We will be visiting the Portland area for about 5 days in mid September. We do not want to stay downtown. We are looking for a small but nice hotel maybe on the water.

What water?

Assuming that you mean Portland, Maine, I suggest the Portland Regency in the Old Port. You could also try the Eastland Park or the Holiday Inn Portland by the Bay (its the only one that I know of with a view of the water). There's also a Ramada, Embassy Suites and Doubletree.

Sorry, I did not realize this message went onto a general board. I am talking about Portland, Oregon. I was told there is water there and I thought maybe a nice hotel would face the water. If there is no water, just let me know about small, nice hotels.

There are a couple of places to stay in Portland on the water - the Alexis hotel, and the Embassy Suites are both on the Willamette River. They are about 4 blocks from the main downtown area - but on the water. Is that what you're looking for? There is also a new one - the Avalon Hotel and spa on the river further south...but it's not walking distance to the downtown area. Portland has ALOT of water - and September is generally warm and sunny.

Was there a reason you didn't want to stay downtown? I think most of the places in Portland on the water are downtown so I think you are out of luck on that. I agree with Embassy Suites - it is an old hotel they redid nicely. Marriot is also on the water.