GloboTreks is reader-supported through affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I might earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support! – Norbert
With incredible cuisine, one-of-a-kind landmarks, and a stunning location, Portland is arguably one of the top cities to visit.
From its hip neighborhoods to opulent spaces that are fit for a king, choosing where to stay in Portland isn’t always easy.
The West Coast gem oozes a laid-back appeal, famous for breathtaking views, coffee culture, and its lip-smacking culinary combos.
As Oregon’s capital and largest city, Portland sprawls far and wide and is divided by the Willamette River. And both sides rally equally as impressive neighborhoods to explore.
You’ll find hidden gems and some of Portlands ‘best-kept secrets’ to suit your travel needs. So, without further ado, let’s dive into finding the best hotels and where to stay in Portland.
Best Areas to Stay in Portland
Central districts like the Pearl District and Downtown provide some of the best neighborhoods to stay in Portland, Oregon. But don’t stop your Portland accommodation hunt there. Districts outside the city center boast plenty of great lodgings too.
Let’s take a look at the best area to stay in Portland, Oregon, to suit your individual tastes.
Overall Best Neighborhood To Stay In Portland, Oregon
For first-time visitors, Downtown Portland is the best place to stay in Portland, Oregon. It’s home to famous street markets, noteworthy galleries and museums, and some of Portland’s most popular hangout spots.
This bustling neighborhood is located west of the Willamette River. And because this area connects the rest of the city by public transportation, you’ll have no problem exploring all corners of the city.
Best Cheap Places to Stay in Portland
If you’re on the hunt for the best area of Portland to stay on a budget, Hawthorne is one of the coolest, hip neighborhoods.
It’s located on the southeast side of the city and is packed with vintage shops, craft beer bars, delicious eateries, and historic theaters.
Where to Stay in Portland with Kids
Nob Hill is one of the best areas to stay in Portland for families. It’s considered a more upscale, fashionable area packed with modern boutiques, bistros, and restaurants.
The district is considered the mainstay for Northwest Portland’s residential scene. You’ll find plenty of quaint tree-lined streets, cozy cafes, and beautiful historic Victorian houses hugging the neighborhood.
Romantic Places to Stay in Portland, OR
If you’re an absolute foodie, there’s no better place to stay and experience some lip-smacking cuisine than the Pearl District.
The former industrial district has now transformed into one of the best areas to stay in Portland, Oregon, for couples and food lovers alike.
Many of the district’s old warehouses and industrial buildings have been turned into boutique stores, coffee houses, and art galleries.
It’s also considered the top area in the city to feed your soul in culinary delights. Walk down its cobblestone streets, popping into cafes and bistros to sample some delicious cuisines.
9 Best Places To Stay In Portland, OR – Accommodation Options
In a hurry? Or even better, you know what you’re looking for. Take a look at our highest recommendations for places to stay in Portland.
Portland’s Best Budget Hostels
If you’re visiting Portland on a budget, you’ll be in short supply of excellent locations at affordable rates. Take a look at some of these best budget hotels in Portland.
The Paramount Hotel Portland
Located in vibrant downtown Portland, the three-star Paramount Hotel offers some of the city’s top tourist attractions and hotspots right at your fingertips.
The Portland accommodation provides a great selection of amenities, where each room has a selection of tea and coffee facilities.
Guests are welcomed to dine at the on-site restaurant providing a mouth-watering Pacific Northwestern menu – open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunches.
After dinner, enjoy the festivities at the Swine Moonshine & Whiskey Bar. It’s an excellent hotel for anyone looking to get the best out of Portland on a budget.
Read reviews on TripAdvisor︱Book a room via Booking.com
Staypineapple, Hotel Rose, Downtown Portland
If you’re looking to stay in the heart of Portland, the Hotel Rose will settle you right in the midst of this bustling, vibrant city.
You’ll be a mere few steps away from the Tom McCall Waterfront Park, the Rose Quarter sports and entertainment district, and plenty of other attractions.
The hotel provides modern facilities, fast internet for any digital nomads, and tastefully decorated rooms with gourmet coffee machines and en suite bathrooms. And best of all, pets are allowed.
Read reviews on TripAdvisor︱Book a room via Booking.com
The Society Hotel
Located in Chinatown and the downtown area, The Society Hotel is moments away from all the excitement of the city. Each room is tastefully decorated with a different style and in accordance with your budget.
From hotel-style bunk rooms, perfect if you’re on a tight budget, private rooms with shared bathrooms to separate king suites with extra-large beds.
As the sun dips under, head up to the cool rooftop bar boasting phenomenal views overlooking Portland. Sample some all-time American favorites at the restaurant before heading out on an adventure.
There’s also a coffee shop on-site to provide you with your caffeine fix. If you’re keen on exploring, don’t miss out on Powell’s City of Books and the Waterfront Park, a few meters away.
Read reviews on TripAdvisor︱Book a room via Booking.com
Mid-range Portland Guesthouses & Hotels
Portland offers a variety of affordable stays within a mid-range budget. Take a look at this selection of the best places to stay in Portland, OR.
The Mark Spencer Hotel
Located a minutes’ walk from Pearl District, the Mark Spencer Hotel is a few feet away from Portland’s top spots. The accommodation offers top-quality rooms, each equipped with a full kitchenette, and provides a 24-hour fitness center.
After a day of exploring, what better way to relax than feeding your soul at the local family-friendly restaurant.
Suppose you’re not up for a sit-down meal; order in with room service. It’s the perfect space for guests looking to be in close proximity to Portland’s best attractions.
Read reviews on TripAdvisor︱Book a room via Booking.com
Canopy by Hilton Portland Pearl District
Located in the artsy Pearl District, the Canopy by Hilton Hotel is filled with interesting artwork and dotted with retro touches. The rooms are well-equipped and provide extras such as flat-screen TVs and coffee machines.
The hotel provides modern amenities for all types of travelers, including a business center and fitness center. Bicycle rentals are also available should you want to explore the city a little more.
There’s an on-site restaurant serving divine cuisine and a bar for evening cocktails. It’s the ideal Portland accommodation – serving you with a top location to explore the city.
Read reviews on TripAdvisor︱Book a room via Booking.com
Residence Inn by Marriott Portland
Located in the middle of the ever-so-popular Pearl and Downtown Districts, Residence Inn by Mariott is at the very heart of it all.
Wake up to delicious (and free) continental breakfasts each day and bid the sun farewell as you clink on some delicious cocktails at the on-site bar.
Each room is tastefully designed and provides all the luxury comforts from home, from the flat-screen TV and coffee machine to your private bathroom and toiletries.
What’s more, the hotel is situated within walking distance from public transportation, Jamison Square, the Willamette River, and other popular destinations.
Read reviews on TripAdvisor︱Book a room via Booking.com
Luxury Hotels in Portland
If you’re heading to Portland for a luxury getaway, take a look at these lavish hotels for an opulent stay in the City of Roses.
Hampton Inn And Suites By Hilton
If you’re on the hunt for a luxurious, modern hotel, the Hampton Inn and Suites blows all the bells and whistles. The four-star hotel provides modern facilities, tastefully decorated rooms, and an in-house restaurant.
Sit out on the patio and enjoy a morning cup of tea before wolfing down a delicious on-the-go breakfast. What’s more, you’re in close transit to some of Portland’s top restaurants, bars, cafes, and entertainment spots.
Take a stroll to the Tom McCall Waterfront Park or head to Lan Su Chinese Garden a mere few steps away. It’s the perfect place for anyone looking to be in the midst of Portland.
Read reviews on TripAdvisor︱Book a room via Booking.com
Jupiter NEXT
If you’re looking to splurge a little and spoil yourself, what better place than Jupiter NEXT? Located in East Burnside Street, 0.8 miles from Downtown Portland, the hotel offers modern accommodation options near several attractions.
Enjoy sweeping city views, modern rooms with en suite bathrooms, and a private garden retreat. After a day of exploring the city, sit down at the on-site restaurant to enjoy a delicious meal.
Sample some beverages at the bar or order a bottle of wine or champagne for the room. This hotel screams oh la luxury with all-around superb features and amenities.
Read reviews on TripAdvisor︱Book a room via Booking.com
The Heathman Hotel
The deluxe four-star Heathman Hotel ticks all the boxes when it comes to luxury living in Portland. Located in the city’s cultural district, on the corner of Southwest Broadway at Salmon Street, you’ll never want to leave.
From Bluetooth clock radios to bathrobes and slippers, this hotel oozes extravagance at its best.
Each suite features two TVs, a separate living room, a dining area, and additional modern amenities, including pet facilities and minibars.
After a long day exploring the city, enjoy an afternoon tea in the comfortable seating area. They say ‘food feeds the soul,’ and at Heathman Hotel, they certainly speak for this.
Sample their delicious menu featuring local cuisine and seafood options. It’s the ideal hotel for anyone looking for some RnR time in Portland.
Read reviews on TripAdvisor︱Book a room via Booking.com
Final Thoughts: Where to Stay in Portland, OR
Portland is by far one of the hippest cities in the United States. It’s filled with plenty of exciting places to pop into and incredible accommodation areas to stay.
Take your time to sample the mouth-watering cuisines, sightsee to your heart’s content, and soak in the beauty of the city’s surroundings.
So, there you have it, the cream of the crop of hotels and best areas in Portland to stay. If you’ve been to Portland and have a top spot on your list, please share; I’d love to know.
Essential Info: Logistical Tips and Tricks to Book your Trip
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT
Regarding cheap airfare, I highly recommend using Skyscanner and Expedia. These are two of the sites I use the most due to their exhaustive search on several websites and airlines around the world. They usually bring the cheapest fares.
Additionally, I recommend getting the WayAway Plus membership to save money on cheaper fares and earn cashback (sent straight to your PayPal) on your bookings.
BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION
For hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and other types of accommodation, I highly recommend Booking.com. They are my go-to booking site because they usually have the cheapest fares.
If you’re a registered Booking.com user (“Genius”), you can take advantage of their “Genius discount” to save even more money. I almost always book my accommodation with Booking, and I’ve saved thousands of dollars with their Genius discount.
And of course, as one of the largest travel booking sites in the world, Expedia is another excellent accommodation booking site with a free reward program and discounted member prices.
If you’re looking to save money by staying at a hostel, HostelWorld has the largest inventory of hostels with shared dorms and private rooms. On the other hand, Vrbo offers a wide variety of rooms and apartments at affordable prices.
DON’T FORGET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance with comprehensive coverage will protect you against unexpected events like theft, cancellations, injury, and illness.
I use HeyMondo to insure my trips and recommend them. Their affordable plans offer a 24/7 assistance platform for claims, medical coverage for every traveler, adventure sports and covid-19 coverage, and more. And better yet, GloboTreks readers get 5% off their plan! Get a quote.
Alternatively, if you’re a nomad and travel often or long-term, then SafetyWing could help you save a lot of money on long-term travel insurance.
FIND THE BEST TOURS AT THE BEST PRICES
If you’re looking for the best day tours and cheapest ticket entrances to local attractions, I recommend checking Viator, as they have the largest selection of attractions, passes, and activities all around the world.
BOOK YOUR LOCAL TRANSPORTATION AHEAD OF TIME
Bookaway offers the easiest and most accessible way to book overland transportation with local operators, be it by bus, train, ferry, plane, mini-van, or even private transfers.
If renting a car, then I highly recommend DiscoverCars to get the largest car selection at the best price.
OTHER TRAVEL AND MONEY-SAVING TIPS?
Lastly, check out my resources page for some of the best products and companies to use for your trip. If you like saving money (like I do!), then this page will help.
LET ME HELP YOU TRAVEL MORE BY GETTING ADDITIONAL TIPS AND INSPIRATION VIA THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER.
Plus, receive a short e-book with 15 Beginner Tips and Tricks to Save Money on Flights!