Portland's BEST Downtown Hotel? RiverPlace Inn Secret Revealed!
RiverPlace Hotel: My Portland Oasis (and Maybe Yours Too?) - A Messy Review
Alright, friends. Let's get one thing straight: I'm not a fancy travel blogger. I'm a human, who recently stayed at the infamous RiverPlace Hotel in Portland, and I'm about to unload everything I observed, felt, and maybe slightly obsessed over during my stay. Prepare for a rollercoaster, because this place is definitely something.
SEO & Metadata (Yes, I have to):
- Keywords: RiverPlace Hotel, Portland hotels, downtown Portland, accessible hotel, wheelchair accessible, luxury hotel, spa, pool, free wifi, Portland restaurants, pet-friendly hotel (if applicable), riverfront hotel, Oregon lodging, best Portland hotel.
- Metadata Description: A brutally honest review of the RiverPlace Hotel in Portland! Diving deep into accessibility, amenities, dining, and the overall experience. Prepare for messy insights, quirky observations, and a healthy dose of opinion. Is this actually Portland's best? Let's find out!
Now, let's dive in.
First Impressions & Access: (I tripped…literally!)
Arriving at RiverPlace is… well, it’s Portland. Beautiful, riverfront, a little bit too aesthetically pleasing for its own good. The hotel itself is tucked away on a quiet stretch of the Willamette, which is a huge plus. Initially, it felt like I'd stumbled into the set of a romantic indie film about finding love in a bookstore. Lush landscaping, the murmur of the river… very charming.
- Accessibility: Okay, here's where things get…mixed. The website claims to be all-inclusive. (I am NOT in a wheelchair but was looking on behalf of a friend.) The elevator is clearly marked and easily accessible. But the actual access to the entrance… I nearly ate it on the cobblestones! Seriously, I'm blaming the dim lighting and my general clumsiness. (They need better lighting on the uneven cobblestones for sure.) So, while the building is technically accessible from the street to the building, the approach is, uh, a bit of a doozy. Recommendation: They need a more clearly marked and even pathway. Other than that, the interior seemed solid for accessibility.
- Check-in/out [express] & Contactless check-in/out: Seamless! Absolutely no complaints there. Fast and efficient.
- Elevator: Thank goodness. I will admit to a mild elevator phobia. So, I really value that.
The Room: My Little Slice of Heaven? (Mostly)
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains… The list goes on, basically a luxurious checklist.
- The vibe: Clean, modern design. Think muted tones, plush carpets, and a seriously comfy king-sized bed. The Blackout curtains were a godsend after a day of sightseeing and brewery hopping. The river view was stunning, especially at sunset. Free Wi-Fi, worked like a dream and I was able to get some writing done. (I'm a sucker for a good view and a strong Internet connection). Complimentary Tea: was a nice touch! However, I didn't take advantage of the Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, or other goodies though.
- Minor Imperfections: The mini-bar was tempting. And the bathroom was so nice but a little cold. I missed some more personality, it was too… perfect maybe? The Ironing facilities and amenities were useful.
- Amenities I appreciated: The desk was a good size with good Internet access – wireless. The Seating area was used for lazy mornings and late-night chats.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (The Breakfast Buffet… Let's Talk)
- Breakfast [Buffet]: Okay, here's the thing. The breakfast buffet was… fine. Standard hotel fare. Nothing groundbreaking. I'm talking scrambled eggs, some sad-looking fruit salad, and a selection of pastries that looked a little too perfectly formed. I did, however, love the bacon. The bacon was crispy, salty, and everything a breakfast bacon should be. Asian breakfast was available, and I appreciated the options.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: coffee, as the rest of the city, was good.
- Restaurants: While the on-site restaurant serves both international and Western cuisines.
Spa, Gym, and Relaxation: (Finding My Zen, Briefly)
- Massage: Oh, the massage. I booked a massage. It was… amazing. Seriously, I felt like all the stress of the world melted away. The spa itself is gorgeous. The lighting is soft, the aromatherapy is on point, and the masseuse was a true master. I almost fell asleep during the massage. My body thank me after.
- Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Unfortunately cold and not in use… boo.
Cleanliness and Safety: (Feeling Safe & Sound)
- Cleanliness and safety: Spotlessly clean. They clearly take this seriously. The staff seemed constantly on the go, disinfecting every surface.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Definitely. The staff was vigilant about masks and distancing. They also took every precaution.
Services and Conveniences: (Helpful Amenities)
- Business facilities/Meeting/banquet facilities: Not the focus of my trip, but I noticed they have a lot of space.
- Concierge: The concierge was super helpful with recommendations to visit places, and even got me tickets to an interesting event.
- Daily housekeeping: Always a plus.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Convenient for grabbing a little something for friends.
The Verdict:
RiverPlace Hotel is a well-appointed, comfortable, and generally lovely place to stay. Yes, there were minor imperfections that should be noted. However the location, the service, and that amazing massage are huge pluses. Is it the best hotel in Portland? That's a hard call, and depends on what you're looking for. But it comes pretty darn close.
Final Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars. (Knocking off half a star for the cobblestones and lack of a pool that was open).
Would I stay again? Absolutely. Especially if that massage is included.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Grand Fiesta Americana Querétaro—Your Mexican Dream Getaway!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is my Portland adventure, starting and ending (mostly) at the Residence Inn Portland Downtown/RiverPlace. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decision-making, and enough coffee consumption to make a barista weep. Here we go… (deep breath)
Day 1: Arrival, Coffee Obsession, and the Existential Dread of Souvenir Shopping
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Portland International Airport (PDX). Ugh, airports. They always hit me with that weird blend of excited anticipation and crippling travel anxiety. I swear, the air just smells of stress. Found my (rental, of course, I am not fancy) car without too much trouble. Okay, so maybe I circled the parking garage twice. Minor detail. Heading to the Residence Inn. I'm hoping for a good view, something to calm the nerves.
- 2:00 PM: Check in to Residence Inn. Okay, the view? Not bad! River views are always a plus, and I definitely appreciate the kitchenette because, let's be honest, eating out every single meal is exhausting (and murder on the wallet). Unpack, strategically position the snacks I brought (hello, emergency chocolate!), and immediately make a pot of coffee. Gotta have that caffeine lifeline.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Explore RiverPlace. It's right there! So convenient. Strolled along the waterfront, watched some boats, and seriously contemplated buying a tiny sailboat to escape all responsibility. Didn't. Good decision. Probably.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: The Great Coffee Pilgrimage. Portland and its coffee shops! It's a religion here. First stop: Stumptown Coffee Roasters. The cold brew was, as expected, a revelation. Pure liquid ambition. Then, because I'm an idiot, I had to try another one. Heart Coffee Roasters up next. Okay, maybe I have a problem. Maybe I'm officially jittery. But the coffee! The atmosphere! It's all too much.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner. Found a decent pub a block away from the hotel. The food was fine, but the beer was great. I could get used to this.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Souvenir Shopping. Oh, the agony. I hate souvenir shopping. And yet, here I am, determined to find something – anything – remotely interesting. "Portland" t-shirts? Nope. "Keep Portland Weird" magnets? Ugh, cliché. After a very long and frustrating trip to a shop, I ended up with a tote bag and a sticker. I'm sure my friends are thrilled.
- 9:00 PM - Bedtime: Back at the Residence Inn, crashed on the bed. I’m tired, but in a good way. That coffee buzz is wearing off (thank god). Read a book (gotta keep up the illusion of being cultured) and passed out.
Day 2: The Rose Garden and the Unexpected Joy of a Food Cart
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. Coffee. Repeat. Though, I swear I had a dream that I was a giant coffee bean, rolling down a hill towards the ocean? Weird. But maybe it’s a sign.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The International Rose Test Garden. Okay, this was actually stunning. Seriously. Like, put-your-phone-down-and-just-breathe stunning. The colours! The scents! I felt like a Disney princess (until I tripped over a root and nearly face-planted into a rose bush).
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. Okay, this is where things got interesting. Wandered around (lost) and ended up in a food cart pod. I was skeptical, but the (insert delicious name of food cart here) was a revelation. Spicy, flavorful, and devoured with wild abandon. It was, hands down, the best meal I've had in ages. It's the simple things, right?
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Powell's City of Books. Another Portland institution. I could have stayed there forever. Got lost in the stacks, discovered a few new authors, and felt that familiar, comforting aroma of old books and hidden worlds. It's a beautiful mess, it honestly is.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Strolling, pondering life (and coffee needs). Found myself wandering aimlessly along the Willamette River. Thinking about… everything.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Happy Hour. Local bar near the hotel. More beer. More snacks. More people-watching. (It's a legitimate hobby).
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Walk around the city.
- 9:00 PM - Bedtime: Back at the hotel. I think I’m starting to get the hang of this Portland life. Read a book. Maybe another small snack… chocolate, anyone?
Day 3: Waterfalls, Regret, and Packing
- 8:00 AM: Wake up (late!). Coffee, coffee, coffee. The usual.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Day trip to Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River Gorge. Okay, the waterfalls were stunning. Seriously. But the crowds? Commiseration levels were high. I spent more time dodging selfie sticks than actually admiring the scenery. Still, the falls were gorgeous. But I will never understand why everyone has to take the exact same photo at the exact same angle.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch at a diner near the Gorge. Greasy spoon heaven. Heart attack in a basket? Maybe. But I stand by it.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: More driving. More scenery! Realized I should've brought a hiking stick. And maybe a friend.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Packing. Ugh. The absolute worst. Realized that I'd accumulated way too many "essentials," i.e., things I didn't need but bought anyway. Filled one suitcase, and I’m going to make it fit.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner. Decided to give the hotel restaurant a chance. It was… fine. Convenient, though.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Last-minute souvenir shopping (again!). Still no luck. Decided to find a gift shop next to the hotel.
- 9:00 PM - Bedtime: One last coffee (because I'm an addict). Final check. Deep breath. Tomorrow, I leave this weird, wonderful city. And even though I'm exhausted and slightly caffeinated, part of me doesn't want to go.
Day 4: Departure and the Unresolved Mystery of the Perfect Coffee Shop
- 8:00 AM: Wake up with a slight sense of sadness. Coffee, of course.
- 9:00 AM: Finish packing (still over-packed). One last glance at the river.
- 10:00 AM: Check out of the Residence Inn. Goodbye, little suite!
- 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM: One last desperate attempt to find the perfect coffee shop for souvenirs.
- 11:30 AM: Return the rental car. Successfully this time! Then make it to PDX (slightly stressed but mostly on time).
- 1:00 PM: Flight departs. Wave goodbye to Portland.
Epilogue:
Did I see everything? Absolutely not. Did I have the "perfect" trip? Probably not. Did I get lost, over-caffeinated, and buy way too much useless stuff? You betcha. But that's the point, isn't it? Portland, you were a whirlwind of coffee, roses, and unexpected joy. I’ll be back. And next time, I’m bringing a friend. And a hiking stick. And maybe a bigger suitcase. Now, time to plan the next adventure… (already)
Escape to Paradise: Marina El Cid's All-Inclusive Luxury Awaits!
RiverPlace Inn: The Downtown Hotel That... Well, Let's Just Say It's Got Secrets
Okay, so everybody *claims* to have the "best" hotel downtown. Blah, blah, blah, concierge service, award-winning blah… But RiverPlace Inn? It's different. Like, seriously different. Let's dive into some questions, shall we? Prepare for some... *opinions.*
Is RiverPlace Inn actually *downtown* downtown? Like, walking-distance-to-Powell's downtown?
Mostly. Kind of. Alright, look, it's *technically* downtown, nestled on the river. You *can* walk to Powell's, but it's not like stumbling distance after a few too many craft beers (which, let's be honest, is a primary downtown activity). Think a brisk 15-20 minute stroll. It’s a good walk, though! You pass some cool stuff, and it's way better than fighting for parking. I recall one time, jet-lagged to hell, wandering that walk at 3 AM trying to find a coffee shop that was open. It felt like I was the *only* person alive. Spooky… but also beautiful. The waterfront at night… it’s magical. So, yes. Maybe. Worth it? Absolutely. But pack decent shoes. And maybe a flashlight, just in case of a rogue, nocturnal coffee craving.
What's the vibe at RiverPlace Inn? Is it… fancy? Super chill? Over-the-top hipster?
"Fancy" feels... *wrong*. It's not pretentious, thank God. "Super chill" *almost* gets it, but misses the… *depth*. It’s more like… sophisticated with a wink. The lobby has a fireplace (always a win!), and the rooms have that cozy, Pacific Northwest feel – think wood accents, big windows looking out at the Willamette River, the *scent* of a well-worn, but clearly loved, leather chair. You know the kind. My room once had a balcony, and I just stood out there, breathing in the river air, for, like, half an hour, forgetting I had a whole itinerary of exploring Portland planned. It just… *sucked you in* and made you not want to leave. But it's not stuffy. The staff actually *talks* to you, which is a rare and valuable find these days. They make you feel… welcome. Like you’re one of the family, even though you’re not really. That's a good vibe, right? It is. Seriously.
The location's on the river, right? Does that mean… crazy good views?
*Yes.* The views. Holy moly, the views. If you get a riverfront room (ask for one! Demand one!), prepare to be utterly captivated. The water, the bridges, the city lights twinkling at night… it's postcard-perfect. I remember waking up one morning and, before I even remembered what day it was, just being completely stunned. I thought, "This is it. This is the life." Then I spilled coffee on my shirt. Pro Tip: request a room on a higher floor. Even better… and you might get to see the odd kayaker or paddleboarder, but it's not normally a massive circus. Just… *breathe*. Sigh. Worth it. Always worth it.
Is the breakfast any good? Because hotel breakfasts are often… well, you know.
Okay, here's the confession: I'm a breakfast snob. I *judge* hotels based on their breakfast. And RiverPlace Inn? They don't disappoint. It's not just a sad continental spread of lukewarm coffee and stale bagels. They have real, actual, made-with-love, yummy breakfast. They have things like fresh fruit, pastries that aren't rock-hard, and they even sometimes feature local, seasonal things, like berries or something. I had an omelet *once*… and I'm not exaggerating when I say it was one of the best omelets of my *life*. The staff are so nice it becomes... almost creepy how good their service is, I'm pretty sure they are trained to be ridiculously pleasant. The only downside? You may never want to leave the hotel. I once ate breakfast there for almost two hours, just soaking it all in. Yeah, I was *that guy*. No regrets.
Hidden Gems or Quirks? Any secrets to RiverPlace Inn?
Okay, here's the juiciest part. The secrets! I’m not gonna tell you *everything*, because that would ruin the fun, but here’s a sneak peek. First off: The little outdoor patio by the river. Find it. Sit there. You're welcome. Also, ask the concierge for recommendations. They've always been spot-on. And… *whispers*… sometimes, they have special packages with local breweries (because, Portland!). They *seem* to have a resident cat. I never *saw* the cat, but I *swear* it's real. I've heard the stories. The little things are what really make it… you know? A secret? Oh, one time, I requested a room high up that overlooked the water and they… *poof*! They gave it to me. No hassle, no complaints, just… magic. Really, the whole place feels like a secret. Like you've stumbled into someplace special. And… you have.
Okay, but what if something goes wrong? What if the internet is bad? Or there's a noisy neighbour? What's their *handling* of the situation like?
Look, nothing is perfect. And let's be real, hotel internet can often be a disaster. But, and this is a BIG but with RiverPlace Inn, the one time I DID have a minor issue, it was handled with grace and speed. No eye-rolling, no excuses. The staff genuinely care about your experience. I swear, they want you to have a good time! Can't stand noisy neighbors? They move you. Bad internet? They’ll fix it or find a solution (like, maybe the lobby has better Wi-Fi?). I have noticed they seem to have people patrolling to make sure there's minimal noise, which is a serious, seriously good thing. It's not perfect, because perfection doesn't exist, but it's pretty darn close. It's their *attitude* that matters. They're not just going through the motions; they actually *want* to help. It’s a rare and beautiful thing.
Is it worth the price tag? Is it ridiculously expensive?
Alright, the hard truth. It’s not budget accommodation. It’s not a hostel. It's a quality hotel, so you’re paying for quality. But, (and this is a big, important "but") given the location, the views, the service, the overall experience? I think it’s *worth it*. Seriously, I’d rather save up and stay there for a shorter time than blow my moneyBest Hotels Blog
Residence Inn Portland Downtown/RiverPlace Portland (OR) United States
Residence Inn Portland Downtown/RiverPlace Portland (OR) United States
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