Categories > Guides and Tips

best-waterfront-hotels-portland-banner

The 9 Best Waterfront Hotels in Portland I’d Book Again in a Heartbeat

| Last Updated: June 2025

Water has a way of calming us just by being there. It’s called the Blue Mind theory—and honestly, I get it.

Just picture how good I felt that morning, waking up to the gorgeous stretch of river outside the hotel window. It’s the kind of feeling you’ll want to come back to. 

So if you’re planning a romantic getaway or just want to stay close to the city’s coolest spots, this list will guide you to the best waterfront hotels in Portland. Dive in and find the one that fits your trip just right.

1. Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel

Media credit: riverplacehotel

Amenities: hotel bike, 24/7 fitness center, breast milk fridge, and more 
Location: 1510 S Harbor Way
Contact: (503) 228-3233
Check-in/out: 4:00 PM – 12:00 PM
Cost: $$$
Nearby attractions: Keller Auditorium, Pittock Mansion, Portland Saturday Market, and more
Website

The Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel offers a one-of-a-kind hotel stay near the Willamette River. The whole place feels like a peaceful escape, offering luxurious suites complete with full kitchens, fireplaces, and jetted tubs.

The hotel is fully pet-friendly, with no breed or size restrictions. A pet-sitting service is also available. 

What’s even better is guests can just stay in the hotel if they don’t feel like eating outside. You can request room service from King Tide Fish & Shell, the hotel’s restaurant bar. 

After that, you can wrap up the evening with yoga (every room comes with a mat!), which makes winding down much easier.

Pro tip: Start your day with complimentary La Colombe coffee or tea in the lobby. Then, unwind at the daily Wine Hour from 5 PM to 6 PM. Chill out and take in those waterfront views!

2. Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention Center

Media credit: hyattregencyportlandatocc

Amenities: Pet sitting, electric vehicle charging, fitness center, and more
Location: 375 NE Holladay St
Contact: +1 971-222-1234
Check-in/out: 3:00 PM – 11:00 AM
Cost: $$
Nearby Attractions: Brew Tours, Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon Zoo, and more
Website

As a Blazers fan, spotting Maurice Lucia’s memorabilia at the Hyatt was a cool surprise—yep, still talking about waterfront hotels. It’s located in the Lloyd District, with some rooms overlooking the Willamette River.

The location couldn’t be better. It’s right next to the convention center, the sports arena, and a shopping mall. Even getting to the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI) takes just a few minutes.

Pro tip: Stay tuned for special deals like the limited-time Romance in the City of Roses package. It includes rose petals in your room, a choice of local craft or a bottle from their Market, plus local chocolates and nuts to add a little sweetness to your stay.

3. University Place Hotel & Conference Center

Media credit: uplacehotel 

Amenities: Mini fridge, on-site washer and dryer, fitness center, and more
Location: 310 SW Lincoln St
Contact: 503-221-0140
Check-in/out: 4:00 PM – 11:00 AM
Cost: $
Nearby attractions: PGE Park Sports Stadium, Oregon Zoo, Oaks Amusement Park and more
Website

Sometimes we’re just in the mood to stay cozy in our room, and University Place Hotel makes it so easy with their in-room amenities. Small comforts like a microwave, TV, and coffee maker made it feel like a home away from home.

The room is a perfect little retreat when you want to relax. And if you do feel like getting some fresh air, it’s only a short walk from the Willamette.

For a more riverfront adventure, Tom McCall Waterfront Park is nearby, and Poet’s Beach is just a few minutes away.  Being so close to downtown also meant tons of dining options, including Portland’s famous food carts. 

Pro tip: They’ve got an outdoor pool, but it’s only open in the summer. Just something to keep in mind when you visit!

4. Hotel Rose – A Staypineapple Hotel

Media credit:  sara_mssara

Amenities: European-style individual duvets, robes, towels, and more
Location: 50 SW Morrison St
Contact: +1 503-221-0711
Check-in/out: 4:00 PM – 12:00 PM
Cost: $$
Nearby attractions: Portlandia, The Portland Wine Bar, Winery Tasting Room, and more
Website

When in Rome, do what the Romans do—and when you’re in Portland, just keep it weird. That’s our local thing: celebrating all things quirky. Hotel Rose leans right into that category, with a playful design of pineapple-themed decor that makes it a fun pick.

It’s right across from Tom McCall Waterfront Park, where I went for morning jogs and lazy afternoon strolls. For a more not-to-miss adventure, you can head to Portlandia, the second-largest repoussé sculpture in the U.S.

A few things that really made me smile during my stay were the pineapple treats and the hotel’s adorable obsession with dogs (they even give out pet treats!). Their signature amenity, the  ‘Naked Experience’ is basically ultra-comfy duvets and robes that left me completely relaxed. 

Pro tip: Take advantage of their cruiser bikes! You can use them to ride along the waterfront trail and easily explore the nearby parks, markets, and city sights. It’s a fun, laid-back way to see Portland like a local.

5. Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center

Media credit: courtyardportland

Amenities: Dry cleaning service, convenience store, restaurant, and more
Location: 550 SW Oak St,
Contact: +1 503-505-5000
Check-in/out: 3:00 PM – 12:00 PM
Cost: $$
Nearby attractions: Pioneer Courthouse Square, Pearl District, and more 
Website

Courtyard has this chic look with its rooms. Every time I looked out the window and caught a glimpse of the Willamette River, I didn’t just feel relaxed, I felt classy too. Since it’s right in the middle of downtown, the city’s energy is all around you.

I spent a day museum-hopping through the cultural district and checking out cool cafes in the Pearl District. And when I was in the mood for more nature, it was easy to drive out to Cannon Beach for a swim—it’s not far at all!

There’s still excitement waiting back at the hotel, there’s a fitness center to get you moving, plus a game room and a gift shop to explore. So, whether I was soaking in the view from my room or out wandering the city, they had everything I needed to stay comfortable and entertained.

Pro tip: You’ve got the chance to explore Rose City’s top attractions on foot! From nearby cultural sites to great dining experiences, it’s easy to soak in the local vibe at your own pace.

6. The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Portland

Media credit:  thenineshotel

Amenities: Wake up calls, free coffee/ea, dry cleaning services, and more
Location: 525 SW Morrison St
Contact: +1 503-222-9996
Check-in/out: 4:00 PM – 11:00 AM
Cost: $$$
Nearby attractions: Lan Su Chinese Garden, Portland Art Museum, and more
Website

When we’re out, we want to look our best—and The Nines definitely brings that out in us. Their interior is, well, dressed to the nine: a striking mix of vintage charm and retro look. It’s set in a historic building, so no surprise there.

Since I came with some great fits, I had to show them off at beautiful spots like Pittock Mansion and the Portland Japanese Garden—closer than you’d think! I also strolled along the Willamette River, which looked like a movie when the light hit the water.

The entire hotel is filled with art, from guest rooms to shared spaces. I snapped so many photos, even the pets around made it into my gallery! I loved the library, which holds over 3,000 books from Powell’s. After countless complimentary coffees, I could’ve stayed there for hours.

Pro tip: Satisfy your cravings with sweeping downtown views at Departure, located atop the hotel.

7. The Duniway Portland, a Hilton Hotel 

Media credit:  theduniway

Amenities: On-site restaurant, fitness center, and more
Location: 545 SW Taylor
Contact: +1 503-553-7000
Check-in/out: 4:00 PM – 12:00 PM
Cost: $$$
Nearby attractions: Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Pioneer Courthouse Square, and more
Website

Music has always been part of my journey, so I loved the vinyl collection at The Duniway Portland. We played a few records before heading out, so songs were still stuck in my head when I went on a walk through Tom McCall Waterfront Park.

The Portland Art Museum was super close to the hotel, making it easy to stop by. And when my friends and I still had some energy left (even after all the walking), we hit the indoor pool. It was exactly what we needed to relax and wash the day off.

We couldn’t skip Mayrose, their restaurant downstairs. I had a killer brunch there, and the cocktails totally hit the spot. 

After getting back to the room, I was all in for a movie marathon on the big TV. And thanks to the espresso machine, it saved me the next morning.

Pro tip: Enjoy Abigail’s Hideaway, their rooftop lounge. With cozy fire pits and strings of tea lights, it’s the perfect spot to hang out and unwind!

8. Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland

Media credit:  hotelvintagepdx

Amenities: Bikes, pet-friendly, fitness center, and more
Location: 422 SW Broadway
Contact: (503) 228-1212
Check-in/out: 3:00 PM l-  12:00 PM
Cost: $$
Nearby attractions: Pioneer Place Shopping Mall, Providence Park, and more
Website

Still in Portland, and we’re still keeping it quirky. Kimpton Hotel added a playful twist to my trip, which was perfect since I like to rest without losing the fun.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park felt extra funky as we strolled, laughing about our pool rounds at the hotel’s game lounge (the only kids in sight were us adults). The rest of the day, we just hung out in the Pearl District. The rooms were stylish and comfy, with cool graffiti-inspired cork art.

The highlight for me was the Fork n’ Film, I came hungry for that one. It’s an immersive dining experience where we eat dishes from the films. Yes, the ratatouille totally lived up to the hype. The in-room yoga mat was a thoughtful touch. Of course, I used it and slept way better.

Pro tip: You don’t have to go far—enjoy some craft cocktails at their chich Bacchus Bar. It’s an ideal spot to unwind without leaving the hotel.

9. Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront

Media credit: thegirlwhoateitallandmore

Amenities: Wake up calls, convenience store, laundry, and more
Location: 1401 SW Naito Pkwy
Contact: +1 503-226-7600
Check-in/out: 4:00 PM – 12:00 PM
Cost: $$
Nearby attractions: Keller Auditorium, and Powell’s Books, and more
Website

Travel can be fun but also seriously exhausting. Luckily, scenic views have this magic way of making everything feel lighter. Exactly my case at the Portland Marriott—just catching that effortless beauty of the Willamette River. It felt like that alone was my whole to-do list.

The hotel felt like a peaceful escape, yet it’s right in the heart of everything. I planned a visit to The Lan Su Chinese Garden, which only deepened my awe for nature. And of course, I couldn’t skip Powell’s Books! I treated myself to something new to read while relaxing back in my room.

The whole place has a modern, polished vibe without feeling too fancy, with some cool local art on the walls. After a long day out, the spa-style shower felt amazing. Their cafe, Press Release, serves a solid cup of coffee made with beans from a local roaster—perfect to start the day.

Pro tip: The hotel offers a half-day tour for anyone who wants to dive deep into the city’s highlights and make the most of their trip.

Related topics