Where we stayed
Three nights at The Ritz-Carlton, Portland, booked with 88,000 points. We enjoyed the hotel overall, though the breakfast and parking costs gave us pause.
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Portland, Oregon
Our three-night Portland experience
Three nights in Portland brought a memorable hotel stay, a trip to the Columbia River Gorge, and a few costs we’d plan around differently next time.
Our Bellpine breakfast experience
Our first-night dinner reservation at Bellpine was canceled the day before because of a private event. The event also affected breakfast the next morning, so the hotel switched to a $50-per-person buffet. Our Chase booking through The Edit included an $80 daily breakfast credit, so we tried it; we ate an omelet and a few odds and ends. A 26% tip felt steep for a self-service buffet.
Parking comparison
During our visit, valet was $69 per night. We found public parking about a two-minute walk away for roughly $25–$30 per night, and would choose that option next time.
Getting around
We walked or rented scooters around the city. A rental car gave us flexibility for the Columbia River Gorge.
A local’s Gorge tip
Start at the farthest point and work your way back. A local suggested this to save time later in the day and avoid crowds.
Our favorite stops
Syrel’s pick: the lavender fields near Hood River. Charles’s pick: Multnomah Falls. We both loved Lansdowne for its creative food and cocktails.
What we’d change
We ran out of time to try Portland’s food pods. Next time, we’d add a day to explore more of the city and its food scene.