Hotel Eastlund

Location is the big lure of the Hotel Eastlund. It's situated just a short walk from the convention center drawing plenty of business travelers swinging through the area on work. But the property's proximity to the Moda Center also attracts sports fans and concertgoers, especially on weekends. Opened in 2015, this six-story hotel reflects a stylish, retro look. Low-slung seating, honeycomb-shaped room dividers, and Eames chairs give a distinct mid-century vibe. The bright lobby, done up in plenty of orange, teal, and marigold yellow, feels especially hip. Ceilings are low here, but banks of floor-to-ceiling windows bring cheerful light into the space and allow its numerous tropical plants to flourish. Clusters of comfy furniture are strategically positioned throughout the lobby to encourage a bit of lounging. Despite its busy, inner-city location, it’s relatively peaceful inside the hotel. 

The Hotel Eastland’s location is especially convenient to travelers doing business at the Oregon Convention Center (a five-minute walk away) or attending events at the Moda Center (seven minutes on foot). It’s situated in a busy, safe area in the Lloyd District, directly across the Willamette River from downtown Portland’s Pearl District. Several restaurants surround the hotel, including the adjacent Starbucks and Denny’s. Other points of interest within walking distance include the Veterans Memorial Coliseum (13 minutes), convention center MAX station (three minutes), and the Lloyd Center (seven minutes), a large urban mall with several department stores, shops, and restaurants. Union Station is 13 minutes away by MAX, and Portland International Airport is 32 minutes away by MAX or a 20-minute drive. 

The punchy design of the hotel’s public spaces continue into its stylish rooms. Here, too, there's plenty of retro appeal thanks to details like Eames chairs, surfboard coffee tables, and plenty of orange accents. But all these flashier elements are nicely grounded by gray details in the walls, bed skirts, doors, and carpets. White bedding, walls, and laminate-style furniture keep things from skewing too dark. Energetic pops of color from orange throw pillows and pop art also add to the glamour of the scene as do the faux fur bed throws. Bathrooms are exceptionally handsome, with white ceramic and wood vanities and large walk-in showers with clear glass doors and striking, dark gray tiling. Suites feature double vanities and separate walk-in showers and soaking tubs. At 260 square feet, standard rooms are a bit small. But clever design makes good use of the space available, and ample light from large windows make them cheerful. Standard Kings have oval tables and two leather armchairs, while both the Kings and Double Queens provide desks with white leather office chairs. Larger Suites with wet bars and sofas also are available. But rooms across all categories are well equipped and include mini-fridges, Keurig coffeemakers, bottled water and snacks (for a fee), plus safes, robes, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Note that some rooms can hear a bit of ambient noise from traffic, street cars, or the MAX line, but it’s not a significant issue for most guests. Views can also vary quite a bit: some are lovely vistas of the city, while others are just so-so.  

Good food is a big focus at the Eastlund, much to the delight of their guests. The rooftop Altabira City Tavern features modern takes on American classics for lunch (weekdays only) and dinner. It has great views of the city, including from its outdoor patio. The Citizen Baker in the lobby serves fresh-baked goods for breakfast and lunch, including to-go items. The hotel also has a convenience store that sells snacks, sundries, and bottles of wine. But apart from on-site dining, the hotel has many other notable features. The fitness center is a pleasant space with plenty of room and a good selection of cardio and strength-training equipment. The 24/7 business center offers that has multiple computers, printers, and space for small meetings. For its many business travelers, the hotel has 5,300 square feet of stylish meeting space, including a large ballroom. Valet dry cleaning and laundry are among the concierge services. Valet parking is the only on-site option and it’s a bit expensive, but it comes with unlimited in/out privileges. Wi-Fi is free and accessible throughout the property.