Heading up for a wedding in a month. Wedding is actually out in Cascade Locks so we're staying out there the night of the actual wedding. But getting to Portland a day early for an event in the city and just to hang out. Thinking about booking downtown just for ease of location, but looking for recs on hotels, areas to avoid, etc. Will we be fine just staying at a major brand hotel downtown? TIA

We stayed at The Nines. It's an ok hotel, but there was a lot of teenage/young adult drug use in the area.

If never went back to Portland, it would be too soon.

Our family of 4 had everything we packed for a 10 day trip stolen out of our rental vehicle downtown while we were at Powell's. We were headed to the coast but stopped for our annual pilgrimage to the bookstore. I wouldn't stay in DT Portland. Crime in broad daylight and nobody cares.

So I just got back. We stayed in the Pearl District at a local friend's recommendation and would highly recommend for short walking distance to great restaurants and sites. There are so many good microbrewery restaurants within the five block radius.

We stayed in what is possibly the nicest Hampton Inn I have ever seen on 9th and Everett.

If you are looking for a more fun, upscale boutique the Hoxton is not too far. I would stay at the one and only original in East London years ago for work and they have maintained the cool vibe during US expansion. We met some folks for a drink at the rooftop bar which has a great view of the skyline and Mt. Hood.

We valeted our car, so we did not have to worry about petty crime. I will say that is several days of walking it felt like on of the safer downtown areas I have been to. For a very progressive Pacific Northwest community, they seemed to have forced out the homeless in a big way.

Located here. You will see pretty much every brand name is nearby.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/oHaS7mUSsLzzXzML8

Portland is a s***hole. I'll never go back. Rudest people in America.

We're 10 min. up the hill from DT. We park all around town and have never had an issue. But there is crime; there are homeless. Welcome to the west coast.

I always recommend the Mark Spencer or the Benson. Our Ritz also just opened.

But you'll be out in the Gorge anyways. Portland is a meh in the grand scheme of cities. Skip it and stay in Hood River (Hood River Hotel or the Society Hotel in Bingen). September is u-pick apple and pear season (and apple cider donut season). The mountain might have a dusting of snow, but still pretty early in fall.

Pfriem and Ferment on the waterfront in HR is clutch. While you're in Cascade Locks you must hit Thunder Island Brewery and hike Wahclella Falls!

Stay at the McMenamin:s in Troutdale. It has it all. Theater, brewery, distillery, dining, pitch and putt golf, live music. It is between the airport and the locks.

OAg said:

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Stay at the McMenamin:s in Troutdale. It has it all. Theater, brewery, distillery, dining, pitch and putt golf, live music. It is between the airport and the locks.

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Edgefield! I'm so burned out on McMenamin's food these days. But this is a cool property. It's really neat in fall and spring. Even has its own winery. The gardens are really great in summer and spring. Get the Cajun tots!

SugerPine Drive-In down the road has the better vibes and food, for food alone. It's our typical off the plane, PNW lunch for TX folks visiting.

OAg said:

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Stay at the McMenamin:s in Troutdale. It has it all. Theater, brewery, distillery, dining, pitch and putt golf, live music. It is between the airport and the locks.

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This is a great spot. Especially to catch live music.