Portland Where to Stay?

[CalGalTraveler]

We are looking at 3 hotels for an overnight visit to see Portland. Which is best located to see the city and get around on public transit if needed. Which is safe to walk around?
We will have a car so public transit is not a showstopper.

1) Pearl District 9th Avenue
2) Downtown SW 3rd St
3) Downtown / RiverPlace SW River Parkway
4) Portland North North Anchor Way

 

[zentraveler]

Can only make some comments on #3. Stayed at the Kimpton Riverwalk Hotel several times when I had a meeting at one of the downtown hotels nearby. Really lovely boutique hotel right on the water. Hotel has dining options and there are some within walking distance in downtown. It has been a few years since I stayed there but they do hold weddings there so if you are going on a weekend you might want to check on this and see if you can get a room away from the music etc. Very peaceful location and nice walks nearby.

 

[easyrider]

The catalytic converter theft problem is huge in Portland. I would only consider secure parking hotels. We recently stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn which is in north Portland near the Columbia River and I-5. The room was large, newer and had some furniture including a microwave and small fridge. The parking is secure.

Bill

 

[marmite]

Not a Portland expert by any means, but I use Pioneer Courthouse Square as my 'center', right near Nordstrom and some of the better hotels. Advice to me has been to avoid Old Town & Chinatown, and as @easyrider mentioned secure parking. Parking is expensive in the hotels but the street parking is iffy.

 

[JohnPaul]

We had a nice stay in the Pearl District within the last year. The area itself is nice and I walked all around downtown Portland.

 

[dsmrp]

Yes, I agree, avoid downtown especially by Portland Saturday market/ Burnside bridge/ Chinatown. The homeless problem has gotten really bad. We were there for a weekend last year, stayed on the other side in Hillsboro, boring but using points.

I suggest staying in northwest Portland, or west of 405. Maybe in Pearl district or River place.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

Thanks all. This is really helpful.

Any recos on what to see and places to eat? We are arriving around 3 and will have until noon the next day. We have a car so we can drive outside the city if worth it.

 

[easyrider]

Thanks all. This is really helpful.

Any recos on what to see and places to eat? We are arriving around 3 and will have until noon the next day. We have a car so we can drive outside the city if worth it.

Depending on your interests Portland does have an unique outdoor cave Cathedral called the Grotto. It's a Catholic Order called the Friar Servants of Mary who operate this. There is the scenic bypass and Multnomah Falls which is one of my favorite areas of the Columbia George. There is a restaurant at the falls.

There are so many cool places to go near Portland.

Bill