Latest news with #BlindTiger
Forbes
24-06-2025
- Forbes
The 5 Best Hotels In Portland, Maine 2025
T he best hotels in Portland, Maine provide prime locations—many historic—in one of America's most exciting coastal destinations. With a bevy of excellent restaurants, independent shops and classic New England charm—think lobster, lighthouses and epic ocean views—the city continues to evolve. Similarly, its hotel scene punches far above its weight. To choose the cream of the crop in accommodations, I used my own personal experience as a frequent visitor to Portland, Maine. My top overall recommendation is Blind Tiger, a stylish stay with a prime location and spacious suites. I also recommend The Longfellow Hotel for high-end amenities and a great social scene, The Francis for a romantic escape and Best Bower for families. Below, the best hotels in Portland, Maine in 2025. Guestroom at Blind Tiger in Portland, Maine. Blind Tiger Portland Who Will Love It: Design lovers seeking a prime location that spotlights locally-sourced products All-Star Amenities: Complimentary toast-bar breakfast; 24/7 complimentary local coffee; curated library What Not To Miss: The locally made chocolates offered at turndown Location: West End Known for its leafy blocks and Victorian architecture, Portland's historic West End is one of the best places to stay in town, and Blind Tiger, opened by the Lark Hotels group in 2020, is a great overall choice for many different travel styles. Spread across two residential, Federalist-style homes, the nine rooms (including two suites) at this design-forward boutique property offer a true sense of place: Every room features a local 'host' who provides a personalized welcome letter, a curated playlist can be heard in public spaces and the complimentary toast-bar breakfast spread includes pastries from local bakeries as well as Maine-made granola and yogurts. Families can request connected rooms, and coffee lovers will appreciate access to the complimentary roasted java available 24/7. Five of Clubs at The Longfellow Hotel. The Longfellow Hotel Who Will Love It: Wellness enthusiasts; luxury lovers; foodies All-Star Amenities: Fitness center; Astraea Spa, including Nordic-inspired private sauna suites and a meditation room; soundproof windows; Grown Alchemist toiletries; soaps by seaweed-based skincare line Voya What Not To Miss: A pre-dinner drink at the lobby bar, Five of Clubs Location: West End Named after famed American poet (and Portland native) Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, The Longfellow Hotel opened in 2024, bringing a splash of luxury to the city—minus the pretension. Its 48 rooms offer floor to ceiling windows with views of the city's West End, high-end toiletries from Grown Alchemist and a curated menu of wellness amenities such as a 'Sleep Tight' package that includes sleep gummies, meditation and sound baths. Most notably, it's home to Astraea, a proprietary spa from Uncommon Hospitality—a unique feature in a city as small as Portland—and its stylish lobby bar, Five of Clubs, is the place to see and be seen on a weekend evening. Read my full review here. Best Boutique Hotel In Portland Maine: The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection Guest room at The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection. The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection Who Will Love It: History buffs; creatives All-Star Amenities: Journalist notebooks and oversized writers' desks in each room; toiletries by C.O. Bigelow What Not To Miss: A pre-dinner drink at Inkwell bar; dinner at Union restaurant Location: Old Port Located in the Old Port neighborhood, just a short walk from the waterfront, The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection is housed in the former home of the Portland Press Herald , Maine's daily newspaper. Several nods to its past life can be found in its décor choices: A collection of vintage typewriters, as well as a mural referencing blocks of letterpress type, can both be found in the lobby. Each of the 110 guest rooms feature oversized writers' desks and notebooks to jot down inspiration, and the aptly named Inkwell bar slings craft cocktails ideal for kicking off the evening. The popular Union restaurant is a stand-out—don't miss the house paella or the Maine lobster bucatini. Best Hotel In Portland, Maine For Couples: The Francis Terrrace King room balcony at The Francis. The Francis The Francis Who Will Love It: Couples seeking an intimate hideaway; art lovers All-Star Amenities: Complimentary breakfast; Malin+Goetz toiletries; in-room pour-over coffee maker What Not To Miss: The curated artworks and photography Location: West End Located in an 1880s mansion listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Francis has no shortage of history. Named after Maine architect Francis Fassett, the property has preserved many elements of its original 1866 build—think high ceilings, stained-glassed windows, parquet floors and a tiled fireplace. Despite its classic look, there are plenty of modern amenities, including an in-room pour-over coffee maker and toiletries by Malin+Goetz. Couples in particular will enjoy the first floor's Terrace King room, which features a residential-style balcony perfect for evenings for two, while art and design lovers can take in the property's custom-built furniture and robust art collection, including many pieces by photographer Nicole Wolf. Best Hotel In Portland, Maine For Families: Best Bower Guest room at Best Bower. Best Bower Best Bower Who Will Love It: Families and groups All-Star Amenities: Shared courtyard; shared kitchenette; heated floors; add-on food packages; Oneka Elements toiletries What Not To Miss: Skylight views of the Portland Observatory (available in three of the six rooms) Location: Munjoy Hill Located in an old schoolhouse, Best Bower features six guest rooms in the heart of Munjoy Hill, one of Portland's most creative neighborhoods. The six rooms—two of which are lofted suites, and all of which feature private entrances—can be booked individually or rented out as a whole, making it an ideal spot for multi-generational families and large group trips. Aside from beautiful displays of restored wood and ironwork, the property's crown jewel is its access to the next-door Portland Observatory, once a signal tower for ships and today a great spot for families that features the city's best views. The property is mostly self-service, but guests can pre-order food packages, such as cheese and charcuterie boards from the nearby Cheese Shop of Portland. Why Trust Forbes Vetted The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of hotel guides featuring cities across the globe. This story was written by Forbes Vetted's senior travel editor Astrid Taran, an eight-year industry veteran who's traveled to over 40 countries and has traversed the U.S. As a child, she spent every summer in Maine; she later attended school in Maine and has returned to visit friends in Portland multiple times each year. She has written multiple Maine destination guides detailing the best things to do in the state, and most recently visited Portland last spring, to review The Longfellow Hotel. This story was edited by Forbes Vetted's feature director Kim Peiffer, who has been covering travel and lifestyle extensively for nearly two decades. How We Chose The Best Hotels In Portland, Maine We selected the top contenders based on personal stays as well as extensive research. For this story, Taran used experience from personal stays and spent hours combing through reviews on TripAdvisor, hotel websites and more. We included options for a wide variety of travel styles, including family-friendly properties and more intimate, adult-oriented boutiques. We also included properties across a wide variety of different neighborhoods and price ranges. About Astrid Taran, Your Portland, Maine Guide My name is Astrid Taran and I'm the senior travel editor at Forbes Vetted, where I oversee hotel coverage. I have covered travel for almost a full decade as both a writer and editor. Along with extensively writing about hotels and airlines, I have also written multiple destination guides as well as long-form features on luxury travel, adventure travel, wellness travel and more. As a child, I spent almost every summer in Maine. I later attended school in the state and returned to visit friends in Portland often; the city remains one of my favorite east coast destinations.
Time Out
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Mix, mingle, and make music at Blind Tiger
Time Out Hong Kong in partnership with W Macau - Studio CitySunday 15 June 2025 Head to W Macau – Studio City's top floor to find Blind Tiger, a sleek bar with an apothecary-inspired counter and large floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a killer view of the city's skyline. Here, customers can experience unique creations inspired by regional destinations and exotic flavours from the bar's Destination Alpha cocktail series. Sip on the Japanese-inspired 36°67'N 139°80'E made with umami-flavoured spirits and sushi ginger, or opt for 22°38'N 120°17'E to enjoy Taiwanese ingredients like green bean cake-infused spirits and bi luo chun tea extract. Alternatively, Blind Tiger also offers a curated selection of aged-barrel spirits, house-infused beverages, premium dark spirits, and rare whiskies from Japanese and Scottish distilleries. For those looking to unwind after a long day, this destination bar's happy hour deal is sure to please. Customers can drop by from 6pm to 9pm daily to delight in free-flow beverages while watching the stunning sunset. In addition to delectable snacks and cocktails, Blind Tiger is home to the first W Sound Suite in Greater China. This state-of-the-art music studio is decked out with cutting-edge equipment like stereos, amplifiers, and turntables. Guests can compose and remix tunes, record podcasts, and enjoy music – all while unwinding with drinks in their hands.
What's On
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
8 of the best speakeasies in Dubai for every mood
Found by feel, not by map… No signs, no obvious entrances – just soft glows, great drinks, doors you'd miss if you weren't looking, and rooms with the right kind of mood. These are Dubai's best speakeasies – hidden behind kitchens, bookshelves, and tea rooms. Some nights call for something dark and mysterious. Others, for intimate, groovy energy without the full-on scene. Either way, no wrong door – just the right vibe. Pick your mood. Head in. Voyage by Amelia Hidden above Amelia Lounge, Voyage reflects a retro-futuristic mood – aviation nostalgia, velvet seating, and chrome details that feel cinematic. It's intimate, dramatic, and quietly bold. Come here when the mood calls for mystery, low lighting and depth over noise. Amelia Lounge, Downtown Dubai. @voyagebyamelia Ongaku High above DIFC, CLAP is where rooftop glamour meets Tokyo cool – geometric angles, artful details, and an ambient glow. Just behind it, Ongaku dials things down and turns the volume up. Hidden and dimly lit, it's where music leads and the energy feels more underground. Come here when you're in the mood for a low-key night with high-key vibes – the kind that makes you appreciate creativity in all its forms. Ongaku, CLAP, DIFC, Gate Village Building 11, level 9. @ongakubyclap GABA Hidden in Dubai Marina, GABA moves at its own pace. By day, it's a serene tea lounge – rare organic brews, calm energy, soft light, and a quiet sense of ritual. But behind a discreet door, the mood shifts. The bar feels like an art-filled living room with a DJ – intimate, low-key, and effortlessly cool. Come when you're in the mood for a night that feels more like a house party only a few are invited to. GABA, M level, Marina Promenade, Dubai Marina. @ Hush Hush Hidden inside The Nice Guy, Hush Hush is the kind of speakeasy you won't stumble into by accident. No signs, no buzz – just velvet booths, low lighting, and the smooth pull of R&B and Hip Hop on rotation. The mood is seductive, the crowd in-the-know, and the vibe always on point. Come when you're feeling groovy and want to disappear into the music. Hush Hush, The Nice Guy, Sheikh Zayed Road, Ground Level, The Boulevard, Emirates Towers. @theniceguydubai Blind Tiger Behind a discreet door at Turtle Lagoon, Blind Tiger feels like a low-key escape. Walk into low-hung lanterns, deep wood tones, exotic textures, a mirrored ceiling, and a stylish aesthetic that nods to the roaring '20s. Blind Tiger is where you go if you love jazz music and when you're craving something low-lit but with just a hint of wild. It's intimate, it's moody. A little luxe, a little wild, always laid-back. Blind Tiger, Turtle Lagoon, Jumeirah Al Naseem. @blindtigerdxb Chanca by Coya Chanca by Coya used to be members-only, but now it's open to those who know where to look. It's Coya's late-night spot – the music sets the mood and shifts as the night goes on. Thursdays have a chill, refined Peruvian dinner vibe, while Saturdays turn up with dancing and groovy energy. The lighting stays intimate, the drinks are solid, and the music makes it easy to lose track of time. Go when you want a night that's lively and musical, yet somehow still intimate. Chanca by Coya, Inside Coya, Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 2. @chancadubai Also read Your bar twin: Some of the best bars in Dubai for every personality Honeycomb Hi-Fi Honeycomb Hi-Fi, tucked behind a vinyl shop in Business Bay, feels like a private studio session. The warm wood interiors put the focus on sound – with DJs spinning carefully selected tunes every night. The izakaya-style menu is simple and perfect for a laid-back night. It's the spot when you're in the mood for a relaxed, music-focused vibe. Honeycomb Hi-Fi, Pullman Hotel, Business Bay. @honeycombhifi NYX NYX offers a darker, more secretive side beneath the polished glow of Gaia upstairs. Where Gaia feels bright and lively, NYX is low-lit and intimate, wrapped in crimson velvet and shadow. The entrance is discreet, the vibe deliberately elusive. It's a space for those who want to slip away from the spotlight and settle into something quiet and mysterious. Go late, keep it low-key, and don't be surprised if it becomes your favourite hidden spot. NYX, Gaia Dubai, DIFC Gate Village 4. @nyx__dxb Images: Instagram
BBC News
14-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
What will rail station quarter regeneration do for Peterborough?
A £65m project to regenerate an area around a railway station has been welcomed by local people. The station quarter can expect a new entrance, pedestrianised square and multi-storey car park. Business people have been giving their reaction to the news. The project will be opposite the Bourges Boulevard entrance to the Queensgate shopping Bhattarai of the Toast'd Sandwich on Cowgate welcomed the said "we are happy" and now had big plans to turn her business into "more of a restaurant".Her husband Basan described the investment as "brilliant". "I'm going to have more footfall. I'm excited, looking forward to it, hopefully they'll start really soon." Neil Treliving, owner of the Blind Tiger bar on Cowgate, said the area had a lot of issues as it was the "gateway to the city and it has been forgotten about"."We're hoping the regeneration changes that. We've still got bins on the road and they're using this as a car park even though this is a restricted area," he said."We're three years in the making trying to get this sorted."We're hoping the station quarter sorts this out but I'm not optimistic if they can't give us the cafe culture environment that they promised us years ago."It should be pedestrianised. I know that's going to mean problems with deliveries but they've done it on Cathedral Square where you have your deliveries before 10. We'll cope with it."He added the area also had an issue with homelessness which needed to be supported. "We hope the regeneration works; it's a lot of money," he added. Annaliosa Phillips of the Well Skin Clinic said the news was "very positive"."The commuter traffic is very important for us as a business," she said. "The walkway from the station at the moment isn't particularly attractive. I think anything that brings new people into the city is really positive."The plans include a new junction from the station to Thorpe Road at the western end of the Crescent Bridge, with a new pedestrian-cycle route across the Queensgate Roundabout to Phillips said transport links into the city were being improved but it was a question of "whether or not when people come into the city they find what they're expecting"."There's a problem with aggressive beggars, there's a problem with people consuming alcohol in the city centre and I feel the local government really needs to address those issues so that this investment really benefits local businesses," she Phillips said as a destination business she did not rely on footfall to generate trade, but understood others did."Originally this street was lovely. We've been there for quite a long time... they used to do the planters and it would feel like it was well-maintained," she said."But the whole city centre in general needs more maintenance."Things like the litter, making sure the place is attractive and welcoming." Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
What's On
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
11 of the best speakeasies in Dubai for low-key summer nights
A little mystery, a lot of style… In a city known for doing the most, there's a quiet thrill in finding the places that don't ask for attention. The best speakeasies in Dubai are low-lit, low-key, and not interested in being found easily. You'll find them hidden behind kitchens, inside tearooms, or through doors you're not entirely sure you should open. Inside, it's all creative cocktails, close conversation, and a sense that you're in on something special. Here are 11 of the best speakeasies in Dubai in 2025 for low-key summer nights. Click through the gallery 3 of 12 Behind a discreet entrance at Turtle Lagoon, Blind Tiger hums with quiet elegance. A mirrored ceiling nods to 1920s glamour, while soft lighting and curated jazz nights set the tone. The cocktail list leans inventive, paired with delicate, Asian-leaning bites. It's understated, grown-up, and just the right amount of elusive. Turtle Lagoon, Jumeirah Al Naseem, daily 5pm to 2am.@blindtigerdxb Hidden behind a vinyl shop in Business Bay, Honeycomb Hi-Fi is a listening bar first, speakeasy second, but it nails both. Designed to feel like a recording studio, this warm, wood-toned space is all about sound. Expect nightly DJ sets, deep cuts, and a curated izakaya menu that hits the same notes as the music: clean, considered, and perfectly pitched. A cult favourite for audiophiles and good-time chasers alike. Honeycomb Hi-Fi, Pullman Hotel, Business Bay. @honeycombhifi Once a members-only lounge, now open to those who know when and where to look, Chanca by Coya still keeps things discreet. It's Coya's late-night alter ego, a music-led hideout where the mood shifts with the night. Thursdays lean in with a refined Peruvian dinner crowd, Saturdays go full throttle with a crowd that wants to move. Think dim lights, standout drinks, and a soundtrack worth staying late for. Chanca by Coya, Inside Coya, Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 2. @chancadubai A darker current beneath the surface. Gaia upstairs is golden and polished, a glowing Greek taverna with a loyal following. But head below and the mood shifts. NYX is darker, quieter, and far less interested in being seen. Named after the Greek goddess of night, this low-lit hideout swaps coastal charm for crimson velvet, fractured light, and a heavy dose of mystery. The entrance isn't obvious, the guest list isn't easy, and the whole thing feels a bit like a dream you're not sure you had. Go late, go quietly, and don't be surprised if it becomes your favourite place you never talk about. NYX, Gaia Dubai, DIFC Gate Village 4, Dubai.@nyx__dxb Wise Guys is known for its New York-style sandwiches, but behind one turquoise fridge door, there's a whole other story. Moonshine is a hidden speakeasy with 1920s charm filtered through a futuristic lens. Think dark corners, deco edges, and a bar that feels more like a film set than a lounge. The food is Japanese izakaya, the drinks are inventive, and the atmosphere is cool without trying too hard. Wise Guys, Gate District, DIFC, open Sun, Tue and Wed 6pm to 12am and Thu to Sat 6pm to 3am.@moonshinedubai You've made it to Nobu. Now go further. Nobu Prive sits quietly behind the scenes, only open to Black Card holders and the kind of guests who don't need to ask how. It's small, dimly lit, and lined with vintage wine and rare spirits. There's a DJ, low conversation, and just enough space to feel like you've slipped off the grid, without ever leaving the building. Atlantis, The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Fri to Sat 10pm to 3am. @nobudubai You won't find it unless you're looking. Hidden behind Carna at SLS, Smoke & Mirrors feels like stepping into another city, another time. The lights are low, the wood is dark, and the energy hums with old-school cool. Think Latin jazz, cigar smoke curling through the air, and a backbar that knows what it's doing. The views stretch across the skyline, but the real magic happens inside, where it's all about mood, rhythm, and a little mystery. SLS Dubai, Business Bay, daily, 5pm to 2am.@smokeandmirrorsdubai GABA has quietly landed in Dubai Marina, and it's already feeling like that place you want to gatekeep (but won't, because your friends deserve this too). By day, it's a tea lounge serving rare brews in a setting that feels calm and curated. There's a real ritual to it, organic teas, calming vibes, and just enough ceremony to make it feel special. But stay a little longer (or better yet, come back after dark), and the doors open to a whole other scene. Hidden behind the tea facade is a speakeasy that's glam yet intimate in all the right ways, vintage touches, velvet chairs, and warm, low lighting. DJs set the mood without overpowering the room, cocktails get creative, and the whole space somehow feels both elevated and chilled. It's the kind of spot where you can dress up or down and still feel right at home. GABA, M level, Marina Promenade, Dubai Marina. Tel: (0)55 397 6973.@ Behind the buzz of CLAP lies Ongaku, a low-lit hideout that swaps the main floor's polish for something a little more raw. Music drives the space, loud, curated, and never random. There's a terrace with city views, a solid cocktail list, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. Come for the energy, stay for the edge. CLAP, DIFC, Gate Village Building 11, level Tucked just off the buzz of La Cantine, Gohan trades in sleek Parisian energy for something darker, tighter, and Tokyo-inspired. Walk in through the glow of red lanterns, slip past low ceilings and softly lit corners, and you'll find a mood-heavy space with a solid Japanese street food menu and DJs spinning in arm's reach. It's intimate, sharp, and effortlessly cool, like Tokyo at 2am. La Cantine Du Faubourg, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Mon to Fri noon to 4pm, daily 7pm to 2am.@gohandubai Upstairs from the steampunk swirl of Amelia Lounge, behind a private lift and a little mystery, is Voyage, the kind of place that feels like stepping into a time machine lined in velvet. Inspired by the spirit of Amelia Earhart, this hidden room leans into old-world aviation nostalgia with vintage-style seating shaped like retro luggage and chrome details that feel straight off an airship. It's transportive in all the best ways. Amelia Lounge, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, Thur to Sat from 11pm till late.@voyagebyamelia > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
