Hotels with a River View in Portland, OR

Hotels with a River View in Portland, OR
The Willamette River is the defining geographical landmark of Portland, Oregon. Sometimes referred to as "Bridge City," Portland has eight bridges crossing the Willamette's wide berth. These bridges are the heart and soul of the city, connecting Portland's many diverse neighborhoods and districts. The Willamette is slightly smaller than the Columbia River, which flows by just north of Portland and into which the Willamette is a tributary. The Willamette is also a very majestic river, especially when juxtaposed with the many beautiful scenes of Portland, and for visitors to the city there really isn't a better place to stay than on the river.

RiverPlace Hotel

The RiverPlace Hotel, a Larkspur Collection Hotel, is located just south of the Hawthorne Bridge on Portland's west side. Self described on it website as "the Pride of Portland," this hotel probably isn't too far off that claim in many visitors' views. The RiverPlace Hotel has a prime spot of waterfront property that is not only slightly removed from the hustle and bustle of the downtown waterfront area, but it's also conveniently located within walking distance of public transportation to nearly anywhere in the city (the quaint streetcar is only a two block walk away). A budget hotel by no means, The RiverPlace Hotel aims to charm its guests off their feet by offering one of the most hospitable and rustic accommodation options in the city.

The RiverPlace Hotel
1510 S.W. Harbor Way
(503) 228-3233
www.larkspurhotels.com/collection/riverplace

Hotel Fifty

Hotel Fifty is located a little bit upriver from The RiverPlace Hotel, and it's on the east side of the city, not the west. A slightly more affordable and less luxurious option than The RiverPlace Hotel, Hotel Fifty is still for those looking for top-notch accommodations. Just across from Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland, Hotel Fifty is literally where downtown meets the river. You couldn't be much more central, with easy access to all forms of public transportation and a short stroll down to the always pleasant river walk, which offers a great opportunity to get some exercise and enjoy Portland's best waterfront scenery at once. It is a very modern establishment and caters to both business and personal travelers. The rooms have free Wi-Fi and there's even a bistro and bar on site.

Hotel Fifty
50 SW Morrison Street
(503) 221-0711
hotelfifty.com

Red Lion Hotel on the River

The Red Lion Hotel on the River is located on Jantzen Beach, which is actually a small island located on the Columbia River. Located on the north side of Portland, it's about a 15 minute drive to downtown from there, though there is a MAX stop---Portland's quaint-yet-efficient urban light rail system---nearby that will take you downtown in just a little more time. The Columbia River is much larger than the already large Willamette River, and having a view of it from your room should be no less than awe-inspiring. With 320 guest rooms, including 24 suites, the Red Lion Hotel is not a quaint, boutique hotel by any means. It is however very new and clean, and the rooms are quite spacious. The I-5 interstate does cross the Columbia nearby, so you might experience mild noise pollution, but not many people have expressed issue with the proximity to the highway.

Red Lion Hotel on the River
909 N. Hayden Island Drive
(503) 283-4466
http://redlion.rdln.com

Article Written By Ariel Phillips

Ariel Phillips is an editor and writer living in Portland, Ore. He has written for "n+1 Journal" and "The Rumpus Magazine," among others. He maintains an interest in a variety of subjects, including art, culture, the environment, media, the sciences and sports. He earned bachelor's degrees in art and philosophy from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Write for Trails.com
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