My husband and I are taking the kids to portland for 4 days in early March. We have never been to Portland and do not know where to stay. Is it best to stay right downtown or in a suburb? we want to go to the zoo the omsi museum and anything else anybody might suggest. My kids are boys, 9 and 10 years old. Any suggestions on hotels? We like a room with some space and a fridge is great for snacks. They are also requesting an indoor pool. I would appreciate any ideas!
Thanks,

Leanne

To Tammy,
You can get a lot of info by doing a search--type in Portland under "search" and highlight Oregon in the other cataory.Some of the onfo could be a little dated so pay attention to the dates when the comments were posted.
I have only stayed downtown , Hilton, Benson (old historic hotel) and Days Inn--Unless the places have indoor pool --pools are not open until summer.
Also doing a search on Google for Portland Oregon will get you general info.
Good luck

The Residence Inn Riverplace (on the riverfront) has all of the amenities you want (full kitchen, actually,) plus family units and a free buffet breakfast. The Lloyd Center Residence Inn (both www.marriott.com) has an outdoor pool and is not as well located.

The Residence Inn Riverplace is a great location, right across the river from OMSI, and just a few blocks from the downtown core. Don't even think about a place in the suburbs.

As far as activities for your kids, March isn't the best time of the year. Expect rain. The Trail(Jail)Blazers have some home games; might be fun. Or you could take them up to Mt. Hood for a day in the snow (we hope there's some up there). With the likely weather, a drive up the Columbia gorge or to the beach probably wouldn't hold their interest.

Have fun; Porland is a great city, regardless of the weather (and the local politics!).

Tammy, there may be some shows your boys would like to see. The Portland Center for the Performing Arts has its own website.
http://www.pcpa.com

I agree with beachbum--definitely stay downtown. In addition to OMSI, there is a Children's Museum that my kids loved when they were younger and it was in a different location; I don't know how it is now but here is a link: http://www.parks.ci.portland.or.us/Parks/ChildrensMuseum.htm.
If they like books, the children's book area in Powell's Bookstore is a great place to spend a couple hours on a rainy day. Have fun!

I stayed at the Westin downtown. It's a great hotel -- highly recommended.

I went in March (last year), too. It was warm and sunny half the time and rainy the other half. This is typical Portland, though. It's a beautiful city. Go and enjoy yourself no matter what the weather.

My daughter and I also were there last March, and had great weather. We did a lot of admiring the Cherry blossoms and other flowering trees, went hiking at Mt Tabor, visited the Rose garden, and took a bike ride. Not your typical March activities, but you do get lucky sometimes! Mt Hood may be a nice afternoon visit to the snow or Mt St Helens for an all day visit, if the roads are clear.