Originally Posted by
aztimm
I've stayed at the Embassy Suites. It was a while ago, but I'm sure things aren't too different.
It was a local property and acquired by Hilton and re-branded as an ES probably 10-15 years ago. Some of the rooms are very large, the one I had was enormous. So it isn't a typical cookie-cutter ES property, there is no atrium. Gym was just ok (but if you're in Portland, I'd just run along the river).
I think there's a thread on the HHonors forum that I've posted in.
If money is a consideration, you can also look at the Doubletree Lloyd Center. It isn't right downtown, but across the river. It is still in the free zone for the light rail and maybe 5-10 min to most places downtown. When we last stayed there it was considerably lower than either the ES or Hilton downtown.
I would highly recommend renting a car for at least a day. We drove a loop, out to Multonomah Falls and returning around Mt Hood. Otherwise, you definitely do not want a car in town. Public transit is very good nearly everywhere in town.
Thank you. I'm currently still in the ES because the good rate I spotted for the Hilton disappeared too quickly. I have stayed at the DT Lloyd Center previously and, though it is easily accessible by public transport and a decent hotel, I felt it was a little too isolated from street life of downtown.