Another vote for the 5th Avenue Suites. Even though we live here, we have stayed at this hotel a few times and loved it. Our rooms were very nice, the location is great as you can walk everywhere, and there is a good restaurant in the hotel. It will be fun to see how it is when it becomes the Monaco!

I realize any hotel can have an issue here and there. Heck, there are reviews that say a guest saw earwigs in their Riverplace room, and inadvertently brought some home in their luggage. EEWWW!

I have not stayed at the Riverplace so can't comment on the rooms.

I would much prefer a more central location in town though, IMO.

Earwigs? Ewwww is right mms, I can't stand them. Terrible nasty things.

I would imagine that the 5th Avenue Suites becoming a Monaco Hotel will be wonderful. Everyone sure loves the Monaco Hotel in SF. Personally I love the Kimpton Group of hotels. And I would certainly want to stay in downtown Portland. Enjoy jansa, Portland is a wonderful city!

Scarlett, thanks for the update on the construction by the Paramount. Also planning a trip the end of August/beginning Sept so sounds like that should be fine if we want to stay there.

I've stayed at the Riverplace (never again -- didn't like the distance or the noise) and the Fifth Avenue Suites. Loved the Fifth Avenue Suites.

Just a reminder that the Portland bus mall (5th/6th Avenues downtown) will begin a major renovation beginning in January 2007, to last for 2 years or so. The 5th Avenue Suites is obviously on 5th Avenue; I have no idea what kind of noise/dust this will involve for businesses along 5th Ave but it could be potentially messy at times, just FYI.

Riverplace is definitely removed a bit from the downtown core, but at least now you can hike about two blocks to the Streetcar stop and get up to downtown pretty easily. On the other hand, some people truly might enjoy being on the water there.

yestravel, it is really such a nice hotel, and I cannot imagine the construction being anything like it is now.
But ask when the time gets closer and we can let you know. Right behind the hotel, at the end of the block, is where the South Park Blocks begin..Farmers Mkt every Saturday, roses ,park benches, the theatres and where you can see the ballet, concerts or Kodo drummers..it is not far at all from the Heathman which is great for drinks, snacks at the bar, especially after a show.
*that said, we have had horrible times at the Heathman when there is a party or prom-type event going on, people behaving as if they have never been out of the woods before, so it is not always "lovely and quiet" there *
For really nice drinks in the evening, Fenouil, Ten01 and in the Summer, outside- bluehour.

Scarlett, thanks for all the useful info. I will file this away and check back closer to our trip for an update on construction.