Escape to Portland: Luxurious Airport Stay at Embassy Suites!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the world of airport hotels with my take on the Escape to Portland: Luxurious Airport Stay at Embassy Suites! and let me tell you, "luxurious" is a word we'll be re-evaluating together, alright? This is NOT your typical sanitized, corporate hotel review. I'm gonna tell you what I really thought, the good, the bad, and the utterly flippin' meh. Let's get messy!
First Impressions: The Arrival and the "Luxury" (Hums of Anticipation Mix Loudly) - a little rambly here, but it is my first impression, ya know?
So, I rolled into Portland after a flight that felt like it lasted a decade. My hair was a mess, I was fueled by airplane coffee and the vague promise of a shower that didn't involve a communal drain. Finding the Embassy Suites was easy peasy from the airport, which is HUGE plus because nobody enjoys navigating a city after getting off a plane. And there it was. The Embassy Suites. It looked… well, like an Embassy Suites. You know the vibe, right? Big, maybe a little generic, but promising spaciousness. First thing I did, being the intrepid reviewer I am, was check out the exterior. CCTV cameras? Good. Feeling safe? Check. (At least, for the moment).
Accessibility and That Sweet, Sweet Wi-Fi (A Touch of OCD Here, Sorry!)
Okay, accessibility. Big deal for a lot of people, and a big plus for me to check out for everyone. The website says wheelchair accessible. I couldn't personally test it (thank God), but based on the elevators, the wide hallways and the fact that the place seemed pretty new, I'd bet it's reasonably well-accommodated. However, I'm not a specialist in the field, so take that with a grain of salt.
And yeah, WIFI! The website also shouts "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" - I'm always skeptical, because I've been burned before. BUT SUCCESS! All rooms, ALL day, and it worked like a dream! No dead spots, which is crucial for a hotel right there. Plus, they had LAN connections too for those who prefer it but heck, it is the 21st century, right? So you're covered. This is the thing I love most about going to a hotel!
The Room: Expectations vs. Reality (More Stream of Consciousness!)
So, room. The thing you probably care the most about. They brag about the "suites", and hey, it is two rooms, a bedroom and a living room. The space was definitely generous (praise be!), which I appreciated after being crammed in a metal tube for hours. Blackout curtains? Yes! Essential for beating jet lag. A comfy bed? Yep, that was a solid win. But here’s where the “luxury” label got a little… strained.
The decor? Think beige, a lot of beige, and a smattering of generic art. It was clean, which is the MOST important thing. The bathroom’s good, clean, and there was a bathtub. The towels were fluffy. But let's be honest, it wasn't exactly a palace. More like a… comfortably functional suite, perfect for a quick overnight stay, or even a couple of days.
The amenities in the rooms though? They were fine. I got my free bottled water, complimentary tea and coffee maker (which I abused), and the mini-fridge? Crucial for keeping my airport snacks at the right temperature. So, it's all good.
Things to Do and Relax: Spa Dreams, Fainting Fitness, and Swimming Pool Revelations!
Alright, let's talk relaxation. The website touted a spa, a sauna, a steam room, and a swimming pool. My hopes were HIGH. This is what I look forward to when I am stuck in an airport hotel. Alas, only the swimming pool was open (more on that later). The spa? Closed. Which was devastating. I wanted a body scrub, a massage, a little pampering after that flight. The sauna? No dice. Steam room? Nope. All very disappointing - so, the options for that were limited, sadly.
The Fitness Center? It wasn't huge. But if you're into keeping up with your workouts, it was adequate, just don't expect a state-of-the-art gym. You can’t be an athlete, but at least you have a treadmill.
And the pool? Oh, the pool! It was… well, it was there. An outdoor pool, which I did appreciate. Clean, but nothing that made me go “WOW!”. Don’t go expecting a view, just a refreshing dip.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Breakfast Saga and the Questionable Snack Bar
Breakfast is included. It's part of the Embassy Suites thing. The buffet. It was… what can I say? It had the basics: Eggs, sausages, pastries. International cuisine it was not. Asian delights? Nope. But it filled a gap. The biggest advantage? It was free, and it was available. You can even grab it to go if you want.
The bar, did not disappoint. It was lively. Happy hour? Yes! Food on offer? Always. Drinks? Cheap. Good for a quick pick-me-up.
There's a coffee shop, but I did not spend a lot of time there. It was there if you needed it. But for me, the bar was where it was at.
Cleanliness and Safety: Anti-Viral Anxiety No More!
Cleanliness is always top of mind, especially in these post-pandemic times. The website mentioned a bunch of hygiene protocols. Hand sanitizer was everywhere. They were probably over doing it, but hey, I appreciated it. My room was clean, and the staff was clearly taking things seriously. Room sanitization opt-out available? Definitely a plus!
Services and Conveniences: Laundry? Yes! Business Center? Um…
They offered pretty much everything you'd expect: Daily housekeeping (hooray!), laundry service (THANK YOU!), and a convenience store. Luggage storage? Yep. Cash withdrawal? Also a yes.
The business center? Had the basics, but let's just say it wasn't the most glamorous. If you need to print something or fax, you're covered.
For the Kids: Babysitting? Maybe Not. Family-Friendly? Definitely!
I didn't bring any kids (thank GOD), so I can't personally vouch for how kid-friendly it is. But the set up seems good. Family-friendly? Absolutely. Kids meals? Probably on request, if not available.
Getting Around: Airport Transfer, Parking, and Taxis, Oh My!
Okay, this is an airport hotel, so the big draw is proximity to the airport. Airport transfer? Yes, and it’s free! A HUGE win. Car park? Free of charge. Taxi service? Available. All good.
The BIGGEST disappointment:
I'm still mourning the lack of a spa. My dreams of a luxurious airport escape were slightly dashed.
Overall Opinion: An Honest Assessment
The Embassy Suites near Portland airport is a solid choice if you need a clean, convenient, and relatively spacious place to stay. It's not going to blow your mind with luxury, but it will get the job done. The included breakfast is a bonus, the airport transfer is golden, and the staff was genuinely friendly and helpful (which is always a win!).
Here is my offer to you based on this experience
Escape to Portland: Stress-Free Staycation at Embassy Suites! - Book Now!
Are you flying into Portland? Overwhelmed by the thought of a long layover or a delayed flight? Do you want a smooth arrival or departure without the hassle of a long commute? Then book your stay at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Airport! We are offering a deal as good as the deal I got!
Here's what you get when you book:
Spacious Suites: Start your stay off right with 2 rooms, one for you!
Free Breakfast: fuel up for the day.
Complimentary Airport Shuttle: Arriving or departing, we've got you covered.
Wi-Fi That Works: Get online. No more frustrating signal drops!
On-Site Dining & Bar: Refueling is easy peasy lemon squeezy!
Why Book Now?
- Peace of Mind: Skip the commute and relax knowing your flight is safe and sound.
Book your stay and enjoy these stress-free benefits.
Escape to Paradise: InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah's Luxury Awaits
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this itinerary isn't your pristine, Instagram-filtered travel guide. This is REAL LIFE, Portland-style, and we’re doing it from the glorious, slightly-too-much-beige-yet-somehow-comfortable embrace of the Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Airport. Consider this your disclaimer: I'm fueled by coffee and the faint hope of finding a decent Oregon Pinot Noir.
Embassy Suites Portland Airport - A Home Base (and a Story in Itself)
Day 0: Arrival & Panic
- Time: 10:00 PM (ish). Flight delayed. Of course. Trapped in the vortex called the Portland Airport. Honestly, it's functional, but the carpet…well, let's just say it's seen things. And, oh god, is that someone actually wearing those Crocs with the tiny lights? Maybe Portland is already judging me.
- Transportation: Uber. Because, hey, I'm worth it, even though my wallet is pretty sure I'm not.
- Arrival at Embassy Suites: The atrium! It's…vast. And echoes. Like a slightly depressing indoor canyon. I immediately head for the complimentary drinks and snacks situation. Free wine? Yes, please. The bartender, bless his heart, seems used to sleep-deprived travelers. He pours with a sympathetic eye.
- Room: The suite life! (Well, almost). Two rooms, king bed. The complimentary cocktails were almost perfect, even if the sofa bed has the structural integrity of wet cardboard. I'm already plotting how I'm going to shove the pillows under the mattress to get it remotely comfortable.
Day 1: Caffeine, Coffee, and Contemplation (and a Tiny Bit of Actual Sightseeing)
- Time: 7:00 AM: Breakfast, which, blessedly, is included. The scramble station is where dreams are made (and cholesterol levels are raised). The waffle maker, however, is a war zone. I watched a woman wrestle a waffle out of the machine for a solid five minutes. It was a thing of beauty.
- Time: 8:30 AM: First stop! Powell's City of Books. Okay, I get it now, Portland. This place. Is. Heaven. I could get lost in here for days. I spent way too long in the local author section, judging people's book choices (it’s an involuntary reaction, I swear!). Impulse bought three books, and I may or may not have already spilled coffee on one (it’s the adventure of reading with a travel mug).
- Time: 12:00 PM: Lunch in the Pearl District. Found a place that had a menu item that called "the best burger in Portland." I am very opinionated about burgers, so I had to try it. (Spoiler alert: it wasn't the BEST, but still pretty good). Also, the people-watching is phenomenal. Seriously, Portland, you’re a walking fashion show and I love it.
- Time: 2:00 PM: The International Rose Test Garden. Roses EVERYWHERE. Truly, I'm not a big flower person normally, but the sheer abundance of beauty kind of blew my mind. I, as a person who usually avoids anything that requires too much thought, somehow got stuck just looking at the different colors and taking photos. I'm pretty sure I smelled a rose from start to finish.
- Time: 4:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Nap time. Travel is exhausting, okay? This is non-negotiable.
- Time: 7:00 PM: Dinner at a food truck (because, Portland!). Found a legit Korean BBQ truck and inhaled some spicy pork. Delicious. Almost forgot to take a picture. Almost.
- Evening: Drinks back at the hotel. This time, I grabbed an actual cocktail at the lobby bar. Maybe the first day was the first step towards a decent Oregon Pinot Noir, I'm getting ahead of myself.
Day 2: Getting Weird (And Possibly Lost)
- Time: 9:00 AM: Delayed start because I actually slept in (hallelujah!). Another breakfast buffet raid. This time, I mastered the waffle-wrangling technique. Victory!
- Time: 10:30 AM: Headed to the Pittock Mansion. The view is stunning, but there's a crazy hill climb. Seriously, my calves are burning! Also: the mansion itself is beautiful, but the history is a little bit…awkward. (Rich people doing rich people things, essentially).
- Time: 1:00 PM: Trying to drive to Multnomah Falls. Missed a turn. Got hopelessly lost in the suburbs. Started questioning all my life choices. Found a little coffee shop run by a woman with a cat on her shoulder. She gave me directions and a killer latte. Saved.
- Time: 2:30 PM: Multnomah Falls. Okay, it's beautiful. The air is crisp. The water is powerful. But, and please don’t judge me, it's also…crowded. Like, almost a theme park level of crowded. I managed to get some pictures, but I also spent a good chunk of time just dodging selfie sticks.
- Time: 5:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Another nap. I feel like everyone, especially the front desk, is making bets on how many times will I nap in a day.
- Time: 7:30 PM: Dinner at a highly-rated Thai restaurant. I ordered spicy (big mistake). My mouth is still on fire. I think I may have cried a little.
- Evening: Back to the room, drowning myself in water and attempting to watch a movie, but my brain is still stuck on the burning sensations from the earlier meal.
Day 3: Departure (and a Fond Farewell to Beige)
- Time: 8:00 AM: Final breakfast. The scramble is still my friend. I'm starting to feel a weird sense of familiarity with the waffle machine. Maybe I'll miss it.
- Time: 9:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Found a quirky little bookstore and bought enough books and Portland-themed paraphernalia for a small army. My suitcase is groaning.
- Time: 11:00 AM: Goodbye to the Embassy Suites. I'm strangely sad, in a "this beige prison is now my comfort zone" kind of way. The staff was actually super friendly, the free drinks were my highlight, and that sofa bed…well, it tried its best.
- Time: 12:00 PM: Heading to the airport. Ready to face the long flight and the inevitable post-trip depression.
- Overall Mood: Portland, you strange, wonderful, caffeinated, floral, slightly-hipster-y place. You got me. I’ll be back. (And next time, I’m mastering that Pinot Noir). Adios!
Escape to Portland: Embassy Suites Airport - Let's Get Real, Okay? FAQ!
So, is this *really* a luxurious airport stay, or are we talking "slightly better than a cot in a cargo hold?"
Okay, let's be honest. "Luxurious" is a relative term, like "easy-going" after a red-eye flight with a screaming toddler. The Embassy Suites near the Portland airport? It's *definitely* better than a cot in cargo. Think… a well-appointed, slightly-dated, but still FUNCTIONAL haven. The free breakfast buffet? A lifesaver after those godawful airline pretzels. And the evening reception with free drinks? A godsend when you're staring down the barrel of a delayed flight. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not the Four Seasons. It’s more like the "Comfort Suite that finally gets a little love" – but hey, coming from an airport, that’s a win! I’ve slept in worse, let's just say that.
That free breakfast…tell me more. I have standards (sort of).
Alright, the breakfast. Look, it’s *free*. Manage your expectations accordingly. You've got your standard waffle maker (hallelujah!), scrambled eggs that might or might not be real (don't ask, just eat), sausage (sometimes edible, sometimes…textured), and a whole buffet of…stuff. I've personally witnessed the chaos that is the waffle line at 7 AM. It's every man, woman, and child for themselves. But hey, at least there's coffee, and the fruit is generally…fruit-shaped. And you can usually find a rogue bagel. Be warned: I had a particularly *intense* bagel-related experience during my last visit. It got stuck in the toaster. Like, *really* stuck. The poor lady in front of me almost started crying because it was the only one left. So…go early, be prepared for battle, and maybe pack your own butter. You’ll thank me later.
And the evening reception? Is it *really* worth it? Free drinks, sounds tempting.
Oh. Em. Gee. The evening reception. ABSOLUTELY worth it. Especially if you're traveling solo or just want to unwind without shelling out $15 for a watered-down cocktail. It's not top-shelf liquor, mind you. We're talking the house stuff, but hey, it’s *free*! And the little snacks they put out? Bless those mini-quiches and chicken wings. I got into a *heated* debate with a gentleman about the proper way to eat a miniature spring roll. I preferred the one-bite method, he was a multi-bite advocate. We ended up bonding, though, over the shared desire to make our delayed flight a little less miserable. That's where the magic happens, people – at the Embassy Suites Airport, over free drinks and existential spring roll debates. Good times, good times.
What about the rooms? Are they…clean? And actually *suites*?
Okay, yeah, the rooms. They are *suites*, actually. That’s the big selling point! Separate living area and bedroom? Yes please! This means you can sprawl out and watch late-night guilty pleasure TV without waking up your travel companion. The cleanliness? Generally speaking, yes, they're clean. But, and this is a big but, keep in mind this is an airport hotel. There's *traffic*. You'll likely find a stray crumb here or there. Don’t be shocked. Just…move on. Focus on the sofa, the TV, the space. Think of it as a temporary refuge from the crazy world outside. And the bed? Surprisingly comfy. I’ve slept through some epic thunderstorm in those beds. A testament to their ability to soothe the travel-weary soul.
The location – is it actually convenient for the airport?
Absolutely! The location is the *best* thing about the whole experience. It’s practically *in* the airport. Like, a quick shuttle ride away. You’re not going to spend an hour wrestling with traffic or getting lost on some back road. This is especially important after a long flight when you’re running on fumes and desperation. The shuttle? Reliable. Drivers? Mostly friendly, depending on their caffeine levels. Just factor the shuttle wait time into your schedule, and you're golden. And hey, you're not that far from Portland itself, if you wanna venture out. Which, if you have the time, you should. The food scene is incredible.
Any downsides? What should I *really* know before booking?
Okay, there are a few things. First, the noise. Airport hotels are noisy. You hear planes taking off and landing. It's part of the experience. If you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. Second, the elevators can be slow. Especially during peak hours. Patience is a virtue, my friend. Third, and this is purely anecdotal, but the fitness center is…well, let’s say it’s *compact*. Don't expect a full gym experience. Pack your own travel exercise equipment. Finally, the rooms. While spacious, the decor is a bit…dated. Think "early 2000s beige." Doesn’t bother me much, personally, but if you're expecting sleek and modern, you might be disappointed. But, it's clean, it's functional, and it's an airport hotel. Embrace it! It's all part of the adventure.
Okay, final verdict: Would you recommend it?
Yes. Absolutely, unequivocally, yes. Especially if you have an early morning flight. Or a late arrival. Or you just want a relatively comfortable, convenient place to crash after a long day of travel. The free breakfast and evening reception are HUGE bonuses. If you're looking for a luxurious, spa-like experience, this isn't it. But if you're looking for a solid, reliable, and *affordable* airport hotel that gets the job done – then the Embassy Suites PDX is your friend. Just…pack your own bagel butter. And maybe some earplugs. And be prepared to fight for your place in the waffle line. Now, go book it, and happy travels!
