When up Portland way, you really should...
Feb 11th, 2005 | 10:10 AM
#1
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When up Portland way, you really should...
In late July, we will meet two other couples for four days in Portland. We're booked in the Vintage Plaza, with suprisingly great rates. On Friday morning, the other couples must leave, but my wife and I will stay in the area until the following Wednesday.
We are booked into the Youngberg Hill Inn the last two nights, but we have a three day window -- Friday, Saturday and Sunday --still open.
We considered staying three extra nights in the Vintage Plaza, but the rates go up significantly over the weekend. So, back to the planning board.
This board has been very helpful planning this trip already, but would those of you who contribute often to Portland questions -- beachbum, kal, et al -- consider this: We will have spent the week doing a day of the coast (over to Seaside, down to Lincoln City back through wine country to Portland), a day through the gorge (east to Hood River, south to Mount Hood and back via U.S. 26) and a day of golf/shopping. While doing that will there be a place we will pass when we will suddenly say "Wow! I wish we had reservations here and could stay two or three days..."
Or...should we find another hotel in Portland and use it as our base? There are many things in the city over the weekend that appeal to us: market, gardens, museums, more wine country, etc.
IF we chose the latter option, what other hotel would be a good choice? I'm looking at the $150 night rate as a ceiling, if possible.
Oh, to avoid starting another hotel fight, I have looked at earlier posts and I am aware of the Riverplace vs. all other hotels debate, so I recognize there are strong biases..
Thanks!
Jim
We are booked into the Youngberg Hill Inn the last two nights, but we have a three day window -- Friday, Saturday and Sunday --still open.
We considered staying three extra nights in the Vintage Plaza, but the rates go up significantly over the weekend. So, back to the planning board.
This board has been very helpful planning this trip already, but would those of you who contribute often to Portland questions -- beachbum, kal, et al -- consider this: We will have spent the week doing a day of the coast (over to Seaside, down to Lincoln City back through wine country to Portland), a day through the gorge (east to Hood River, south to Mount Hood and back via U.S. 26) and a day of golf/shopping. While doing that will there be a place we will pass when we will suddenly say "Wow! I wish we had reservations here and could stay two or three days..."
Or...should we find another hotel in Portland and use it as our base? There are many things in the city over the weekend that appeal to us: market, gardens, museums, more wine country, etc.
IF we chose the latter option, what other hotel would be a good choice? I'm looking at the $150 night rate as a ceiling, if possible.
Oh, to avoid starting another hotel fight, I have looked at earlier posts and I am aware of the Riverplace vs. all other hotels debate, so I recognize there are strong biases..
Thanks!
Jim
Feb 11th, 2005 | 12:31 PM
#4
Joined: Jan 2003
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Hi JimF,
We spent 10 days in Portland in all, last September. One of them was spent at Cannon Beach and around that area. Another day was spent going along the Historic Highway stopping and looking at all the waterfalls and having a picnic up there..taking a gazillion photos all along the way.
We still did not feel that we saw enough of the city of Portland.
We would have gone over to Sellwood and spent the day, we never got to the OMSI..I wanted to spend more time in the gardens, we saw the Japanese but there was so much more to see.
So I ( as a total Portland newbie) would vote for staying there for the weekend and enjoying the city.
Oh, while I will not start anything with recommending a particular hotel, I think changing hotels/areas of the city will eat up time that could better be spent eating or sightseeing
Have a great time
We spent 10 days in Portland in all, last September. One of them was spent at Cannon Beach and around that area. Another day was spent going along the Historic Highway stopping and looking at all the waterfalls and having a picnic up there..taking a gazillion photos all along the way.
We still did not feel that we saw enough of the city of Portland.
We would have gone over to Sellwood and spent the day, we never got to the OMSI..I wanted to spend more time in the gardens, we saw the Japanese but there was so much more to see.
So I ( as a total Portland newbie) would vote for staying there for the weekend and enjoying the city.
Oh, while I will not start anything with recommending a particular hotel, I think changing hotels/areas of the city will eat up time that could better be spent eating or sightseeing
Have a great time
Feb 11th, 2005 | 01:05 PM
#5
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,639
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I have heard wonderful things about Youngberg Hill Inn and would love to stay there sometime! 
Have you considered staying a night or two in the Gorge area? The Columbia Gorge Hotel was that "wow" place for us! www.columbiagorgehotel.com The property is amazing, very spacious grounds and the Farm Country Breakfast each am is the most elegant, wonderful breakfast I've ever had while traveling!
www.columbiagorgehotel.com is the website.
Lucky you, visiting Portland! We have two family members checked into the Riverplace Hotel for this weekend. Just spoke with them and they're having a wonderful time back in the Portland area! Apizza Scholls for lunch and dinner at the Portland City Grill! Have a wonderful time! ***kim***
Have you considered staying a night or two in the Gorge area? The Columbia Gorge Hotel was that "wow" place for us! www.columbiagorgehotel.com The property is amazing, very spacious grounds and the Farm Country Breakfast each am is the most elegant, wonderful breakfast I've ever had while traveling!
www.columbiagorgehotel.com is the website.Lucky you, visiting Portland! We have two family members checked into the Riverplace Hotel for this weekend. Just spoke with them and they're having a wonderful time back in the Portland area! Apizza Scholls for lunch and dinner at the Portland City Grill! Have a wonderful time! ***kim***
Feb 11th, 2005 | 01:22 PM
#6
Joined: Jan 2003
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Here's my $.02, Jim. IMO, Oregon's #1 tourism attribute is its coastline. It doesn't matter what time of year, whenever I go, I always wish I had more time there. Unless it's raining on the one day you're planning (and most of it will be in the car), I'd bet you will too.
Next, don't expect your Oregon "wine country" experience to compare to one you might have in Napa or Sonoma; it won't. Even if you absolutely love pinot noir. Since you've already made plans, I'm a little reluctant to write this, but I know I'd much rather spend two nights at the coast than at Youngberg Hill, regardless of how nice it might be. Day trips from Portland to wine country are much easier than to the coast.
I might also note that I've always wanted to spend a night at Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood. Except for hiking, there's not a whole lot to do, but views are spectacular. That might be another of those "Wow!" places, but only for a night.
Appears you've got a nice trip planned. Where you gonna play golf? If you've not decided, Pumpkin Ridge should be at the top of the list. Great golf course.
And, if you decide to switch hotels, take a look at Governor or Mallory.
Next, don't expect your Oregon "wine country" experience to compare to one you might have in Napa or Sonoma; it won't. Even if you absolutely love pinot noir. Since you've already made plans, I'm a little reluctant to write this, but I know I'd much rather spend two nights at the coast than at Youngberg Hill, regardless of how nice it might be. Day trips from Portland to wine country are much easier than to the coast.
I might also note that I've always wanted to spend a night at Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood. Except for hiking, there's not a whole lot to do, but views are spectacular. That might be another of those "Wow!" places, but only for a night.
Appears you've got a nice trip planned. Where you gonna play golf? If you've not decided, Pumpkin Ridge should be at the top of the list. Great golf course.
And, if you decide to switch hotels, take a look at Governor or Mallory.
Feb 11th, 2005 | 07:32 PM
#7
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Whoa! Great input! Thanks, everyone. Choices...so many choices...
Right now, I am inclined to remain in the city for the weekend, and just chill, perhaps we will go back out to the coast for a day, but go back into Portland. We'll see. Plenty of time left.
Beachbum, we were looking at Reserve, in Aloha, and considering Pumpkin Ridge. We'd need a course within an hour or so drive of downtown. I suppose both would fit? On Reserve it appears they restrict the South course to members only during the time we are there, so we would have to play the north course -- if this makes any difference.
The Seattle suggestion is a good one, but we visited that fair city three years ago.
Again, thanks all. I may be back for fine-tuning on this trip...
Jim
Right now, I am inclined to remain in the city for the weekend, and just chill, perhaps we will go back out to the coast for a day, but go back into Portland. We'll see. Plenty of time left.
Beachbum, we were looking at Reserve, in Aloha, and considering Pumpkin Ridge. We'd need a course within an hour or so drive of downtown. I suppose both would fit? On Reserve it appears they restrict the South course to members only during the time we are there, so we would have to play the north course -- if this makes any difference.
The Seattle suggestion is a good one, but we visited that fair city three years ago.
Again, thanks all. I may be back for fine-tuning on this trip...
Jim
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Feb 11th, 2005 | 07:54 PM
#8
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Hi JimF,
The Reserve and Pumpkin are both within the distance you desire. Pumpkin is a bit further out of town than The Reserve. Both are nice courses, both have public and private courses. IMHO Pumpkin Ridge is a much nicer course. But, I am slightly biased, we were members there before we moved to CA. It is a lovely course, very pretty surroundings.
Also, The Reserve hosts a large tournament late July/ early August time frame, be sure to verify ahead of time if this will affect your decision.
minnie.
The Reserve and Pumpkin are both within the distance you desire. Pumpkin is a bit further out of town than The Reserve. Both are nice courses, both have public and private courses. IMHO Pumpkin Ridge is a much nicer course. But, I am slightly biased, we were members there before we moved to CA. It is a lovely course, very pretty surroundings.
Also, The Reserve hosts a large tournament late July/ early August time frame, be sure to verify ahead of time if this will affect your decision.
minnie.
Feb 12th, 2005 | 06:45 AM
#9
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The south course is the better of the two at The Reserve, Jim. That's where the seniors tour plays the Tradition, the tournament minnie is referring to.
Pumpkin has a public and private side too. They've hosted a couple US Women's Opens and Tiger won a US Junior on the private side. But the public side is a great course too, heads above either of The Reserve courses.
Pumpkin has a public and private side too. They've hosted a couple US Women's Opens and Tiger won a US Junior on the private side. But the public side is a great course too, heads above either of The Reserve courses.
Feb 12th, 2005 | 08:48 AM
#10
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JimF, keep in mind that a lot of the drive between Tillamook (south of Cannon Beach) and Lincoln City is inland so you won't be seeing a lot of ocean there. The drive between Lincoln City and Newport is better...
If you just want a 4-star hotel in Portland for the weekend, why not Priceline.com? You might wind up back at the Vintage Plaza as many others have, probably for less than you are paying during the week. If you stay in the downtown zone, I don't think any of the hotels you would wind up are bad at all.
Another alternative is the McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale (east of Portland). The McMenamins Brothers are known for taking large old buildings and converting them to hotels and restaurants. The Edgefield was once a "poor farm" which they have converted into a cool little resort, complex of bars, restaurants, a hotel, golf course, etc. The grounds are beautiful (my friend got married there), and the place is truly unique. See http://www.mcmenamins.com/index.php?loc=3
Even if you don't stay there it's worth a stop in on the way to/from the Columbia River Gorge. You might also try the McMenamins Kennedy School in NE Portland as well. The McMenamins also operate a chain of pubs in Portland and it is worth stopping into at least one of them on a visit.
Andrew
If you just want a 4-star hotel in Portland for the weekend, why not Priceline.com? You might wind up back at the Vintage Plaza as many others have, probably for less than you are paying during the week. If you stay in the downtown zone, I don't think any of the hotels you would wind up are bad at all.
Another alternative is the McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale (east of Portland). The McMenamins Brothers are known for taking large old buildings and converting them to hotels and restaurants. The Edgefield was once a "poor farm" which they have converted into a cool little resort, complex of bars, restaurants, a hotel, golf course, etc. The grounds are beautiful (my friend got married there), and the place is truly unique. See http://www.mcmenamins.com/index.php?loc=3
Even if you don't stay there it's worth a stop in on the way to/from the Columbia River Gorge. You might also try the McMenamins Kennedy School in NE Portland as well. The McMenamins also operate a chain of pubs in Portland and it is worth stopping into at least one of them on a visit.
Andrew
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