Hotel Grand Stark

“Little get away weekend.”

The wife and I planned a little weekend together in Portland. The hotel was updated, but they also didn’t try to hide the age (in a good way). I’m glad they didn’t try to cover the wooden floors. The room was small, but they did use the space very well. The only complaint about the room that we had… more

The wife and I planned a little weekend together in Portland. The hotel was updated, but they also didn’t try to hide the age (in a good way). I’m glad they didn’t try to cover the wooden floors. The room was small, but they did use the space very well. The only complaint about the room that we had was tue mini fridge was a little too small and packed with drinks that we weren’t going to buy. There is a tone of good food and drink locations within walking distance. If you’re looking for the typical room (think chain hotels), this isn’t your place. It has more character than what you’ll find at those places.

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“Good value stay with comfort caveats”

I was a little hesitant about booking this hotel after reading some of the reviews, but overall we were satisfied with our stay, particularly given the price point. The location is admittedly not great. There is accommodation for unhoused people directly across the road, and we did witness open dr… more

I was a little hesitant about booking this hotel after reading some of the reviews, but overall we were satisfied with our stay, particularly given the price point. The location is admittedly not great. There is accommodation for unhoused people directly across the road, and we did witness open drug use nearby. We had a few interactions with people asking for money, but none that made us feel overtly unsafe. This felt very much like a broader Portland issue rather than a reflection of the hotel itself, though it did impact our willingness to be outside the hotel after dark. Parking was also less than ideal, though this seemed to be the case throughout the city. We parked at Diamond Parking Service, about 150 metres from the hotel, and had no issues at all. For context, the total cost for five days was only about $10 more than a single night of hotel valet parking. Customer service was pleasant overall and staff were polite, though we did find it a little odd that no assistance was offered while I (F/30) was clearly struggling to load several large bags onto a luggage trolley, into the lift, and down the hallway to our room - particularly as staff were not only present and observing, but trying to engage me in conversation while I was doing so. The lobby was comfortable, with plenty of seating, and umbrellas were available for guest use, which was appreciated. The coffee available in the mornings was genuinely excellent - easily the best hotel coffee we’ve had anywhere in the US. At check-in, we were given a choice between an internally facing room with less natural light but more quiet, or a brighter room with increased street noise. We opted for the internally facing room. The room itself was spacious, clean, and aesthetically one of the nicest we’ve stayed in during our travels. However, as warned, it was extremely dark. The bathroom layout, with the shower and toilet separate from the basin, was unusual but not an issue for us. Storage space was generous, with plenty of room for clothes and personal items. There was a fridge in the room, which was appreciated, though it was completely full of minibar food and drinks - leaving little to no space for guests to store their own items. The hair dryer was also impressively ineffective; it had about the same impact as an elderly person breathing gently in my direction. Unfortunately, the bed and pillows were a major downside. The mattress bowed noticeably in the middle, meaning we spent the night rolling inward, and the pillows were very soft and lumpy. Both my husband and I left with sore necks, backs, and hips - comfort-wise, this was easily the worst sleep we’ve had on our trip… Overall, this hotel may suit travellers prioritising space, aesthetics, and price over location and sleep comfort. I would not recommend this hotel for solo female travellers. We wouldn’t rule out staying again at the right rate, but improvements to the bedding would make a significant difference.

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