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I'm hoping some Portland-savvy readers might chime in with some advice for me as I'm putting the final details together for my West Coast trip.
I'll be arriving in Portland on the Coast Starlight from LAX on Sunday July 26. I'll need to stay somewhere that night and pick up a rental car the next morning to head to Mt Rainier.
On Friday July 31 I'll be returning the rental car probably just after noon to wherever I rented it, then proceeding to board the eastbound Empire Builder late that afternoon.
So is it better to stay downtown, then take the light rail to the airport the next AM to get the rental car, return the car to the airport, light rail back to downtown (but then how to Amtrak?) or maybe stay out by the airport or ??
I'm pretty flexible about this - not looking for a 5-star hotel, just a place to shower, sleep & head out the next day. Bigger concern is how difficult is it to travel between Amtrak & the airport? I did look at the Tri-Met website, but it's a little confusing to me. Any advice?
I'm leaving Milwaukee 3 weeks from today! The excitement is already building!!!
-------------------- My new "default" station (EKH) has no baggage service or QuikTrak machine, but the parking is free! And the NY Central RR Museum is just across the tracks (but not open at Amtrak train times. . ..) Posts: 337 | From: Goshen, IN | Registered: Jun 2006
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My suggestion would be to do the downtown thing.
Picture this: When you arrive at PDX (and being the Starlight, it could be at any hour), take a cab to the Mark Spencer Hotel.
There are many good hotels in Portland, but I'm partial to the Spencer. The staff is friendly and helpful; it's close to Powell's Books and several good restaurants; and it caters to the local performing arts scene (your bagpipe, if you'll be carrying, will be warmly tolerated).
The next day (Monday), give Enterprise or Budget a call. The non-airport locations will pick you up at the Spencer.
When you get done goofing off at Mt Ranier, return the car, and ask them to drive you to the station.
At the station, you can await the Builder in the very comfortable confines of the Metropolitan Lounge.
Have a great trip.
Posts: 445 | Registered: May 2002
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quote:Originally posted by Judy McFarland: So is it better to stay downtown, then take the light rail to the airport the next AM to get the rental car, return the car to the airport, light rail back to downtown (but then how to Amtrak?) or maybe stay out by the airport or ??
Definitely do NOT do the airport option for the rental car---it is considerably more expensive. The airport has add-on fees (airport taxes and airport fees)---the downtown locations do not. Because of this, there will be no need to take MAX (Portland's light rail system) out to the airport---you can avoid that entirely. (Are you aware of the free transit in downtown Portland? MAX and buses are el freebo!)
As far as hotels, I probably can't give good advice as I prefer to stay in higher-end hotels. I've overnighted in downtown Portland many times, and have done the exact same thing you are doing (arrive on #14, stay overnight, and depart on #28 the next day). I prefer the Westin in downtown Portland (or the Hilton, staying in the Executive Tower which is across the street from the regular Hilton)---I don't know what their price point is right now, but they are great places to stay.
Will you be in a sleeper on the Empire Builder? If so, you have access to the Metropolitan Lounge at PDX. What I usually do is check-out of my hotel, go down to the train station, and check my bag with them and leave it for the day (since the Empire Builder leaves later in the day). It is free, and it is a secure location).
I don't know if this helps at all, but there is a rental car phone on the wall of the Amtrak station (just outside the doors of the baggage room). That phone goes either to Budget or Enterprise---I forget which. They will come get you at the train station, and they will return you there at the end of your rental. Also keep this in mind----no matter who you book your rental car with, if your #14 arrives so late that the downtown office of your rental car agency is closed, you can call them and they will tell you to take a taxi to the Portland Airport to get your rental car. The rental car company will pay your taxi bill, and they will NOT charge you the airport fees. I have not experienced this myself, but this is what I have been told by a few people who have run into this issue in the past.
If you are in a sleeper on the Empire Builder, I'm sure you know this already, but there is no dining car from Portland to Spokane (but there is a Sightseer Lounge Car). The "boxed meal" that they give you, in my opinion, is fantastic! I would very much prefer if they just served food like that on Amtrak instead of the garbage they serve in the dining car. The meals on Amtrak used to be good, but I just can't stand their food any more ever since they switched over to SDS. If you do enjoy your boxed meal on the first night, you can purchase a similar meal (usually fried chicken or similar) when you get to Havre, Montana. The Lounge Car attendant "should" (depending on his mood-o-meter and how lazy he/she is) make an announcement that they will be loading up on boxed meals at Havre. If you want one, sometimes they tell you to "reserve" one, and other times they say "first come/first served". SPRINT down to the lounge car and snag one of those boxed meals. They go very fast.
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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quote:Originally posted by smitty195:Definitely do NOT do the airport option for the rental car---it is considerably more expensive. The airport has add-on fees (airport taxes and airport fees)---
"Concession Recoupment Fee" seems to be Hertz's language of the day for such.
Posts: 9975 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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I've done the airport option a time or two. As Smitty points out, it involves additional time and costs.
Parking and driving in downtown Portland can be a hassle. That's why I would consider a cab to a hotel that first night.
As far as lodging, I've stayed at better Portland hotels than the Mark Spencer. But you can't beat the Spencer for funkiness.
The Amtrak Historical Society held its convention at this hotel a few years ago. During one of its sessions, there was a loud commotion outside our meeting room. People were running around crying and wailing and screaming "don't hurt him." Needless to say, our attention was diverted from the scheduled presentation. But someone came to our room and explained there was no reason for alarm, it was just a cast rehearsing for a play. We all crawled out from under our chairs.
Another time, my wife and I were about to check out of our room. As we opened our door, it was totally blocked by a pile of assorted luggage. Behind the pile was an array of brightly-lit photographic lights. Turns out it was a photo-shoot for Skiing Magazine. They were doing an article of what travelling was like for a downhill racer. They were waiting for a really messed-up room for the shoot, and I guess housekeeping pointed out ours most closely met their needs.
Now, we haven't experienced wierd stuff everytime. But enough to make it interesting.
Posts: 445 | Registered: May 2002
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I've stayed in Portland, both downtown (a conference at a large hotel on 6th Street -- forget the name) and at the Doubletree in the Rose Quarter just east of the river. I liked the Rose Quarter; light rail can get you downtown easily.
There is an Enterprise car rental near the Doubletree, and as noted, they'll bring the car to you. DO NOT go to the airport. The various fees will add 50% to the cost of the rental. I used to travel extensively on business, and toward the end I'd make a practice of going downtown by bus, taxi, or rapid transit (if available) and renting a car there because of the enormous fees.
Posts: 614 | From: Merchantville, NJ. USA | Registered: Aug 2000
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I haven't checked the rates recently but when I stayed there I got a special deal of under $100.00 that was a two room suite with kitchenette. The staff was very helpful. I bought them a box of See's candy as a thank you.
I walked there from the station (with a small rollaboard) and walked a couple of blocks to the free bus on my return to the station.
The lounge was very nice except for a fairly snooty attendant. I understand he's no longer there. And the curtains on the windows block your view of the trains if I remember correctly.
There is plenty to see and do just in downtown Portland, not to mention the surrounding area.
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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In May this year we were on Coast Starlight, stopped in Portland for one night as we wanted to ride the Talgo to Seattle. IMHO do not stay at the Westin. It is said that they are a 4 star hotel, but we would only rate it a 2 star. The Weston put a charge from there restaurant on my credit card. We were never in the restaurant. At check out they said they would take care of the charge, and credit my card. After 6 phone calls I had to dispute it with my credit card company. Beware.
As for rental you can't go wrong with Enterprise
Posts: 39 | From: Saint Croix Falls | Registered: Aug 2005
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Not sure how it rates against the Mark Spencer but I've stayed at the Embassy Suites Downtown in Portland and it was quite nice. It is in the old historic Multnomah Hotel, beautifully and fully renovated with a giant free breakfast buffet in what use to be the basement pool. It's 6/10 of a mile from the Amtrak Station.
quote:Originally posted by Trainut: IMHO do not stay at the Westin. It is said that they are a 4 star hotel, but we would only rate it a 2 star.
Aside from the billing error, why would you rate it a 2 star? I've stayed there 3 times and it has been absolutely perfect. I also travel a lot and know what to expect in hotels.
In reading the reviews on TripAdvisor and looking at the pictures, I don't see anyone talking about significant issues with the hotel. So you've got me curious--what was it about the hotel that dropped it to 2 stars?
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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I had thought about recommending the Embassy Suites also, but the last two times I walked by there, there were lots of homeless all over the place hitting me up for "food" (ie, money for drugs). I think there is a shelter, soup kitchen, or methadone clinic, or something right next door. Did you encounter any of those problems?
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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Only homeless problem I ran across was in Pioneer Square. Lots of young ones. Sad.
Posts: 497 | From: Clarksburg, West Virginia | Registered: Oct 2003
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I've stayed at the Mark Spencer twice before, and I'm glad to see that others are still recommending it. If my arrival is early enough, dinner at Jake's would be a bonus. I'll get busy this weekend and line up the rental car. Thanks for all your ideas. Now who do I talk to about an on-time arrival in Portland? (LOL)
-------------------- My new "default" station (EKH) has no baggage service or QuikTrak machine, but the parking is free! And the NY Central RR Museum is just across the tracks (but not open at Amtrak train times. . ..) Posts: 337 | From: Goshen, IN | Registered: Jun 2006
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Judy---I have a feeling you will be on-time (or close to it) into PDX. The "Starlate" has been doing well for quite some time now, and now that they have brought back the connection from 14 to 28 at Portland, it has been smooth sailing. Of course anything can happen---that's always a possibility. But it all should be good since you've got the day (night) of cushion built in.
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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The Mark Spencer is the "U" shaped building at 11th and Stark.
Frank in cool, dark and crowd free SBA! (Except for the usual summer tourists).
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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Mr. smitty195 "Aside from the billing error, why would you rate it a 2 star?"
The billing "error" still has not been resolved. I have talked to the General Manger 5 of the 6 times I have called and he admits the charge is wrong, still no credit.
As far as the 2 star rating. there was not a microwave or refrigerator in the room, 2 small bars of soap in the shape of a leaf. The staff was not helpful if you could find them. Those are just off the top of head.
I have a good memory, but it is very short.
Posts: 39 | From: Saint Croix Falls | Registered: Aug 2005
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Trainut--okay, thanks. I disagree with that being a 2 star, but as consumers we get to pick and choose where we spend our money. I'll still go back to the Westin---love that hotel! (BTW, I don't know of any Westin Hotels that have a fridge or microwave in the room....you usually find those in the 2 and 3 star Holiday Inn Express and Hampton Inn types of hotels).
BTW, unless they removed it, there is a mini-fridge underneath the TV cabinet in the room. Of course, it's filled with mini-bar items (drinks, candy bars, etc), so there is no room to put your own "stuff" in there.
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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We usually empty that or have it emptied so that our stuff fits. Be sure to ask, though, to see if it's the kind that electronically charges for anything that is moved. Those seem to be being phased out. I have a feeling they didn't work that well!
On Radiance of the Seas the Cabin Attendant told us that anything that was moved was supposed to be charged. "But, Sir, I can assure you that the system does not work!". He happlily emptied it so the great boxes of Chilean and Argentinian wine would store nicely.
Frank in sunny SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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I am going to Portland myself next month and am concerning myself with lodgings there. I just discovered that the Mark Spencer has a 'make me an offer' option on their website (if you can find it). I made an offer of $60 for a room with rack rate of $130 which is discounted on the web to $104. MS made a counter offer of $90 which I did not accept (I have 48 hrs to do so). This is a interesting feature I've never seen anywhere before. Priceline.com is similar but has a lot of uncertainty involved. I decided to take a chance and bid on PL for a 3 star hotel in downtown Portland. I bid $43/night and Marriot Courtyard City Center (a new hotel just down the st from MS) accepted that offer!! Half price of MS - though I'm sure they don't have the nice continental breakfast.
Posts: 326 | From: San Antonio Texas USA | Registered: Dec 2003
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We usually empty that or have it emptied so that our stuff fits. Be sure to ask, though, to see if it's the kind that electronically charges for anything that is moved. Those seem to be being phased out. I have a feeling they didn't work that well!
Sorry, Frank...never saw your comment until just now. The notification system on this board doesn't work, so I try to stay on top of things and manually look for new messages, but sometimes I miss 'em every now and then.
Regarding hotels and mini-bars, I have found that more and more hotels are getting rid of them. The one exception is in the large, tourist-heavy locations (Las Vegas, Orlando, New York City, etc). But to have a Hilton or Marriott business hotel with an in-room mini-bar is becoming a rare sight.
Interestingly, all of the new/modern hotels on the Las Vegas Strip all use mini-bars with electronic sensors. The two newest mega resorts (Encore and Palazzo) both have electronic mini-bars, as does Venetian, Wynn, Bellagio, Caesar's, Four Seasons, Mandalay Bay, and several more. I think the reason for this is because their resorts are ENORMOUS and each hotel contains several thousand rooms (Venetian/Palazzo/Venezia has approximately 7,500 rooms). It makes it much easier for the staff to only go into the rooms where items have been consumed from the mini-bar, as opposed to knocking on all 7,500 doors and checking each fridge.
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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I've stayed at the Mark Spencer before and I did try the "make an offer feature" like City of Miami. However, I decided to accept their counter offer - I'm a little leery of places I don't know & since the Mark Spencer is right near Powells Book Store and Jake's Restaurant, I feel comfortable staying there. I'm working on my rental car arrangements now.
-------------------- My new "default" station (EKH) has no baggage service or QuikTrak machine, but the parking is free! And the NY Central RR Museum is just across the tracks (but not open at Amtrak train times. . ..) Posts: 337 | From: Goshen, IN | Registered: Jun 2006
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