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  • Attractions
    • women dances with large fans outside on a city street surrounded by people in colorful dragon costumesView All Attractions
    • Museums
    • Parks & Gardens
    • Family Friendly
    • Shopping
    • On a Budget
    • EVEN MORE THINGS TO DO
  • Culture
    • people dining at picnic tables in front of a food cartView All Culture
    • Arts
    • Beer
    • Biking
    • Cannabis
    • Cultural Communities
    • Craft Spirits
    • Food
    • Makers
    • Music
    • Nightlife
    • Outdoors
    • Sports
    • Weird
    • Wine
    • MORE CULTURE
  • Neighborhoods
    • aerial view of downtown area with buildings and roadways, bridges crossing a river to a smaller set of buildings that expand into the distanceView All Neighborhoods
    • Alberta Arts District
    • Belmont
    • Central Eastside
    • Division/Clinton
    • Downtown
    • Hawthorne
    • Lloyd
    • Mississippi
    • Northwest / Nob Hill
    • Old Town Chinatown
    • Pearl District
    • St. Johns
    • Sellwood-Moreland
    • Williams
    • ALL NEIGHBORHOODS
  • Region
    • RegionView All Region
    • Near the City
    • Columbia River Gorge
    • Mount Hood
    • Oregon Coast
    • Willamette Valley
    • ALL REGIONS
  • Plan
    • Light rail train car driving past people shopping at an outdoor marketView All Plan
    • Portland Maps
    • Portland Visitor Center
    • Where to Stay
    • Tours & Itineraries
    • Transportation
    • When to Visit
    • Accessible Portland
    • Portland Weather
    • COVID-19 FAQ
    • Safety in Portland
    • Plan a Meeting
  • Events
  • Search
Tuck Woodstock

Tuck Woodstock

Tuck Woodstock wrote and edited content for Travel Portland from 2014–2020. Read More

A historic building with a variety of business signs A historic building with a variety of business signs
i
Al’s Den, at McMenamins Crystal Hotel, hosts free live music nightly.
Credit: Ian Sane, via Flickr

Alternative Lodging in Portland

From micro cabins to a converted elementary school, these accommodations keep it weird (and comfortable).

Updated Aug. 14, 2023 4 min read
Tuck Woodstock

Tuck Woodstock

Tuck Woodstock wrote and edited content for Travel Portland from 2014–2020. Read More

Portland is loaded with traditional hotel offerings, from five-star downtown digs to handy airport locales. But in the city that likes to “keep it weird,” sometimes only an offbeat overnight will do. Luckily, travelers can take their pick of creative and comfy options, from gorgeous garden cabins to historic rock ‘n’ roll hotels.

McMenamins Historic Hotels

When Mike and Brian McMenamin converted a former Swedish church into a movie theater and pub in 1987, no one suspected they were launching one of the Northwest’s most inimitable empires. At the center of the McMenamins’ constellation of brewpubs, music venues and theater pubs is a stable of historical hotels, each lovingly — and irreverently — restored to commemorate a rich past.

Kennedy School

The Kennedy School is in a class of its own. Literally. This repurposed 1915-era elementary school still contains century-old chalkboards and cloakrooms, but don’t be fooled — craft beer and cozy guest rooms replace books and grades in this hotel. Visitors imbibe in Concordia Brewery, chow down in the Courtyard Restaurant, unwind in the saltwater soaking pool and pair pub fare with flicks at the in-house theater.

Crystal Hotel

A rock ‘n’ roll vibe pervades the Crystal Hotel. Set across the street from the celebrated McMenamins Crystal Ballroom music venue, rooms feature musical themes inspired by a century of acts at the Crystal. Guests can grab a bite in the hotel’s Hal’s Café before catching a show or heading out on the town, and relax afterward with a drink at Al’s Den and a disco nap in the soaking pool.

White Eagle Saloon

Known as one of the most haunted places in Portland, the White Eagle, a former hub for Polish immigrants, is steeped in stories of spirits, Shanghai Tunnels and rockin’ concerts. The White Eagle shows off its pedigree as one of the city’s oldest live music venues, decorated with painted lyrics and vintage photos of past performances.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Portland doesn't mean just hitting the club. Portland comes to life after hours with open mic nights, comedy, karaoke spots, delicious late-night eats, swanky bowling, and plenty of venues for any kind of music.

Get Out

Guesthouses

Kuza Garden Cabin

Nestled within a gorgeous Japanese garden, the Kuza Garden Cottage re-purposes a remodeled 1922 carriage house. Order up private spa treatments, dinner packages and hot tub and cold plunge tub access. Bonus: Guests are only steps away from an enticing array of popular Northeast eateries, including Texas-style barbeque Podnah’s BBQ.

Shift Rentals

With locations in both the Alberta Arts District and on Mississippi Avenue, Shift Rentals offers comfortable rental homes for large and small groups. The Alberta Street duplex contains two luxury apartments, which can be rented either individually or together and can sleep up to 10 and six people respectively. The North Mississippi Avenue location consists of a 1920’s bungalow house in the front and a second eco-house in the back, sleeping up to nine and 11 respectively.

Lodging by Neighborhood

Explore places to stay in neighborhoods throughout Portland.

Go To Neighborhoods
sunset distant landscape view of the oregon convention center and city lights

Lloyd Hotels

This central area, home to the Oregon Convention Center and attractions, is just minutes from downtown.

plane takes off with snowy Mount Hood in the distance and the reflection on the glass of the control tower at an airport

Airport Hotels

Stay near PDX and you'll be close to lots of other things, too.

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Northwest Portland Hotels

A stay in Northwest Portland promises a taste of everything the city has to offer.

A crow sits on a pole above a marina full of boats, with a snowcapped mountain in the distance

Jantzen Beach Hotels

This river district offers easy access to neighborhoods and regional destinations.

Timberline lodge covered in snow on a sunny day

Lodging on Mount Hood

For an epic Hood experience, you don’t need crampons and ice axes — or to even leave your room. Here’s a look at some of the mountain’s unique lodging options.

A view of city skyline with its trees a fiery autumn orange with a snow-capped mountain in the background.

Downtown Hotels

This detailed list of downtown Portland hotels is designed for visitors looking to stay right in the middle of the action.

Hostels 

KEX

Choose from bunk rooms, private rooms or the Family Room, KEX, an Icelandic-designed, upscale hostel caters to the community-oriented traveler. Offering comfortable places to gather -such as the Gym & Tonic, a subterranean venue featuring local musicians and events; the KEX Library; or Lady of the Mountain, their rooftop “oasis”, you may never want to leave. Though KEX is packed with amenities, its Central Eastside makes it easy to get out and explore.

Lolo Pass

Trendy hostel, Lolo Pass is the low-key traveler’s dream. With a fully-equipped shared kitchen, laundry room and computer room, in addition to their coffee bar and rooftop bar. Sleek and simple rooms, private or shared, at well-appointed so you can focus on other things, like what you should see and do first.

Northwest Portland Hostel

The Northwest Portland Hostel comprises a quartet of charming historic houses in the heart of Nob Hill. With 24-hour access, walkability to bustling Nob Hill (and the Portland Streetcar) and dorm beds starting at $25, this friendly hostel is ideal for budget-conscious global trekkers.

Society Hotel

wooden benches on an open air patio with a view of downtown
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Enjoy the rooftop views from downtown Portland's Society Hotel.
a man enjoying a warm water, outdoor pool
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Relax in the warm soaking pool at McMenamins Kennedy School.
Credit: Ashley Anderson
The coffee bar at Lolo Pass located in the lobby
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Stop for a sip in the bright and open coffee bar at Lolo Pass.
band performing on stage in front of a few seated people
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Catch a live music performance at White Eagle Saloon in North Portland.
Credit: Ashley Anderson

Built as a hotel for sailors in 1881 in historic Old Town Chinatown, The Society Hotel, is now a boutique hostel that offers private rooms with shared bathrooms, rooms with an en suite bathroom, or a hostel-style bunk room with bathrooms and a shared kitchen -which start at $55.

Coworking Spaces in Portland

Whether you’re visiting Portland on business or just need somewhere to pen your next novel, quiet and unique coworking spaces abound around Portland.

Work and Play

Tiny Houses

Slabtown Village

Slabtown Village in Northwest Portland is comprised of two historic houses and four modern tiny houses. The historic homes, built in 1875 but fully renovated in 2017–’18, both honor famous Portlanders. The Walton House is named for Trail Blazers legend Bill Walton, and includes ’70s Trail Blazers art and nods to Walton’s favorite band, the Grateful Dead, while the Beverly House features tributes to beloved children’s author Beverly Cleary.

Tiny Digs

In Northeast Portland, Tiny Digs gathers eight distinct tiny houses around a communal “outdoor lounge” with a fire pit, couches and games. The tiny houses all include running water, electric heat and air-conditioning, a cooking area, a flush toilet and a hot shower, and names like Bamboo, Barn, Beach, Cabin, Cottage and Modern reflect their designs.

Quirky Places to Stay

Like Portland itself, these places to stay are pleasantly unique.

More Stays
Portland White House

Portland Bed & Breakfasts

From cozy garden rooms to historic wine-cellar suites, one of these Portland bed and breakfast spots is sure suit your travel style.

a man enjoying a warm water, outdoor pool

McMenamins Kennedy School

Recess never ends at this stay-and-play hotel and entertainment complex in Northeast Portland.

Tabor Haus

Five Favorite Vacation Rentals in Portland

Vacation rentals offer the chance to experience Portland like a local. For interesting accommodations, consider a stay at one of these exceptional vacation rentals in Portland.

Plan an Alternative Bachelor or Bachelorette Party in Portland

Quirky activities and fun spins on traditional outings will make your pre-wedding shenanigans truly unforgettable.

Party

Plan, Weird

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