The Best Portland Hotels
Portland’s hotel scene has experienced a glow-up. As the city doubles down on climate goals and local sourcing, more hotels are following suit—installing solar panels, partnering with food rescue programs, and using reclaimed materials. Whether it’s a minimalist downtown high-rise or a spa retreat built from sustainably harvested wood, these stays are designed with a lighter footprint and a strong sense of place.
Neighborhoods
Downtown is compact and walkable, home to museums, riverside trails, and plenty of restaurants. The Pearl District blends converted warehouses with boutiques and loft-style stays. Across the river, the Central Eastside is full of makerspaces, microbreweries, and industrial buildings. Alberta Arts is bright and eclectic, known for its murals, galleries, and vintage shops. Southeast’s Hawthorne and Division streets are lined with old bungalows, bookshops, and low-key cafés. In Northwest Portland, Nob Hill (NW 23rd) is leafy and residential, dotted with historic homes and independent stores.
The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Best for: Artful luxury in a historic downtown setting
Location: Downtown
Price: From $218 per night
North Stars:
Perched on the top nine floors of the historic Meier & Frank Building, The Nines gives downtown Portland a jolt of old-school glam with a modern, eco-minded twist. The LEED Silver-certified hotel houses 331 rooms—think tufted leather headboards, marble bathrooms, and splashes of Tiffany blue.
You’ll find local art on the walls, Powell’s Books in the library, and honey from the hotel’s own rooftop beehives drizzled over your breakfast. The Urban Farmer restaurant feels more greenhouse than grillhouse, while Departure on the roof delivers panoramic views and Asian-inspired plates. There’s a Peloton or in-room massage waiting if you need it, plus a courtesy car that’ll ferry you around town in style.
The Nines Library, Courtesy of The Nines.
CASCADA Thermal Springs & Hotel
Best for: Wellness seekers craving a high-design, spa-centric escape
Location: Alberta Arts District
Price: From $300 per night
North Stars:
CASCADA is Portland’s premier wellness retreat. The LEED Platinum-certified hotel boasts 100 minimalist suites adorned with sustainably sourced timber ceilings, full kitchenettes, and in-room washer/dryers. Each suite features floor-to-ceiling glass and tile bathrooms, automated curtains, and 55″ 4K TVs.
The hotel’s centerpiece is its hydrothermal spa, which features five underground pools, a hammam-inspired steam room, and a dry sauna. Guests can indulge in yoga classes, fitness sessions, and themed dinners at Terra Mae, the on-site restaurant blending Portuguese and Japanese cuisine. CASCADA incorporates sustainable design through green roofs, solar panels, and rainwater harvesting.
The Conservatory, Courtesy of CASCADA Thermal Springs and Hotel
KEX Portland
Best for: Design-savvy travelers looking for community and character
Location: Central Eastside
Price: From $38 per night
North Stars:
Housed in a restored 1912 building, KEX Portland combines Nordic minimalism with Portland’s creative energy. The hotel offers a range of options from hostel-style bunks to private rooms with organic mattresses and custom-built furnishings. Interiors mix salvaged wood, vintage details, and locally made textiles, creating a cool, lived-in feel that’s both welcoming and design-forward.
KEX is also a gathering place for locals, with a festive restaurant and bar, Vivian, hosting live music, art nights, and pop-up dinners. A rooftop bar, Lady of the Mountain, features seasonal cocktails made with regional spirits. From events in its Gym & Tonic space to partnerships with Portland artisans and brewers, KEX is deeply tied to its neighborhood.
KEX Hotel Exterior, Courtesy of Mikael Lundblad
The Society Hotel
Best for: Minimalist travelers seeking historic charm and community vibes
Location: Old Town Chinatown
Price: From $44 per night
North Stars:
Set in a restored 1881 building, The Society Hotel offers a blend of historic character and modern minimalism. With 24 private rooms, 12 suites, and a 24-bed hostel-style bunk room, the hotel caters to a diverse range of travelers. Rooms feature plush robes, air conditioning, and shared or private bathrooms, maintaining a balance between comfort and affordability.
Guests can unwind at the rooftop deck, enjoy locally sourced fare at the in-house café, or explore nearby attractions like the Lan Su Chinese Garden. The hotel’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its adaptive reuse architecture and third-party sustainability certification, making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious visitors.
Exterior of The Society Hotel, Courtesy of The Society Hotel
McMenamins Kennedy School
Best for: Minimalist travelers seeking historic charm and community vibes
Location: Old Town Chinatown
Price: From $44 per night
North Stars:
McMenamins Kennedy School, originally a 1915 elementary school, has undergone a transformation into a whimsical hotel full of historic charm. The 57 guestrooms, some with original chalkboards, offer a nostalgic stay with modern comforts. Guests enjoy on-site amenities like a brewery, multiple bars, a movie theater, and a soaking pool.
The hotel’s sustainability efforts include energy-efficient soaking pools, organic waste diversion, and a commitment to community engagement. Its blend of history, sustainability, and entertainment makes it a standout choice for travelers seeking an affordable and unconventional Portland experience.
