Hyatt House, known for its focus on extended stays, offers a distinctive experience at its Portland/Downtown location. With its prime location on the tranquil Riverplace district and proximity to unique local spots, this hotel provides a comfortable base for exploring Portland. Let us delve into the details of my recent stay.
As a reminder, I am not affiliated with the hotel being reviewed. I did not receive any monetary or other incentives for providing this review. My opinions are solely based on my personal experience.
Location
The Hyatt House Portland / Downtown is nestled in a quiet neighborhood on the Riverplace district, surrounded by what appears to be a new community. The allure of this location lies in its concienent access to the Portland waterfront and being home to the only Dough Zone (a decent US competitor to Din Tai Fung) in Portland.
Room
During my stay, I opted for the 1 King Bed Den Guestroom with a scenic view of downtown Portland. The room featured essential amenities, including a 42-inch TV, mini fridge, coffee maker, desk, and a small sofa. However, it is worth noting that the room showed signs of wear, with minor stains on the walls and crumbs between the sofa seat cushions.
For those seeking an extended stay, larger suites with a proper living room and kitchen are available. Having experienced one of these suites previously, I highly recommend them for a more spacious and homey feel, particularly if your visit extends over multiple weeks.
While the room’s internet speed was serviceable, clocking in at around 10 Mbps for both download and upload, it might not meet the needs of those requiring faster connectivity.
Food
The hotel offers a complimentary buffet-style breakfast from 7 am to 10 am on weekends and 6:30 am to 9 am on weekdays. Despite the convenience, the quality of the offerings leaves much to be desired. The scrambled eggs were disappointingly hard and rubbery while the waffles (despite being freshly made) were too soft. Opting for one of Portland’s local breakfast spots might provide a more satisfying morning experience.
Service
My only gripe with the staff (and in large part with the guests) at Hyatt House Portland / Downtown was how courteous they were with improperly behaved guests. Throughout my stay, I observed numerous instances of children being largely unsupervised in the hotel. The absence of adequate parental supervision was noticeable. One noteworthy incident involved children being left unattended in the exercise room, where they climbed on top of exercise machines and misused the cable pull machine, pulling it across the room. Another incident witnessed kids throwing floor safety cones into the pool. I believe the staff could benefit from adopting a more assertive approach in addressing such behavior, considering its potential danger and the liability it poses for the hotel.
Facilities
The Hyatt House Portland / Downtown boasts a modest gym and pool. Both facilities, while on the smaller side, offer the basics needed for a quick workout or a refreshing swim. The on-site bar, the H bar, opens daily from 3 pm to 11 pm, providing a convenient option for unwinding after a day of exploration. The H Market provides 24/7 access to grab-and-go snacks and groceries. Another perk of the Hyatt House is its 24/7 guest laundry facility which is located on the top floor of the hotel. Complimentary computers are also available near the lobby for any office and printing needs.
For those driving, valet parking is available at $45 per day. For a more budget-friendly option, an overnight parking garage down the street offers 24-hour parking at just $18, though without in-and-out privileges.
Overall Impression
With its regular rates hovering around $130 or 9000 points per night, the Hyatt House Portland / Downtown stands out as a budget-friendly choice within the Hyatt portfolio. Despite some minor drawbacks, it serves as an excellent launchpad for those looking to delve into the unique charm of Portland, Oregon.
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