Kostroma

I'm considering a trip to the US Figure Skating Championships in Portland in January 2005. The Doubletree Lloyd Center is offering a special rate to those attending the event and is very close to the Rose Garden, so I'm leaning toward staying there.

Is the area that the hotel is in OK at night? I know that no place is perfectly safe, but it would be nice to know if there's anything I should be particularly watchful for.

I do intend to do a search of the board, but I wanted to get this posted before my office mate gets in.

beachbum

The area around the Doubletree is fine. Except for the Lloyd Center (a shopping mall), there's not much to do/see around there, though.

Don't let proximity to the Rose Garden be the determining factor. MAX, Portland's light-rail system, stops at the Rose Garden; it's a five minute ride from central downtown.

Don

There's a MAX stop right across the street from the Doubletree Lloyd Center. And this stop is in the "Fareless Square" area, so you can ride MAX to and from the skating venue (and to downtown Portland) for free.

I heard years ago that the city park right next to the hotel wasn't the greatest place at night--don't know if that's still true. It seemed fine the couple of times I've been there during the day.

We've stayed at the Doubletree Lloyd Center once before (2002) and will be staying there again in a few weeks. My wife was delighted that we got this hotel on Priceline for our October trip--she really liked the hotel the first time.

Kostroma

Thanks.

Since I first posted, I went to Tri-Met's website and researched the Max line and now I'm expanding my options. I'm also considering the Embassy Suites, Hilton, Marriott, or Westin downtown since I'm a points member at all of these. I'm probably going to have specific questions once I've done more research on each of them, but I'd appreciate any input that you or others may have.

beachbum

The City Center Marriott and Hilton are most centrally located, but both the Westin and Embassy Suites have more character. Personally, I love the building housing the Embassy Suites, but, given January weather, you might appreciate being a few blocks closer to MAX.

FainaAgain

I stayed at the Doubletree in June, and I honestly think the $89 a night I paid on weekend is a steal! I had a great room with a view of the park in front of Lloyd Center. The MAX stop is right there by the hotel.

About safety... I did not go out really late, probably 8 pm was the latest, the park draws some questionnably looking youth, but there are lots of police, so I think it's safe. If you don't plan to walk around, just from MAX to the hotel, then it's safe.

Cheer Sasha on for me Can't take vacation in January: accounting, year-end, sigh...

Andrew

$89/night a steal? Nah, a STEAL is getting the Doubletree LC for $46/night ($40 + fee) on Priceline.com, as several people have reported on BiddingForTravel.com...

Andrew