Getting away from it all can mean a remote trip to the mountains or coast, but sometimes a staycation or getaway in the city can provide a refreshing break. In the past few years, downtown Portland’s lodging options have been growing steadily, and new hotels are not only located close to excellent tax-free shopping, dining and cultural offerings, they also have amenities for cozying up all weekend without ever leaving the property. Here are some of our favorite options, including stays with expansive spas, funky bars and classic games.
Wellness advocates will also want to watch for more details about luxury eco-retreat Cascada, coming to the Alberta Arts District in Northeast Portland in summer 2024.
Luxuriate All Weekend Long
1. The Ritz-Carlton, a 35-story boutique property that opened in 2023, provides the perfect nest for an all-inclusive spa getaway with impeccable service. Start the weekend off in this West End Downtown district hotel with the sunset, cocktails and intriguing small plates at Bellpine, the contemporary Northwest fine-dining restaurant located on the 20th floor with great views of the city and Cascade peaks. Watch the sun rise as you sip an espresso in a guest suite appointed with thoughtful furnishings and elegant touches, or enjoy a light breakfast at cafe/bar Meadowrue in the lobby, under a ceiling cascading with green plants. You’ll head off for a spa day with steam and dry sauna sessions, plus treats like a river-stone massage, a gemstone facial, or a relaxing sound bath of ocean waves and drums in the zero-gravity chair. Relax in the infinity pool or cycle it out in the 4,000-square-foot fitness room — all overlooking Mt. Hood.
2. With suites facing the tranquil Waterfront Park on the Willamette River and a relaxing pool, hot tub and sauna complex in the heart of this Hilton property, The Porter is an excellent base camp for an arts and culture weekend. Within walking distance to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, the Keller Auditorium and the Portland Art Museum, there’s a range of dining and drinking options on-site if you prefer to stay in. Opt for vegetable-laden pasta primavera at Terrane Italian Kitchen & Bar or a nightcap at the rooftop xport bar & lounge. Stop by the Portland Exchange Grocer & Goods to enjoy the bright lobby space for catching up on email over coffee or a grilled-cheese panini lunch. You’ll want to fill your bag with locally made snacks for an evening pajama party in your room.
Fun Hangouts With Events and Games
3. Two Marriott properties in the West End appeal to younger crowds with hip bars and fun amenities. The Moxy Portland Downtown features neon lighting in the cavernous open lobby with a wraparound bar that doubles as a reservation desk — ask for a complimentary cocktail or coffee upon check-in. The lounge experience includes music, a large fireplace and funky furniture. Play a game of vintage Led Zeppelin pinball or miniature pool before heading up to your cozy room with a flat-screen TV. Some rooms even have bunk beds, and all are dog-friendly. You’ll find three in-house food stalls at the back of the building by the shuffleboard setup — try a Filipino breakfast rice bowl at Sun Rice. If you’re in town for West End Wednesdays each month, don’t miss great tax-free shopping and pop-up events in the neighborhood.
4. Recently renovated, The Bidwell draws in sports fans — it’s the official hotel of the Portland Timbers and Thorns soccer teams. Whether you’re gearing up or looking to recharge after the big game, you’ll find serene rooms and gathering spaces inspired by Oregon nature. Order your favorite Oregon craft brew and play a game of pool in High Horse bar and restaurant, and stay for farm-to-table Pacific Northwest contemporary cuisine featuring vegetables and meats from local purveyors. In the morning, hit the fitness center and head out into the city with a loaner bike. Check the calendar for the summer lecture series, trivia night, tastings and other events held at the hotel.
5. Located in the business district south of downtown, the Hotel Zags provides welcoming service in a fully restored, eco-friendly motor lodge with a green roof and garden, sunlit rooms, and a chic bar and restaurant. An easy walk to Portland State University and the Portland Farmers Market at PSU, as well as several museums and music venues, you’ll be able to soak up culture all weekend. Feeling outdoorsy? Check out the hotel’s Gear Shed, where you can borrow everything from bicycles and skateboards to cameras, binoculars and lawn games. Or just stay in and enjoy cocktails and specialty pizzas in Zags Restaurant, adjacent to the large open-air courtyard with fire pits and a living wall of native plants for a peaceful garden feel. The hotel hosts a wide range of events, with summer welcoming guests and neighbors to celebrations like a Pride Night Market in July 2024 with LGBTQ+ makers, live music and more as part of the official Portland Pride 2024 events.
Cool Design, Dining and Drinking
6. The soothing interior at The Hoxton in Old Town Chinatown features modernist elements, including warm walnut paneling, plush midcentury-modern furniture and carefully curated artwork by emerging artists. And that’s just the rooms. Hang out in the lobby’s welcoming lounge outfitted in saturated autumnal hues and space-age brass lighting. Rejuvenate after a fun night out at Lovely Rita, a modern take on a fern bar with a creative menu for breakfast and dinner. When night falls, enjoy the sunset and a plate of tacos at rooftop Tope cantina, or linger over a few drinks at 2NW5, the deliciously dark basement speakeasy filled with more art and more cozy nooks, as a DJ spins some deep cuts.
7. Down the street from the Moxy, the Woodlark Hotel is housed in two historic buildings that date from the early 20th century — look for architectural gems like high ceilings and large windows with city views in the guest suites. Partake in hearty dinners like Oregon lamb with chimichurri sauce in the clubby, low-lit Bullard Tavern, a popular place for downtown denizens. Fans of a nip of sherry by the fireplace should head to the bar at the back of the property, Abigail Hall. Named for Portland’s suffragette force-of-nature Abigail Duniway — and decked out with flowery wallpaper, pale green wainscoting and sinuous banquettes — this former Ladies Reception Hall has one of the best original cocktail menus in the city.
