I have stayed at the Doubletree- it was fine- Max stop very close by and easy to use- but LLoyd center hotels are not "downtown"
Take a look at the Inn at Northrup Station - have stayed there several times with my adult daughter- its called a "boutique hotel" and its kind of eclectic - bright colors etc- but great area - walking distance to the "23rd St shops" and restaurants-

I frequently stay at the Marriott Waterfront - sort of on the edge of downtown but in my opinion, as easy walk to downtown along the waterfront- I think staying downtown is the best choice- so easy to get around - great shops, restaurants and the waterfront walkways along the river- if you are making this trip, enjoy the best Portland has to offer - and I think that includes a downtown stay

I agree that staying downtown (west of the Willamette River) is more fun/easier than staying east of the Willamette in NE Portland. That area of NE Portland (I live not far away) is safe but a bit dull; there's a Denny's, a Wendy's, and other fast food places nearby, whereas if you want better restaurants you'll have to go downtown or venture a mile or two away. On the upside, you can get downtown quickly (for free in the Free Rail Zone) by taking the MAX train from any of those hotels you mentioned, and you could get back to your car fairly quickly at the hotel if you want to venture up to the Rose/Japanese Gardens that way.

(If you wind up staying at the La Quinta, check out the big Portland cityscape picture behind the front desk - I sold it to them last fall. I'm a photographer.)

FYI, none of those hotels you mention are close to the International Rose Test Garden (the proper name for the "Rose Garden" with the flowers, the one you want to visit). Rather, they are close to the Rose Garden Arena where the Portland Trailblazers play and many musical acts perform. The International Rose Test Garden is in SW Portland up in Washington Park, adjacent to the Japanese Garden.

Andrew- I didn't pick up mim59's confusion about the Rose Garden- what a disappointment that would be - think you are going to see some beautiful flowers and instead see a huge arena- I can see now how easily that could be done

I was so confused too as family members live in NE Portland, probably around where you live Andrew, and at times because of where they live we have stayed at hotels by the LLoyd Center and consequently I thought "what, 4 blocks to the Rose Garden". Not being rude, mim, just totally confused but now I understand how you thought the hotels by the Lloyd Center was quite near to the "Rose Garden".

The Max is a great way to get downtown but I agree with our Portland Fodorite's that it would be worth the bit of time to stay the night of arrival in the actual downtown area of Portland. Portland is a beautiful city and I envy their public transportation and you will find the residents usually so pleasant. But if you can save a lot of money by staying in the location of the Lloyd Center I sure agree with Andrew's comments that you can get downtown via the Max Line and than come back to your hotel to pick up your car, we have done that several times. Do have a wonderful visit as I am sure you will.

Thanks so much to all of you who have made suggestions. Yes, it is confusing to a person from out of town when you read a hotel is near the Rose Garden. I'm glad I now understand what that means.

I think I am going to book one of the hotels near the Lloyd Center through the travelportland website. Their prices are better than the hotels offer, plus all have free parking and breakfast. I will probably try Priceline as the time gets closer and hope to get a good price on a hotel downtown. We would be ok staying at Doubletree or LaQuinta and using public transportation or driving if that isn't feasible. We don't mind walking, as long as the weather is good. Have walked miles in cities where we didn't have a car.

Again, all of you have given us such great suggestions and have made planning this part of our trip much easier.

Well then, I vote for the Doubletree - since you have narrowed it down to area. Max rail is close by- free to downtown.

Stayed at LaQuinta once- was not too impressed