Unique Hotels in Portland, Oregon by Wandering Wheatleys

The 12 Coolest Boutique Hotels in Portland, Oregon

Referred lovingly as both the “City of Roses” and the “Bridge City”, Portland has a lot of both. Sandwiched between the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, visitors will love the waterfront views of historic bridges while wandering along the well-maintained riverwalk. And when you’ve had your fill of city life, head to Washington Park, right outside of the city center where the International Rose Test Garden has hundreds of rose varietals on display.

There are so many amazing bars, restaurants, and things to do in Portland. And if you’re wondering where to stay in Portland, Oregon then read on for our top 12 cool boutique hotels and unique stays in this the City of Roses!

Short on time and don’t want to read the whole article? These are our top 3 picks:

Don’t forget to check out our web story: Cool & Unique Hotels in Portland, Oregon!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).


The 12 Coolest Boutique Hotels in Portland, OR

1. Jupiter Hotel

Best Hotels in Portland, Oregon: Jupiter Hotel
Photos: Jupiter Hotel

Located on the East Side of Portland near hip music venues and funky bars is a hotel that’s just about as uniquely “Portland” as you can get – the Jupiter Hotel. It was once a two-story motor lodge but was renovated in 2004 and the parking lot turned into a courtyard space that is perfect for hanging out and meeting new people.

Many of the 81 rooms are on the smaller side but are totally unique with colorful murals on the walls, chalkboard doors, and shag pillows.

Often referred to as a “party hotel” due to its close proximity to Doug Fir, a popular music venue and bar, it’s probably not recommended if you are looking for a relaxing hotel experience. But if you want to see a show and hang out with new friends until the wee hours of the morning, it’s one of the coolest places to stay in Portland.

Want to get more shut-eye? Then be sure to request a “quiet room” on the backside of the Jupiter Hotel.

If you’re looking for more upscale accommodations during your stay in Portland, check out the adjacent hotel, Jupiter NEXT. It contains the same vibrancy and creativity as the original, but with a focus on luxury. You’ll love the modern decor, peaceful patios, and beautiful views of the city.


2. The Nines Hotel

Best Portland Hotels: The Nines Hotel
Photos: The Nines Hotel

Located right in the heart of downtown Portland (and right in the heart of some of the best shopping) is the quintessential city center luxury Portland hotel – The Nines Hotel.

Native Portlanders remember this location on SW Morrison as being Meier & Frank, the premier department store in Portland. Shoppers would often “dress to the nines” to visit the store as it was considered a place to see and be seen. But the department store went out of business and in 2005, this iconic Portland building transformed into The Nines.

Guests are treated like royalty in this lavishly decorated hotel with an old-school glamorous vibe. The large, comfortable suites are arranged around the seven-story light-filled atrium. Guests will love the lobby seating areas, the delectable upscale steakhouse, and the views from the popular after-work-watering-hole rooftop lounge.

The Nines also offers a state-of-the-art fitness center, a stocked library, a pet-friendly policy, and the building is LEED Silver Certified. It’s the perfect unique place to stay in Portland if you also want to be pampered during your trip!

Like this post?! How about...
56 Weird & Wonderful Things to do in Portland, Oregon

3. Hotel Lucia

Best Hotels in Portland, Oregon: Hotel Lucia
Photos: Hotel Lucia

Centrally located in Downtown Portland, just a few blocks from the waterfront, Hotel Lucia is a stunning hotel boasting an impressive photography collection. Contemporary decor and plenty of artwork fill this beautiful 1909 building that is on the National Register of Historic Places.

What really makes this hotel so classically “Portland” is its list of amenities available for guests: borrow one of their Shinola bicycles to cruise around the city, order a pint of the famous Salt & Straw ice cream directly to your room, or pick a treat for your pup from their pet-friendly room service menu.

You can also choose from a range of specialty pillow types to find the one that’s just right. How much more unique can you get?


4. Hotel Rose

Unique Hotels in Portland, Oregon: Hotel Rose
Photos: Hotel Rose

You can’t get any closer to Portland’s spectacular downtown waterfront – unless you’re sleeping on a houseboat – than at the Hotel Rose. Both the interior and the exterior of this cool hotel are vibrantly colored and the rooms are large and comfortable. Bring your pup, borrow a beach cruiser, and “sleep naked” with their Naked Experience.

Guests will love spending evenings hanging out by the fire at Bottle + Kitchen. This delicious restaurant with comfy, modern seating offers Kick-Ass Cocktails and Big-Ass Desserts. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day spent exploring the Rose City.


5. The Society Hotel

Best Hotels in Portland, Oregon: Society Hotel
Photos: The Society Hotel

Located in Portland’s historic, up-and-coming Old Town Chinatown neighborhood, The Society Hotel offers the perfect venue for socializing with other travelers. Catering to all budgets, visitors can choose to stay in a shared room, share just a bathroom, or opt for a private suite. Regardless of your choice, this hip hotel in Portland specializes in affordable luxury.

Clean, modestly decorated rooms and a lively rooftop bar make this the perfect place to make a few new connections over a delicious coffee or beer. You won’t want to leave this unique little spot right in the center of the city!

Check Prices on Booking.com

Like this post?! How about...
Portland Neighborhoods: A Complete Guide to Portland, Oregon

6. The Heathman Hotel

Cool Hotels in Portland, Oregon: Heathman Hotel
Photos: The Heathman Hotel

If you like history, fantasy, and ghost stories, then you’ll love a stay at The Heathman Hotel. This unique Portland landmark was built in the late 1920s and underwent a 16 million dollar renovation in 1984. The Heathman gained national notoriety when it was featured as a rendezvous spot in the Fifty Shades of Grey series.

There are also ghost stories surrounding this historic hotel. Rooms ending in “03” see the most paranormal activity as it is rumored that a guest once jumped or fell from a window in this row of rooms. Guests have reportedly awoken to someone standing at the foot of their bed or the sensation that someone has crawled into the bed next to them. Others have found items in their rooms moved around even though there was no recorded activity by staff or anyone else!

But aside from the international fame and the spirits lurking inside, The Heathman Hotel takes luxury to a whole new level. As you approach the entrance, you’ll be greeted by a traditional Beefeater doorman and step into the beautiful Tea Court lobby. The hotel decor is classic and elegant and guests will love the attentive and professional staff.

The Heathman also boasts one of the largest autographed libraries in the world with a collection of over 2,700 books signed by the authors, many of whom were guests of the hotel. The Heathman is definitely one of the coolest hotels in Portland, Oregon!


7. Hotel deLuxe

Cool Hotels in Portland, Oregon: Hotel deLuxe
Photos: Hotel deLuxe

Where old Hollywood glamour meets modern-day amenities, Hotel deLuxe strikes the perfect balance. Not only are the walls decorated with a curated collection of film shots from the 30s, 40s, and 50s, but they also offer free movie screenings twice a month in the plush, private screening room. The furnishings are elegant and classic, the lighting dim, and you’ll feel like you are a celebrity escaping the limelight on a posh getaway.

Offering classic “Portland” amenities like Salt & Straw ice cream room service, access to a collection of bicycles, and an iconic lounge, the Hotel deLuxe takes it a step further. You can enjoy a traditional tea service on Thursday through Sunday afternoons with yummy snacks and custom-blended teas. You can also choose to upgrade your tea service and bring your pup along.

This is one of the coolest hotels in Portland as it also offers guests tastings from local food vendors, breweries, wineries, distilleries, and coffee roasters every Wednesday evening.


8. McMenamins Kennedy School Hotel

Best Portland Hotels: McMenamins Kennedy School
Photos: McMenamins Kennedy School

Can you imagine catching your child falling asleep in class or enjoying an ice-cold beer while in detention? Of course not! But if you can imagine yourself doing those things, you’ll love spending a few nights in a historic elementary school in NE Portland – Kennedy School Hotel. Opened in 1915, this school was abandoned and then renovated into a beloved hotspot in Portland.

Sleep in one of the 57 guestrooms, some of which were once actual classrooms, and still have original chalkboards! Not only is this a unique treat for out-of-towners, but local Portlanders love to visit the hot soaking pool, the quaint but lively bars, and the in-house (well, in-school) movie theater.

Wander down the hallways of the Kennedy School Hotel to check out the unique artwork and wall murals, as well as the various things that were meant for very few people (just try to take a sip from the water fountain). It’s very uniquely Portland and a very cool hotel to choose for your trip!

Located across the river from downtown, the Kennedy School is right near the funky and eclectic Alberta Street where you’ll find delicious restaurants and cute boutiques. The street even has a strange street festival on the last Thursday of every month which is worth a visit just for the people watching alone.

Like this post?! How about...
Portland Sightseeing: The 10 Best Portland Tours & Day Trips

9. Woodlark

Photos: Woodlark

Located right in the heart of downtown, Woodlark is easily one of the coolest hotels in Portland. From creative dining options to magazine-worthy guest rooms, this hotel aims to please.

Plus, the award-winning Woodlark is pet-friendly if you plan on traveling with your furry friend. Upgrade to the pet package, and your pup will be showered with a plush bed, bowls for food and water, and a welcome kit with toys and treats!

You’ll love the Standard Rooms, which boast retro-chic decor, a locally sourced honor bar, and high-tech extras like a virtual concierge, Bluetooth speakers, and 50-inch smart TVs. While the Standard Rooms are lovely, it’s well worth upgrading to one of the stylish 1-bedroom suites, which offer beautiful living rooms and spa-like baths with deep soaking tubs and Provenance bath products.

When hunger strikes, you can opt for room service or head down to one of the three hotel eateries. Good Coffee is the perfect place to get your morning jolt. And in the evenings, you can dine on Texas-inspired dishes at Bullard and upscale American fare at Abigail Hall.

Check Prices on Booking.com


10. Ace Hotel

Cool Hotels in Portland, Oregon: Ace Hotel
Photos: Ace Hotel

It doesn’t really get more “Portland hipster” than the Ace Hotel. Vintage furniture, in-room turntables, a classic photo booth, and local artwork will have anyone over the age of 30 feeling not quite hip enough to be here.

Millennials of all budget ranges can book small rooms with shared bathrooms, superior suites with clawfoot tubs, and everything in-between.

You will love grooving to LPs while lounging in your room, sipping organic coffee, and mingling with the young and hip Portland locals in the comfortable public areas.

So if you’re wondering where to stay in Portland, look no further than the Ace Hotel!

Like this post?! How about...
What to Pack for Portland, Oregon in the Fall/Winter

11. The Hi-Lo, Autograph Collection

Cool Hotels in Portland, Oregon: Hi-Lo Autograph Collection
Photos: The Hi-Lo

If you are looking for sleek, modern, and unique hotels in Portland, then the Hi-Lo is a great choice! Centrally located in the heart of Downtown, and conveniently close to Voodoo Doughnuts (or inconveniently close if you’re watching your weight!), this Portland hotel is a great choice for your vacation home base.

As soon as you walk through the front door you’ll be in awe of the beautiful, lush furniture in lush textures and unique shapes. It’s the perfect hotel to snap the perfect Instagram photo! And when you’re not posing for photos around the property, you can enjoy the fitness center, the yummy Mexican restaurant, or the swanky bar.

You’ll love your huge private bathroom with radiant heated floors and designer toiletries. And the bathtub will feel amazing after a long day spent exploring all the things to do in Portland. Rooms at the Hi-Lo are incredibly comfortable with modern decor and super plush bedding.

And the Hi-Lo, Autograph Collection is even pet-friendly if you want to bring your pooch on your vacation!


12. Sentinel, a Provenance Hotel

Best Hotels in Portland, Oregon: Sentinel, A Provenance Hotel
Photos: Sentinel Hotel

The Sentinel is one of the well-known hotels in Portland not only for being gorgeous and totally unique but also for its onsite dining options. Jake’s Grill is one of the most popular restaurants in Portland (be sure you check out their happy hour) and Fortune is their swanky bar.

You’ll be within walking distance to all the popular sites in Downtown Portland, as well as the nearby Pearl and NW 23rd neighborhoods.

Guestrooms at the Sentinel are huge with comfortable pillow-top mattresses and plush linens and even a pillow menu! And if you want to work on your fitness while vacationing in Portland, you’ll love their signature Well & Fit Kit which includes a yoga mat, resistance bands, weights, a core ball, and a tablet with fitness videos already loaded.

This beautifully renovated hotel is in an old historic building and a stay here will certainly be a highlight of your trip to Portland.

That’s it – 12 of the best hotels in Portland! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Portland? Let us know in the comments.


Planning a trip to Portland? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!


SHARE THIS ON PINTEREST

About the Author:

  • Valerie Wheatley

    Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag.

    Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her!

    These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

597 Shares
Share53
Pin539
Tweet5