Places to stay
Here you’ll find lots of great places to stay in Portland. Our favorite is the Kennedy School because a) it’s amazing, and b) it’s the only place that’s in walking distance to the Playground. It books up fast, so call as soon as you know you’re coming.
The Kennedy School Hotel
The Kennedy School is an abandoned elementary school that was saved from the wrecking ball and turned into a fabulous and crazy hotel.
The rooms.
- High-ceilinged and spacious (room for yoga).
- A chalkboard in the room to scribble insights on.
- Plenty of outlets and a big power strip. Free wi-fi.
- A lovely wooden writing desk.
- Plus two pint glasses and a growler, to take the house-brewed beer back from one of the restaurants or bars.
Note: be sure to ask for one of the quieter rooms when you make your reservation!*
The warm and salt-mineral-ey soaking pool.
Open until 10 pm. Free for hotel guests, $5 for visitors.
Bathing suits!
The movie theater.
In the auditorium. Cozy couches. Order beer or pizza and they’ll bring it to you. $3 admission. Free for hotel guests.
The Boiler Room.
It’s a bar. In the actual boiler room.
* These rooms are a bit further away from restaurants and bars than others!
ABC room, School Store room, Old MacDonald’s, Amo’s room, Broom & Basket room, Tea Party, Mr. Toad, Thumbelina, Mirror, Mirror, Rosella’s, Bird House, Toy Boat, Numbers, Blue’s, Marble & Hopscotch, Bird’s Nest, Sewing room, Music room.
Other places to stay in Portland.
Nothing else is in walking distance of the Playground (or as cool) but there are lots of good places.
A weekly TriMet metro pass (covers any city train or bus) is very affordable. TriMet is remarkably clean and on-time compared to many cities.
Hotels
Bed and Breakfasts
- The Lion & the Rose Victorian B&B: A gorgeous Victorian with a wonderful staff and convenient location, close to shops and restaurants. A bit pricey, but gorgeous — and just ten minutes to the Playground by bus.
- Bluebird Guesthouse: A converted Craftsman home in a lovely neighborhood, featuring a small number of rooms and a communal kitchen. About an hour from the Playground by bus, including a short walk.
- Evermore Guesthouse: Another converted Craftsman in a lovely neighborhood, also with a small number of rooms and a communal kitchen. About an hour from the Playground by bus, including a short walk.
Hostels
- Portland Hawthorne Hostel: Small place, dorms are nice, very eco-Portland atmosphere — it’s in a great neighborhood, and people seem to really like it. Note: it’s definitely a hostel, with some of the unexpected excitements that a hostel can provide. Less than an hour from the Playground by bus.
- Northwest Portland Guesthouse: On the other side of the river in the NW quadrant, offering both dorm room spaces and private rooms. About an hour from the Playground by bus.
Other!
AirBnB.com: An online network of people offering rooms in their own homes, like informal B&Bs. There are a few houses available within an easy walk to the Playground, and we’ve gotten good feedback from several Rallians:
- Xiaofeng – “She was the kindest, most welcoming host. It was like visiting an old friend.”
- Winson – “Pretty near the Kennedy School. It’s immaculate, comfortable, and nicely decorated. It’s very private, with a fence and bamboo screen. There’s a backyard with a small deck.”
- Novelle – “Completely lovely! The bed was fluffy and soft and the host was welcoming and helpful. By far my best stay in Portland ever!”
- Kaya – “A really bright + colourful space with a fantastic little dog. The bed is super soft and comfy. The host is welcoming, friendly and helpful — and also very Fluent-Self-Friendly.”
- Amy – “It’s a 30-40 minute walk from the Playground but you get a whole suite all to yourself! And it’s really cute, clean and comfortable, with a very welcoming, friendly and helpful host.”
- Kathryn – “It was a great experience — private bedroom with a comfy queen sized bed & private bath, and just a 10 minute walk to the Playground, along fun Alberta Street. Perfect for entry/exit rituals before and after the Rally”
That’s it! Looking forward to playing with you at the Playground!