How to Find Cheap Hotels in Portland, Oregon

A city often referred to as one of the best big cities to live in, Portland tiptoes along the northern Oregon border and waves to the regal Mount Hood looming in the background.

Things You'll Need

• Rental car
• Hotel reservation
• Plane tickets
• Computer
• Luggage
• Map

Instructions

Know Your Destination

1. Prepare for the unique big-city environmental attitude of Portland, and pack your hiking boots to explore stunning views of gorgeous mountains and the roaring Willamette River.

2. Taste the internationally acclaimed beers produced in Portland's local microbreweries before you go in preparation to visit a few of these well-known establishments. Some consider Portland and its breweries to be the force behind the popularity of microbrew in the United States.

Organize Transportation

1. Plan your trip by air through the Portland International Airport, located only nine miles northeast of downtown. Tickets are available for two dollars to use the MAX light rail system instead of a taxi.

2. Drive to Portland and your accommodations using conveniently laid out I-5. The interstate slices right through downtown Portland.

3. Walk, bike or take the MAX public transportation bus or light rail system. The city of Portland is made conveniently accessible by all modes of transportation.

Choose Accommodations

1. To book accommodations, contact Portland Oregon Visitors Association at [phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources below).

2. Succumb to the beauty of Portland and pick cheap accommodations within close proximity of 140-acre Washington Park. The park has worthwhile sites such as the Rose Garden Children's Park, the Oregon Zoo and the calm Japanese Garden.

3. Make a pit stop at one of Portland's highway restaurants, gas stations and cafes to pick up local coupon books that include discounts at nearby accommodations.

4. Take advantage of Portland's relatively low cost of living and make your stay at a higher-star hotel than you're used to for the same price you'd pay back home.

5. Experience an original hotel that was previously an elementary school--the Kennedy School. Amenities include a cheap movie theater, restaurant, microbrewery and outdoor pool.

Be Familiar with Local Information

1. Explore your artistic side by attending the Saturday Market every first weekend from March to December. The event allows free admission to see all handmade items in the oldest and largest open-air crafts market in the United States.

2. Support Powell's City of Books, the biggest independent bookstore on the planet. Readers will get lost in the city-block-sized store with more than a million books in stock.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are in downtown, the buses, MAX and streetcars are free.

• It is not recommended that you drive your car downtown because of the scarce parking, street closures and strict parking meter enforcement.

• Most hotels offer free Wi-Fi Internet access but also know that Portland has around 100 free Internet hot spots spread throughout the city.

• For a city as large as Portland crime is very low but still be cautious when out at night in Old Town/Chinatown, Outer Southeast neighborhoods and parts of North Portland. Also, be careful late at night if you are taking the bus at the downtown mall on 5th and 6th avenue as this can be a problem area.