywhere we wanted to go. Loved walking to Rose Foods for bagels on our last morning (just a few minutes away on foot). A wonderful weekend!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

barbara s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Two couples, one shower

Very nice. Didn't realize there was only one shower
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfection

This apartment was perfect! The location was amazing as the neighborhood was lovely and adjacent to many amenities. The apartment itself was well appointed, spotless, and comfortable. Sean and Danny were communicative throughout the experience, from booking to check out. And, our ability to get nearly any where in the Greater Portland area from 5 star restaurants to gorgeous beaches in 20ish minutes was probably our favorite feature. We will return to Portland and would love to stay at the Back Cove Gem again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jackie B., -

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely spot, great location!

Our stay at the Back Cove Gem was perfect. It's a full apartment in a quiet neighborhood. The hosts provided everything we needed for a great stay, including good recommendations for local restaurants within walking distance of the house. Everything was neat as a pin and cozy. We had a great time. The one tiny drawback for us was that the apartment is on the third floor and we are old farts and are no longer used to racing up stairs. But we knew what we were getting into when we made the reservation. Truly, it was a lovely stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

peter p.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fun Nice and Warm Apartment for Portland Maine Winter Stay

We truly enjoyed our stay in this Back Cove Gem. Everything we needed was there: 2 good sized bedrooms and baths with very comfortable beds, pillows, towels, etc. Good water pressure and lots of hot water. The kitchen had plenty of room and equipment including a good sized refrig for our groceries. The living and dining rooms are pleasantly decored for relaxing, working, and sharing a Holiday Dinner with Family. Sean and Dani are lovely and very responsive to every inquiry we made. We will certainly return to them for any needs we might have in Portland Maine
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spectacular!

I wanted to write why we loved this place. This rental was in a quiet neighborhood, was as advertised although the pictures do not do it justice. Danni Higgins sent messages through out the trip to offer any help we might need. Spacious, clean, conveniently located, bathroom in master bedroom and another centrally located with a big beautiful old fashioned Clawfoot bathtub. We will be back again, was just what we had hope for and to find! Thank you Danni :)
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Chelsea D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quick trip to Portland

Amazing!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Austin H., Washington, DC

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely place outside Portland.

I highly recommend any location from Sean and Danny. There was a last minute issue with the property we had booked so they put us in an even larger property for the trouble. The apartment was large and clean in a charming 200 year old building. Sean and Danny were extremely responsive and very accommodating. Would absolutely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Todd D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect little get away

If you are looking to visit the Portland area and need a place to stay and sleep, this is it. A short ride, 5 minutes, from downtown Portland. It is a perfect place to stay and sleep. Highly recommended if you are looking for a great value. We appreciated all the hospitality.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Aimon A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Could not ask for more

Fantastic experience and property. The hosts made the rental experience comfortable and welcoming. I would highly recommend to my friends and family. Plenty of parking and a nice source of daily exercise going to the third floor. It was beautiful and well kept with easy access to stores, restaurants, and downtown.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sarah B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Locale

Perfect location - we walked most everywhere we wanted to go in the city. Great stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

rona h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect

Everything was great! Would definitely recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nick I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Getaway!

DISCLAIMER: This property is an apartment located in a 3-story building, with a family with a young child directly below. During weekday mornings there tends to be typical noise associated with getting ready in the morning that is audible, so if you are particularly noise sensitive keep that in mind. That said, everything else was great!!! The hosts were super communicative (really cannot emphasize this enough), and the property was a perfect size for us. The kitchen was outfitted with everything we needed. It's not very far from downtown Portland. However, I would recommend bringing a car if you have the option. Overall a great experience, I would highly recommend this property to anyone!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2022

About the host

Hosted by Danni Higgins

Host profile image
My husband are a young, energetic couple from Maine that have a passion for adventure, great food and culture!

We enjoy physical fitness spending time with our Goldendoodle (Watson) and are always on the hunt for a new book. We are very easy-going and are happy to be as helpful (or absent) so you too will fall in love with your favorite city!

Why they chose this property

This wonderful home is a piece of Portland's history as it was build in 1891. The apartment you'll stay in is my favorite with it's unique architecture of arched doorways and the birds eye view of the neighborhood. I can assure you you'll feel right at home.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests