Allyson Kane is the Senior Project Manager of Online Marketing in Starwood's Global Web Services division and thelobby.com's expert on getaways.

In August 2005 while traveling to Tenants Harbor Maine, my fiancé (now husband) and I had the luxury of spending two nights at the Sheraton South Portland; a stop we chose to break up the 8-hour trip to mid-coast. Upon arrival we collapsed in the Sweet Sleeper Bed for a quick nap before heading across the street to convenient shopping at the Maine Mall. We bought last minute vacation supplies that we had absently forgotten at home; necessities such as sunglasses, hiking boots, and reading material. Upon returning to the hotel, we grabbed a workout and a quick swim at the hotel’s gym and pool. Tired from our drive that began at 4am that morning, we spent the night relaxing at the hotel lounge, Points North, where we enjoyed friendly service and live music while chatting with other hotel guests.

The next day we set out to experience the local area. We shopped in nearby Freeport and were in awe over the LL Bean flagship store. The retailer outlets, eateries, and banks were all set in traditional, quaint, New England colonial storefronts. We spent our second night downtown in the city of Portland. We met up with old friends and talked about old times as we sat there for hours eating, drinking, and watching the lobster fisherman unload their full traps right on the dock. It was an amazing, true Maine experience. The spirit of Maine was captured by the sights, smells, and sounds of the city of Portland. The Sheraton South Portland provided a foundation for one of our most favorite vacations.