A Local’s Guide to Where to Stay in Portland Oregon

Staking its claim as America’s destination for weirdness, Portland, Oregon is one of the most popular destinations for travelers to visit. It is in a stunning location at the end of the Oregon trail with breathtaking views, great hiking trails, and must-see landmarks.

Portland is a foodie paradise famous for abundance of food trucks, street markets, coffee, and local breweries.

Getting around the city also couldn’t be easier. You can navigate on foot, by bicycle, or take public transportation.

If you’re planning to visit this Pacific Northwest city and wondering where to stay in Portland, Oregon, you’ll find numerous Portland hotels where you can stay in luxury or on a budget.

Finding the best places to stay in Portland can be overwhelming. We wrote this guide to help you find the perfect place to stay in Portland, Oregon.

Where to Stay in Portland, Oregon: Best Areas

Where to stay in Portland depends on where you want to visit and whether you have a car.

You can get around relatively easily without a vehicle if you stay within walking distance of a MAX light rail station. Buses also run regularly and are widespread across the city.

Another option would be to get a Zipcar membership (though it’s probably not worth it for a short visit if you don’t also use their network in your hometown).

Biketown bicycle rentals by Nike and scooter rentals are also available on many street corners. And of course, there’s always Uber or Lyft.

Some of the best areas to stay in Portland include:
– Cute Portland neighborhoods like Alberta Arts District, Ladd’s Addition, Laurelhurst, or Sellwood
– Centrally located spots with the best access to public transit like the downtown Pearl District or Convention Center/Lloyd Center across the river (these are where most hotels are located)
– Up-and-coming areas a bit further afield like St. Johns in North Portland or North Williams Ave
– If solely transiting through PDX airport, there are plenty of standard hotels nearby that will do, but they’re nothing special and the area is mostly industrial

Read next: Our Guide to Things to Do in Portland and What to Pack for Portland

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Budget Hostels and Vacation Rentals in Portland

Staying in Portland is usually not cheap, but here are a few good Portland accommodation options if you’re on a budget.

Truflip99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

HI – Portland Northwest Hostel

Located in a safe and quiet neighborhood within walking distance from the city center, HI – Portland Northwest Hostel is an exceptional budget accommodation that offers great facilities, delicious breakfast, and amazing service. This hostel is highly recommended for travelers who like to meet people.

Location: Northwest Portland
Cost: $$
Lodging style: Hostel
Amenities/highlights:

• Continental breakfast
• On site restaurant
• Shared, fully equipped kitchen
• Garden

Guests Say:

“The facilities are great. superb service and vibe.” | “The location it’s perfect, near everything if you like to walk. breakfast was pretty good and the receptionist’s attention was the best.” | “Exactly the stay I was hoping for! A wonderful place to meet fellow travelers.”

Check rates and availability for HI – Portland Northwest Hostel >

Boutique Style Apartment in the heart of SE Portland

4 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 full bed · 1 sofa bed · 1 bath

This Boutique Style Apartment in the heart of SE is a clean and tastefully decorated accommodation equipped with everything guests need for short or longer stays. It is conveniently located in a neighborhood great for walking and exploring. A new grocery mart and dozens of dining options are within walking distance from the property.

Location: Southeast Portland
Cost:  $$
Lodging style: Apartment
Amenities/highlights: 

• Garden view and street view
• Kitchenette
• Patio
• Washing machine
• Free bikes

Guests Say:

“Lovely very recent renovation with excellent taste and design. Outdoor area a plus with a lovely garden.” | This place was in a perfect location. It was in the heart of Portland, but in the safe, friendly, and beautiful old town residential area. Every you need within walking distance.” | “The owners are extremely friendly and helpful…”

Check rates and availability for Boutique Style Apartment in the heart of SE >

Comfort + Value Options: Best Portland Hotels and Vacation Rentals

Bill Young, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Royal Sonesta Portland Hotel

If you’d like a upscale-yet-funky Portland hotel experience in downtown, check out Royal Sonesta Portland (formerly Hotel Monaco). We loved their big bathrobes and bold decor. There’s also a restaurant and spa on site.

Location: Downtown Portland
Cost:  $$-$$$
Lodging style:  Hotel
Amenities/highlights:  

• On-site bar and restaurant
• On-site fitness center
• Complimentary bicycle rentals
• Spa and wellness center

Guests Say:  

“The location of this hotel could not be better. You can walk to literally everything in Portland! The decor looks really great and it’s comfortable.” | “The staff was super friendly! The hotel room was very clean too!” | “The rate was reasonable and we felt we got the most for our money.”

Downsides:  Paid parking

Check rates and availability for Royal Sonesta Portland >

Bluebird Guesthouse: Portland B&B Vibes

Bluebird Guesthouse is an old but charming house offering guests a comfortable and private stay, similar to a bed and breakfast. This inn has clean and cozy rooms that would make guests feel at home.

It is conveniently located in a safe and trendy neighborhood close to restaurants and shops. This property is an amazing place to stay at for a quick stopover or longer stay in Portland.

Location:  Southeast Division Street, Portland
Cost: $$-$$$
Lodging style: Inn
Amenities/highlights:  

• Terrace
• Garden
• Full kitchen
• Continental breakfast

Guests Say:

“Good central location, beautiful house, excellent accommodations and clear instructions. Perfect!” | “Fantastic location, easy access, comfortable nicely finished room, great breakfast options, very cool old house.” | “It was a nice stay, fitted our needs and I would recommend this place.”

Downsides:  Street parking

Check rates and availability for Bluebird Guesthouse >

McMenamin’s Kennedy School: Unique Portland Stay

I’ve always wanted to stay at McMenamin’s Kennedy School because it’s so unique. The McMenamin’s franchise is well known for refurbishing historic buildings into funky brew pub restaurants and boutique hotels.

Located in Northeast Portland, near the former Concordia University campus, the Kennedy School is a former elementary school that now houses a restaurant, bars, movie theater, heated saltwater soaking pool, hotel rooms, and more murals than you can count.

Location: Northeast Portland
Cost: $$-$$$
Lodging style: Boutique Hotel
Amenities/highlights:  

• Historic building
• Restaurant and Bar
• Heated saltwater pool
• On-site movie theatre
• Free private parking

Guests Say:  

“Rooms delightfully furnished. Staff very helpful and accommodating.” | “I loved how unique this hotel is and the warm pool. It was an amazing experience.” | “Great location for us – close to airport and our destination”

Check rates and availability for McMenamin’s Kennedy School >

Caravan Tiny House Hotel: Unique Portland Stay

Known for alternative and environmentally-friendly ideas, it’s no surprise that Portland is home to many tiny houses. One of the first tiny house rentals in Portland was the Caravan Tiny House Hotel, established in 2013.

This small pod of six tiny houses is located in one of Portland’s most creative neighborhoods. Each house is available for nightly, weekly, or even monthly vacation rentals.

Location: Alberta Arts  District
Cost: $$-$$$
Lodging style: Boutique Tiny Houses
Amenities/highlights:  

• Fully stocked, private tiny house
• Local art and hygiene products
• Sound machines in unit
• Communal fire pit and BBQ
• Steps from local shops, restaurants

Guests Say:  

“The most unique and fun hotel ever!!” | “Fire pit, s’mores, adorable tiny houses. I want every hotel I ever stay in to be like this.” | “We came here as an experiment, to see if living in a tiny home was really feasible. And we couldn’t love this place more!”

Learn more about the Caravan tiny house hotel >

Splurge Luxury Hotels and Portland Vacation Rentals

Let’s look at some of the best hotels in Portland for a comfortable, luxury stay in the city.

The Duniway Portland, A Hilton Hotel

The Duniway by Hilton is one of the higher end, hip and modern downtown hotels in Portland Oregon. The 4 star property is well located and very classy.

Location: Downtown Portland
Cost: $$$
Lodging style: Hotel
Amenities/highlights:  

• Heated indoor pool
• Good Breakfast
• Fitness Center
• Airport shuttle
• City view

Guests Say:  

 “The rooms are very nice and clean and the hotel staff is so friendly. I would definitely recommend this hotel.” | “Great spot. Right in the middle of everything in downtown Portland.” | “Prefect location, close to everywhere I want to go. Friendly staff give good information.”

Downsides:  Paid parking

Check rates and availability for The Duniway by Hilton >

Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center

Hyatt Regency Portland is a beautiful new 4-star hotel. It’s one of the best hotels in Porltand for visiting the Oregon Convention Center, as it’s mere steps away. It is also close to downtown Portland and very convenient to public transport.

This sparkling clean hotel has well appointed, comfortable rooms and amazing staff that are helpful and friendly.

Location: Northeast Portland
Cost:  $$$$
Lodging style:  Hotel
Amenities/highlights:  

• On site restaurant 
• Fitness center
• Private parking
• Pet friendly

Guests Say:  

“Beautiful Stay, Clean Rooms, Wonderful Staff. It definitely exceeded my expectations!” | “Staffs are very friendly and helpful. I will recommend to my friends.” | “It was super nice hotel for a good price. Very clean hotel & nice staff, will be coming back soon!”

Check rates and availability for Hyatt Regency Portland >

The Heathman Hotel, Portland

The Heathman Hotel is a luxurious historical hotel and one of the most recognizable landmarks in Portland. This iconic hotel offers beautiful, well appointed rooms, exceptional amenities, and accommodating staff.

It is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Portland, close to must-see attractions, shops, and dining options.

Location: 2 blocks from Max Light Rail Train
Cost: $$$$
Lodging style: Hotel
Amenities/highlights:  

• On site restaurant
• Gym
• Library
• Offers in-room massages
• Pet friendly

Guests Say:  

“It’s the staff and amenities that make this such a fun, comfortable and unique place to stay.” | “I liked the location and decor of the property. The rooms were spacious and very comfortable.” | “This hotel was worth every penny. We will be back the next time we are in town.”

Check rates and availability for The Heathman Hotel >

Jupiter NEXT Hotel in Portland

Jupiter NEXT is a modern and cozy hotel with spacious, clean rooms and helpful staff. There is an art gallery for the guests to enjoy and a sky lounge overlooking an amazing view of the city.

This hotel’s central location allows guests to conveniently explore the beautiful city, restaurants, shops, and must-see attractions.

Location: East Burnside Street
Cost:  $$$$
Lodging style: Hotel
Amenities/highlights:  

• On site restaurant
• On site bar
• City, landmark, or inner courtyard views
• Pet friendly

Guests Say:  

“This is the most impeccably clean room I’ve EVER stayed in. Very comfy. Great view. Beautiful hotel.” | “Clean, safe and funky! Great bar in the lobby. Exceptional staff.” | “Such friendly staff, fun and tech-y rooms with such a fun lobby and courtyard. Can’t wait to come back- plus the coffee is amazing.” 

Downsides:  Paid private parking

Check rates and availability for Jupiter NEXT >

The Hi-Lo, Autograph Collection Hotel

Located in the heart of Downtown Portland, The Hi-Lo, Autograph Collection is a luxury hotel with beautiful decor, comfortable rooms, and modern vibe. The location is perfectly close to restaurants, shopping centers, and public transport. Guests can enjoy a relaxing stay at this hotel with convenient access to the city’s famous destinations.

Location: Downtown Portland
Cost:  $$$$
Lodging style: Hotel
Amenities/highlights:  

• On site restaurant and bar
• Heated floors
• Fitness center
• Historic building
• Pet friendly

Guests Say:  

“Extremely clean! Loved the huge bathroom and heated floors. We had a great time. Would definitely recommend!” | “Good location, big room and bathroom, friendly staff both in hotel and cafe, historical building (which works for ambience).” | “The hotel is centrally located, not far from the shopping district.”

Downsides:  Some street noise

Check rates and availability for The Hi-Lo, Autograph Collection >

More Best Places to Stay in Portland: Airbnb

Cozy Portland studio apartment – 2 guests, 1 bed 1 bath close in SE Portland
NW Portland studio apartment – 2 guests, 1 bed 1 bath in NW Portland’s Alphabet District
1910 Historic Jessie Morehead House – 8 guests, 3 bed 2.5 bath on Northwest 21st Ave

More about visiting Portland

For further reading about Portland travel:

– A Local’s Guide to the Top Things to Do in Portland Oregon
– What to Pack for Portland Oregon

For other Oregon destinations:

– A Local’s Guide to Oregon Road Trip Destinations and Itineraries
– Top Things To Do In Redmond, Oregon In Summer
– 3 Fantastic Day Trips from Salem
– 5 Favorite Places to Run (or Walk) in Salem, Oregon  
– A Complete Guide to Visiting Independence and Monmouth, Oregon 
– Favorite Spots to Hang Out in Salem, Oregon
– Oregon’s Best-Kept Secret: Silver Falls State Park 
– Best Coffee Shops in Salem, Oregon