If you’re looking for the best hotels in Portland, Oregon you’ve come to the right place. Boutique hotels, weird hotels, unique hotels and historic hotels – Portland has no shortage of great options.
As a lifelong local, I didn’t need to know much about the best Portland hotels because most of my family and friends live in the area. But all of that changed after I met my now-husband, who moved to Portland from Atlanta.
Many days were spent researching various hotels in Portland on behalf of his family and friends (marry an extrovert, they said). Thankfully, all that research didn’t go to waste. In the 7 years we’ve been married, we’ve had friends stay all over Portland (some great hotels, some duds).
So without further ado, allow me to share the best hotels in Portland, Oregon based on firsthand experience.
Short on time? Cheat-sheet of the best hotels in Portland
- My all-around preference: Woodlark Hotel
- Non-negotiable luxury: The Nines
- Best pet-friendly hotel in Portland: Royal Sonesta
- Most unique hotel: The Kennedy School
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Best Hotels in Portland, Oregon
(Click here for the table of contents)
The Heathman Hotel
The first thing you’ll notice about the Heathman Hotel hotel are the well-dressed doormen greeting guests at the door. Impressing visitors since 1927, the Heathman is a safe bet when looking for the best hotels in Portland.
Located in downtown Portland, the hotel was recently renovated (2018) in a contemporary style. Expect airy and bright rooms with modern decor that pay homage to the hotel’s nearly 100-year history (it opened in 1927) .
One of the most unique things about this Portland hotel is the library. More than 2,700 volumes signed by notable hotel guests (U.S. Poet Laureates, Nobel Prize winners, Pulitzer Prize winners, and a President) span the shelves of the lobby library, which is worth a gander.
Check prices and book your stay at the Heathman Hotel.
The Benson Hotel
Best known for accommodating every visiting U.S. President since William H. Taft, The Benson is one of the most iconic hotels in Portland. Step foot into the lobby and find yourself engrossed in luxury.
From elegant Austrian crystal chandeliers to Italian marble floors, and Circassian walnut wood beams imported from the imperial forests of Russia, the elegance of this opulent Portland hotel is unmatched.
Built by self-made millionaire Simon Benson, the hotel sought to put Portland on the map by attracting tourists and commerce to the city. The hotel was completely renovated in 2018 with moderately-designed rooms. Every room comes equipped with Temper-Pedic beds, marble bathrooms and access to great amenities all hours of the night.
Best Hotels in Portland, Oregon | Check prices and book your stay at the Benson Hotel.
Fun Fact: The public water fountains around town are referred to as Benson Bubblers. The reason? In 1912, Benson (the same man responsible for this iconic Portland hotel) gifted the city $10,000 to install twenty bronze fountains for clean drinking water. The fountains are in use to this day (there’s currently 52 Benson Bubblers in Portland).
Woodlark Hotel (My favorite hotel in Portland)
Home to one of the best bars in Portland, the newly-built Woodlark Hotel was opened in a beautifully-renovated 1900s building in the heart of downtown. You’ll have access to the best of Portland without wandering too far from the hotel.
This stylish Portland hotel is the perfect location for a weekend escape or stay cation. Heck, even if you’re not in the mood to leave the building, you’ll still find yourself content. The hotel’s restaurant, Bullard Tavern, seems incapable of disappointment and the adjoining bar, Abigail Hall, is buzzing with laughter well into the night.
But the biggest perk of this top-notch Portland hotel? The cafe neatly tucked into the hotel lobby. Bright and airy, the modern cafe is the perfect place to catch up on work emails or prepare for the day.
Speaking from personal experience, my favorite thing about the Woodlark Hotel is the casual vibe and beautiful decor. Whenever my husband and I plan a staycation downtown, this is the hotel we opt for.
Check prices and book your stay at Woodlark Hotel.
Dossier
Opened in 2017, Dossier is one of the newest hotels in Portland, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the best. Awarded by Condé Nast Traveler as the best hotel in Oregon in 2019, the Dossier strives to impress.
Located in downtown (across the street from the Woodlark), you’ll be steps from Pioneer Courthouse Square (affectionately called Portland’s living room), cafes, restaurants and shopping opportunities.
The rooms are decorated in a classy mid-century style without sacrificing essential comforts. The Beautyrest mattress is topped with high-quality Italian linen sheets. Feeling peckish? Make reservations at the hotel’s restaurant, Alder, which serves French fare in a 1920’s inspired bistro setting.
Local’s Tip: One of the biggest perks of staying at Dossier is the FREE happy hour served daily in the lobby. Swing by for craft beer and kombucha, courtesy of Hood River’s Ferment Brewing Company.
Check prices and book your stay at the Dossier here.
Sentinel
No list of the best hotels in Portland is complete without mentioning the Sentinel. Located smack-dab in the heart of downtown, the location couldn’t be better. This high-end Portland hotel gives you access to food carts, top-notch restaurants (don’t sleep on Lil Shalom) and great local shops.
The old-school charm of the Sentinel is perfectly cozy without feeling outdated. Velvet green walls, Pendelton wool throws and leather accents will have you confusing this beloved Portland hotel with a luxury escape to Scotland.
If you’d like to end your evening on a high note make sure to swing by Domaine Serene Wine Lounge to get a sampling of world-renowned wines from Willamette Valley.
Best Hotels in Portland, Oregon | Check prices and book your stay at the Sentinel.
The Nines
Attracting everyone from celebrities and professional athletes to wedding-dress clad weekend brides, The Nines is the place to be for a fancy stay in Portland.
The hotel is modern and sleek, giving off a luxurious vibe few can resist. The well-appointed rooms are tranquil and the service is top-notch (as to be expected). This is a great option for folks that like to be in the heart of action while lodging in style.
The hotel is always buzzing with energy and the rooftop bar, Departure, is largely to blame. Don’t sleep on the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, Urban Farmer, if you’re feeling hungry.
Check prices and book your stay at the Nines Hotel.
The Hoxton Hotel
Home to one of the coolest rooftop bars in Portland, The Hoxton is the best Portland hotel for those that consider an alarm clock optional. It’s all about the essentials here, floor-to-ceiling windows, tasteful mid-century modern furniture and local artwork are par for the course.
Located on the edge of Chinatown, you won’t need to leave the hotel unless you want to because the (three!) onsite restaurants are sure to satisfy. If you’d like a night-time libation, grab the elevator to Tope, the buzzy upstairs bar where the only guarantee is a strong drink (a seat is much harder to come by).
As for amenities, this Portland hotel has it all. From complimentary bike rentals to rooftop morning yoga (last Friday of the month). It’s no wonder why locals consider this one of the best boutique hotels in Portland.
Best Hotels in Portland, Oregon | Check prices and book your stay at Hoxton Hotel.
Hotel Lucia
The first time we stayed at Hotel Lucia we were taken aback by the quirkiness of this Portland hotel. A perfect fusion between sophistication and charm, we found ourselves very comfortable during our stay.
Located in a historic 1909 building, Hotel Lucia has a more playful vibe than some of the other Portland hotels mentioned on this list and that’s largely in part due to the eclectic art throughout the property.
From the art in the lobby bathroom (I have questions) to the cool decor inside the rooms, you’ll have plenty of conversation starters.
Another perk of staying at this Portland hotel is the prime location. Located right off Broadway, you’ll be in the heart of everything. I suggest grabbing breakfast from St. Honoré, one of my favorite bakeries in Portland, which is just across the street from the hotel.
Check prices and book your stay at Hotel Lucia.
AC Marriott Hotel in Downtown Portland
Often dubbed one of the best business hotels in Portland, the AC Hotel by Marriott is a great option for those planning a quick stay in Portland. The rooms are nicely designed and very clean.
This Portland hotel is as stylish as they come. The modern European-inspired rooms will have you asking for a catalogue at check out. This is my go-to recommendation for those asking where to stay in Portland for business trips,
The AC Hotel by Marriott is brass tacks and I appreciate that. Sometimes you don’t want frills and extra expenses, you want a comfortable and clean room you can sleep in before setting out to explore. What’s more, this Portland hotel is located a few steps from Tom McCall Waterfront Park, the ideal place to be when spring cherry blossoms are popping!
Hotel deLuxe
Hotel deLuxe is one of the best Portland hotels for nostalgic folks that were around during the Eisenhower administration. I say this in jest, but only half so. We booked a room for my grandmother-in-law at Hotel deLuxe and she raves about it to this day.
Located in Northwest Portland, the hotel is just barely removed from the downtown core (Powell’s Books is just a few blocks away). As such, the amount of stimulation you get is on your terms. We’ve had a handful of friends stay at Hotel deLuxe and only one mentioned that the hotel felt dated, the others had nothing but great things to say.
Check prices and book your stay at Hotel deLuxe.
Kimpton Riverplace Hotel
The Kimpton Riverplace Hotel has the most coveted location in the city. Situated right on the Willamette River, this hotel offers stunning river views especially at sunset.
This craftsman-style boutique hotel has access to tons of walking paths, great restaurants and epic sunset views. If you can swing it, book the river view because it’s worth the extra expense. The cozy rooms give off serious lodge-vibe and I’m here for it!
Best Hotels in Portland, Oregon | Check prices and book your stay at Kimpton Riverplace Hotel.
Unique Hotels in Portland
The Royal Sonesta (Best Pet Friendly Hotel in Portland)
Playing on Portland’s weird vibes, the Royal Sonesta (previously Hotel Monaco) is all about whimsical vintage vibes. Located in the heart of downtown, you’ll be within walking distance of restaurants, a shopping mall, too many cafes to count and endless walking opportunities.
The rooms are adorned with custom-made wallpaper and spirited décor, welcomin visitors and their four-legged friends alike. With one floor devoted exclusively to pet-friendly rooms, many locals consider the Royal Sonesta one of the best pet friendly hotels in Portland, and I can’t say I disagree.
From the website: We love your furry friends as much as you do. Sonesta is proud to invite your pets and provide special amenities like a comfy pet bed, bowls, waterproof mats, and treats at check-in. $75 fee per stay applies.
If you don’t have a pet, you’ll be staying on one of the hypo-allergenic floors that are closed off to pets. These floors strive to accommodate guests with allergies by ensuring bedding is free from down; only scent-free and hypo-allergenic cleaning products are used.
Book your stay at Royal Sonesta here.
The Ace Hotel
The Ace Hotel is easily one of the coolest hotels in Portland. Edgy, unique and memorable, it oozes a charm many hotels try to emulate in vain. Bohemian vibes are the biggest draw, but you’re just as likely to see well-suited business folks milling in the lobby with a cup of Stumptown Coffee in hand.
The rooms are decorated in minimalist fashion but give off chic-hostel vibes. It’s the quintessential Portland hotel for those enamored with Portland’s easy-going reputation. But mind you, this iconic Portland hotel isn’t for everyone.
It takes a no-frills approach to comfortable lodging and skews more towards a hostel-vibe (some of the rooms house bunk-beds and some shared baths). All this to say, there’s no better way to experience the quirkiness of our charming city than by staying at one of the best boutique hotels in Portland.
Best Hotels in Portland, Oregon | Book your stay at the Ace Hotel here.
The Kennedy School
What happens when you take an abandoned school building and convert it into an all-in-one escape for adults? Well, a hell ton of fun, for starters. At the Kennedy School, the detention room has been converted into a bar and the auditorium is now a movie theater, among other delights.
Classrooms have been converted into comfortable bedrooms, and each room comes equipped with a private bathroom and chalkboards. So if you’re looking for unique hotels in Portland, you need not look further than the Kennedy School, especially since you don’t need to leave the property to have a great time.
Local’s Tip: One of the biggest perks of staying at The Kennedy School is having access to the saltwater soaking pool (only open to guests).
Book your stay at Kennedy School here.
Visiting Portland (Helpful Tips)
You might find the tips below helpful if you’re visiting Portland for the first time. Take it or leave it, up to you.
Best time to visit Portland
- In my opinion, the best time to visit Portland is between May and October. The weather is comfortable (even during summer because there’s practically no humidity) and chance of rainfall is minimal. Winters tend to be gray, wet and cold.
Portland is a foodie city, know where to eat.
- Hungry Local’s Guide: The BEST Restaurants in Portland, Oregon
- 15 Perfected Portland Pizzas (Portland was named the #1 pizza city in the US!)
Where to Stay in Portland (Post Overview)
In sum, here’s a quick roundup of the best hotels in Portland, Oregon.
- The Benson Hotel
- Heathman Lodge
- Sentinel Hotel
- Woodlark Hotel
- Hotel Lucia
- The Nines
- Dossier
- Hoxton Hotel
- AC Marriott Hotel in Downtown Portland
- Hotel DeLuxe
- Kimpton Riverplace Hotel
- The Royal Sonesta (Best Pet Friendly Hotel in Portland)
- The Ace Hotel
- The Kennedy School
- Portland’s White House (Temporarily Closed)
Map of the best Portland hotels
Cheers!
We stayed at the Woodlark Hotel on your recommendation and LOVED it! Will stay there again next time we visit too, thank you for the helpful list!
Hey Amanda, I’m so glad to hear that! We stay at the Woodlark often, it’s such a great hotel!