We will be on Portland for 3 days. Is any area preferable for a hotel for 2 seniors to walk to places of interest?

Thanks,
Joy

There is a new Residence Inn in the Pearl District that has good offers for seniors.

HTtY

What's your budget? There are some nice hotels downtown like the Hotel Vintage Plaza and its sister hotel, the Hotel Monaco, but both are 4-star hotels.

There are cheaper hotels across the river in NE Portland by the convention center - not really an exciting area (kind of dull) but the Portland Streetcar and the MAX train will get you into downtown or the Pearl quickly, and a day ticket on Portland public transit is only $2 for seniors (65 and over - $5 for other adults).

Last year, my folks stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott near the Convention Center; we got a good deal on the Travel Portland website. They loved the hotel, especially the breakfast. Both MAX and the Streetcar run within two blocks of the hotel (buses too). If you come in the summer there's also a Washington Park Loop bus (#83) that will take you from the MAX stop at the Providence Park (formerly Jeld-Wen Field) up to the International Rose Test Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the Zoo - weekdays during the summer, weekends starting now through the fall.

I wasn't aware of the new Residence Inn - I'll have to look for it when I walk through the Pearl next, probably today.

I got a good rate at the Mark Spencer, very close to Powell's Books, and within what was then the free transport zone. Probably on booking.com. http://www.markspencer.com

Sadly, the fareless square and the "free rail zone" are both gone from Portland. There is now only one zone for the whole TriMet system. It costs the same now ($2.50/good for one hour or $5/day) to take the train from the airport into downtown Portland as it does to take a train or bus two blocks.

I just walked past the new Residence Inn (walked past the construction for months - NOW I know what it is!). It's at the north end of the Pearl District, about ten blocks from Powell's. The Mark Spencer is about two blocks from Powell's (which is at the south end of the Pearl). And the Mark Spencer is closer to MAX but also on the Streetcar line - so I'd say the Mark Spencer is a slightly better location. But I'll bet the Residence Inn is super nice inside.

Check this website for hotels- usually offer free breakfast and parking with booking.

http://www.travelportland.com

The Monaco is very nice- cost of parking is outrageous - I found parking for less off site and just down the street.

Staying at one of the waterfront hotels would be nice for walking, access to some nice restaurants-

I have stayed at the Marriott Waterfront and thought it a good location- not right on the water but close

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/trave...wn-waterfront/

Thank you all for taking the time to reply to my question. This forum is wonderful!
Joy

How are you arriving in Portland? If by plane, the east end of the TriMet red line is right outside baggage claim at PDX.
The light rail, streetcars and buses are all covered by your daily fare. There are a couple of bus stops and a light rail stop within 8 blocks of the train station.

If you are arriving by car, it is worthwhile to check out hotel deals at the Portland web site. Rates include parking, breakfast, and a coupon book: http://www.travelportland.com

HTtY

We liked the Mark Spencer and its location. They have a "happy hour" kind of thing in the afternoon that includes wine and appetizers.