Over the decades, I’ve watched what’s now The Federal hotel change owners, names, and styles. I think the current version will last. Reopened in downtown Brunswick in March 2022, The Federal hotel now oozes a contemporary and welcoming, pet-friendly, boutique-hotel style. And if that’s not enough to lure you, then the hotel’s restaurant, 555 North, seals the deal.
What to expect at The Federal hotel
The two-story lobby, with two walls of windows, a grand stairway, an artsy two-story bookcase that echoes the windows, contemporary artwork, chairs and couches in conversational groupings, and a second-floor balcony, sets the tone. Designer Annie Kiladjian of Annie K’s Designs created a light, bright, and inviting space with white walls, wooden floors, and a gold, blue, and charcoal color scheme accented by leafy green plants.
A market pantry offers snacks, light breakfast items, and nonalcoholic beverages. Coffee and tea are available here in the morning as well as on each guest floor.
An elevator and stairs access all floors. The ground floor provides direct access to the parking lot and has two workout rooms, one with aerobic equipment, and the other with yoga mats, a bench, balls, and free weights. Don’t miss the moss artwork on the stairs between the ground and first floors.
On the second floor, two small meeting rooms open off the balcony area, where there’s also seating.
Guestrooms at The Federal
The hotel’s 30 guestrooms are split between two attached buildings. Capt. Daniel Stone built the original 1810 federal-style building. The four rooms (two with king beds and two with queen beds) and two suites (both with king beds, neither with elevator access) in this building have been updated to honor the period architectural details, such as fireplaces, while lightening the decor and adding marble-accented bathrooms and contemporary, comfy seating.
Guestrooms in the newer East Wing offer king, queen, and double-queen beds and a king suite. All have been updated in the contemporary, light, and bright maritime style. Bathroom renovations are planned. Our corner room had a refrigerator, two easy chairs, an ergonomic desk chair, and a three-drawer bureau — great for those staying longer who want to unpack. Bedside tables with lights made it easy to read in bed.
All guestrooms have custom-made Serta mattresses and Cuddledown duvets topping white linens (loved the beds!). And cozy robes and bottled water are provided.
What it’s like to dine at 555 North
In 2003, Chef Steve Corry, named Best New Chef by Food and Wine in 2007, opened 555 in Portland with his wife, Michelle, who manages the front of the house. It closed in 2020, but now it’s back as 555 North, located in Brunswick’s The Federal Hotel. And, as expected, it’s fabulous: the New England farm-to-table fare, the design, the decor: everything!
Annie K’s design features hand-painted botanical murals. Big windows, handsome wood tables, and custom chandeliers keep with the theme. Previously, the porch was a separate room. Now the wall between the main room and the porch is open, with plants separating the two rooms and providing privacy for tables. A separate room, with bird-cage chandeliers, can be shut off for a private party or serve as additional dining space.
When we dined, 555 North offered two menus. A three-course menu themed to complement Titanic! at the Maine State Music Theatre attracted the pre-theater crowd. We dined from the regular menu, comprising small plates, sharables, large plates, and housemade desserts. It also offers a bar menu, served at the horseshoe bar, on couches by the fireplace, or at tall-top tables.
Between us, we ordered the simple greens salad and figs in a blanket for starters. Next, we moved on to braised short rib and Hudson Valley duck breast. And then we split a chocolate lava souffle, with warm salted caramel crème anglais, for dessert. Everything was superb. This restaurant is a welcome addition to Brunswick’s dining scene. But it’s no secret, so be sure to make reservations.
And finally…
The Federal and 555 North are located in downtown Brunswick. The convenient locations is a short walk from Maine Street’s shop, restaurants, and the Androscoggin riverfront with its fenced dog park, boat put-in, and paved offroad trail, and a pleasant stroll from Bowdoin College and the Maine State Music Theatre. Note that the hotel overlooks Route 1 on the backside. We didn’t have a problem with noise, but light sleepers might want to request a front-facing room away from the highway. If I visit again, I’ll bring Bo. Dogs are welcome for $50/night.
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