Top 10 Historic Hotels In Portland, Oregon - Updated 2024

Catherine
Catherine 
Updated
| 4 min read

Portland is one of the true gems of Pacific Northwest. The city is overflowing with attractive green spaces, diverse dining, and an eclectic music scene. Outdoor spots such as Washington Park and Portland Japanese Garden are top-rated attractions here. For indoor enticements, head to Oregon Museum of Science and Industry or Portland Art Museum - the oldest museum in Pacific Northwest. If you want to add an extra layer of wonder to your Oregon adventure, opt for staying in an accommodation with a past. To find more such spots, check out our list of the top historic hotels in Portland, Oregon.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) properties with historic significance, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 13, 2024.

1. Hotel Lucia (from USD 101)

Boasting Early Commercial architecture, Hotel Lucia has undergone many name changes over its more than 100-year existence. It was originally called Imperial Hotel back in 1909 when it was expanded from an existing adjacent hotel built by German immigrant and successful entrepreneur, Phil Metschan. Early on, this hotel was an appealing gathering destination for cattle ranchers arriving from eastern Oregon.

Hotel Lucia was placed on National Register of Historic Places in 2003 and showcases the largest selection of black-and-white photography on the globe.

Stayed at this property?

Hotel Lucia

Address: 400 SW Broadway
1.71 km (1.1 mi) from OMSI

Parking Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms Dry cleaning Facilities for disabled guests

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the rooms are super clean and have a nice set-up
clean and comfortable convenient in the city
Host:
the staff were professional friendly and knowledgeable
Location:
this is a very comfortable hotel in a good location
an upgrade to a corner room was very welcome
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2. The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton (from USD 118)

If you enjoy an exciting history lesson and a comfortable stay in grand surroundings, The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton, is the place to be. Constructed in 1913, this hotel is an example of French-Second-Empire-style architecture. This hotel’s interior is awash in opulent bliss from the polished Italian marble floors to the shimmering Austrian crystal chandeliers.

The standout feature is the 12-story Historic Stairwell Museum - a massive, original marble stairwell that displays over 160 vintage photos, age-old tales of the city, and more.

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The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton

Address: 309 SW Broadway
1.79 km (1.2 mi) from OMSI

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre

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3. The Royal Sonesta Portland Downtown (from USD 102)

The Royal Sonesta Portland Downtown is a former department store that opened for business in 1912. When it was converted into a hotel a century later, designers were dedicated to retaining the architectural beauty of this cherished building. Kept were the large picture windows, the towering ceilings, and the crisp design lines that complemented the landmark building.

Added to this hotel are stylish furnishings, eclectic decor, and colorful, patterned rugs that make this accommodation shine from every direction.

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The Royal Sonesta Portland Downtown

Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille

Address: 506 SW Washington St
1.56 km (1.0 mi) from OMSI

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms Business centre

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
comfortable soft bed with clean bedding
Host:
fun and friendly staff
the hotel was very nice and all of the other staff were absolutely lovely
staff were great & the rooms were beautiful & very comfortable
Location:
great location very walkable area
unique decor and great central location in downtown portland
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4. Hotel deLuxe (from USD 96)

Hotel deLuxe has always had glamour sewn into its DNA. Originally called Hotel Mallory when it was commissioned in 1912, this historic hotel featured elite rooms with high quality in mind. It features a ballroom with an orchestra pit and a billiard room featuring liquor-filled crystal decanters and smooth-tasting cigars.

A renovation in the 2000s revamped the hotel into a salute to the Golden Age of Hollywood, and the name was changed to Hotel deLuxe. This remodeling boasts a captivating art deco-inspired brilliance blended with contemporary art and a curated photography collection.

Stayed at this property?

Hotel deLuxe

Address: 729 SW 15th Ave
2.18 km (1.4 mi) from OMSI

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
our room was perfect for us i’m still missing that bed it was heaven
Cleanliness:
property was clean and very nice
Host:
front desk staff takes great care of me
restaurant/bar had delicious food and friendly service
everything was wonderful the staff the location was perfect
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5. The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Portland (from USD 186)

The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Portland, offers a long and intriguing history. This 1909 terracotta-glazed structure was a flagship department store and headquarters to very successful retailers Aaron Meier and Sigmund Frank. Hollywood legend Clark Gable worked at the store before he made it big and this building installed the first escalator in the city. This 15-level space was even home to the retailer partner’s radio station.

In the 2000s, the building was converted into a deluxe hotel - with the original exterior remaining untouched. The interior is a lovely mix of vintage and contemporary styles.

Stayed at this property?

The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Portland

Address: 525 SW Morrison Street
1.5 km (1.0 mi) from OMSI

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
room had great view of pioneer courthouse square
terrific hotel—comfortable room great amenities central location
Cleanliness:
beautiful and clean hotel
Host:
clean property with friendly staff and the friendly did not seem fake or snooty
Location:
great place to stay great location that's walking distance from everything
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6. The Heathman Hotel (from USD 100)

Added to National Register of Historic Places in 1984, The Heathman Hotel is an ideal place for not only history buffs but artistic types. Opening for business in 1927, this hotel has been a prized fixture in Portland. The extraordinary library is a showpiece of this historic lodging plus, during the 1980s refurbishment, The Heathman Hotel acquired 250 authentic paintings, photographs, and more from US artists, particularly regional creatives.

Fans of Andy Warhol can view his lithographs displayed on most floors and one guest room’s interior design is a celebration of the avant-garde artist.

Stayed at this property?

Heathman Hotel

Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille

Address: 1001 SW Broadway
1.52 km (1.0 mi) from OMSI

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms

Top guest reviews
Host:
employees were friendly and helpful to me
a girl at the front desk was kind enough to help me with a solution to fix it
he was extremely helpful and exceeded my admittedly high standards of service
easy check in delightful staff valet parking credit with vip gold ststus very nice
Location:
close to everything highly recommend
great location for visiting portland only issue is the hotel didn't have free parking
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7. Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown (from USD 139)

Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown, originally named Multnomah Hotel after the indigenous Chinook tribe, is a treasured accommodation that’s been in existence for more than a century. This historic hotel is the brainchild of businessman Phillip Gevurtz. Gevurtz wanted to build a lavish lodging that serviced the influx of new travelers arriving in the city after Portland’s celebration of the Lewis and Clark Expedition centennial in 1905.

This hotel was rare for its time because it included a cutting-edge heating system, freshly produced ice water, and purified air. There was even a tearoom that was Portland’s first smoking space for females.

Stayed at this property?

Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown

Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille

Address: 319 SW Pine St
1.6 km (1.0 mi) from OMSI

Top guest reviews
Host:
staff were very very nice and accommodating
everyone was extremely friendly and helpful when asked
Location:
perfect stay and location for exploring portland
easy access to and from union station powell's voodoo donuts waterfront park incredible sushi brunch etc
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8. Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland, an IHG Hotel (from USD 111)

With a pioneering spirit that guided Oregon’s groundbreaking forefathers, Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland, an IHG Hotel, is committed to that same attitude by creating a vibrant, hip atmosphere in this historic and pretty red-brick structure. If you love vino, eclectic surroundings, and fun amenities, this is the go-to destination.

Soak in a rooftop hot tub, challenge friends to shuffleboard, or sample the latest merlot in the marble-adorned wine bar in the lobby.

Stayed at this property?

Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland, an IHG Hotel

Address: 422 SW Broadway
1.72 km (1.1 mi) from OMSI

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
meet hour adult gaming room and lovely nooks through out hotel to sit and relax
Host:
friendly staff and excellent service
the staff was great everyone was so friendly and helpful
great room staff and location
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9. Sentinel Hotel (from USD 135)

Considered one of the boldest and most innovative structures in the city, Sentinel Hotel is a masterwork of architecture. It boasts Viennese-influenced Early Modern components and altered Arts and Crafts styles. This fabled hotel was initially situated in a pair of historic early 20th-century buildings in Portland’s downtown area - the former Seward Hotel and Elks Lodge.

Filled with grandeur inside and outside, Sentinel Hotel captured the attention of director Gus Van Sant - who shot scenes of the 1991 movie My Own Private Idaho here.

Stayed at this property?

Sentinel Hotel

Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille

Address: 614 SW 11th Avenue
1.91 km (1.2 mi) from OMSI

Valet parking Access to health care professionals Concierge service VIP room facilities Dry cleaning Non-smoking rooms Daily housekeeping Shoeshine

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
my bathroom floor felt like i was walking on ice despite the room temperature being 68-70 degrees
Cleanliness:
very clean will be back here again
Host:
the staff were very helpful and professional
very kind and helpful personnel
most of the staff were great; others were so so
everyone was extremely helpful and kind
really beautiful place staff where welcoming and friendly and could not fault this place
Location:
always a great place to stay
Read more reviews
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10. McMenamins Crystal Hotel (from USD 112)

McMenamins Crystal Hotel is a 100-year-old flatiron beauty situated in the city’s West End area. McMenamins Crystal Hotel is intimately linked to the neighboring Crystal Ballroom - where musical performances have occurred for over a century. Every guest room’s decor here is inspired by shows presented in the age-old ballroom. Rooms are replete with lavishly colored walls, dreamy black velvet drapery, vibrant animal-print upholstery, and more.

A hotel highlight is the luxurious, salt-based soaking pool in a quirky setting. Guests receive a discounted rate for any Crystal Ballroom show.

Stayed at this property?

McMenamins Crystal Hotel

Address: 303 S.W. 12th Ave.
2.09 km (1.3 mi) from OMSI

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
would’ve liked it even more if it had a private bathroom in our room
Host:
the front desk clerk was so helpful and informative
friendly staff and comfortable room
what makes it really special is the staff and all the heart they put into their work
Location:
centrally located easy walking to shopping food events etc
this location was great within walking distance to all of the things we had planned
the property had great character and was close to the train station
Read more reviews
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Revel in the history of Portland

Portland lures visitors for many reasons. One of its underrated charms is its vintage accommodations that ooze a tantalizing vibe. Get a peek into Portland’s history by staying at one of these terrific historic hotels mentioned above and your Oregon escape is sure to be unforgettable.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Catherine has written professionally for over 10 years, and a sizable amount has been travel writing. Her desire to see the world was sparked at a very young age. Growing up, there were many family...Read more

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