hey, how'd i miss this one. i live in Seattle. but reading the questions I guess i don't have anything to add (lol). wishing you a good trip regardless obxgirl. sincerely suze

Our experience is very different from HTTY. So far only one hotel has not met the Portland Perks deals for us.

Thank you all. I checked with the hotel website for Hotel Fifty and the cost even for AAA was about $100 per night.

I again want to thank you for giving me a quick update and responses to my questions -- it's so helpful.

But now that you've brought up "free zone", uh, what is that?

I will check Crowne Plaza on rates. I don't even know how far the airport is from downtown Portland. I've only ever driven and taken the train to Portland!

The "free zone" was an area where you could ride the Max ( public transportation) at no cost - however, they have done away with it,so its not available anymore- still does not cost much though.

I would say its a 30 min ride from airport to downtown- you can also take a train from the airport.

Excellent! I just booked with Hotel Fifty -- actually the hotel is ideally situated, and close to my favorite guitar shop. On travelportland.com it was great, because in addition to the really steep discount price, it comes with parking and continental breakfast.

I will report back when I return -- thanks again! (and sorry to hijack this thread!)