Portland, Oregon, has always had a special pull on me. The city’s mix of creativity, natural beauty, and laid-back lifestyle makes it a destination I keep coming back to. But let’s be honest: Portland, like many cities on the West Coast, isn’t always the cheapest place to stay. Prices can fluctuate wildly depending on the season, and it’s easy to burn through your budget if you’re not careful. Over the years, I’ve learned that you don’t have to compromise on comfort to keep your expenses in check.
In this article, I’m sharing my most memorable and budget-friendly accommodations in Portland—places that balance cost, location, and character. These are not just names on a list but places I’ve personally explored, tested, and appreciated for what they offer. Whether you’re coming for the food, the coffee culture, or just to breathe in that Pacific Northwest air, these stays will keep you comfortable without draining your wallet.
I’ll also talk about how I found the best deals, which booking platforms consistently saved me money, and the little tricks I’ve picked up along the way.
Why Budget-Friendly Accommodation in Portland Matters
Traveling in Portland is about more than where you lay your head at night. It’s about soaking in the quirky neighborhoods, tasting coffee from a dozen independent roasters, biking along the Willamette River, or wandering through Powell’s City of Books until your arms ache from carrying titles you didn’t plan to buy. To do all that, you need to preserve your budget. That’s where strategic accommodation choices come in.
Hotels in downtown Portland can easily stretch past \$250 per night if you’re not careful. But I’ve discovered that with the right platforms—like Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, and even Priceline—it’s possible to find rooms well under \$150, sometimes even below \$100, depending on the season. The trick lies in timing, flexibility, and knowing which neighborhoods provide better value.
The Charm of Staying Outside the Usual Tourist Bubble
One thing I’ve learned: the best budget stays are often just outside the city center. A short walk or bus ride can save you \$50–\$100 per night, which adds up quickly on a multi-day trip. Portland’s public transit system, TriMet, makes it easy to move around, so staying slightly farther from downtown is rarely an inconvenience. Plus, these neighborhoods often give you a more authentic taste of Portland life—quieter mornings, local eateries, and parks where you’ll see residents instead of tourists.
My Top Affordable Stays in Portland
Below are five (plus a couple of bonus) places that I’ve either stayed at myself or seriously considered after hearing great reviews from other travelers. Each has its own character, strengths, and quirks, but all share one thing: they’re budget-friendly while still providing solid value.
1. The Society Hotel
Location: 203 NW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97209
The Society Hotel sits in the heart of Old Town Chinatown, and it’s one of my favorite discoveries. What makes this place so interesting is that it combines the social energy of a hostel with the privacy of a boutique hotel. You can book a bunk in the shared rooms if you’re really pinching pennies, or opt for a private room if you want more comfort.
What I Loved:
The rooftop deck alone is worth staying here. On clear evenings, I’d take a cup of tea up there and watch the city lights stretch across the Willamette River. The vibe is casual and creative, and I often ended up chatting with other travelers from across the globe. The staff gave me excellent local recommendations, pointing me to food trucks and hidden cafés that never made it into the guidebooks.
Guest Reviews:
Other guests rave about the friendly atmosphere, the clean shared spaces, and the affordability given the prime location. Some note that the nightlife nearby can be loud on weekends, but I brought earplugs and had no trouble sleeping.
Booking Tip:
I found the lowest prices for The Society Hotel consistently on Booking.com and Hostelworld, sometimes dipping as low as \$45 per night for a bunk or around \$110 for a private room. Book early if you want a private option; they sell out quickly.
2. Jupiter NEXT
Location: 900 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
Jupiter NEXT is technically the upgraded sibling of the original Jupiter Hotel, but it’s still remarkably affordable for what it offers. This property sits in the vibrant Central Eastside neighborhood, a quick walk to some of the best breweries, food trucks, and live music venues.
What I Loved:
The rooms are stylish without being pretentious—think modern industrial design, big windows, and just enough quirk to remind you that you’re in Portland. I especially enjoyed how close it was to late-night food spots. One night, I wandered downstairs after midnight and grabbed dumplings from a food cart just steps away.
Guest Reviews:
Travelers often comment on the friendly staff and walkable location. Some warn that parking is limited and expensive, which is true. I solved this by leaving my car at a park-and-ride lot outside the city and using public transit. It saved me both stress and money.
Booking Tip:
I booked through Hotels.com and stacked it with their rewards program, which gives you a free night after ten stays. Prices ranged from \$130–\$160 per night, depending on the season. If you’re traveling midweek, rates tend to dip significantly.
3. KEX Portland
Location: 100 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97232
KEX Portland is a blend of hostel, boutique hotel, and cultural hub. Originally from Iceland, KEX brought its European sense of design and community to Portland. The result is one of the most atmospheric budget options I’ve stayed at.
What I Loved:
The ground floor houses a stylish bar and lounge that feels like a mix of library, café, and speakeasy. I loved curling up with my laptop there, sipping coffee, and watching locals mix with travelers. The shared rooms are clean and well-designed, with privacy curtains on bunks—a small touch that makes a huge difference.
Guest Reviews:
Reviewers often highlight the sense of community and the chic design. A few mention that parking can be a challenge, but the location is so central that I mostly walked or used buses.
Booking Tip:
I found great deals on Expedia, especially with bundled discounts. Shared bunks can be as low as \$50–\$60 per night, while private rooms hover around \$130–\$150. My advice is to book directly through their website if you’re after special events—they sometimes include perks like drink vouchers.
4. Inn at Northrup Station
Location: 2025 NW Northrup St, Portland, OR 97209
This hotel is a gem if you’re traveling with friends or family and want more space. The rooms here are essentially suites with kitchenettes, which makes cooking your own meals an option—a great budget hack in Portland, where eating out adds up quickly.
What I Loved:
The location in Northwest Portland meant I was within walking distance of boutique shops, restaurants, and the Portland Streetcar. I remember making a simple pasta dinner in my room one night after splurging on a pricier lunch. It felt like I was living in the city rather than just visiting.
Guest Reviews:
Travelers love the colorful décor and the neighborhood feel. Some say the furniture is a little quirky, but that’s part of the charm. Families especially appreciate the larger rooms.
Booking Tip:
I scored the best rates on Priceline Express Deals, sometimes dipping under \$150 per night for a suite. If you’re traveling with a group, this is one of the best-value options in Portland.
5. McMenamins Kennedy School
Location: 5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland, OR 97211
This one is truly Portland: a former elementary school converted into a hotel, complete with classrooms turned into guest rooms, a movie theater, and several bars on-site. It’s quirky, fun, and surprisingly affordable.
What I Loved:
Sleeping in a converted classroom was a trip. My room still had a chalkboard! I wandered the hallways and felt like I was in a museum of eccentric design. At night, I grabbed a beer in the school’s old boiler room, now a cozy pub. This is Portland weirdness at its finest.
Guest Reviews:
Visitors often rave about the unique atmosphere and the on-site amenities. Some mention that it’s a bit far from downtown, but with a car or ride-share, it wasn’t an issue for me.
Booking Tip:
The lowest prices popped up on McMenamins’ official website, where I saw rooms around \$130–\$160. Signing up for their newsletter sometimes gets you discount codes.
Bonus Options Worth Considering
While the five above are my top picks, Portland has a few more affordable gems worth noting:
- HI Portland Northwest Hostel (425 NW 18th Ave): One of the friendliest hostels in the city, perfect if you’re solo and love community kitchens and group activities. Rates around \$40–\$70 per night.
- Shilo Inn Rose Garden (1506 NE 2nd Ave): A simple, no-frills hotel that’s often one of the cheapest options near the Lloyd District. Prices can drop under \$120.
My Personal Booking Strategies
Over time, I’ve developed a rhythm to finding the best rates:
- Check multiple platforms: I usually start with Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia. Prices can vary for the same property, sometimes by \$20–\$40.
- Use flexible dates: Portland prices fluctuate depending on events and weekends. Shifting your stay by even one night can save you a significant amount.
- Leverage loyalty programs: Hotels.com’s “free night” program has saved me hundreds. Booking.com’s Genius program also sometimes unlocks 10–15% discounts.
- Don’t overlook direct booking: Some hotels, like McMenamins, offer exclusive perks if you book directly. Always worth checking after comparing aggregator sites.
- Book early, cancel late: Portland rooms book up quickly, but many sites offer free cancellation. I often secure a flexible booking early, then re-check prices closer to my stay and rebook if they drop.
Portland doesn’t have to be an expensive city to stay in. From stylish hostels like The Society Hotel and KEX to unique stays like the Kennedy School, there’s a wealth of affordable options that let you experience the city in comfort without overspending. Each property I’ve highlighted gave me more than just a bed—they gave me a memory, a story, a sense of being in Portland rather than just passing through.
Traveling on a budget isn’t about sacrifice. It’s about being smart, flexible, and open to experiences that you might have overlooked otherwise. Portland rewards that kind of traveler. If you’re planning a visit, I encourage you to dig into these options, try out a booking platform you haven’t used before, and see how much further your travel budget can stretch.
