Portland Hotels

People love Portland. Maybe it’s the natural beauty of forests, rivers and mountains or the clean air and meticulously manicured city parks. Maybe it’s the trendy and friendly culture, the diversity of attractions and activities, or the fresh and fabulous cuisine. Visitors quickly discover many reasons to fall in love with Portland.

Portland International Airport (PDX) is located 10 miles east of the city. A cab, limousine, shuttle or rental car is waiting to whisk you into the city in about 20 minutes. Once settled in your room, your most difficult choice is what to do first in Portland.

Washington Park is a good starting point. Far more than a city park with paths and benches, Washington Park is home to many of the Portland’s top attractions. Stroll through Hoyt Arboretum, 12 miles of hilly lush gardens with 1,100 trees from around the world. Visit the Oregon Zoo in a natural forest setting at Washington Park. Revel in the tranquil beauty of five distinctive venues at the Japanese Gardens. Stop and smell the roses. Really! The International Rose Test Garden at Washington Park brings visitors up close and personal to over 8,000 rose bushes from around the world. No wonder Portland is known as the City of Roses. In mid-town, Pioneer Courthouse Square, known as the “living room of Portland,” is a popular gathering area for locals. The Weather Machine forecasts the weather with fanfare and flashing lights each day at noon. Meander along the Waterfront with bridges, boats, and boutiques galore. View over 200 exhibits and the planetarium at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). And when the sun goes down, enjoy Portland’s eclectic nightlife. Drop in one of McMenamin’s Pubs for microbrews, funky art and fantastic entertainment or spend an evening at the theatre, symphony or opera.

Nearby, Mount Hood is a Mecca for skiers, ice climbers, snowboarders, and hikers. It is the second most climbed mountain in the world and boasts the longest ski season in North America. A day trip to Mount Hood (slightly over an hour from downtown Portland) also takes you through some of the most scenic pastures, orchards and flower fields in the northwest.

It’s easy to see why Portland is often near the top of the “most liveable cities” and “favorite cities to visit” lists. One visit to Portland always whets the appetite for more.