I'm using Marriott points for a Marriott in Portland for 4 or 5 nights in Sept. to explore Portland and make daytrips to the gorge, wine country, etc.
Any input on which Marriott would be better? Location, better rooms, views, parking, etc?
Any input's appreciated, thanks!

Hi Vacaman2,

There are two Marriotts in downtown Portland -- one on the Waterfront (Naito Parkway) and a newer one on SW Broadway. We've stayed at the waterfront one several times and loved it. Beautiful views, nice atrium pool, great service. I haven't stayed at the Broadway address, but hear good things.

The main difference between the two is distance from the heart of downtown.

From the waterfront Marriott you step out the door and cross the street to get to the greenspace by the river, great for an early morning jog or a stroll along the marina. It's a five to ten minute walk to the heart of downtown.

The SW Broadway Marriott is right smack in the middle of downtown; you step out the door and are surrounded by theatres, stores, restaurants.

Both hotels have valet parking.

I don't think you can go wrong with either. Portland is a great walking city, and I urge you to stay in the middle of it.

Enjoy your trip!

I think you will be much happier in the downtown location.

I have stayed at the Waterfront Marriott several times and have to say I like it better than the one downtown - however I am a walker and walking a few blocks doesnt bother me.
There are several nice restaurants close by and it really is not very far from downtown - plus some rooms have river views

I have stayed at the Waterfront Marriott a few times for work and I really enjoyed my stay there! The downtown location is great too but I like to go to the ACTION of the city and not be STUCK in the ACTION of the city! I would recommend the waterfront location if you don't mind walking a couple blocks

STACY
www.edufire.com

We love the waterfront area, we haven't stayed at the Marriott but have enjoyed stays at the Riverplace Hotel. We were just in the Portland waterfront area a couple of weeks ago for dinner at Lucier. ***kim***

I think you will be much happier in the downtown location.

I should have said, of these two options, I would be much happier in the downtown location.

Since you are using Marriott points, I did not recommend my favorite place to stay in Portland--Northrup Station, which is located in an interesting neighborhood and next door to my favorite restaurant in Portland, Paley's Place.

Thank you all, I think I'll go for the waterfront because I don't mind walking into downtown and taking a run along the river works for me.

I hope you have a great time in Portland, our daughter and her boyfriend spent the day there yesterday shopping and exploring Washington Park, they had a wonderful time! ***kim***