samosa

can you do the hi-lo? If so, that would be better. However, between those I honestly don’t have one that is amazing. What I don’t like about the Vance is the restaurant, but otherwise it is a decent hotel and location.

GW McLintock

The Hi-Lo is a bit too pricey. Trust me I would have rather stayed there

-J.

mildfrequence

I gave Moxy a try last weekend incidentally, which happened to mark their one yr anniversary. They had a drag party in the bar/lobby with some modest catering - all very on brand lol
As for the place itself, it's a moxy. It's cheaper, it's cramped, it's fine.

samosa

It is "fun" but not a place to work from (desks are too small), as are the rooms.

GW McLintock

Was just looking at photos of the Vance... unless I am missing some extraordinary Platinum benefit, I think I'm just going to stay at the Courtyard since it is just so convenient. I can't be the only person that just wants a nice, quiet room and not some artsy bright red and white headboard.

Unfortunately for me, I happen to know a bunch of Titaniums will be staying at the CY too so I am not counting on an upgrade

-J.

mildfrequence

(I figured that went without saying)

samosa

then boy was I a dummy. I did stay at another one with one of my kids and that was much better because the room had a better layout and they had some space to work.

ps for those who stay at the Vance, it is good for families as they have a game room on the second floor.

kennycrudup

Eh, use the chat feature on the app and give it a shot; they've always been good to me.

Too bad yet another case of Covid collateral damage shut down the rooftop bar/restaurant at the Eastlund down the street; that used to be my go-to place when I'd say at the CC CY 😢

kennycrudup

I'll be- decided to check, and apparently it's back! https://mettavern.com/ I'd heard they'd gone belly-up!

Vancouver Guy

Hi all,

Coming down to Portland next weekend - (for NCAA tournament) with my wife - we have reservations at Hi-Lo and Nines, with Suite Night vouchers in play at each.

Assuming the price for the rooms works out about the same, what factors should we consider in deciding which hotel to pick (suite upgrade is a factor, so is walking to restaurants, etc around hotel - we have no concerns about "grungy" streetscapes).

Thanks in advance for any advice/info - I'll take restaurant suggestions too!

mildfrequence

I don't have experience with upgrades at the Nines, but they're close enough to one another that your proximity to restaurants and what not is kind of non issue imo (particularly so based on your tolerance for the grungy thing to begin with.) This is all to say that I'd focus purely on the room you're aspiring to get and not think twice about the location.

HaleiwaFlyer

Nines: Classic upscale luxury hotel with lots of Marble and contemporary art being show cased. NBA players typically stay there. Their club has great wine and beer selection. The upstairs restaurant isn’t as good with the main chef leaving; just not the same flavor profile. Breakfast is good.

Hi-Lo: Dark colors with gold accents; with a splash of cement themed hotel. No club that I’m aware of. Restaurant is ok. Same restaurant for breakfast and dinner versus two separate restaurants for nines.

If you want more upscale, stick with Nines. If you are open to trying both out; that would be the best way to know which one you like. There both similar in location. Upgrades are hit or miss with both hotels, and depends on occupancy. If it’s a Trailblazer home game, not going to happen.

progapanda

Had a good and well-priced stay at The Vance. The location was perfect for my needs with easy access to PSU, Portland Art Museum, the waterfront, etc. and plentiful transit to dining and nightlife in East Portland. Rooms were immaculately clean, the bed comfortable, the desk and chair functional, even if the unfinished concrete walls and ceiling and modern metallic wardrobe could feel a bit too hip? This is PDX after all!

The hotel gym (24/7) and small bistro were open, although based on earlier reviews upthread I did not bother with dining at the hotel. The neighborhood felt quiet and safe, at least to this New Yorker. There are some tent shelters across the street FYI but the folks there are no bother.

The front desk staff (typically just one person at any given time) tries hard and means well but don't expect the concierge-level service you might receive at full-service property. As a Gold, I received an upgrade to the highest hotel floor, with nice window views of the hills South and Southwest, and a couple of bottles of water.

I personally preferred this more peaceful and greener location to that of the Courtyard closer downtown.

mildfrequence

(They call the courtyard "downtown convention center" but honestly to any local the Vance is more "downtown" than that by virtue of being southwest.)

GW McLintock

I stayed at the Courtyard last month (as it was very close to my office and there is a Starbucks across the street). Got upgraded to a rum with a couch on a higher floor -- one of my colleagues with no status got a room with no couch. Extremely friendly and helpful staff -- they were happy to put some items into their freezer for me. Nothing special given it's a CY but it was very convenient and that's probably where I'll stay next time (if there is a next time).

We had dinner one night at the Urban Farmer Portland on the 8th floor of the Nines. I thought it was very good for what it was.

-J.