You’ve seen the photos of the Portland skyline with the bridges glowing at night. It looks great on a postcard, but actually staying in the middle of that chaos can be a nightmare if you pick the wrong spot. Honestly, the Residence Inn Portland Downtown/RiverPlace is one of those hotels that people overlook because it isn’t a flashy boutique spot with a $25 cocktail menu, but that’s exactly why it works. It’s tucked away in the RiverPlace district, which is basically this quiet little pocket of sanity right on the Willamette River.
Staying here feels different.
Most downtown hotels force you to deal with the noise of Max light rail trains screeching around corners or the general grit of the city center. At this Residence Inn, you walk out the front door and you're immediately on the Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade path. It’s peaceful. You have the river, the dragon boats, and the pedestrians just living their lives.
What You're Actually Getting in the Rooms
Let’s talk about the space because that’s the real reason you book a Residence Inn anyway. These aren't just cramped boxes with a bed and a TV. They’re full-blown suites. You get a kitchen. A real one. We’re talking a full-sized refrigerator, a stovetop, a microwave, and even a dishwasher.
If you’re staying for more than two nights, having a kitchen changes the entire vibe of your trip.
Think about it. You can hit up the Portland Farmers Market at PSU on a Saturday morning, grab some local chanterelles and fresh pasta, and actually cook them back at the hotel instead of spending $90 on a mediocre dinner out. The rooms have distinct areas for sitting and working, which makes a massive difference if you’re trying to answer emails while your partner is trying to nap. The layout isn't perfect—some of the older "bones" of the building mean the bathrooms can feel a bit snug compared to the living areas—but the sheer square footage usually wins people over.
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The Location: RiverPlace vs. The Rest of Downtown
A lot of people get confused about where "Downtown" actually ends in Portland. The Residence Inn Portland Downtown/RiverPlace sits at the southern edge. It’s technically part of the South Waterfront area but feels more connected to the historic core.
You’re a five-minute walk from the Tilikum Crossing—the "Bridge of the People"—which is the only major bridge in the U.S. dedicated to light rail, buses, bikes, and pedestrians. No cars. It’s a trip to walk across it at sunset.
The downside? If you want to be in the middle of the Pearl District or right next to Powell’s Books, you’re going to be doing some walking. It’s about a 15 to 20-minute walk to the heart of the city. Or you can hop on the Portland Streetcar. The NS Line and the A/B loops run right nearby. It’s easy. It’s cheap. It beats paying $45 for valet parking every time you want to move your car.
The Perks (And the Realities) of the Stay
Free breakfast. It’s a staple of the brand, right?
It’s fine. It’s exactly what you’d expect: scrambled eggs, those little sausage patties, oatmeal, and a waffle maker that always has a line. It’s not gourmet, but it’s free and it saves you $20 a head at a local cafe. If you want a "real" Portland breakfast experience, you’re better off walking ten minutes to Pine State Biscuits or finding a food cart pod.
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The pool is indoors. It’s decent. It isn’t an Olympic lap pool, but if you have kids, it’s a lifesaver during those rainy Portland winters.
One thing people often miss: this hotel is surprisingly pet-friendly. Like, actually friendly. They don’t just tolerate dogs; they expect them. Given that the waterfront park is right there, it’s arguably the best place in the city to stay if you’re traveling with a golden retriever who needs to burn off some steam.
Let’s Address the Elephant in the Room: The Price
Portland hotel taxes are no joke. You’ll see a base rate that looks attractive, and then the fees hit. However, when you compare the Residence Inn Portland Downtown/RiverPlace to the Nines or the Ritz-Carlton downtown, you’re often paying half the price for double the space.
Is it "luxury"? No.
Is it comfortable, clean, and strategically located? Absolutely.
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The staff here usually knows the local area better than the high-end concierges because they actually live in the neighborhood. They’ll tell you to skip the tourist traps and head over to the Southwest Waterfront for a ride on the Aerial Tram instead.
Why the "RiverPlace" Part Matters
The RiverPlace Marina is right there. It has this weird, 1980s-planned-community charm that somehow still works. There are a handful of restaurants like McCormick & Schmick’s right on the water. Is it the trendiest food in Portland? No. But sitting on that patio with a cold beer watching the boats go by is one of the most relaxing things you can do in the city.
The hotel essentially serves as an anchor for this little village. It’s quiet at night. You don’t have the same level of street noise or "urban vibrance" (as the travel brochures call it) that you find near Burnside. For many travelers, especially families or business folks on a week-long stint, that quiet is worth its weight in gold.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you're actually going to book a room here, don't just take whatever they give you at the front desk. There are ways to make the experience better.
- Request a River View. Not all rooms face the water. Some face the street or the courtyard. If you’re paying to be at RiverPlace, you want to see the river. It’s worth asking, even if you have to pay a slight upgrade fee.
- Use the Streetcar. Don't try to drive and park in the Pearl District. The streetcar stop is a block away. Download the Hop Fastpass app on your phone, tap it on the reader, and you're good to go.
- Grocery Delivery. Since you have a full kitchen, use an app like Instacart or Shipt to have groceries delivered to the lobby. The hotel staff is used to it. Stocking up on snacks and drinks will save you a fortune over a four-day stay.
- Walk the Loop. Cross the Tilikum Crossing, walk north on the Eastbank Esplanade, cross back over the Steel Bridge, and come back down through Waterfront Park. It’s about a 3-mile loop and it’s the best way to see the city.
- Parking Hack. Valet is expensive. There are public garages nearby, but honestly, the convenience of the hotel’s lot is usually worth it if you have a lot of luggage. Just factor that extra $35-$45 into your daily budget.
The Residence Inn Portland Downtown/RiverPlace isn't trying to be the coolest hotel in the Pacific Northwest. It's trying to be a home base. It succeeds because it gives you the one thing most downtown hotels can't: actual breathing room. You get a kitchen, a quiet neighborhood, and immediate access to the river. In a city that can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, having a place where you can actually stretch out and cook a meal is a massive win.
Check the seasonal rates before you book. Summer is beautiful but pricey. If you can handle the "Portland Mist" in October or March, you can often snag these suites for a steal. Just bring a rain jacket and a pair of sturdy walking shoes. You’re going to need them.