Hilton Portland Downtown — Hotel in Portland

You arrive at a hotel in downtown Portland, Oregon, and there's been a murder. Not metaphorical, not literary, not ironic. A real one. Right across the street. Members of our delegation shuffled in late, not only because of delayed flights or slow Ubers, but because the street was still wrapped in yellow tape and people were still talking in low voices that said this world is still the world.

Check-in was smooth enough. The staff was bright-eyed and good-hearted. The lobby gleamed with the kind of forced optimism you only get from corporate investments in brushed metal and fake succulents. My room on the 22nd floor had a large television, which seemed eager to show me things I didn't care about, and a bed that whispered, you'll sleep okay here. The bathroom, on the other hand, looked like it had seen some things. Tired tile, a sad little showerhead, and the kind of lighting that makes a man reflect on every poor choice he's ever made.

On day two, my lock gave up. Simply decided it had done enough in this life. The security officer was prompt and skillful with her guest-room Slim Jim. She couldn't fix the lock, but she gave it a solid try and a warm smile. Maintenance came the following day while I was at my conference, and their repairs somehow broke the coding on my keys. Three trips to the front desk later, plus a dance with the Hilton app's chat feature, I could once again enter the room that only moderately wanted me in it.

Speaking of entering and exiting, the elevators belong in a museum. Or maybe they already are a museum, one dedicated to the early history of vertical travel. I waited ten minutes more than once just to descend into the lukewarm chaos of breakfast.

Ah yes, breakfast. It takes a special kind of creativity to make eggs, sausage, and fruit feel like a punishment. Every morning was a copy of the one before it, save for the potatoes, which toggled back and forth between hash browns and home fries as if that were variety. It was institutional dining in every sense of the word. Again, though, the staff tried. The staff always tried.

They deserve that note here: the front desk folks, the bell desk crew juggling hundreds of Jersey delegates with grace and humor, even the tired servers at the hotel's HopCity Tavern, which served forgettable food with unforgettable patience. I wrote about HopCity elsewhere. You can go read that if you're curious.

Location-wise, the hotel is well connected to the city's public transit grid. Buses, light rail, the airport-bound Red Line, it's all close. But when the sun goes down and your conference badge is tucked into your bag, you think twice before wandering far alone. The city outside doesn't always feel like it wants to be wandered through.

So, three stars. Not because it was terrible. It wasn't. But because it was a week in a building that seemed to be trying to remember how to be a hotel. A week of good people working inside a weary place. And maybe that's enough. Or maybe that's...

Beware of bed bugs! During a recent stay I was awoken around midnight by an itchy neck and shoulder. Suspicious it may be bed bugs I turned on the light and began to look around. To my horror as I lifted the pillow a bed bug began to scurry away. I quickly grabbed a heavy glass from the ice bucket tray to trap the insect for positive ID and to prove to the hotel that they have a bed bug problem on the 17th floor.

I travel extensively for work and oddly enough my other bed bug experience was in a high end Curio Collection Hilton property. In this previous bed bug incident I woke covered in itchy bites in zigzag pattern that fit the description of bed bugs, but was unable to locate any bugs in the morning and thus Hilton informed me that they could not confirm my report. I was not going to accept that as an answer this time so I made sure to take photos and inform the front desk and showed hotel engineering the bed bug crawling around in the glass.

Hotel staff was able to accommodate me in a new room but it was a great inconvenience to pack up my belongings and switch rooms in the middle of the night only to unpack again and then try to fall back asleep, not to mention the itchy welts which lasted for days! I was also afraid of tracking bed bugs home and concerned about how to sterilize my belongings and luggage when I had just started a two week long business trip. Due to the inconvenience I was compensated one night of my two night stay, an $8 breakfast charge, and a small amount of Hilton reward points but I expressed to management that I felt this was not sufficient. Nothing else was offered.

Additionally, I requested a laundry service from the hotel but was informed that there was no on-site laundry and it would have to be sent out. I was due to checkout in only a few hours at this point and the laundry would not be back in time so this was not an option. Coincidentally I was traveling to another Hilton property next. Being a Hilton Diamond member, I requested a complimentary laundry service via Hilton Diamond Customer Service to protect both myself and Hilton from tracking bed bugs through their properties but I was only offered 50 cents towards a $4 wash and dry at the coin operated laundry! I was appalled that Hilton would treat their elite members this way.

I saw that another reviewer recently thought they woke up with scabies after a stay at the Hilton Portland Downtown but I don't think it was scabies, I would be fairly confident it was bed bugs. Overall a very nightmarish experience and certainly not worth $225/night. Hotel staff will tell you that bed bugs are an just unfortunate problem that just happens in the industry, but this is two strikes on Hilton for me and I feel that this situation was poorly handled both times. I would recommend that if you are considering this hotel or a Hilton property to strongly consider other...

My recent stay at the Hilton Portland Downtown was a pleasant and convenient experience, earning it a solid four-star rating. The hotel's central location, comfortable accommodations, and friendly service made for an enjoyable visit.

The location of the Hilton Portland Downtown is excellent, situated in the heart of the city and within walking distance of many popular attractions, restaurants, and shops. Whether you're in town for business or leisure, the hotel's proximity to the city's vibrant downtown area offers convenience and easy access to explore all that Portland has to offer.

The accommodations at the Hilton Portland Downtown were comfortable and well-appointed. The rooms were clean and spacious, providing a relaxing space to unwind after a day of exploring the city. The beds were comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, and the amenities provided were adequate for a comfortable stay.

The hotel staff was friendly and accommodating throughout my visit. From check-in to check-out, the staff members were attentive and eager to assist with any inquiries or requests. The level of service provided added to the overall positive experience and made me feel welcome during my stay.

The hotel's dining options offered a decent variety of choices. While the on-site restaurant was not particularly exceptional, it provided convenient options for breakfast and casual dining. However, with Portland's vibrant food scene just steps away, I would highly recommend venturing out to explore the city's renowned culinary offerings.

The hotel's amenities, including the fitness center and business center, were adequate and well-maintained. The fitness center provided the necessary equipment for a basic workout, and the business center offered convenient resources for any work-related needs. However, it would have been nice to see a wider range of fitness equipment and more advanced business services available.

One aspect that could be improved is the overall ambiance and design of the hotel. While the decor was clean and contemporary, it lacked a distinctive character or unique charm that would make it stand out from other hotels in the area. A more memorable and inviting atmosphere would enhance the overall experience for guests.

In conclusion, the Hilton Portland Downtown offers a comfortable and convenient stay in a prime location. The friendly staff, comfortable accommodations, and central location contribute to a positive experience. While there is room for improvement in terms of the hotel's ambiance and dining options, it remains a solid choice for those seeking a comfortable and convenient stay in the heart...