Looking for the best place to stay in Portland, Oregon?
Follow the guide, we have tested, listed and detailed for you the best areas to stay in Portland as well as the best accommodation in this peaceful American city.
Portland, Oregon’s largest city, is bisected by the Columbia and Willamette rivers, at the foot of snow-capped Mount Hood. It’s known for its parks, bridges, microbreweries and cafés.
With so many exciting things to do, captivating museums and incredible parks, this city continues to attract new tourists who want to experience all it has to offer.
Looking for accommodation in Portland? Check out our selection of our favourite neighbourhoods to stay in Portland.
⏰ Don’t have time to read it all?
Here are the best places to stay in Portland (OR ), with hotels ranging from high-end to budget. They all have great reviews and are in great locations!
🚨 These hotels are some of the most popular so don’t delay booking. Plus, they offer free cancellation, so don’t worry if you change your mind.
- Best upmarket hotel: Sentinel, a Provenance Hotel
- Best value: The Paramount Hotel ❤️
- Best budget hotel: The Society Hotel
- Best well-located flat: Nice Apartment
🌃 Find other accommodation at the best price
Table des matières
Where to stay in Portland for the first time: Downtown
Looking for the best neighborhood to stay in Portland the first time? Downtown is one of the best hip and vibrant areas to find accommodation in Portland. Located on the banks of the Willamette River, it offers many attractions including museums, art galleries, authentic cafés and quirky shops.
If you’re looking for an area to visit, this is the place to stay in Portland.
Best hotels to stay in this area of Portland
Upscale
The Duniway Portland: A Hilton hotel is always a perfect choice. Friendly staff and a great location in Portland’s favorite neighborhood. This luxury hotel is within walking distance of the Portland Museum of Art, shopping, nightlife, museums and the MAX light rail system. This is definitely one of the best places to stay in Portland! See price and availability.
Best value for money
❤️ Paramount Hotel: With great amenities and a perfect location, you can’t do much better than this classy hotel. See price and details.
Cheapest hotel
McMenamins Crystal Hotel: A great place for two travellers with a central location offers relaxation in a salt water soaking pool. See price and details.
Flat
High rise condo : A spacious flat for 2 in a PERFECT location, the tram is right outside the front door… See price and availability.
🌃 Find other accommodation at the best price
Top 5 things to do and see in Downtown
- Portland Art Museum
- Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
- Director Park
- Oregon Historical Society
- Jordan Schnitzer Museum
The best tourist area to visit in Portland: Pearl District
Looking for the best tourist area to stay in Portland? The Pearl District is one of the best walkable neighbourhoods in the whole of the United States! Yes, you read that right. It used to be a bit run-down and unpleasant, but it’s undergone a major transformation and is now a wonderful place to stay.
It has some of the best restaurants and nightlife in the city. It’s also home to ‘First Thursday’, when the streets turn into pedestrian-only lanes, and art galleries showcase new artists and offer free wine, while people mingle and visit the local art scene.
The majority of homes in the Pearl District are old-style, industrial condominiums that have been completely renovated into beautiful, light-filled spaces. The Pearl District also offers the greatest number of transport options in the city. All of the downtown bridges connecting the east end of the city are within walking distance. In fact, many Pearl District residents don’t even own a car. There are plenty of cycle paths, easy access to public transport and close proximity to the very heart of the city centre.
Best homes in this Portland neighbourhood
Upscale
Hotel DeLuxe: This charming 4-star hotel is literally a 3-minute walk from Providence Park. If you like sports, the hotel will be happy to provide you with a free pass to a fitness class (and/or a free glass of champagne if you prefer that sort of thing). Another perk of this hotel is that they’ll give you a bike to explore the city on! See price and availability.
Best value for money
❤️ Inn at Northrup: Kitchen studio with colourful interior, free on-site parking and a nice little balcony. See price and availability.
Cheap hotel
International Guesthouse: Clean, comfortable accommodation in a great location. See price and availability.
Flat
Modern Luxury 1 br: Comfortable and clean flat in a very convenient location, sleeps up to 2. See price and availability.
🌃 Find other accommodation at the best price
5 things to do and see in Pearl District
- Powell’s City of Books
- Jamison Square
- Tanner Springs Park
- Blackfish Gallery
- UPFOR
Where to stay in Portland with your family: Sellwood Moreland
Sellwood Moreland is a popular area to stay in Portland for families looking for a relaxed atmosphere. There’s a great mix of housing types and styles in an established and friendly neighbourhood. Here you can find old houses alongside luxury homes
This is a charming and varied neighbourhood with an eclectic mix of residents. It has even been described by some as a small town within a town. It’s full of restaurants, shops and other sights with a unique flavour. In fact, on the neighbourhood’s main street, Milwaukie Avenue, there’s a bar called Kay’s that’s been open since before Prohibition!
Best family hotels in Sellwood Moreland
Upscale
Hotel DeLuxe: This charming 4-star hotel is literally a 3-minute walk from Providence Park. If you like sport, the hotel will be happy to provide you with a free pass to a fitness class (and/or a free glass of champagne if you prefer that sort of thing). Another perk of this hotel is that they’ll give you a bike to explore the city on! See price and availability.
Best value for money
❤️ Paramount Hotel: With great facilities and a perfect location, you can’t do much better than this classy hotel. See price and details.
Cheapest hotel
McMenamins Crystal Hotel: A great place for two travellers with a central location offers relaxation in a salt water soaking pool. See price and details.
Flat
High rise condo : A spacious flat for 2 in a PERFECT location, the tram is right outside the front door… See price and availability.
🌃 Find other accommodation at the best price
5 things to do and see in Sellwood Moreland
- Oaks Amusement Park
- Sellwood Waterfront Park
- Westmoreland Park Natural Playground
- Portland Puppet Museum
- Sellwood Bridge
The best area for couples to stay: Arlington Heights
The Arlington Heights neighbourhood includes Portland Zoo, Portland’s famous rose gardens, Japanese gardens, the Hoyt Arboretum and the Holocaust Memorial. It’s easy to get lost in all that this neighbourhood has to offer. Arlington Heights sits just above North Portland and is extremely walkable. The schools are among the best in the city and the parks can’t be beat.
You’ll also find many homes in this neighbourhood that are unique treasures. There are many original old houses in different styles, all of which have been completely refurbished and renovated.
Best hotels to stay in Arlington Heights
Upscale
The Nines Hotel : This 5-star luxury hotel is located just off Pioneer Square. For sports enthusiasts, it has a fully equipped gym. The club lounge has a great atmosphere and the rooms are very comfortable. The only problem is leaving the hotel to explore the city! See price and availability.
Best value for money
❤️ The Hoxton: Very close to the Lan Su Chinese Garden, this elegant 4-star hotel also welcomes pets! See price and availability.
Cheap hotel
The Society Hotel : This hotel has rooftop access for an incredible view of the city and mountains! The rooms are comfortable and minimalist. See price and availability.
Flat
Waterfrontcondo: Fantastic sea views from your living room, this property is often fully booked, so book in advance! See price and availability.
🌃 Find other accommodation at the best price
5 things to do and see in Arlington Heights
- Arlington Heights Historical Museum
- Arlington Heights Park District
- Busse Woods
- North School Park
- Harmony Park
Cheap places to stay in Portland: Nob Hill
Looking for the cheapest place to stay in Portland? Nob Hill is one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods and is distinguished by its authenticity. It’s full of local shops and restaurants and is close to the 70 miles of Forest Park walking trails. Nob Hill residents often walk or cycle to their destinations – usually to Nob Hill’s larger centres such as Pizza Schmizza or City Market NW or to the neighbourhood’s plethora of lounges, cafes, boutiques and bars.
It’s still not as expensive as the Pearl District, but there’s just as much to do. As well as Forest Park, Nob Hill is close to picturesque rose and Japanese gardens. For the best local food, head to Besaw’s, which serves delicious breakfasts and house cocktails. Breakside Brewery, bathed in light and sunshine, produces tasty and creative beers.
Best hotels to stay in Nob Hill
Upscale
Hotel DeLuxe: This charming 4-star hotel is literally a 3-minute walk from Providence Park. If you like sport, the hotel will be happy to provide you with a free pass to a fitness class (and/or a free glass of champagne if you prefer that sort of thing). Another perk of this hotel is that they’ll give you a bike to explore the city on! See price and availability.
Best value for money
❤️ Inn at Northrup: Kitchen studio with colourful interior, free on-site parking and a nice little balcony. See price and availability.
Cheap hotel
International Guesthouse: Clean, comfortable accommodation in a great location. See price and availability.
Flat
Modern Luxury 1 br: Comfortable and clean flat in a very convenient location, sleeps up to 2. See price and availability.
🌃 Find other accommodation at the best price
5 things to do and see in Nob Hill
- Cable car museum
- Cathedral of Grace
- Museum of antique vibrators
- The Cinch Saloon
- Statue of Tony Bennett
The place to go out in Portland: Old Chinatown
Located just north of the city centre, Chinatown is one of Portland’s oldest neighbourhoods. Here you can visit some of Portland’s most famous historic sites.
You can visit the magnificent Lan Su Chines Garden. You can also take some great photos in front of the old Chinatown gates.
If you choose this area to stay in Portland, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to nightlife, with typical beer bars, quirky wine bars and lively clubs.
We particularly recommend the Golden Horse restaurant for authentic Chinese cuisine.
🌃 Find the cheapest accommodation in this district
Top 4 things to do and see in Old Chinatown
- Lan Su Chines Garden
- Gates of Chinatown
- Golden Horse Restaurant
- Teardrop Lounge Cocktail Bar
Neighbourhoods to avoid in Portland
Powellhurst and Centennial
Powellhurst is just north of Happy Valley, known as one of Portland’s best neighbourhoods. However, the same cannot be said of this neighbourhood. It’s right in the middle of two separate corridors and there are homeless camps everywhere.
It’s not a great area to walk around. We strongly recommend that you avoid this area as it has nothing to offer. If you’re looking for the best restaurants, you’ll be better served in downtown Portland than in this area.