Small and compact and not too far from the beautiful Oregon coastline, the unique Pacific Northwest Port city of Portland showcases everything good about the hipster scene, including its plentiful supply of characterful places to stay. From quirky boutiques to modern, here are my favorites…
1. McMenamins Kennedy School
Located in the Northeast of the city home to an arts and culture scene, and craft breweries. I was a huge fan of this boutique with bold and eclectic decor, a historic building, and eco-positive policies.
My room had vintage-style furniture, parquet floors, a private bathroom, free WiFi, air-con, and complimentary toiletries. I spent the day in the outdoor soaking pool and then dining on pub fare while movies played on the auditorium cinema screen!
It also included a gift shop, surrounding gardens, an onsite restaurant, and four themed bars. I sipped on a house craft brew in the onsite Concordia Brewery (formally the little girl’s room!), listened to live Indie music in the on-site venue, and had a dinner made from locally sourced ingredients in the Courtyard Restaurant.
2. Jupiter Hotel
I loved this unique blend of eclectic retro-chic design and artsy vibe, where I discovered rooms with wall murals by local artists, a lively outdoor courtyard that hosted music events. I really lapped up its lively and hip vibe, which I saw attracted a creative crowd. The decor consisted of exposed beams, industrial finishes, and striking wall murals which had been created by local artists.
My guest room at the Jupiter Hotel featured a trendy decor, eco-friendly amenities, artistic wall murals, and modern conveniences such as a flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi.
I partied in the retro-themed bar next to the hotel’s Doug Fir Lounge and Restaurant, which showcased a rock band in the basement. It also served up handcrafted cocktails, craft beer, and American eats with vegan and gluten-free options. There was also a 24-hour art gallery and a contemporary courtyard patio complete with an awesome fire pit.
This spot was located Burnside Street so I was very near vintage stores, bars, and nightlife, it’s a major thoroughfare in the city and only a 5-minute drive from Downtown.
My highlights…
- I loved that the hotel was dedicated to supporting local artists and small businesses, and on the first Friday of every month, it hosted a ‘reception for the artist,’ an event where I mixed with local artisans and explore multi-sensory art forms with like-minded people!
3. Ace Hotel
I was a big fan of this funky mid-range accommodation option that doubled as a local hipster hangout. It was housed in a historic building in the funky West End neighborhood which was filled with great nightlife, vibey bars, excellent restaurants, and fabulous independent boutiques.
The overall look was very hip and creative, with dark wood and colorful retro-styled furniture. There was a funky communal vibe about the place and I easily got casually chatting with quite a few guests.
My guest room, which was decorated by local artists, had dark wooden floors, an exposed brick wall accent wall, and quirky features such as a vinyl record player. Some rooms have shared bathrooms, but all came with free WiFi, minibars, and flat-screen TVs.
I dined on home-cooked locally sourced food, a continental breakfast, and a vast range of alcoholic drinks in the cozy Clyde Common restaurant and bar overseen by Chef Carlo Lamagna, who offered a diverse range of innovative menu choices.
Other stand out features included the bespoke handmade motorcycle created for the hotel by artist Jordon Hufnagel, the on-site cafe, and multiple restaurants, where I chilled out with fellow travelers, played a vinyl record and messed around in the vintage photo booth.
4. McMenamins Crystal
I found this hotel located in a historic building (which was built in 1911) in the buzzy West End part of Downtown. As well as vibey bars and restaurants the famous Powell’s Books, the Pearl District, and Jimmy Mak’s Jazz Club are also nearby.
I found the vibe relaxed but with eclectic music-themed decor featuring unique artwork, and bright colors. Each of the 51 rooms is influenced by one of the standout shows at the Crystal Ballroom across the road – from Blondie to The Flaming Lips.
I stayed in a themed room with vintage furniture, city views, a private bathroom, free WiFi, plush bathrobes, and organic toiletries.
Other features I found included an on-site live music venue and weekend comedy shows, a lively bar, two on-site restaurants serving Northwest cuisine and craft brews, an indoor soaking/swimming pool, and an art gallery—music-themed, of course!
5. Sentinel Hotel
This is where the hotel owners say “creative thinkers, artists, and entrepreneurs can lay their heads and be inspired”! I found the eco-friendly hotel housed in a historic terracotta building which dated from 1909 in central downtown near a streetcar stop, Powell’s Bookstore, and the Portland Art Museum.
During my stay, I discovered striking decor which was a mix of old-time luxury and contemporary elements such as black and white prints of intellects, worn leather sofas, 20th-century local art, and many books!
I stayed in a boutique-style, pet-friendly guest room which cam with free Wi-Fi, a minibar, air-con, a flat-screen TV, luxury linens, and a pillow and iPod menu. The Well & Fit kit kept me busy with a yoga mat, fitness equipment, as well as the a tablet which was pre-loaded with fitness videos.
The breakfast featured a wide range of organic options, including the house-made honey which I loved!
My favorite highlights…
- Relaxing in the trendy Fortune bar and sipping on creative cocktails, the Gin Dreams cocktail was fabulous.
- Eating the honey at breakfast which was produced by the bees living on beehives on the rooftop, I thought this was such a cute touch!
6. Moxy Downtown
Located in central downtown area near the trendy Pearl District, I loved this funky modern spot which had eye-catching decor, pink neon lights, trendy design details, and awesome floor-to-ceiling glass front windows.
I stayed in a guest room that featured a contemporary design, wooden floors, a cable flat-screen TV, air-con, free Wi-Fi, and city views.
Other amenities included a bar serving hand-crafted cocktails, an onsite restaurant with varied breakfast menus and dinners, and a fitness center.
7. Hotel Vintage
I found this 4-star hotel located in downtown Southwest, near Providence Park and the Pearl District. It is an 11-minute walk from the Portland Art Museum. The hotel was also at the center of a lot of entertainment action.
The overall design was boutique-style, and the walls were art-adorned. There was a striking floating staircase, art sculptures, a graffitied lobby, and chandeliers shaped like bunches of grapes! I stayed in a loft-style guest room with a flat-screen cable TV, a minifridge, plush bathrobes, city views, and yoga mats!
The Pazzo restaurant served up a buffet breakfast, local wines, and Italian cuisine. The Bacchus Bar, located on-site, served craft beers and wines, and I loved the old-school arcade games and a pool.
In addition to welcoming pets and offering a modern 24-hour fitness center, the hotel focused on gastronomy and offered urban tasting sessions in its lounge room bar.
8. Duniway Hotel
Billed as the city’s newest lifestyle hotel, it’s located in the Central Business District- within walking distance of independent shops, bars, and restaurants. The Portland Art Museum, the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, and MAX Light Rail are nearby.
The overall design is stylish and trendy with high standards. It featured contemporary furniture, exotic rugs, green plants, and art prints.
I stayed in a spacious guest room with modern decor, free WiFi, high-thread-count linens, a visual doorbell, city views, and an espresso machine.
It also featured an onsite restaurant overseen by celebrity chef Chris Cosentino, an onsite eatery and bar, an indoor swimming pool, a modern gym, and a furnished terrace that regularly hosts live music and yoga classes.
9. Jupiter Next
This is the new sister hotel of the Jupiter Hotel, but it’s an officially higher-graded hotel. It is located on Eastside Burnside Street and is known for its independent boutiques and live music venues. Near Voodoo Donuts and Revolution Hall.
Designed by trendy Works Progress Architecture, the hotel offers views of the city and the West Hills. The design is contemporary, with a concrete-and-steel staircase (a design piece by Laura Sol), a concrete fire pit, and lots of black and glass.
My room had a city-inspired headboard, large windows, modern art, glass bathrooms, a signature knit throw from Seek & Swoon, a voice-activated in-room concierge, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a large flat-screen TV.
The hotel also had space to work, relax, and socialize. The tropical-themed onsite restaurant and bar served American cuisine, breakfast, and cocktails and even turned into a disco in the evenings. There was also an open-air lounge on the fifth floor with city views.
10. Hoxton Hotel
This boutique hotel is in the city’s historic Chinatown, which has many restaurants, shops, and a MAX Light Rail station. The famous White Stag sign and Tom McCall Waterfront Park are also nearby.
Housed in a restored 1906 building, it has modernist furniture, quirky ornaments, a pastel color scheme, and large windows that let in lots of natural light.
Guest rooms range in size from small to spacious, and my room featured dark woods, art, a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, air conditioning, tall windows offering city views, and black-tiled private bathrooms.
Other amenities include a rooftop restaurant that combines American food with views across the city, a coffee shop that offers pastries and coffee, and a speakeasy-style basement bar.
I suggest trying their eatery, which serves up creative cocktails inspired by the local area, craft beers, and snacks.
11. Hotel Zags
This 4-star hotel is situated along Willamette River in the downtown arts district, just two blocks from a MAX light rail station and a 6-minute walk from the Portland Art Museum.
Other nearby attractions include the city’s Farmer’s Market, South Waterfront Park, and the Hawthorne Asylum Food Cart Pod.
It’s a design boutique inspired by the city’s unique spirit. I loved that it offers retro-modern furniture, contemporary art, and lots of wood and greenery.
My guest room featured a flat-screen cable TV, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, an iPod dock, and a marble bathroom. All guests receive complimentary passes to a nearby 24-hour fitness center.
Other amenities include the interior courtyard with fire pits, the city’s first-ever living wall, a 24-hour store, buffet breakfast, and an onsite restaurant, Nel Centro, which offers a fine dining experience engineered by the regarded local chef and restaurateur David Machado.
- To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Zags
12. The Heathman
Housed in a downtown historic building from 1927, The Heathman offers a premium boutique lodging experience perfect for couples (it’s a hotel made world-famous by the Fifty Shades of Grey novels!).
Recognized for its distinction and quality, this 4-star property is conveniently close to various cultural attractions, including galleries, parks, and museums. It is a short walk from the Pioneer Square South MAX Station.
