Deciding where to stay in Portland can greatly influence experience of this dynamic city, especially for first-time visitors. Downtown Portland is just one choice if you want the quintessential urban experience, complete with easy access to top-notch dining, shopping, and cultural landmarks like the Portland Art Museum. It’s also super convenient for public transportation.
Portland’s landscape is a picturesque blend of urban charm and natural beauty. The city unfolds across various elevations, from verdant river valleys to gentle slopes, leading up toward the impressive backdrop of the Tualatin Mountains, more commonly known as the West Hills.
Located at the confluence of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, the Willamette runs north/south and cuts through the heart of the city, dividing it in half. The Columbia runs east/west a little further north and is the dividing line between Oregon and Washington.
The Geography of Portland – Simplified
The city itself is cleverly dissected into five main quadrants (yes, five! Portland is quirky like that), each boasting its own unique flavor and community vibe.
- Southwest quadrant – At the heart of it all is bustling downtown Portland; packed with cultural landmarks, shopping, dining, and waterfront parks that offer a slice of city life amidst scenic beauty.
- Northwest quadrant – here you’re greeted by the historic charm of neighborhoods like Nob Hill, with its Victorian houses and trendy boutiques. This area is a blend of old and new, where forested trails in Forest Park meet urban sophistication.
- Northeast quadrant – located across the Willamette River from the west, this area is home to the hip and diverse Alberta Arts District, as well as the lush, sprawling Rose City Park. It’s an area that continually evolves, weaving cultural threads from its historic African American communities with new, creative endeavors.
- Southeast quadrant – this is where Portland’s quirky, artistic soul truly shines. With eclectic neighborhoods like Hawthorne and Belmont, it’s the go-to spot for vintage shopping, off-the-wall cafes, and some of the city’s most innovative food carts and breweries.
- North quadrant – encapsulated by the spirited Mississippi Avenue, a hotbed for music, eclectic dining, and indie shops. It’s a smaller section of Portland but no less integral, embodying a strong community spirit and entrepreneurial heart.
There could be considered a sixth quadrant, the far east side. But really, unless you are a resident, there’s not much to do or see there. Except for Powell Butte.
Portland’s geography and its layout into these unique quadrants make it an endlessly fascinating city to explore, where every neighborhood tells its own story, and there’s always something new to discover just around the corner. Deciding the best part of Portland to stay in is just start of your adventure!
See Also:
- Best Boutique Hotels in Portland
- My Top Recommendations for Portland’s Best Hotels
- Portland Nightlife
- Unique Things that Make Portland Great
Best Places to Stay in Portland
Getting a feel for these neighborhoods is a sure bet when deciding the best area to stay in Portland. If you’re someone who prefers a more laid-back vibe, then you might fall in love with Northwest Portland. This area, particularly the Nob Hill section, boasts charming streets lined with boutique shops, trendy restaurants, and cozy coffee spots. Plus, the historic homes and easy access to Forest Park’s trails offer the perfect blend of city and nature.
For a truly hip and eclectic atmosphere, Southeast Portland cannot be missed. Areas like Belmont and Hawthorne are buzzing with vintage stores, indie theaters, and some of the city’s quirkiest eateries. This neighborhood reflects Portland’s unique spirit and is an amazing spot for those looking to experience the city’s vibrant counterculture.
Those who love their nightlife would do well to concentrate on Old Town/Chinatown. Here you’ll find all manner of nightlife, from live music to DJs paired with cocktails and amazing food, to comedy and cabaret shows. CC Slaughters Nightclub, Crush, Scandals, and the legendary Darcelle’s XV are great for the LGBTQ+ community. (But really, Portland is so liberal, the queer community is welcome everywhere, and we love it that way.)
Relive the height of the arcade game area at Ground Kontrol as you enjoy a cocktail.head to the Central Eastside where you’ll find plenty of nightclubs such as Revolution Hall featuring amazing artists of all genres, and Helium Comedy Club hosting local and international acts. Pips & Bounce is a unique place with ping-pong tables and cocktails, while Distillery Row is a haven for spirit enthusiasts.
Each of these areas offers a distinct taste of Portland, making them perfect home bases for first-time visitors to explore all the richness this city has to offer. I’ll go more in depth into each neighborhood a little later.
Quintessentially Portland Hotels
McMenamins
The Kennedy School Hotel or Crystal Hotel offer the quintessential Oregon experience. Here’s a detailed article about the magic that is McMenamins Hotels.
Jupiter Hotel
With a bamboo-flanked courtyard, roaming wi-fi and tons of natural light, this is a popular place. The fabulous Doug Fir Lounge is just across the way offering incredible nightlife. Note: They are expanding their property in 2018 with Jupiter NEXT. Can’t wait to see what they have in store!
Inn at Northrup Station
This boutique property has consistently made the ‘best in Portland’ list for several years. It’s a unique ‘vintage’ hotel experience, featuring those red Etch-a-Sketch toys, and brightly colored all-suite rooms with décor reminiscent of the 1960’s.
Budget Hotels to Mid-Range – Best Area to Stay in Portland
Northwest Portland Hostel
This low-budget gem is located in the Northwest neighborhood is ere steps from quirky cafes, indie bookshops, and the city’s famed microbreweries, it also offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere complete with a variety of room options to suit every traveler’s need. From shared dorms to private rooms, guests can enjoy the luxury of choice without breaking the bank. Enjoy amenities like a communal kitchen, free Wi-Fi, and chill-out areas to relax after a day of sightseeing.
Hotel Zags
A boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Portland, among top-rated restaurants, art galleries, and the theater district. Their courtyard features the city’s first green ‘living’ wall. It has a restaurant on site and an ultra-hip lobby area.
Hotel Rose
A funky-fun boutique hotel located downtown directly across from the scenic Tom McCall Waterfront Park along the Willamette River. They have an on-site restaurant, dog-friendly rooms and plenty of wi-fi. And the best part? Each room has complimentary slippers you can take home with you!
Hotel Lucia
A boutique hotel in downtown Portland, the building is listed as one of Portland’s historic places, built in 1909. But don’t let the age of the property deter you, this is a modern establishment. With ultra-modern décor in the lobby, and tastefully updated rooms. This hotel boasts its wonderful photography collection by David Hume Kennerly.
High-End Hotels – Best Hotels in Portland
The Heathman
Featured in the (ahem) Fifty Shades of Grey book, this property is lush, classic luxury at its finest. The Heathman has standard rooms, but if you have the means to splurge, reserve one of their signature suites. Choose from the Literary Arts Suite, the Portland Center Stage Suite, The Oregon Symphony Suite, the Grand Suite, or the Andy Warhol Suite!
Sentinal Hotel
A luxurious property with a storied past. Built in 1909, it’s lobby has a curated art collection, with actual sentinels lining the rooftop, and is listed as a national historical landmark. Portland filmmaker Gus Van Sant shot several scenes from My Own Private Idaho here.
The Nines
The quintessential Portland 5-star experience. Located in the historic downtown Meier & Frank building, check in at the ground level front desk, then ride eight stories up to the body of the hotel. Dine in their two restaurants and luxuriate in their well-appointed, elegant rooms featuring art from local Pacific Northwest artists.
4 Best Neighborhoods in Portland for Visitors
In terms of central location with the most attractions and accommodation, these are the best Neighborhoods in Portland for:
Sightseeing/First-time visitors – Downtown. For starters, the walkability of downtown Portland is off the charts. You can meander from cozy coffee shops to awe-inspiring bookstores (hello, Powell’s City of Books!) without breaking a sweat. I could easily spend an entire day at Powell’s (and have).
Food carts, local breweries, and gourmet restaurants offer a true taste of the Pacific Northwest. You’ve got cultural gems like the Portland Art Museum and the Oregon Historical Society, not to mention the tranquil Portland Japanese Garden. And if you’re into shopping, you have the high-end shops in Pioneer Mall and local goodies in Portland Saturday Market. Also, Oregon enjoys no sales tax!
Best Hotels in Downtown Portland: The Heathman, Hotel Lucia, Hotel Zags
A Romantic Getaway – Nob Hill. Nestled in Portland’s Northwest district (just north of downtown), this is an enchanting neighborhood that seems to whisk you away to a world of romance and charm. The parks in Nob Hill are tranquil havens, perfect for picnics or simply lounging on a blanket. Adding to this picturesque setting are the stunning Victorian houses that adorn the neighborhood. I love this area so much that I decided to live here.
And then there’s the shopping. Nob Hill boasts an eclectic mix of boutiques and shops, offering everything from vintage finds to chic, modern apparel; not to mention housewares, gifts, and everything in between. Exploring these shops is like going on a treasure hunt, where each item has its own unique story.
Best Hotel in Nob Hill: Inn at Northrup Station
Foodies – Southeast Portland (but great places to eat can be found literally all over the city!)
The southeast side of Portland is a paradise for foodies, and it’s not just by chance—it’s a culinary hotspot with a fascinating mix of creativity, community, and culture. Portland has time and again been named one of the world’s best cities for foodies, after all.
The southeast has the best concentration of great food finds, and has blossomed into an epicurean’s dream due to its perfect blend of diverse communities, which contributes to an incredible array of global cuisines. What sets the southeast side apart is not just the diversity but the unrivaled passion and innovation local chefs bring to their kitchens.
Kann is a great example, recently named the city’s hottest new restaurant. They’re known for experimenting with locally sourced ingredients, turning each meal into a memorable experience. Add to this the relaxed, bohemian atmosphere of the neighborhood, and you’ve got the ideal setting for leisurely dining adventures.
Embracing the unique Portland vibe – Alberta/Hawthorne/Belmont. To experience Portland’s authentic, one-of-a-kind vibe, don’t skip the vibrant neighborhoods of Alberta Arts District, Hawthorne, and Belmont, (all on the east side, see map above) where the city’s creative spirit comes alive through art, music, and community events.
The Alberta Arts district in Portland is known for its vibrant arts scene and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and galleries. Visitors can explore unique boutiques, local art studios, and a wide variety of dining options, from food carts to upscale eateries. The neighborhood also hosts the Last Thursday street fair, a popular monthly event that showcases local artists and musicians.
Hawthorne is a trendy neighborhood in Portland with a laid-back, bohemian vibe. Visitors can browse vintage shops, record stores, and independent bookstores, as well as enjoy a diverse array of cafes, bars, and restaurants. The Hawthorne district is also home to the iconic Bagdad Theater, a historic movie palace that screens both new releases and classic films.
Belmont is a hip, up-and-coming neighborhood in Portland that offers a mix of residential homes, trendy boutiques, and popular eateries. Visitors can explore the bustling Belmont Street, which is lined with coffee shops, boutiques, and local bars. The neighborhood also boasts easy access to nearby Laurelhurst Park, one of the most beautiful in the city.
Best Hotels on Portland’s East Side: McMenamins Kennedy School, Jupiter Hotel
Each of these vibrant neighborhoods offers a unique experience that reflects the diverse and creative spirit of Portland. Along with a thriving arts and culture scene, there is also a strong sense of community and local pride.
A word or two about the homeless situation in Downtown Portland
Portland, like most major cities, still suffer a homeless/mental health crisis. Some areas of downtown Portland are littered with homeless camps, and so should be avoided. While the city has garnered attention for the protests in 2020-21 during the pandemic, things have settled down considerably since then. Most of downtown is fine, but caution is advised in the Old Town/Chinatown section after dark. In comparison to other cities, Portland remains a relatively safe city, especially in the areas I have highlighted in this post. That said, always be aware of your surroundings, no matter where in the world your travels take you.
How to Get Around Portland
Portland is a dream come true for anyone looking to explore a vibrant city without the need for a car. Thanks to Tri-Met, the city’s top-notch public transportation system, getting around is a breeze.
- MAX Light rail – with various routes crisscrossing the city, this is the easiest way to get around.
- Buses – Portland has an extensive bus system, made even easier by downloading the Tri-Met app for up-to-the-minute schedules.
- Street car – Northeast Portland has street cars that are a smaller version of the light rail system and way cuter (but just as easy to hop on/off).
For those who prefer pedaling their way around, the Niketown bike share program is your go-to. With stations conveniently located throughout the city, it’s never been easier to grab a bike and explore Portland at your own pace. Use it to cycle along the Waterfront Park or zip through the bustling streets of Downtown. Portland is a bike city, after all, and biking is a fun, healthy, and eco-friendly way to explore.
And the cherry on top? Getting to central Portland from the airport is surprisingly simple. Just catch the MAX light rail, located just outside of baggage claim, and you’ll find yourself in the heart of downtown in about 38 minutes. No hassle, no stress – just pure, unadulterated Portland waiting to be explored.
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links of hotels I have stayed in and are hand-picked by me for their great hospitality, amenities, and uniqueness to Portland. If you click the link and book a stay, I received a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting the Explorer Sue website!
