Hotels

Whether you're looking for a downtown corporate high-rise, a restored historic hotel, a hip boutique hotel, a romantic B&B, or just something relatively inexpensive, you'll find it in Portland. You even have a couple of good choices for riverfront hotels.

If your budget won't allow for a first-class downtown business hotel, try near the airport or elsewhere on the outskirts of the city (Troutdale and Gresham on the east side; Beaverton and Hillsboro on the west; Wilsonville and Lake Oswego in the south; and Vancouver, Washington, in the north), where you're more likely to find inexpensive to moderately priced motels.

You'll find the greatest concentration of bed-and-breakfasts in the Irvington neighborhood of northeast Portland. This area is close to downtown and is generally quite convenient.

In the listings, price categories are based on the rate for a double room in high season. (Most hotels charge the same for a single or double room.) Keep in mind that the rates listed do not include local room taxes, which vary between 7% and 12.5%.

For comparison purposes, we list what hotels call "rack rates," or walk-in rates -- but you should never have to pay these highly inflated prices. Various discounts (Internet, advance-purchase, AAA, senior, corporate, and Entertainment Book) often reduce these rates, so be sure to ask. In fact, you can often get a discounted corporate rate simply by flashing a business card (your own, that is). At inexpensive chain motels, there are almost always discounted rates for AAA members and seniors.

You'll also find that room rates are almost always considerably lower October through April (the rainy season), and large downtown hotels often offer weekend discounts of up to 50% throughout the year. Some of the large, upscale hotel chains have now gone to an airline-type rate system based on occupancy, so if you call early enough, before a hotel books up, you might get a really good rate. On the other hand, call at the last minute and you might catch a cancellation and still be offered a low rate. However, it's always advisable to make reservations as far in advance as possible if you're planning to visit during the busy summer months. Also be sure to ask about special packages (romance, golf, or theater), which most of the more expensive hotels usually offer.

Most hotels offer nonsmoking rooms, and most bed-and-breakfasts are exclusively nonsmoking. The majority of hotels also offer wheelchair-accessible rooms.

Vancouver, Washington -- Located just across the Columbia River from Portland, Vancouver, Washington, is an economical and convenient area from which to explore Portland.

The Airport Area & Troutdale -- Moderately priced hotels abound in the airport area, which makes this a good place to look for a room if you arrive with no reservation.

Helping Hands

If you're having trouble booking a room, try Travel Portland, 701 SW Sixth Ave., Portland, OR 97205 (tel. 877/678-5263 or 503/275-8355; www.travelportland.com), which offers a reservation service for the Portland metro area.

For information on bed-and-breakfasts in the Portland area, contact the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild (tel. 800/944-6196; www.obbg.org).

Family-Friendly Hotels

Aloft Portland Airport at Cascade Station -- Just outside the airport, the Aloft is hip and playful, reasonably priced, and you without being totally in-your-face about it. This location just outside the airport can get to downtown easily on the MAX light rail. An indoor pool, treats for kids, and games in the lounge make this hotel a good choice for families.

Embassy Suites -- Located in the center of the city, this renovated historic hotel offers spacious rooms (mostly two-room suites). You and the kids will have room to spread out and can hang out by the indoor pool when you tire of exploring Portland.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Vancouver/Portland -- This hotel is on the north side of the Columbia River, in Vancouver, Washington. A paved riverside trail, a fun family restaurant, and a brewpub--not to mention its location right across the street from the river--all add up to convenience for families. That you'll get a one- or two-bedroom apartment with a full kitchen just makes life on vacation that much easier.

The Lakeshore Inn -- This reasonably priced inn is right on the shore of Lake Oswego, a short drive south of downtown Portland, and it also has a pool. The big rooms with kitchenettes are great for families; for more space, opt for a one- or two-bedroom suite.