Portland advice!

[urbpan]

Hello all!
I know some of you are Portlanders, damn Portlanders, or former Portlanders (talking about Oregon) and I need a bit of advice. My brother, father, and I are going drive around the coast of Oregon, but we are going to fly into Portland first, and spend the first night there. My brother is getting there ahead of us on another plane, and wants to find us the hotel so he can check in, drop his bags and explore. I seem to recall the area around the airport (like is the case in most cities) being not all that fun. Perhaps I'm wrong, but you tell me: is there a hotel reasonably near the airport that isn't too depressing to hang out at/around? We won't be there long, but no need to start the trip on a bummer.

Thanks in advance!

Comments

[hhw]

I'd stay downtown. the airport is a 40-minute ride on the light rail (called the Max; the red line goes to PDX). The only places near the airport are big box stores. plus you can then pick up a rental car in the city which might be a bit cheaper than the airport rates.

[grrlpup]

If "near the airport" is important, I'd try this Aloft hotel. I have not stayed there myself, but it's kinda the only thing in the area that's not a soul-sucking Embassy Suites or equivalent. And it's a two-minute walk to the MAX light rail that will take you downtown (or to the mall or to the zoo), so you wouldn't necessarily need to rent a car til you head out of town.

Otherwise, +1 to what hhw said. Same red-line MAX from the airport. The Heathman Hotel is pricey but great for bookish people, with a library. The Ace Hotel is the hipster hotel. The Benson is where the President stays when he visits. The Modera is newly gussied up and I've heard it's a good deal.

[urbpan.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[urbpan.livejournal.com]

Thank you thank you!