When traveling to a new city it’s hard to know if where you are staying is as good as the advertisement, or even pictures on the web. I’ve gathered the following from personal experience either staying at these accommodations myself or having a friend or relative stay there. Portland has some cool digs and a lot of variety for the money, so read below for a few places you can choose to rest your weary head.
Please note rates for all accommodations vary by season as well as events in town.
Here are five fun places to stay in Portland:
1. STAY IN A CARTOON PALACE: INN AT NORTHROP STATION
This unique Northwest boutique hotel has vibrant and colorful walls of orange and green, with whimsical furnishings, you will feel like you are staying in a carton palace. The inn also features art by Portland artists. Northrop Station sits in an awesome location in the Alphabet district near some of the best restaurants on NW 21st and the bustling cafes and shops of NW 23rd.
The Portland Streetcar has a stop right out front so you can hop on anytime it’s running and see the sites. Originally built in the 1970’s, the industrial architecture of the Inn is still current today.
All rooms at the Inn are King-size Suites complete with their kitchen and high-speed internet. A luxurious bedroom set up and everything you would need including flat screen TVs to call your space home.
Website: http://www.northrupstation.com
Tel: 1 800 224 1180
2. FEELING CHILDLIKE? STAY AT MCMENAMIN’S KENNEDY SCHOOL
The McMenamins are a local family who has taken over buildings from eras gone by and created amazing, beautiful, and functional accommodations, bars and restaurants, and even spas and concert venues out of them. All locations share a theme of incredible local art and photographs of Portland’s history. Touring these properties is quite a feat as there are so many, and one of my favorites is in Northeast Portland and is called the “Kennedy School.”
The historic Kennedy School was established in 1915 as an actual elementary school. Unique and well loved by locals and travelers alike, once you visit you will never want to leave, and actually you don’t have to because the Kennedy school has everything you need to stay and relax for a long while. Accommodations include a gym, and wading pool, a movie theater with big overstuffed chairs and couches, and did I mention the numerous bars and courtyard restaurant with a big cozy outdoor fireplace? Each room itself was a classroom, and the chalkboards are still there!
Stay here and have your friends or family come to you and enjoy dinner and a movie at McMenamins Kennedy School.
Website: http://www.mcmenamins.com
Tel: (503) 249-3983
3. GOING FOR THE MODERN TOUCH: HOTEL MODERA
Hotel Modera is a luxurious and modern boutique hotel located in downtown Portland. It boasts excellent service the minute you walk in the building. Though some rooms can be on the small side every room is done up to a tee, with all modern conveniences. Rooms are elegant and have colorful, fun décor and even a cute fur throw adorns every bed. The hotel’s restaurant “Nel Centro” is award winning, comfortable and open for all your dining needs. The hotel sits close to the Max train and is in a walkable part of downtown only about 6 blocks from the riverfront. Rooms vary in price but can be gotten online at hotels.com for as low as $120/night. A very comfortable, modern and fun place to stay in downtown PDX.
Website: http://www.hotelmodera.com
Tel: (503) 484-1084
4. PULLING OUT ALL THE STOPS: THE HEATHMAN
Staying at the Heathman Hotel downtown you feel like you have “arrived.”
This posh boutique hotel built in 1927 has a stellar reputation for both comfort and style. (Curious fact: It’s where they filmed Fifty Shades of Grey)
The hotel has 150 rooms and is a member of the Historic Hotels of America.
Each suite is artistically designed for aesthetics as well as comfort. Luxury sheets, L’occitane products, bathrobes and slippers and free WiFi are just a few of the rooms’ amenities. They also have something cool called “The Art Of Sleep,” The Heathman provides you with a menu of types of beds to sleep on, yes unbelievable! You get your choice! Beds range from Tempurpedic to Feather Beds and European Pillow Tops. So take your pick!
The Heathman is in Portland’s bustling Theater and Arts district, blocks away from the Art Museum and steps away from the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall amongst others. They have a killer brunch buffet, and also a fantastic retro lounge with ginormous chandeliers, and cozy booths where you can listen to live Jazz nightly.
The Heathman Hotel is swanky, luscious and somewhat decadent, and something everyone should experience once in their lifetime. Check the website for rates.
Website: http://portland.heathmanhotel.com
Tel: 503-241-4100
5. STAYING ON THE CHEAP: MCMENAMIN’S WHITE EAGLE
Ever roll into town with only a few bucks in your pocket? Or maybe you’re thinking of making a trip but just can’t handle couch surfing at your buddy’s place or worst, maybe your mom’s. Well have no fear; McMenanamins has the accommodations to fit your budget. The White Eagle is a small tavern and bar with live music weekly in NE Portland. It’s known for its Rock and Roll atmosphere. The dark and romantic saloon boasts an outdoor patio with fire pits and also has a little known about Inn tucked away upstairs in its ethers. Built in 1905 it is supposed to be one of the most haunted places in Portland.
Eleven Rooms start as low as $50 bucks. So whether you’re busting ghosts or just needing a pad to crash after the party, the White Eagle has you covered.
Website: http://www.mcmenamins.com/WhiteEagle
Tel: (503) 335-8900
As you can see, when traveling to Portland the accommodations available run the gamut. But why not make it an adventure and try something different each time you come? No matter what quarter of the city you stay in, public transportation has never been easier to use, so don’t let a lack of a vehicle hold you back. All quarters have walkable neighborhoods with shops and restaurants and fun things to explore.
Learn more about these and other great places to stay at http://traveloregon.com/places-to-stay For some great deals check out LivingSocial, Groupon, and Goldstar. Wherever you stay, enjoy the beauty, culture, and creativity that Portland has to offer and be sure to have a great time in the city of roses.
