Where To Stay In Portland: 5 Best Areas & Places

Portland doesn’t really have a single center. Instead, the city is sliced right down the middle by the Willamette River and divided into distinct quadrants, though locals will tell you there are actually six. Each neighborhood has its own specific personality, almost like a collection of tiny towns stitched together.

If you like tree-lined streets, craftsman bungalows, and walking to a corner coffee shop, the Eastside is where you’ll want to drop your bags. Over in Northwest, you get turn-of-the-century brick apartment buildings, busy shopping corridors, and immediate access to Forest Park, one of the largest urban forest reserves in the entire country.

We’ve rounded up the best areas and neighborhoods, from convenient downtown spots to laid-back streets where the coffee is strong and the morning starts a little slower.

In this travel guide:

Downtown Portland

Best area for: shopping, culture, central stay

Downtown Portland gives you big-city culture combined with distinct local flavor. You get art, great food, and easy transit connections to the rest of the city.

Set right along the Willamette River, this central core transformed from a rough-and-tumble 19th-century shipping port into a walkable urban center.

The neighborhood packs a ton of culture into a compact, easily navigable grid. Pioneer Courthouse Square sits right in the middle as the city’s main gathering hub. Just a short walk away, you can visit the Portland Art Museum to check out its extensive Native American art collection. If you want some greenery, we head straight to the South Park Blocks, a tree-filled park corridor running right through downtown.

For entertainment, catch a show at the historic Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall under its iconic glowing Portland sign.The food options in the center of town are fantastic.

For an incredible coffee stop or breakfast, we grab a table at Coava Coffee Roasters on SW Jefferson Street. They roast incredible single-origin coffees and serve delicious local pastries in a sleek, spacious venue. You can also explore the legendary food cart pods scattered across the neighborhood for a quick, world-class lunch on the go.

If you stay in downtown Portland, you will be near so many wonderful places.

Best place to stay in Downtown Portland

Hotel The Nines. Address: 525 Southwest Morrison, Portland, OR 97204, United States of America.

Pearl District

Best area for: upscale, trendy, shopping

Do you want to see numerous art galleries and the biggest theater company in Portland? If so, you should stay in the Pearl District. On the 1st Thursday of any given month, you can even take a self-guided walk through many free exhibits.

The Pearl District is where the city’s past and present sit right next to each other. We see old brick warehouses and loading docks mixed with modern apartments, galleries, boutiques, and busy restaurants.

The area was once an industrial warehouse district, and the transformation really picked up in the 1990s. Today, it’s one of the most walkable parts of Portland.

Our first stop is usually Powell’s City of Books. This Portland institution takes up an entire city block and is officially the world’s largest new and used bookstore. We can easily lose an hour or two here without even noticing.

The Pearl also has plenty of green space. Tanner Springs Park is built around restored wetlands, while Jamison Square has a popular fountain that turns into a wading pool in warmer weather. The Fields Park is another good place to take a break.

Art is a big part of the neighborhood, too. Many galleries still call the Pearl home, and the monthly First Thursday event brings exhibitions, artists, and plenty of people onto the streets.

When we’re hungry, we have plenty of choices. For breakfast or brunch, Screen Door Pearl District is a solid pick. For coffee, we like Sisters Coffee Company. And if we’re in the mood for a local beer and a casual meal, Deschutes Brewery is an easy choice.

Best place to stay in Pearl District

Hotel Residence Inn by Marriott. Address: 1150 Northwest 9th Avenue, Pearl District, Portland, OR 97209, United States of America.

Old Town Chinatown

Best area for: nightlife, history, entertainment

Old Town Chinatown is the city’s original downtown hub, dating back to the mid-nineteenth century. The district sits right along the Willamette River and features one of the largest concentrations of Victorian cast-iron architecture in the entire nation. You pass through the massive Chinatown Gateway at Northwest 4th Avenue, which is guarded by two large marble lions.

The main highlight for us is Lan Su Chinese Garden, a full city block transformed into an authentic Suzhou-style botanical paradise. It offers peaceful paved pathways, koi ponds, and a traditional two-story teahouse.

On weekends, we head down toward the riverfront to browse craft booths at the long-running Portland Saturday Market. If you want something quirky, drop into Ground Kontrol, a classic two-story arcade packed with retro games and pinball machines. You can also visit the Japanese American Museum of Oregon to learn about regional history.

When we need a caffeine fix, we always hit Deadstock Coffee on Northwest Couch Street. It is a sneakerhead-themed coffee shop that serves incredible espresso drinks alongside a great selection of rare kicks.

The area packs tons of early Pacific Northwest heritage into a walkable grid. You get a fascinating blend of history, local culture, and unique neighborhood flavor.

Best place to stay in Old Town Chinatown

The Society Hotel. Address: 203 Northwest 3rd Avenue, Portland, OR 97209, United States of America.

Nob Hill (Northwest Portland)

Best area for: picturesque, trendy, life like a local

Nob Hill, also known as the Northwest District. For us, this area hits a sweet spot: historic streets, good food, shopping, and easy access to the outdoors.

The main drag is NW 23rd Avenue, lined with boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, and old Victorian houses. It has a polished feel, but it still feels relaxed and very Portland.

The neighborhood grew in the late 19th century as Portland expanded west. Streetcars helped turn NW 23rd into a busy commercial street, and many of the historic homes date from around 1880 to 1910. Today, those old buildings house everything from clothing stores to cafés.

Our day typically starts around NW 23rd and work our way toward Forest Park. This is a great area for shopping, grabbing coffee, and just checking out the architecture. For breakfast, Pine State Biscuits | NW 23rd is a fun choice if we’re craving something hearty. For a quieter coffee stop, Case Study Coffee Roasters is right on NW 23rd.

There’s plenty to do nearby, too. Forest Park starts just beyond the neighborhood and has more than 70 miles of trails. Pittock Mansion is another highlight. The 1914 mansion sits high in the West Hills and has fantastic views across Portland toward the Cascade Mountains.

Best place to stay in Nob Hill

Hotel The Inn at Northrup Station. Address: 479 Northwest 18th Avenue, Portland, OR 97209, United States of America.

Lloyd District (Convention Center)

Best area for: business, shopping

You can also stay in the Lloyd District. This area is a place where shop-lovers and sports-lovers spend a lot of their time.

The Lloyd District carries a fascinating history that started back in the 1920s when real estate developer Ralph Lloyd envisioned creating a second downtown on the east side. While those early plans stalled during the Great Depression, the district eventually transformed into a major commercial hub by the middle of the century.

These days, the energy here centers around events and entertainment. You can catch a Blazer game or a massive arena concert at the Moda Center, or head right across the street to the Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Massive trade shows and expos take over the twin towers of the Oregon Convention Center nearby.

When we want a quiet break from the crowd, we kick back on a bench in Holladay Park right along the MAX light rail line. The neighborhood also sits right next to the Steel Bridge, making it super easy to hop across the Willamette River into downtown.

The local food options are solid whether you are rushing to an event or taking it easy. For a fantastic breakfast or coffee stop, we hit up Steeplejack Brewing Company just on the edge of the neighborhood, or grab espresso and pastries from the local cafes scattered near the transit stations.

Best place to stay in Lloyd District

Hotel Eastlund. Address: 1021 NE Grand Avenue, Portland, OR 97232, United States of America.

Where travel experts stay in Portland

Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Portland? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Portland.

Budget

The Society Hotel.

“This pretty hotel in the historic 1881 Mariners Building – originally a lodging house for sailors – has impeccable fashion sense. Options include dorms as well as private rooms. There’s a lively bar and rooftop deck, plus Wednesday wine tastings and drag bingo on Thursday. Some corner rooms have huge windows designed to catch sunlight.” — Lonely Planet.

Address: 203 Northwest 3rd Avenue, Portland, OR 97209, United States of America.

Mid-range

Ace Hotel.

“Located in downtown Portland just a stone’s throw away from the famous Powell’s City of Books, the Ace Hotel is a hipster’s paradise. With a design aesthetic that perfectly blends modern and cozy, this hotel is a favorite with travelers looking for a unique and stylish hotel experience in the heart of the city.” — Fodor’s.

Address: 1022 Southwest Stark Street, Portland, OR 97205, United States of America.

Luxury

Hotel Sentinel.

“One of Portland’s oldest hotels, Sentinel is the newest incarnation of former Governor Hotel, the National Historic Landmark where Gus Van Sant filmed My Own Private Idaho.” — New York Times.

Address: 614 Southwest 11th Avenue, Portland, OR 97205, United States of America.

FAQ: Portland hotel recommendations

If you’re looking for a budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Portland, or maybe your travel plans require a splendid hostel? Want to know which hotel serves the best breakfast? Here are all those answers and more about where to stay in Portland.

Best time to visit Portland

The best time to visit Portland is between April and October. During these months, the weather is typically mild and enjoyable, with temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, or exploring the city’s numerous parks and gardens.

Furthermore, summer in Portland is a bustling time filled with various events including music festivals, food and beer festivals, as well as art fairs. This makes it an exciting time for tourists who are interested in experiencing the city’s vibrant culture.

Alternatively, if you prefer a quieter visit with fewer crowds, the shoulder months of April, May, September, and October might be your best time to visit Portland. During these periods, hotel rates are generally lower and the city is less crowded.

Nevertheless, it’s important to note that Portland’s weather can be unpredictable and it’s advisable to always check the forecast ahead of your trip.

Best things to do in Portland

There are plenty of things to do in Portland and the surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in and around Portland:

Portland: Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Morning Tour

Drive the scenic Columbia River Highway on a 3.5-hour tour to some of the beautiful waterfalls, and visit sites such as the Portland Women’s Forum, Crown Point Vista House, Latourell Falls, Multnomah Falls and Horse Tail Falls. Price: $65. More info.

Oregon Coast Day Trip: Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock

Explore the stunning beaches and beautiful towns along Oregon’s northern coast on this full-day trip from Portland. Visit the charming towns of Manzanita and Cannon Beach—home of the famous Haystack Rock. Price: $100. More info.

Bike Portland: Bridges, Doughnuts, Parks and Roses

Learn Portland’s neighborhood secrets. Smell the roses, taste the doughnuts, ride across bridges, and along the river. This is the best way to experience the diversity of culture, art, poetry, nature, parks, and quadrants in Portland. Price: $45. More info.

More things to do in Portland

Deciding where to stay in Portland

In conclusion, this travel guide has covered the best areas and hotels in Portland and how to get around. Now it is up to you to decide which area suits your needs the most.

Top 5 areas to stay in Portland

• Old Town Chinatown
• Pearl District
• Downtown
• Nob Hill
• Lloyd District

As you have seen in this travel guide, there are plenty of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Portland is important. Whether you stay in Old Town Chinatown, Pearl District, Downtown, Nob Hill or Lloyd District, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.

The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great time in Portland, Oregon.

Portland overview

More Portland tips

Take a look at our other guides about the best places to stay in Portland:

Hotels in Portland

Boutique hotels in Portland

Hostels in Portland

Luxury hotels in Portland

Cheap hotels in Portland