We are five couples heading to OR for the Pinot Noir fest in July and spending two nights in Portland prior to the festival. I am interested in suggestions for moderately priced hotels with easy access to Pearl District and Northwest district - if such a place exists. As we will be moving in a herd, not having to pile in and out of cars all the time for meals, shopping would be great, but we would be up for taking public transportation (bus? trolley?). I have read much on this board re: 5th Ave Suites - where is it in relation to the neighborhoods I have inquired about? Many thanks in advance for your help.

Some of the locals can give you better advice regarding distances, but we stayed at the 5th Avenue Suites for 5 days last month and thought it was perfect.

The Pearl District is a very easy walk from the hotel. We also walked to the Northwest District. It's a bit further, but certainly doable. We also took the a bus one day to the Northwest District -- easy to hop on and hop off.

We really liked how central the hotel was to downtown, Pioneer Square, and the Pearl District.

Plus, what a great hotel for five couples! It has such a fun atmosphere and the evening wine reception is a great time to regroup and discuss dinner plans.

Have fun! We loved Portland.

I second the 5th Ave recommendation for location. And know that the downtown area is a Fareless Square so you can ride the MAX (train) and busses for free to get around. You could even take the MAX from the airport.

Ooohh, the Pinot Noir fest Good for you! and the weather will most likely be great !

Kureiff is correct ( of course!) the 5th Avenue Suites www.5thavenuesuites.com is our favorite hotel here. When we visited, came back to househunt then moved here, we stayed there. It is perfect

Pretty much everything In Town is accessible - the streetcar does this big loop through town, eventually you always end up in the Pearl or NW.

I can walk from Powells to the hotel in a matter of minutes, it is just blocks from here, the streetcar is one stop from here. The blocks here are not that big, it is a very easy city to walk, get around on foot.
Here is the streetcar site/map that shows you the Loop and where things are. I also recommend a Streetwise map for your walking..they give good free maps away at the hotel and everywhere else. As well as Pearl Maps.
http://portlandstreetcar.org/map.php

I am in agreement with everyone else here The location of the 5th Avenue Suites is great, and it is so easy to walk everywhere, even to the NW area. Even though we live here, we have stayed at the hotel a few times and it is very nice. I won't repeat what everyone else has already said, so just consider this another "ditto" post.

Thanks everyone for your input. Some of the folks in the group are asking about something a little more economical. Any additional suggestions?

And close to the 23rd st shops is Northrup Station- parking included with room. Its a little retro - wild colors etc. but enjoyed stay there- rooms had kitchenettes, right across the street from one of the best restaurants in Portland - walking distance to the shops and many other restaurants and close to trolley line

Check out the Hotel DeLuxe, just fresh from a complete make-over. It's an easy walk from there to the Pearl, NW, and downtown, and right on the MAX line if you get lazy.

Or, Inn at Northrup Station, which is in NW Portland, but right on the streetcar loop Scarlett's talking about.

I've lived here most of my life, and didn't know we had a Pinot Noir Festival until reading your post. Thanks! I'll have to check it out!

Too quick for me, sunbum. ;-) How was your weekend here last month? You saw Menopause, didn't you?

Beachbum- weekend in Portland was great! Menopause was a riot - and yes, that was me and my 2 friends in the kickline for the grand finale!
From there we went to the top of the Hilton- beautiful views from there and caught some great jazz and a fabulous vocalist.
Sat we went hiking at Eagle Creek and to dinner in the Alberta St district- the grill was not accepting any more seating just as we walked in the door so sent us to an Italian restaurant down the street ( dont remember the name)
Sunday we shopped - so full weekend-
culture, arts, great outdoors and retail therapy all in one great weekend

Inn at Northrup Station was one of the places I was looking at but, having been to POrtland only once before, I am uncertain as to how things are layed out. Sunbum1944, can you tell me the name of the restaurant you referenced in your post? After finding a hotel, that will be my next mission.
Beachbum, the International Pinot Noir Festival (IPNC) is loads of fun. Most of us who are going on this trip have been there before. Incredible food (and, of course, wine), great setting and an all-around good time.

indiboo..how do you mean laid out? the rooms in the hotel or its location?
The location is excellent...I can tell on that if that is what you meant..
If you want really economical, look into the Mark Spencer hotel..still in a good location..
www.markspencer.com

Scarlett - I meant the city, not the room - sorry
Thanks.

did the streetcar map help?
It is a good location, in the NorthWest, everywhere in Portland is easy to get to with the streetcars...
anything else you need help on, just ask

Paleys is right around the corner and the Wildwood is across the street from
the Inn at Northrup Station.

When I stayed there we had a room with 2 double beds- there was a small kitchenette and sitting area with a sofa a couple of chairs - TV in the sitting area and another in the sleeping area.

I walked to the 23rd st shops alone without feeling concerned about being alone ( maybe I am naive)

I would stay there again - it may not appeal to everyone as the decor is quite retro with lots of bright colors-
but I liked it.

Hi indiboo, I have some photos posted of Inn at Northrup Station on the Tripadvisor website and also a review with photos from our recent dinner at Paley's Place last month. We also enjoy Wildwood very much! ***kim***