Portland's Hidden Gem: The Portlander Inn & Marketplace - Unforgettable Stay!
Portlander Inn & Marketplace: Seriously, a Hidden Gem?! (My Honest Take)
Okay, so I just got back from a stay at the Portlander Inn & Marketplace, and I’m still kinda buzzing. "Unforgettable Stay!" they boast… well, let's see if it lived up to the hype, shall we? This is gonna be a long one, because, frankly, I have opinions. And because, you know, SEO is a beast. So brace yourselves, folks. We’re diving deep.
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First Impressions & The Arrival Chaos (Or, How I Learned to Love Elevators Again):
Pulling up, the Portlander isn't immediately jaw-dropping. It’s… well, it’s Portland. So, like, slightly understated, but with a certain charm, you know? The exterior corridor gives a slight motel vibe, but honestly, after lugging my suitcase through countless cavernous hotel lobbies, I kinda dug it. There's a car park [free of charge], which is a HUGE win in Portland – parking here can be a nightmare. Blessedly, they also have a car power charging station – good for you, Portlander Inn, staying ahead of the curve!
Now, getting to the lobby… Elevator! Thankfully. My luggage is heavy. Thank God for the elevator – I can’t emphasise this enough. After a long flight and a drive from wherever I came from, you need that elevator!
Check-in was surprisingly smooth, actually. Contactless check-in/out is a godsend in this post-pandemic world. Though, let the record show, I personally still kinda miss the human interaction. A friendly face goes a long way. But hey, efficiency! They had a front desk [24-hour], which is super reassuring – you know, in case you have a middle-of-the-night snack craving or just decide the world is ending and need someone to talk to.
Accessibility & The Details That Matter (And Those That Don’t):
Okay, let’s talk accessibility because it’s HUGE. They boast facilities for disabled guests, which is fantastic. I poked around online and saw some specifics, but I didn’t personally use them. Let's be clear: I don’t have the need, but I always pay attention to these things. Seeing them actively prioritizing accessibility speaks volumes. I noticed the presence of an elevator, again a huge win, not necessarily only for accessibility, but for us all and their facilities for disabled guests.
Room Rundown: My Sanctuary… or Just a Room?
My room…well, it was great. Not perfect, but damn near. I have a few things to say to that regard! My room had non-smoking (praise be!), good air conditioning, and the always-appreciated free Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi [free] was fast and reliable, which is crucial for a digital nomad like myself. Seriously, if a hotel screws up the Wi-Fi, consider me deeply unimpressed. I mean, who wants to fight with the internet?!
The bed? Comfy. Like, seriously, I swear I slept like a baby. The extra long bed was a bonus for me. Blackout curtains? Genius. Got to block out that Portland light. Bathrobes and slippers? Luxury level achieved! Now, yes, there was a desk for working (essential), a refrigerator (essential!), and a coffee/tea maker (also essential!). But the real highlight? A working window that opens! Call me old-fashioned, but I like a bit of fresh air.
The Bathroom Battle: Showers, Soaps & Minor Mishaps:
The private bathroom was functional, which is the most important thing. The shower was decent – good water pressure, which is another crucial factor. The soaps? Well, they were the basic hotel variety. Not bad, not great. But hey, the hotel isn't a spa, it’s a hotel! The toiletries were adequate, as well. Okay, confession: I secretly judge a hotel by its shampoo. And this one was… fine.
"Cleanliness and safety" – Seriously, Were They Actually Cleaning?
Okay, let’s get to the elephant in the room: Cleanliness. I'm a germaphobe. I'll admit it. So, I was obsessed. The Portlander Inn seemed on top of things (thank you, COVID). They had hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and I noticed signs about daily disinfection in common areas. They even offered room sanitization opt-out available, if I’d preferred. They also had individually-wrapped food options, and I appreciated their safe dining setup in the restaurant. But, BUT…
I did notice a small smudge on the mirror in my bathroom. Like, a teeny smudge. It’s a small thing, but it speaks volumes. It shows, I guess, inattention to detail? Or maybe I'm just too picky. Hey, I'm a reviewer. That's my job. I noticed. But I digress. Overall, the cleanliness was more than acceptable.
Spa Shenanigans and Poolside Bliss (Or, My Attempt at Relaxation):
Okay, let's get to the good stuff! The whole "unforgettable stay" thing seemed to hinge on this, as far as I could tell. They have all those lovely amenities: Spa, sauna, steamroom, swimming pool, pool with view. Honestly, it was amazing.
The spa was a sanctuary. A true escape. The sauna was hot enough (I love a good sweat), and the steamroom, well, let’s just say I stayed in there a bit too long. And the swimming pool! The swimming pool [outdoor]… it was perfect. The pool with a view was wonderful. I spent a good chunk of my afternoon just floating, staring at the sky, and feeling the stress melt away. 10/10 would do it again. They also provided a body wrap and body scrub, but I skipped those I have tried to do them.
The fitness center was… well, it was there. I went once. I looked at the equipment. I decided I preferred the pool. No shame in that, right?
Dining Delights (and Disappointments):
Okay, the Portlander Inn & Marketplace has multiple restaurants.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The buffet in restaurant was… decent. Yes, there were Asian breakfast choices available. The Western breakfast selection was pretty standard. I have had better coffee/tea in restaurant. Maybe my expectations were too high. Maybe I'm just a breakfast snob.
- Restaurants: I did not try all the restaurants, but the one I tried served international cuisine in restaurant.
- Happy hour: The happy hour was fun.
- Poolside bar: I didn't get a chance to hit the poolside bar .
- Room service [24-hour]? Yes, please! The room service [24-hour] was a godsend, especially after those late-night writing sessions!
- Desserts in restaurant. Dessert was a winner.
The Marketplace and Other Oddities:
Okay, the Marketplace. This is where things get interesting. It's not a gigantic, sprawling thing, but a smaller, curated area. They have a convenience store to get the basic stuff. Gift/souvenir shop for those last-minute gifts, or just to remind yourself that you were once there.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, The Bad & The Slightly Confusing:
- Business facilities: They offer business facilities.
- Laundry service and dry cleaning: They offer these, too.
- Currency exchange: It was there.
The Verdict: Worth the Hype? Undecided, But Leaning Yes.
So, "unforgettable"? It’s a strong claim. But did I enjoy my stay at the Portlander Inn & Marketplace? Absolutely. Would I go back? Probably, yes. It's not perfect, but it's got a lot going for it. The location is great, the amenities are top-notch, and the staff were generally warm and friendly. It's a solid option for a Portland stay, and if you're looking for a place to relax and recharge, well, the pool alone makes it worth it.
Final Thoughts: The Imperfections That Give It Character
Okay, the imperfections; the smudges, the occasional misstep… they give it character. It’s not a sterile, soulless chain hotel experience. It's a place with a little bit of grit, a little bit of charm, and a whole lot of heart. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need in a hotel
Tokyo's Hidden Gem: VIA INN Prime Nihonbashi Ningyocho (JR West Group) - You HAVE to See This!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a Portland adventure. And let's be honest, this isn't your perfectly-curated Instagram feed. This is REAL. Messy. Me. In Portland. Here we go:
The Portlander Inn & Marketplace: A Love-Hate Relationship (So Far) (Yep, title like that, gotta set the tone)
Day 1: Landing Like a Slightly Scared Pigeon
- Morning (Let's Call it "Sometime Before Noon," Because Jet Lag is a Beast): Arrive in surprisingly sunny Portland. Thought I was escaping the gloom, but hey, I'm not complaining! The Portlander Inn… well, it's… charming. By charming, I mean it looks like my grandma's living room got a hipster makeover. Floral wallpaper meets exposed brick. I dig it. Or maybe I'm delirious from the redeye. Either way, unpacking. Ugh, packing. I always overpack, bringing enough clothes to solve a climate change situation.
- Afternoon: Marketplace Mayhem (and a Near Coffee Crisis): Time to attack the Marketplace! Okay, "attack" is strong. More like "gingerly wander, wide-eyed, at all the craft things". I swear, every other stall is selling something knitted. I saw a scarf made of… seaweed? And the coffee. Ah, the coffee. Almost had a full-blown panic attack when my preferred coffee place had a 30-minute line. Note to self: Pack emergency caffeine stash next time. Found some AMAZING locally made chocolates & a tiny succulent. Victory!
- Evening: The "Accidental" Food Cart Pilgrimage & Regret? Okay, so I meant to go to that amazing-sounding restaurant, but got lost. Portland is a city of bridges. And apparently, confusing street signs. So, I ended up at a food cart pod. "Oh joy", I thought. Then I ate some tacos that quite literally changed my existence. The perfect amount of spice and texture. I had more than one, and I’m not ashamed. The only regret: I'm pretty sure the server thought my inability to stop smiling was "weird".
Day 2: The Day I Became One with the Rose Garden (and Possibly Got Lost Again).
- Morning: Rose Garden Romance (or, "Please Don't Get Pricked by a Thorn"): The International Rose Test Garden is… well, it's a lot of roses. Like, thousands of roses. And the smell? Divine! I spent a solid hour just wandering, trying to take it all in. I even went through the formal garden. And if you were to listen to it, you would think I was an expert -- I definitely wasn't. Just enjoyed the colors. It was perfect. If you can believe it, for a fleeting moment, I felt like a rom-com protagonist. Maybe I'll just roll with that.
- Afternoon: Powells City of Books (and the Deep, Dark Hole of Lost Time): Powells. People told me about this place, but nothing could prepare me. It's not a bookstore; it's a literary universe. I started in the Travel section (duh), and then… well, I don't know how long was I there, but I left at closing! I'm pretty sure I could live there. Found a first edition of something I have, which, obviously, has me ready to sell everything.
- Evening: Brunch, Dinner, and a Near-Death Experience (involving a Bike): Okay, hear me out. Brunch was at that place everyone raves about. The wait was ridiculous, but the food was worth it. Then, I decided to be "active." Rented a bike. Portland is surprisingly bike-friendly, until you, you know, almost get flattened by a streetcar. Lesson learned: look both ways always. Dinner was a very, very needed beer and a burger.
Day 3: Where the Coffee Gods Smile (and I Contemplate a Move).
- Morning: Coffee Nirvana (and That Amazing Local Brew): Back to my coffee place! This time, I braved a longer line, and it was worth it. They made a magic potion of all things coffee! I swear, I could taste the sunshine. I also bought some to take home.
- Afternoon: Market Day (and More Overspending): Back to the Marketplace! This time, I decided to be "productive". Saw things I needed, which turned into things I had to purchase. The Portlander Inn is really beautiful, but it feels like there is construction everywhere! The Marketplace is a great place to spend -- and waste -- time and money.
- Evening: Packing (the Dreaded Farewell): Saying goodbye is hard. I am seriously considering moving here, but I'll have to go home. The Portlander Inn is lovely. The Portlanders are lovely. I am now one of them.
Final Thoughts (aka, Ramblings of a Slightly Sleep-Deprived Traveler):
Portland, you crazy, quirky, coffee-fueled genius. You've officially stolen a piece of my heart (and my bank account). The food is incredible, the people are friendly (even when I'm accidentally in the way on my bike), and the whole vibe is just… different.
The Portlander Inn, you weirdly wonderful place, you were the perfect home base. And the Marketplace? Well, let's just say my suitcase is a lot heavier now.
Would I come back? Absolutely. Do I need a nap? Undeniably. Time to head to the airport – and I'm already plotting my return trip. Portland, until next time… and maybe, just maybe, next time I'll skip the bike.
NAMO RESIDENCY Vijayawada: Luxury Redefined!
The Portlander Inn & Marketplace: So, You Wanna Know, Huh? (Let's Get Real)
Okay, Seriously, What *IS* the Portlander Inn & Marketplace? Is it just a hotel?
"Hotel" feels... insufficient. It's more like a quirky, mismatched collection of experiences, glued together with a healthy dose of Portland weirdness. Imagine your eccentric aunt's house, but she's got a killer eye for vintage finds and a surprisingly comfortable bed. It's a place where you can grab a fair-trade coffee, browse artisanal soaps, and then collapse in a room that probably has a story (or two!) behind it. Seriously, I'm pretty sure the walls whispered to me one night. Okay, maybe that was just the wind… but still. Definitely NOT your cookie-cutter chain. And the "Marketplace" part? Think local crafts, unique gifts, and enough foodie temptations to make you question your life choices.
I've heard the rooms are… unique. Is that code for "sketchy"?
Okay, let's be upfront: "unique" is an understatement. Some rooms are spacious, some are cozy. Some have views, some… well, let's just say they have character. I stayed in one with a clawfoot tub RIGHT in the bedroom. Seriously... right there! It was amazing! Romantic, even. And then the water pressure decided to go on strike. So, there was a bit of a shower-related predicament. But honestly? That's part of the charm. It's not luxurious, but it's real. And they're constantly upgrading and updating. I saw the cleaning staff work so hard! It might not be the Ritz, but it's got soul. And hopefully, your shower works. Ask about the water pressure when you book. Just. Ask.
The Marketplace – what kind of treasures can I expect?
Ah, the marketplace! Brace yourself. It's a rabbit hole of locally made goodies. Think hand-poured candles that smell like the Oregon forest (seriously, one scent made me weep – in a good way!), gorgeous jewelry, vintage clothing finds, and enough gourmet snacks to fuel a small army of hipsters. I spent a full afternoon just wandering around, chatting with the vendors, and blowing way too much money. But I got the most incredible ceramic mug. And then later found it shattered in a corner… (My clumsiness, not the Marketplace's fault!). You will probably find something you never knew you needed. Be warned.
Is there parking? (Because Portland… you know…)
Yes! Thank the heavens. There's parking, and it's usually free (or at least reasonable, call to double check). Now, it might not be a sprawling, perfectly manicured parking lot, but it's there, and that's a win in Portland. I've spent entire vacations circling the city like a lost vulture, looking for a parking spot. The Portlander's parking? A blessed oasis. Seriously, it's a HUGE plus.
What about Food? Is There a Restaurant There?
Not a full-on restaurant in the traditional sense. BUT! That Marketplace is practically edible happiness central. You've got the coffee shop serving excellent brews (I highly recommend the lavender latte, even if it makes you feel like a cliché), and vendors offering everything from artisanal chocolates to gourmet sandwiches to grab-and-go items. The key is to wander and explore. There is also a little kitchen for communal use, which I saw being used for a small get-together by a group of travelers.
Is it kid-friendly?
Hmm... That's a good question. I saw families there. The staff seemed friendly enough... so, yes, mostly. Although, I would not leave a kid alone near that awesome vintage shop... the breakables. And some of the decor might be slightly "adult" in a quirky, Portland kind of way. Basically, if your kids can appreciate a bit of eccentricity, they'll probably be fine. If they're easily bored or only want the sterile, chain-hotel experience, maybe look elsewhere. But I spotted a kid building a fort out of blankets in the lobby once. I think they were enjoying themselves!
Okay, so I'm sold. Is it actually *close* to anything?
Location, location, location! It depends on what you're into, but you're in a great spot. You can walk to some awesome restaurants and shops (Portland, after all). Public transportation is accessible. You're not in the middle of nowhere. But you're not right on the super-busy main drags, either. It's a nice balance. Plus, it's a good base for exploring all of Portland. I took an uber... I walked. I hopped on a bus. Very accessible.
Alright, spill it. What was YOUR favorite thing about staying there?
Okay, prepare for a rambling, emotional response. It wasn't just one thing. It was the *vibe*. The entire experience felt less like staying in a hotel and more like a temporary immersion in a uniquely Portland kind of community. I remember having a chat with the receptionist (who was incredibly friendly and helpful!) about the best coffee shops in the city. We talked about the local music scene. It was small, but I remember one night in particular, there was live music in the courtyard (which I later found out was a recurring thing), and the whole atmosphere was magic. I felt relaxed. I felt... *happy*. Even the slight imperfections felt charming, almost human. I met some other travelers at the courtyard event and ended up having an impromptu dinner at a fantastic food cart. To be honest, I’ve never had an experience quite like it. That night was absolutely perfect! Okay… maybe I’m getting a little carried away. But it was genuinely special. And I'd go back in a heartbeat. Even if my water pressure went on strike again!
