Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland – Downtown

Housed in the former Multnomah Hotel building that dates to 1912 (and is on the National Register of Historic Places), the Embassy Suites Portland by Hilton - Downtown is elegant and charmingly old-fashioned, and stands apart from other hotels in the same chain. The lobby is notably grand and includes such historic touches as molded ceilings and marble columns. Clusters of velvet-upholstered chairs and couches form small seating areas, and help to break up the large open space. The hotel is busy with business travelers during the week, but sees more families and leisure travelers on weekends. 

The Embassy Suites is located in downtown Portland, a couple of blocks from Voodoo Donuts (guests can be seen carrying its distinctive pink boxes) and the Waterfront Park, and a five-minute walk to Powell's Books and the Pearl District. The area is convenient for anyone who likes to get around on foot, though its proximity to homeless shelters, bars, and a few strip clubs can make the area feel a little dicey at night. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, food cart pods, and bars in the immediate area, and most of the city's major bus lines have stops within a five-block radius of the hotel. The airport is a 20-minute drive away (much longer during rush hour) and can also be reached on the MAX -- Portland's light-rail train -- in about 45 minutes. 

Despite the word "suites" in its name, the Embassy Suites Portland - Downtown offers regular studio-style rooms, along with its signature suites. The Guest Rooms -- the base category -- still come with microwaves, mini-fridges, king beds, and 42-inch flat-screen HDTVs. Regular and Executive Suites have two rooms with either a king bed or two queens, and the larger Loft Conference Suites come with king-size beds in the loft bedroom and conference/dining tables that can seat up to six people. Allergen-free and Accessible units are also available, and cribs can be arranged upon request.

Decor is consistent throughout the room and suite types, and all units have been updated to a uniform style, with gray patterned carpets, gray and charcoal upholstered furniture, and gray curtains. Off-white walls, white bedspreads, oak furniture, and reddish-orange accent cushions, chairs, and banquettes add warmth and balance out the overall look. Bathrooms have large vanities with big mirrors and Giovanni toiletries, and shower/tub combos. The bathrooms in some of the larger units are styled with elegant hunter green marble.

The Embassy Suites Portland has on-site services for business and leisure travelers alike. Facilities for business travelers include meeting rooms with planning services and audiovisual equipment rental, free Wi-Fi, photocopying services, and even an on-site notary public. For families, the hotel offers children's menus and a game room with pool, arcade games, and air hockey. There's also a small fitness center on-site with modern treadmills, ellipticals, and free weights as well as an indoor freeform pool with a wheelchair lift.

All guests get a free cooked-to-order breakfast every morning. Choices include eggs, meats, and potatoes, along with pastries and cereal. There's also an evening cocktail reception held daily for all guests. Room service is also available, and the hotel's Wine Cellar can be rented for private dining and special events.