Cheap places to stay in Portland

September 5, 2008 1:59 PM

PortlandFilter: I'm looking for inexpensive lodgings (less than $75/night during the week) in Portland, OR, for October. I'll be exploring the city without a car, so close and easy access to public transportation is a must. Bonus question: Know any good dance clubs there?

I want to be near enough to downtown that it's not a pain to get there. I don't mind sharing a bathroom if it's clean and not shared by so many people there's a constant line, so hostels and guest houses aren't out of the question. I just want my own room. I don't need a TV or any typical hotel amenities.

Any suggestions? I found some places online but I'm having a hard time figuring out how far they are from things, if they're in cool, safe neighborhoods, etc. Re: neighborhoods - I like interesting stores, crafts, veg-friendly restaurants, fun bars.

Bonus question: Anyone know of any Portland dance clubs that play '80s/indie/electro during the week?

posted by faunafrailty to Travel & Transportation around Portland, OR (18 answers total)

You could lodge farther out if you pick something within walking distance of the MAX light rail line. Might find cheaper lodging that way. I'm in Hillsboro and it's handy/easy to get into Portland that way.
posted by madmethods at 2:24 PM on September 5, 2008

While the Jupiter Hotel on East Burnside generally costs a little over a hundred a night for a standard room, it's tandem to the Doug Fir Lounge, so you can go to the club, listen to music, and crash, all on the same block. The Jupiter offers an after midnight deal, so rooms start at $59, which may be a more affordable option since you may be out and about till then. It's also within walking distance to southweast, downtown and the Pearl district.

Two other Portland dance clubs aside from Doug Fir that play 80s/indie/electro are Holocene and Dunes.
posted by colorproof at 2:28 PM on September 5, 2008

I've often stayed at the Chestnut Tree Inn. Pretty basic, clean, safe, no frills, good value. The last time I stayed there was a year or two ago, and I think the price at that time was $59 per night (plus tax). It's a fair distance from downtown (SE 96th and Stark), so it might not be what you're looking for, but the MAX light rail stop is a short walk from the inn, and the MAX will take you downtown relatively quickly.

There are restaurants within walking distance of the inn - Stark St. Pizza, Elmer's, Olive Garden, Red Robin, and several others. Not sure how vegetarian-friendly they are, though.

Have fun! Portland is a great city for car-free exploration.
posted by velvet winter at 2:28 PM on September 5, 2008

You may also want to check out Tube, although it is certainly a watering hole for hipsters.
posted by colorproof at 2:31 PM on September 5, 2008

Though I haven't stayed there, I've also heard good things about the Northwest Portland International Hostel and Guest House - and it's cheaper and much closer to downtown than the Chestnut Tree Inn I mentioned above.
posted by velvet winter at 2:39 PM on September 5, 2008

Try the Bluebird Guest House on SE Division St. The bus stops right outside the door almost, and there's Stumptown Coffee 2 blocks up the street. Rooms go from 45-65 a night, and have kitchen privileges. It's more a European style guest house; the owner comes to the house during the day, and sets out breakfast items (which are included in your room rate) but doesn't clean up the kitchen or make your bed. It's basic, but very clean and in a good area for restaurants (Pok Pok is across the street, and 3 blocks east are lots of good places to eat and drink). Lots of regulars stay there.
posted by infodiva at 2:47 PM on September 5, 2008

Response by poster: velvet winter: The location of the NW Portland hostel looks like exactly what I'm looking for -- something within walking distance of a lot of sights and good places to visit.

But, everyone, feel free to throw out more suggestions! Thanks.
posted by faunafrailty at 2:47 PM on September 5, 2008

Oops - I left out the URL for Bluebird: http://www.bluebirdguesthouse.com/
posted by infodiva at 2:49 PM on September 5, 2008

My mom stayed at the Bluebird and it was totally sweet.

Also check out the hostel on Hawthorne. Both are right on major bus lines which will get you downtown in about 20 minutes.
posted by ottereroticist at 2:57 PM on September 5, 2008

have you considered the temporary housing category on the portland craigslist?

people in many larger cities rent out their places while they are out of town. you might be able to find a great deal much closer to the center than you might be able to afford using a hotel.

YMMV but this worked really well for me in NYC.
posted by krautland at 3:07 PM on September 5, 2008

I'd second, third, whatever, the Hostel in NW, very conveniently located, not sketchy looking, nice neighborhood, friendly looking people always hanging out on the porch, etc.

As for clubs I've heard reasonably good things about Lola's Room from two different people (although I've never been there to actually confirm its awesomeness in person).
posted by togdon at 3:47 PM on September 5, 2008

The Ace Hotel is right downtown. My boss stayed here last time he was visiting, and it seemed really cool (and apparently pretty affordable as well).

I stayed at an ultra-cheap Days Inn downtown when I was visiting Portland before I lived here, but it looks like it's not around anymore (at least, I can't find it).
posted by medeine at 4:38 PM on September 5, 2008

That Days Inn medeine mentioned is no loger around. It was remodeled into a very nice-looking but pricey hotel (The Modera, it's called now)
posted by DrGirlfriend at 4:53 PM on September 5, 2008

nth'ing the NW Hostel recommendation. That place always looks non-sketchy and I know loads of people who've stayed and have had nothing but good experiences. Its also 3 blocks away from 21st Ave. where there are plenty of restaurants, bars, etc. Go up two more blocks to 23rd Ave. and there are even more restaurants/shops and all that. Also, there are two grocery stores close by: Trader Joes (NW 21st and Glisan) and Fred Meyer (NW 20th and Burnside), key if you're looking to save a little green on eating out.

You can catch the streetcar on NW 11th and Glisan and that'll take you into Southwest. Check out Powells City of Books (NW 10th and Burnside), there is lots of good people watching to be had. After watching people, Veganopolis (SW 4th and Stark) is a neat vegan restaurant. When you need to get back to the hostel, you can just hop right back onto the streetcar which runs on 10th to get you back into NW.

Other notable places to check out:
Blossoming Lotus - Raw, Vegan eats on NW 9th and Davis
Laughing Planet - Veg-friendly food on NW 21st and Lovejoy
Jam on Hawthorne - Great breakfast joint on SE 23rd and Hawthorne
The Whole Bowl - Trust me, this is unreal. Hours are a bit wonky, so checkout the website: http://thewholebowl.com/
Tender Loving Empire - Crafty/Handmade Local goods on NW 18th and Lovejoy (tell them Liam sent you!)
Saint Cupcake - Good Cupcakes, some vegan options on NW 17th and Flanders
Saturday Market - assuming you're here on a weekend prior to Christmas eve, this goes on under the Burnside bridge on the West side and is comprised mostly of local artisans selling their good and there is a great little 'food court' that has a bunch of food cart options.

HAVE FUN!
posted by ibechase at 10:16 PM on September 5, 2008 [1 favorite]

the white eagle is about $50/night during the week. it is a couple blocks from buses that take maybe 10-15 minutes to get downtown. you do share bathrooms, but during the middle of the week in october I don't imagine it will be packed, so you may not. There are a half-dozen rooms and it's above the white eagle saloon. Apparently it used to be a Bordello, fixed up by the ubiquitous (in portland anyways) mcmenamin brothers.
posted by snofoam at 10:43 AM on September 6, 2008

also, i've stayed at the white eagle on a few occasions and it's quite fine. bonus points because it is decorated in holy modal rounders lyrics.
posted by snofoam at 10:45 AM on September 6, 2008

Response by poster: Thank you, everyone! (Especially the food suggestions.) I've decided to stay at the NW Hostel b/c it's in such an amazing location.
posted by faunafrailty at 10:54 AM on September 8, 2008

I would 2nd the White Eagle, it is a couple blocks from the Max in North Portland.
posted by amedia at 3:38 AM on September 10, 2008