Lodging off I5
 

Following great advice we have reversed our trip and plan to drive the coast from Seattle to home (SF Bay Area) and take I5 up to Seattle.
We've added a couple of days but need advice about a place to stay between Redding and Seattle. We'll be leaving Shingletown, CA on Thursday morning July 9th, driving up I5 and need to stop somewhere overnight.
Can anyone suggest a good place?
Is there anywhere worth making a side trip? We plan to arrive in Seattle for dinner on Friday.
Thanks in advance.

You might want to drive further that first day but Ashland is my favorite town on I-5 in Oregon. On July 9th, you could arrive in the afternoon and explore the town and then attend an evening production of Macbeth.

http://www.orshakes.org/plays/

If you're looking for something more than a typical chain motel off the interstate, I think going into Eugene, Oregon for a night is great -- we've done that a couple times, staying right down town and walking to a nice restaurant.
I'm not sure of specific suggestions offhand, but we thought it made a great little stop.

It's about a ten hour drive straight through, which to me is a doable day trip especially on I-5. So with two days to drive it you could really stop about anywhere. Portland is an obvious choice even though it's 2/3 of the way up (about 7 hours from Redding), but at least you have tons of hotel and restaurant choices. Leave by 8-9am Thursday and you can easily arrive in Portland by 4-5pm depending on how long you stop for lunch (Ashland?), have dinner and breakfast in Portland, then make it to Seattle for dinner.

Given that I-5 traffic can be <i>murder</i> between Olympia and Seattle (Friday afternoon) splitting the driving on I-5 in this way might not be an awful idea, instead of splitting the drive up evenly between Thursday and Friday. Redding to Olympia should be easy; Olympia to Seattle could be stressful, depending on how you hit it and whether it's raining.

"It's about a ten hour drive straight through, which to me is a doable day trip especially on I-5."

Andrew, I don't know how fast you drive, but I was just looking today at Mapquest which shows Ashland to Seattle at 7 and a half hours. And I've driven San Francisco to Ashland enough to know I can't do it in less than a good 5 hours. Mapquest says SF to Seattle is over 800 miles and takes just over 13 hours. Are you sure you weren't thinking of Portland to SF?

Eugene is drivable but I dont think staying downtown is such a great idea- there is really not much downtown-
Maybe the Residence Inn by Marriott- its across the street from a decent restaurant and nice walking path and bike trail along the river- its close to Oakway Mall which has become an active area also with several restaurant choices
Valley River Inn is probably the nicest place to stay - right on the river but maybe more money than you would spend for an overnighter.

There is also a Red Lion on Coburg Road right across the street from Oakway Mall

Eugene to Seattle is about a 5 hr drive - if you don't run into traffic along the way.

NeoPatrick: <i>Andrew, I don't know how fast you drive, but I was just looking today at Mapquest which shows Ashland to Seattle at 7 and a half hours. And I've driven San Francisco to Ashland enough to know I can't do it in less than a good 5 hours. Mapquest says SF to Seattle is over 800 miles and takes just over 13 hours. Are you sure you weren't thinking of Portland to SF?</i>

All I did was go to Google maps and type in Shingletown, CA and get directions to Seattle. It estimates a travel time of 10 hrs 3 minutes - and knowing Google Maps, that's based on the speed limit; I usually beat their time and I only drive 5-10mph over on the interstates. Note that Shingletown is several hours north of San Francisco, which is probably why you are thinking the drive would take longer.

OK. I had never heard of Shingletown. I was following the other comment that sounded like the OP was driving between Seattle and San Francisco, but I guess I misunderstood. I thought they were starting out "at home", but I guess not. I now see Shingletown is nowhere near the Bay Area, but near Redding, so yes, that 10 hours makes sense.

Wow, thanks everyone. I didn't expect to get so many responses so quickly!
I guess I wasn't very clear: Shingletown is on CA44, about 30 minutes west of Lassen Volcanic Park. We're staying two nights there after Lassen, visiting a Wild Horse Sanctuary for benefit of horse mad daughter who wants to see horses running wild! There is what sounds like a nice place to stay there: Weston House. We are planning to be quiet and chill out there.
The replies have given me a much better idea of what is realistic...it's hard looking at the map to get a feel for how long it will really take. I think our preference would be, as Andrew suggested, doing more of the drive the first day. It sounds like it might be too far to drive from Ashland to Seattle though I do like the sound of that idea...we'll have 2 16 year old boys and 10 year old girl with us, though they are great travelers.
I'll look into the hotel suggestion for the Residence Inn, to be able to walk along the river would be nice and we've always had good luck with Mariotts.
NeoPatrick, where do you stay in Eugene?

p.s. Andrew, how long might it take to drive between Olympia and Seattle? Is there any way to avoid it? Is it so bad we should drive as far as possible (like to Olympia) and stay there so we can leave early in the morning?
We are quite used to 8-10 hours in a car as long as it involves a good lunch stop!

Ashland to Seattle is about 7 and a half hours, and can easily be done in one day. One of the biggest problems there though is finding a place to stay during the theatre festival (all summer long --but Sunday and Monday nights are easier for accomodations. I've been looking for alternatives to the two bedroom house we rented for four of us, since now I'll be traveling alone -- and looking two months ahead there was almost nothing available in town, other than some nights on the Intererstate at LaQuinta or Holiday Inn Express. Your Thursday night there in July would be difficult, although if you are serious, you need to try to book now.

Sorry for the confusion -- you did say "between Redding and Seattle" but I just thought you meant you wanted to get past Redding the first day coming from your Bay Area home. And I clearly wasn't thinking -- as I have been IN Shingletown when going to Lassen!

I have made this trip many times and, for my taste, Portland is by far the best place to spend a night or two, and the place most worth a detour is Mt. Rainier (via Morton, WA).

If you don't want to drive as far as Portland in one day, it would be worth your while to make a detour to investigate the towns of Ashland and Jacksonville on your way to your overnight stop in one of the towns south of Portland.

Phidias1, It takes about one hour to drive between Seattle and Olympia. HTTY

We have used Ashland many time for overnight stops, the Plaza Inns & Suites are nice, you can walk to the downtown restaurants from there. Liquid Assets Wine Bar has great food, we also love Chateaulin, Amuse and the Winchester Inn. Ashland Springs Hotel is also very nice for an overnight stop in Ashland. ***kim*** ((#))

The drive from Olympia to Seattle is about an hour <i>in light traffic.</i> The chances of getting heavy traffic seem to increase every year I drive up there (a couple of times a year I drive to Seattle from Portland). You can't avoid that stretch of I-5 (or it's not going to save you time, even in lousy traffic, to drive out of the way).

If you're lucky you won't hit much if any traffic, but you can, which is why I brought it to your attention. Friday afternoon would be one of the risky times though probably not as bad driving INTO Seattle. Last year driving the other way (admittedly OUT of town on a Friday evening) it took 5+ hours to drive Seattle to Portland, most of that being bumper to bumper traffic from Seattle to Olympia. Seattle to Portland is less than 3 hours in light traffic. While that experience was probably the worst it could be, it could still be at least slow in either direction any time of the day. It seems hard to predict; I've had bad traffic in either direction numerous times in that stretch. I would not want to encounter such awful traffic at the end of a 7+ hour day of driving...

Kimamom, there are NO rooms available at either Plaza Inn and Suites or at Ashland Springs Hotel for July 9. That was my point. It's really very difficult to find "last minute" reservations there during the festival.

I would take issue that there is "not much downtown" in Eugene. I'm not sure I'd want to stay there for a week, but we enjoyed walking the downtown area and hit several wonderful arts centers with a number of galleries for browsing in the evenings with a nice selection of interesting restaurants. Some prefer staying near a mall and hitting chain restaurants. Some really enjoy walking a small city with interesting architecture. For a single night, I enjoy such stays so much more than a generic hotel off the interstate.

sunbum--You have a great new brewpub though! Hop Valley by Gateway...really good.

Thanks again. It seems clear that Ashland should be saved for another time outside the festival. I have bookmarked those suggestions for the future.
It is great to know the minimum and maximum times a journey might take.
Would it be feasible to stop in Jacksonville for lunch and then drive up nearer Portland for the night?

mms- Haven't tried the brewpub yet - at least this time around. My daughter worked there when it was whatever it was the first time around.

NeoPatrick-unfortunately Eugene is showing signs of the economy- the lovely gallery across from the Hult center is closing as well as a couple of the downtown restaurants.

There are some nice old buildings down there but I have to say I rarely go downtown except on the First Friday of the month when there is an art walk.
They have tried many times to revitalize the downtown area but it is definitely not been revitalized yet.

sound like we would be better going on to Portland....a friend here just recommended the Fairfield Inn and Suites in North Bay. Said it is good and convenient for the highway.

I guess I was recommending Portland in part because of some things to do here - restaurants, neighborhoods, etc. - not just for a convenient place to stop off of I-5. Portland is a neat city. There are numerous hotels that are easy to get to on/off from I-5. North Harbour (what you meant by "North Bay") is a really dull area north of downtown near some box stores and a dog racetrack. The hotel is probably fine, but I wouldn't recommend the area to anyone.

Depending on your budget, there are much better places to stay in Portland that we could recommend. There are lots of hotels in NE Portland near the Oregon Convention Center, right off I-5. The Crowne Plaza in NE Portland might be a decent choice - not walkable to much but a very quick drive to most of what you would want to see/do in a short time in Portland. You could get to the Pearl District in about 5 minutes if you want to walk around or dine somewhere there, visit Powell's books (if you read, it's ESSENTIAL - an entire city block of new and used books). if the weather's nice, walking down NW 23rd Ave might be a nice way to unwind after a long day's drive - and get food at a nice restaurant or one of several pubs (a McMenamins perhaps) or even a local pizza joint, if you prefer.

Check www.travelportland.com for hotel deals in Portland. I would normally recommend Priceline.com but with four people, it's iffy because you can't guarantee two beds...

Thanks Andrew that sounds great advice. Love the sound of the book store, each of us will happily spend hours in one. I especially appreciate the advice about the hotel area being dull! That's the sort of thing a website doesn't tell you. And anyone who mentions a walk as entertainment is on our track. We recently spent 15 years in England and got used to wandering everywhere....throw in some decent food and everyone is happy.
I'll check out the Crowne Plaze. Because we need two rooms (unless it's a good size suite as the two boys are 6 foot and our daughter is nearly as tall as me!)that compromises the budget somewhat. About $180/night/room is about as high as I want to go.
Is the Crowne Plaza you mention the Downtown one or Lake Osego? We've had good experiences with Crowne Plaza in the past. Will also check out the travelportland site you suggest.
Thanks again

I agree, Portland is a nice city:) The travelportland website is good, but when you decide on a hotel I would call them directly. Even though we live here, we have stayed in downtown hotels for special events and always gotten better rates/packages by calling direct.

the NW 21/23rd area of town is nice as Andrew mentioned, but it is also a very easy walk to the Pearl and other core downtown areas. Personally, I prefer these areas to stay vs across the river.

$180/night/room will buy you a nice hotel room in Portland. There are some nice boutique hotels downtown like the Monaco or the Vintage Plaza that you can probably get for that price, right in the heart of downtown Portland. Some people like the Inn at Northrup Station in NW Portland (it's walking distance to NW 23rd Ave, in a nice neighborhood, though I'm not sure about parking).

On the other hand, if you prefer walking by a river, you could consider the Residence Inn Downtown/Riverplace or the Riverplace Hotel; Riverplace is slightly removed from the heart of downtown Portland but right on the Willamette River. You walking from your hotel right out to the river and some shops/restaurants walk more than down the leafy shopping/restaurant street of NW 23rd Ave, perhaps. Without much time in Portland you will probably be driving everywhere anyway, but the Portland Streetcar (into downtown and out to Powell's) is conveniently located to Riverplace, too...

The Crowne Plaza I spoke of is the one advertised as "downtown" (not the one Lake Oswego), though in truth it's not quite downtown; it's really in NE Portland on the east side of the river, near the Rose Garden arena. I mentioned that hotel because it's really right off I-5 and probably cheaper than the other hotels I mention above. You can be anywhere in 10 minutes by car, tops, but you can't walk to anything right outside your hotel.

I haven't paid over $100 a night in Portland using Priceline. Its the only way to go if you are not dead set on one place.I only bid on Downtown and Convention Center Areas.
Never been disappointed with my lodging. Just a thought.
Nate

I have stayed at the Crowne Plaza several times ( stay there when there are concerts at Rose Garden) and have always liked it - there is a restaurant and a bar -

There really is not much within walking distance - but easy drive everywhere

Friends have stayed at the Crowne Plaza too - the hotel was fine, they said. My one visit to the restaurant was awful, though - I wish I'd eaten at McDonalds instead (seriously!). I recommended the hotel because of phidias1's expressed preference for being near the highway, but it wouldn't be my favorite place in town to say.

I have used Priceline dozens of times for hotels (gotten incredible deals) and would never pay full price for the 3-star/4-star hotels I get with it, but I wouldn't recommend Priceline unless someone expresses an interest in saving money, and our original poster seems more interested in convenience.

My expressed desire to be 'near' the highway was really a relative term! I now realize that Portland isn't that big and we can get out and onto the highway when we leave without too much hassle. So would be open to other lodging suggestions.
As we need two rooms, with one sleeping three, I am not happy to use priceline although I have done in the past with great success (most recently got the Renaissance in Hollywood for $112/night).
It would be great to be near Powells (I think that is in the Pearl area?)
Can anyone suggest a good restaurant? We're open to all suggestions but with two large teenage boys, not too expensive! (Maybe $125 for the five of us?)

The ACE hotel is only a few blocks from Powell's. If you stay at the Inn at Northrup Station in NW Portland, you can take the Portland Streetcar directly to Powell's - it stops right out front. Same with the hotels at Riverplace: Streetcar goes directly from there up to Powell's, eventually. But Portland's downtown is so small that it's not an impossible walk to Powell's from several of the downtown hotels - from the Monaco or the Vintage Plaza, for example, it's only maybe 8 blocks.

Others can chime in with good restaurant recommendations - or you can search this forum for "Portland restaurants." (But there's a Henry's Tavern a block from Powell's that people seem to like.) If you want really low key and cheap for one meal, I recommend the Hot Lips Pizza in the Pearl District on 10th Ave - a small local chain that focuses on supporting local farmers and using natural ingredients - and has really good pizza to boot.

The problem with restaurants is that there are so many nearby that are good:) That said, yes, Henry's is good and is right by Powell's.

I think the Inn at Northrup Station is a good location - fun place to stay , parking included with price, walking distance to lots of shops and restaurants pretty easy access to freeway.

I dont recall the quality of the food at Crowne Plaza but do remember the service wasnt good - except in the bar.

Thanks everyone. I've booked the Inn at Northrup Station. It sounds perfect and I called the hotel as suggested and got a great deal: $149 for the first room (queen/queen) and $109 for the second (king). I am sure the kids will love the trolley (we can never be bothered to join the long lines when we go into San Francisco!. It sounds as if there is a great choice of places to eat so we may just wander and see what takes our fancy. I know if I mention the pizza place that will be the kids' choice and I like the idea of supporting local farmers so we may well end up there!

The restaurant choices along 23rd st are many - there is a Pizza place- I think its California Pizza - also there is a Mexican restaurant and a great Thai restaurant - Typhoon - and a McMenamins with great burgers-so should be something for everyone.

I think you will enjoy that area

Pizzicato (a local pizza/salad chain) is on NW 23rd at Glisan. Rose's Deli will provide a hearty sandwich with Portland roots (838 NW 23rd Ave). And you can stop by Alotto Gelato for a yummy treat (931 NW 23rd Ave).

It is a great walking area with easy access to the Pearl District. I think your family will enjoy it.

For pizza-by-the-slice and Philly cheesesteaks (not a fancy place, very blue collar; the local cops eat there), there's always Tribute's at NW 22nd and Kearney. And of course, Portland's original Pizza-by-the-Slice place, Escape from New York (so small there are only two tables but lots of bar seating) on NW 23rd, which survives more by its reputation than on having good pizza every night anymore.

But Hot Lips Pizza in the Pearl is an easy stop on the way to Powell's off the Streetcar (get off at 11th and Johnson, across Jamison Square to 10th or ask, the restaurant is back inside a building set away from the street a bit). In fact you could walk about eight blocks to Powell's from there if it's a nice night.

The most popular dessert place on NW 23rd (even though it's a full restaurant too) is Papa Hayden at NW 23rd and Hoyt. Great chessecakes, etc.; busy place, sometimes hard to get a table on busy nights. More low-key is Kornblatts, a Jewish-style deli (but not kosher) across the street (next to Escape from New York), where they have fantastic NW-style cheesecake - HUGE slices. There's also Moonstruck Chocolate a few doors down from Escape.

Personally, I am not a fan of Papa Haydens. Very close to your hotel is St. Honore which has lots of goodies. Another good restaurant nearby is Serratto. Most of these places have websites and you can check reviews on TripAdvisor to see what suits you best.