hotels: recently recommended, downtown, westside, Motel 6s
bed & breakfasts, hostelling international hostels & others

Hmmm. I have never stayed in a hotel in Portland, but I do get asked about it a fair amount. Portland Oregon Visitors Association lists member motel/hotels in its Portland Book. They can also be reached at 877/678-5263.

Here is a list of places that I might consider staying at.

Recent suggestions to friends

Another option, also not on the east side, is Inn at Northrup Station
(http://www.northrupstation.com/), on the streetcar line in NW Portland (trendy neighborhood).

The Jupiter (http://www.jupiterhotel.com/) is a new hipster hotel that opened in east portland, though not in the best neighborhood, and it's probably noisy on weekend nights.

A friend stayed here last summer and it seemed okay: Days Inn, (503) 221-1611, 1414 SW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97201 -- again, downtown, but I think the price includes parking.

There is a holiday Inn in my neighborhood: Holiday Inn Downtown
Portland (http://www.hiportland.com/about), (503) 233-2401, 1441 NE 2nd Ave which, added bonus, is actually on the east side. It might be outrageous—and really, it shouldn't be.

There's also a Red Lion, Red Lion Hotel Portland(http://tinyurl.com/9xvuc), (503) 235-2100, 1021 NE Grand Ave, right on the MAX line. Parking is probably included. If you're a light sleeper, ask for a room away from the MAX line.

But first, car? Or no car?

You might want to ask about parking if you plan to have a car in town—parking is really expensive downtown (compared to say, Roseburg, OR), and a car isn't necessary if you don't mind public transport [and that's pretty good here], and aren't planning to go on a daytrip, say to Roseburg. But if you are planning to have a car with you, a downtown hotel that offers free parking may work out to be cheaper.

Most hotels listed offer room service, non-smoking rooms, in-room phones, restaurants, TV, and airport shuttle. Of course, YMMV—if there's something your little heart is set on, ask. And, while there is no sales tax in Oregon, there is a lodging tax.

downtown

If I had to choose my favorite budget hotel downtown, it's hands down the Mallory.

• Days Inn City Center
  1414 SW 6th Ave, 97201, 800/648-6440 or 503/221-1611, fax 503/226-0447.
  prices: moderate
  Amenities: valet, pool, lounge.
• Mark Spencer Hotel
  409 SW 11th, 800/548-3934
  prices: moderate
  appears very classy, and right in the gay ghetto, close to the Stark Street bar scene, the Bermuda Triangle of Portland record stores, and Powells'. Each room has a kitchen!
• Four Points Sheraton Downtown Hotel
  50 SW Morrison, 97204, 800/899-0247 or 503/221-0711, fax 503/274-0312.
  prices: spendy
  Amenities: Suites available, valet, exercise room.

Westside

• Silver Cloud
  2426 NW Vaughn, 800/551-7207 x8.
  prices: moderate
  Close to trendy Northwest district. Free parking
• Pepper Tree Hotel
  10720 SW Allen Blvd, Beaverton, 641-7477

Bed & Breakfasts

Concordia/NE Pdx

• McMenamins Kennedy School Bed & Breakfast
  5736 NE 33rd, 249-3983
  prices: moderate
  Another McMenamins transformation, wedding beer, communalism and profits. This time in an old school.

Troutdale

• McMenamins Edgefield
  2126 SW Halsey, 800/669-8610. prices: moderate
  I know, you're saying to yourself, why on earth would I want to stay in Troutdale? Well, because this is an Oregonian's version of paradise: microbrews, local wines, decent grub, a movie theatre and beautifully garden grounds. The fact that it's in the old poor farm only adds to its charm.
  They have a range of accommodations: a hostelling-style dormitory, rooms with shared baths, a couple suites with private bath, and a family room that will sleep up to 6. And, with the exception of the hostel, all include full country breakfast at the Black Rabbit Restaurant (on the grounds).

Motel 6s

There are 3 (maybe more) Motel 6s in the Portland area (Troutdale, Tigard, Portland), all (but Portland proper) in the 'burbs. If you have to stay at a Motel 6, the Portland one is the best one if you don't have a car, but it's on an ugly stretch of an ugly, busy street. Still, theoretically, you can walk up to hip and hip-and-coming neighborhoods like Clinton Street, Division Street, and Hawthorne -- if you really like to walk. But only if you like walking. (While I have often hit Motel 6s on roadtrips, I wouldn't want to hit any of these three.)

 Hostelling International

has a couple Portland hostels now. All offer dorms ($16-$22 plus tax) and private rooms ($30-62 plus tax) within walking distance of hip, happening neighborhoods and excellent bus access; both have lounges, kitchens, laundry, & bike storage; both ask you to do a chore; both require reservations in the summer.

• SE Portland International Hostel (HI)
  3031 SE Hawthorne, 236-3380 or 1-866-447-3031, hip@portlandhostel.org
• Northwest Portland International Hostel (HI)
  1818 NW Glisan St, 241-2783, hinwp@teleport.com
• International Guesthouse
  in NW - register at the NW Portland Hostel