Where To Stay in Portland [2 BEST Neighborhoods!]

“Keep Portland Weird” – it’s the slogan that’s caught on and been adopted by other cities, but it started in Portland. As you might expect, Portland, Oregon, is home to all things alternative, hip, and cutting-edge cool that you can think of. It’s not so much weird as an interesting place to spend some time exploring.

It’s perfect for fans of indie bookstores, single-origin coffee, cycling, strolling through parks, sampling craft beer, and a whole lot of tasty food. With the impressive backdrop of the snow-capped Mount Hood, Portland should definitely be on your list of places to visit.

But since it’s not everyone’s top travel destination, it can be tricky to find somewhere – which is precisely why we’ve come up with this guide on where to stay in Portland, so you’ll have no trouble finding the right place for you.

Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Portland

Where to Stay in Portland

If you’re looking for the general top places to stay, look no further than our picks for the best accommodation in Portland.

Best Budget Hotel in Portland – McMenamins Crystal Hotel

If you want a place to stay in Portland on a budget, this historic hotel is a cool option. It’s situated right in the heart of Downtown Portland and is surrounded by bars, restaurants, and entertainment. The hotel itself has a lively onsite bar, there’s a swimming pool elsewhere, and the rooms boast bohemian vibes.

 

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Portland – The Mark Spencer Hotel

A smart mid-range option if you’re looking for something a little more spacious in Portland, The Mark Spencer Hotel has a very convenient location. It offers excellent value for money with its sophisticated, bright rooms – some even come with kitchens. Amenities include an onsite fitness centre, as well as a restaurant and the option of breakfast.

 

Best Luxury Hotel in Portland – Woodlark Hotel

For a great high-end hotel in Portland, you couldn’t do better than this. The Woodlark is certainly a comfortable offering, historic and beautifully decorated throughout – from the rooms to the grand lobby. Expect chic monochrome bathrooms, crisp white bed linens, floor-to-ceiling windows, and stylish mid-century furnishings.

 

Not yet booked? Take a look at our favorite hotels in Portland!

Best Airbnb in Portland – Chic Guest House in the Heart of the City

Providing a home away from home in the middle of the city, this top Portland Airbnb comes complete with glowing reviews. Not only does it have a fabulous location, but it’s also super well equipped and has just about everything you need for your stay. Rooms are unfussy and stylish, with whitewashed walls, high ceilings and parquet flooring.

 

Portland Neighborhood Guide

Portland is known for being a hub of alternative cool. Throughout the city, there are pockets of hipster-friendly eateries, vegan cafes, art galleries, music venues, and many options to get out into nature. It’s a fun place to come to experience a US city with an easygoing atmosphere, all along the banks of the Willamette River.

But there are different neighbourhoods to opt for here – from the suburban to the inner city; from the hippie to the upmarket – there’s something for everyone in this city.

Depending on what you want, for first-timers, we recommend staying in the well-connected Downtown area – filled with all the delights that Portland has to offer. Otherwise, if you’re on the hunt for nightlife, coffee shop hangouts and craft breweries, the fashionable Pearl District will be the one for you.

Portland 2 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in:

Without further ado, here are the most highly recommended areas to stay in Portland!

Neighborhood#1 - Downtown

(Where to stay in Portland first time)

Downtown is the go-to area to lap up everything Portland has to offer. There’s an incredible dining scene here – from food trucks to high-end eateries. There’s culture, too, with city parks to stroll in and museums to while away some hours in. It’s the heart of the city, and staying here makes total sense.

Compact and walkable, Downtown also makes an excellent base for a first-time visitor to the city. There are multiple things to do, and the rest of the city will never be more than a stone’s throw away.

There’s a lot going on, so here are just a few of the best things to do in Downtown Portland:

• Spending time picnicking or just soaking up the atmosphere of Tom McCall Waterfront Park
• Shopping for trinkets or local produce at Portland Saturday Market
• Cooling off with a visit to Salmon Street Springs, a cool fountain along the river
• Taking a ride along the river and seeing the city from the water
• Hitting up one of the many fantastic food carts or restaurants in Downtown Portland
• Checking out the exhibitions on display at Portland Art Museum
• Swinging by Oregon Historical Society Museum to learn about the history of the city and state

Where to Stay in Downtown

Best Budget Hotel in Downtown – The Society Hotel

Set inside a historic building, The Society Hotel boasts a terrace and bar as part of its comprehensive but affordable accommodation in Downtown Portland. The vibe throughout is shabby chic – think wooden floors and exposed brick. Guest rooms are pared back but stylish, allowing original features to shine through.

 

Let’s narrow it down! Near the University of Portland are some of the best hotels!

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Downtown – The Benson, a Coast Hotel

Another historic hotel in Downtown Portland, The Benson is stylish. It boasts Italian marble floors and Austrian crystal chandeliers for a fancy finish. Rooms are decorated in smoky colour palettes, complete with large beds and small kitchenettes. In terms of amenities, this top Portland hotel has a fitness centre and restaurant.

 

Best Luxury Hotel in Downtown – The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Providing a luxury offering in the middle of Portland’s Downtown district,  The Nines is all about upscale elegance. Rooms pop with boutique-style furnishings and turquoise textiles for a bright, airy place to unwind after a day of exploring. Offering two onsite restaurants, alongside a billiards room and 24-hour fitness centre, the amenities here are top-notch.

 

Best Airbnb in Downtown – Downtown Nest

Situated close to the waterfront, this modern Airbnb is a great home base for exploring what the city has to offer. It’s bright, comes with its own private balcony with views of the city, and is set in an apartment block with a communal swimming pool and outdoor area to unwind in. You’ll never want to leave.

 

Neighborhood#2 - Pearl District

(Where to stay in Portland for nightlife)

While Downtown Portland is a mix of everything, nearby Pearl District leans distinctly towards the hip.

With plenty of repurposed buildings, galleries, and eateries in former warehouses – and a whole lot of walkable streets – the Pearl District (dubbed so in the 1980s) is a great example of what happens when artists move into an industrial area – a whole lot of coolness.

Home to four public plazas, including the historic North Park Blocks, hanging out in the Pearl District is great for foodies, art lovers, coffee fiends, and anyone who likes to explore on foot. All in all, it’s an eclectic blend of top sightseeing spots and local hangouts.

As for what you can get up to in Pearl District, here are just a few of your options:

• Getting lost in the landmark that is Powell’s City of Books (it covers an entire block!)
• Sampling the suds at one of Pearl District’s many craft beer bars, such Deschutes Brewery & Public House
• Joining the locals for a refreshing splash in the fountain at Jamison Square
• Chilling for the afternoon in North Park Blocks, a “walker’s paradise”
• Trying out a freshly roasted coffee in La Perlita
• Spending some time at Augen Gallery – or any one of the neighbourhood’s many art galleries
• Sampling a sweet treat from the famous Voodoo Doughnut
• Going for cocktails at one of the area’s stylish bars. Botanist Bar PDX and Oliver or Twist  are good options

Where to Stay in Pearl District

Best Budget Hotel in Pearl District – Hampton Inn And Suites By Hilton

For somewhere affordable and budget-friendly, this branch of Hampton Inn and Suites is a great option. This contemporary hotel, just steps from Powell’s City of Books, boasts modern, spacious rooms. Easily the top budget hotel in the Pearl District, the price of the room also bags you a good breakfast each morning.

 

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Pearl District – Canopy by Hilton Portland Pearl District

Also close to Powell’s City of Books, Canopy is a new hotel in the Portland accommodation scene. The aesthetic through the hotel reflects the industrial heritage of the area, while rooms are fresh and sophisticated. In terms of amenities, guests can dine at the onsite restaurant or keep up with work-outs at the fitness centre.

 

Best Luxury Hotel in Pearl District – Harlow Hotel

Harlow Hotel is a beautiful boutique hotel. It provides accommodation steeped in history – all of it wonderfully renovated, of course. Rooms boast palatial beds and eye-catching headboards, with plenty of colour pops and boutique furnishings. Throughout the hotel, its communal spaces and lobby feel extra luxurious.

 

Best Airbnb in Pearl District – Waterfront Pearl District Condo

Opt for your very own apartment in the Pearl District with this very cool Portland Airbnb. It’s a fully equipped, fully furnished offering, with a wide-open living space, a comfy couch, and a cute kitchen-dining area to match. The property is spacious and boasts a fantastic location right on the waterfront.

 

Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Portland

If you want somewhere filled with cool neighbourhoods, amazing food and drink to try out, and a whole lot of places to browse and shop till you drop, you can’t get much better than Portland. Of course, you’re going to want to make sure your trip goes smoothly – so don’t miss out on staying in one of Portland’s coolest areas!

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