I'm attending an event at the Portland Rose Arena and wanted to get some information regarding places to stay. Many of the hotels near the arena seem modest. I don't need anything fancy, but I'd like to have someplace that is easy walking distance, but not too rundown. Is there a nice hotel near the arena, or should I stay downtown and plan on taking the rail system?

That's the knock on the Rose Garden; there are no quality accommodations nearby. I think the light-rail system from downtown is your best bet; it's a short ride.

If you decide on downtown, the River Place Hotel is very nice if you like luxury digs!! www.riverplacehotel.com We get in under the romance package which includes, valet parking, breakfast each am at Lucere (very good) champagne & strawberries each day and access to their health club just a block away.

The rooms are very nice and the bathrooms are huge with beautiful vanities and large soaking tubs. Have a great time in Portland! ***kim***

If price is any concern, I'd probably go for the Doubletree hotel at Lloyd Center. From there you can walk to the Rose Garden arena (it's probably 1/2 mile) or, if you are not up to the walk, take the free MAX train a short 5-minute ride to the arena. This is not an amazing hotel from what I have read (I have been in the lobby) but it is supposed to be clean and basic, not dumpy-looking like some of the hotels closer to the arena.

If you really don't care about price and want a nice place, yes stay downtown. Try the Hotel Vintage Plaza or the 5th Avenue Suites. Both are close to the MAX train which will take you across town to the arena in about 15-20 minutes. It's also a quick drive if you rent a car - just plan on leaving early and chilling once you get to the Garden.

If you do care about the price, consider Priceline.com. A 4-star hotel bid will put you in downtown, possibily the Vintage Plaza or 5th Avenue, possibly another nice hotel a little further from the MAX line. Priceline's 3-star hotels in Portland tend to vary in quality and location. You might even get the Doubletree at LC, but you could get the other Doubletree on Lincoln Street - not as easy a bus/train ride to the Arena. If interested, see BiddingForTravel.com before doing a Priceline bid.

Andrew

The CitySearch reviews for the best Luxury Hotel, 2003 Editorial Winners list: 1.) River Place Hotel 2.)The Benson 3.) The Heathman and 4.) Avalon Hotel & Spa. Have fun making your decision! ***kim***

I would recommend staying downtown and using MAX. You would be in the 'free zone' if you did and wouldn't have to buy tickets which can be the most confusing part of mass transit. MAX is just outside the Rose Garden and then within walking distance of nice hotels in downtown.