409 SW 11th Ave, Portland, Oregon, United States | (586) 210-9239
Boutique property with bright, cheerful design and romantic details
Historical building contains appealing Art Deco touches
Vibrant neighborhood has numerous dining and entertainment options
Bus and rail transportation links only one block away
Nine guest room options; some have full kitchens
Free continental breakfast covers the basics
Free wine and cheese tastings every evening
Functional fitness center with cardio and weight-lifting equipment
Self-service, coin-operated laundry facilities available
Public computer available for guests' use
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Some areas of the hotel are dark
Guest rooms lack kettles and coffeemakers
No full-service restaurant
Fee for parking
Historical charm, boutique design, and prime location are blended with Portland spirit at this three-pearl hotel downtown. That translates into doses of artisanal quirk throughout, from growler bottles in all 101 guest rooms and suites to free daily wine and cheese tastings in the lounge, as well as quick and easy access to the best of Portland's restaurants, pubs, and attractions. The nine classes of rooms, some with full kitchens, offer flexibility, attracting a cross section of travelers here for business and pleasure. All come with 50-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi, but they lack kettles and coffeemakers. Beyond the small gym with up-to-date equipment and a public computer, there's little in the way of amenities, including no full-service restaurant. For more on-site features and a similar style, try The Paramount Hotel, also downtown.
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Scene
A playful boutique hotel with historical touches
Although the hotel’s super central location and large number of room types attracts a range of travelers, the boutique flair skews toward a youngish, hipper clientele. The two-wing, sandy-brick building, constructed in 1907, has charming vintage flavor and touches of Art Deco decor at the best of times, and a dark and somewhat gloomy atmosphere at the worst. Efforts to counteract the latter are impressive and often successful, whether by quirky accessories, like a Buddha-head table, or leopard-print upholstery. Communal activities in the library and lounge also brighten the mood.
Location
Central downtown location near dining and entertainment
Where the West End meets the Pearl District is one of the liveliest neighborhoods of all Portland, thanks to central location, transportation links, and network of trendy fashion boutiques, innovative restaurants, and music clubs. Portland’s excellent light rail system provides easy access to them all from the hotel, with two street cars and two buses passing by the front door to drop off a block away. But thanks to the compactness of the city and its grid layout, your feet can easily get you to many of the main attractions within 20 minutes. The light rail also runs to and from the airport, about a 38-minute trip.- Two-minute walk to Powell's City of Books
Rooms
Playful design with modern amenities, but no kettles or coffeemakers
Portland’s love of all things hip and vintage come through in each of the 101 guest rooms in nine classes. Designer, custom-made furniture mingles with a smoky gray-yellow-and-tan color scheme, funky lamps, and Portland-centric artwork. All rooms have pillow-top queen or king beds, 50-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and growler bottles that can be filled at Fat Head’s Brewery, a five-minute walk away, but they lack kettles and coffeemakers. Higher-end rooms have full kitchens, sleeper sofas, work desks, and design flourishes like exposed natural wood beams and arches. Bathrooms are done with creamy Carrara marble floors, mosaic Italian glass in the showers, and pedestal sinks, and some come with bathtubs. Views depend on whether the room faces the interior courtyard or surrounding streets of downtown Portland.
Features
Free wine and cheese tastings and small gym, but no full-service restaurant
Location tops the list of perks at the Mark Spencer Hotel, with so many of Portland’s hippest restaurants, pubs, and attractions within blocks. On-site, the communal spirit continues at wine and cheese tastings every evening and tea and cookies in the afternoon, served in the lobby lounge and library. The hotel lacks a full-service restaurant, but a free, basic continental breakfast of good quality is available. There's also a small gym with up-to-date cardio machines and weights, although the space is drab and windowless. Guests can take advantage of self-service coin-operated laundry and a public computer that's free to use. A few fun and quirky perks round out the list of features -- the hotel allows you to "Bid Your Own Price" via the website, and guests who arrive in hybrids get a discount for parking on-site. Wi-Fi is free throughout.
