In this episode of Travel Party of 5, we dive into the vibrant and diverse food scene of Portland, Oregon. Join us as we explore one of the coolest hotels in Portland, Oregon, starting with the stylish Hyatt Centric. This hotel offered a fantastic experience, even allowing me to check off another brand from my Hyatt bingo card. Situated in the heart of downtown, the Hyatt Centric is not only a convenient stay but also one of the coolest hotels in Portland, Oregon.
While in Portland, I had the chance to sample some of the best Vietnamese food Portland has to offer. I had a standout visit to Cuon, a small, unassuming spot that served the most delicious banh mi sandwich I’ve ever had. This little gem truly showcases the best Vietnamese food Portland boasts, with its perfect blend of flavors and fresh ingredients.
Portland is known for its fun and eclectic dining scene, and I got to experience some fun Portland restaurants firsthand. Cartopia was a fantastic food stall area with a variety of choices, from Egyptian/Mediterranean to Pizza to Pad Thai, making it an ideal spot for a group dinner. Another highlight was Lil' Shalom, where I enjoyed delicious Mediterranean dishes like burnt beef ends with hummus and pita.
Of course, no food tour of Portland would be complete without a nod to the iconic Anthony Bourdain. I had the pleasure of dining at Apizza Scholls, a spot Bourdain visited during his time in Portland. The pizza here lived up to its reputation, making it one of the must-visit fun Portland restaurants.
Back at the Hyatt Centric, I enjoyed the hotel's amenities, including a convenient restaurant in the lobby serving breakfast, coffee, and evening meals. This made it easy to grab a bite without venturing far, though Portland’s bustling food scene always tempted me to explore more.
Throughout the episode, I share more about my stay at the Hyatt Centric, detailing why it’s one of the coolest hotels in Portland, Oregon. Its central location made it easy to explore the city, and its industrial-chic vibe added to the overall experience. However, for families planning a trip, I offer tips on choosing the right accommodation to suit everyone’s needs.
Join us as we uncover some fun Portland restaurants and the best Vietnamese food Portland has to offer. Whether you're planning a trip to the city or just a foodie at heart, this episode is packed with insights and recommendations to make your Portland adventure unforgettable. Don’t miss out on hearing about the coolest hotels in Portland, Oregon, and the delectable delights that await you in this fantastic city.
Kimiko's instagram account (she won the Brand Connector award I mentioned and is the one who told me about the banh mi sandwich!)
Whitney's instagram account – super Portland foodie and workout queen!
Valerie at Eat Like Bourdain's instagram
Restaurants:
Cuon (Banh Mi and more)
Apizza Scholls
Cartopia
Lil' Shalom
Portland, Oregon, is a city known for its eclectic culture, vibrant arts scene, and delicious food. When planning a trip to Portland, finding the right place to stay can make all the difference. On my recent visit, I had the pleasure of staying at the Hyatt Centric Portland, a cool hotel in Portland, Oregon, that offered both convenience and comfort. Here’s a detailed look at why the Hyatt Centric should be a top choice when visiting Portland.
Getting to Portland and Choosing the Right Hotel
I flew into Portland on American Airlines, using my Capital One $300 Travel Credit to book my flights through the Capital One travel portal. This is a great use of the travel credit as it covered most of the cost of my flight. Upon arrival, I took a Lyft from the airport to downtown Portland, which took about half an hour. As I arrived at the Hyatt Centric, I was immediately struck by its prime location and stylish design, confirming that this was indeed a cool hotel in Portland, Oregon.
Location, Location, Location
The Hyatt Centric is ideally situated in the heart of downtown Portland. This cool hotel in Portland, Oregon is super walkable to a bunch of restaurants and I never felt unsafe, even as a female traveling alone. It’s proximity to the convention center and downtown makes it a perfect base for exploring the city. Whether you’re visiting for a conference, as I was, or just for leisure, you’ll find the location unbeatable.
Checking In and First Impressions
Checking into the Hyatt Centric was quick and easy. The staff were friendly and I was pleased to find that I had been given an upgraded room. The hotel’s décor is modern and chic, with an industrial vibe that includes concrete floors and ceilings, and funky artwork adorning the walls. It’s clear that a lot of thought has gone into making this a funky and cool hotel in Portland, Oregon.
Room Comfort and Amenities
My room at the Hyatt Centric was both artsy and comfortable. Although my initial room was right in front of the elevator, I requested a change for more privacy and quiet, and the staff were more than happy to accommodate. The new room, while not having a view, was cozy and well-appointed, with all the amenities you’d expect – mini fridge, coffee, iron, hair dryer, etc.
The Hyatt Centric also features a decent restaurant on the ground floor, offering breakfast, coffee, and evening meals. The food was delicious, and the convenience of having a good restaurant in the hotel was a huge plus, especially after a long day of conference-ing.
Exploring Portland from the Hyatt Centric
Staying at the Hyatt Centric made it easy to explore the best of what Portland has to offer. I had a phenomenal banh mi sandwich, pizza from the restaurant Anthony Bourdain visited when he filmed in Portland, and a few others. For all the details on the restaurants I ate at, check out this post.
It’s worth noting that there is a hotel right next to the Convention Center that would be the easiest if you’re attending a conference and that is the Hyatt Regency Portland. Both hotels can be booked using points – the Hyatt Centric is a Category 2 and can be booked for around 8,000 points a night and the Hyatt Regency is a Category 3, starting at 12,000 points a night.
Why the Hyatt Centric Stands Out
What makes the Hyatt Centric a particularly cool hotel in Portland, Oregon, is its combination of stylish design, excellent location, and top-notch service. It’s perfect for solo travelers, couples, and business visitors. However, it’s worth noting that the rooms might be a bit small for families with multiple kids. For larger families, considering other Hyatt properties like the Hyatt House or the Hyatt Regency might be a better option.
The hotel’s proximity to public transportation also makes it easy to get around. While I mostly used Lyft for convenience, Portland’s public transportation system is decent, with options like the train system that can take you to various parts of the city. I only took it once, but it was very easy to use. The Hyatt Centric Portland hotel is also only an 8-10 minute Lyft or car ride to the Convention Center.
Final Thoughts
My stay at the Hyatt Centric was a fantastic experience, reaffirming its status as a cool hotel in Portland, Oregon. The combination of stylish accommodations, excellent service, and a prime location made it the perfect base for my trip. Whether you’re in town for business or leisure, the Hyatt Centric offers everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
If you’re planning a trip to Portland and looking for a cool hotel in Portland, Oregon, the Hyatt Centric should be at the top of your list. With its modern design, convenient location, and good amenities, it’s the perfect place to experience all that Portland has to offer.