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Most visitors to Portland think they want to stay downtown. While Portland has a lot of unique and cool neighborhoods, from Mississippi to Hawthorne and Belmont in SE Portland — most of these neighborhoods do not have hotels. So unless you plan to Airbnb your stay in Portland, most tourists likely find themselves on the west side of the river in downtown. But you don’t have to! There are cheap, cool hotels in Portland that are in fun neighborhoods too.
Although downtown Portland doesn’t have the same personality as a lot of the neighborhoods, its great for Portland sightseeing (especially if you’re sans-car) — like Powell’s Books, Waterfront Park, the Japanese Gardens, International Rose Test Gardens, Oregon Zoo and more, and you’ll close to everywhere else you want to be via the MAX light rail, streetcar, and bus.
If you’re looking for a cool Portland hotel that’s in the middle of everything, check out the following options.
4 Cheap + Cool Hotels in Portland:
Ace Hotel
If: You want to be right in the middle of things and have a slight hipster bent, you’ll be right at home. The Portland Ace is as a block from Powell’s Books, on the streetcar line, near some of the best food carts the city has to offer, and even has a Stumptown Coffee in the building. Even if you don’t end up staying at the Ace, the lobby is still worth a visit, while you sip your Stumptown, peruse magazines and people watch from the comfort of your couch. Rooms start at $95 for a basic shared (shower and bath down the hall).
Hotel Class: 3-star
Parking: Yes. Not included
Wi-Fi: Yes
Free bikes: Yes
Jupiter Hotel
If: You want to be close to downtown, but a get a feel for a different neighborhood. Eight blocks east of the river, the Jupiter Hotel shares a block with the Doug Fir lounge and is one of the most hip budget options in town. A little posher than some of the basic rooms at the other “cool” cheap hotels in town, you’ll find a few more amenities at Jupiter, like a private bath, pillow-top beds, speakers for your MP3 player iPhone. You’ll also find cool bars and some the best places to eat in Portland within a few blocks, including: Doug Fir Lounge, Biwa, Le Pigeon, Sizzle Pie, Beaker & Flask and Rontoms. Even if you don’t end up staying at the Jupiter, be sure to check out the Doug Fir lounge for a show or a drink. Rooms start at $104.
Hotel Class: 2.5-star
Parking: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Free bikes: Yes
McMenamin’s Kennedy School
If: you’re looking for a quintessential Portland neighborhood stay, Kennedy School is probably your best option. A converted school, Kennedy School is like Disney Land for grownups — well grownups that like pizza and beer at the movies, and a nice saltwater soaking pool. You’ll have access to the theater, restaurant, bars, and soaking pool and there is also a lot to explore out your door in Portland’s NE Alberta neighborhood — including recent hotspots like Beast and DOC. Rooms start at $115 for a queen room with private bath.
Hotel Class: 3-star
Parking: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Free bikes: No
McMenamin’s Crystal Hotel
If: you’re looking for an eclectic budget option downtown, McMenamins’ newest Portland property, the Crystal Hotel is a good option. Located on SW 12th two blocks from Powell’s Books, the Crystal Hotel is another carless recommendation. Like most McMenamins’ hotels, you’ll have access to the soaking pool, and with the Crystal Ballroom across the street, you get the opportunity to purchase tickets to a show. Rooms start at $85 for a queen European-style room.
Hotel Class: 3-star
Parking: No
Wi-Fi: Yes
Free bikes: No
What’s your favorite cool Portland hotel?
Photos by: aforonda, Gideon Tsang, stovak, juhansonin, torres21, eyeliam, mcmenamins
