Escape to Paradise: Best Western Portland West Beaverton's Hidden Gem!
Escape to Paradise: Best Western Portland West Beaverton – Or, My Very Biased, Possibly Over-Dramatic Take!
Okay, folks, buckle up. Because I just spent a weekend at the Best Western Portland West Beaverton, and let me tell you… it was an experience. This isn't your sterile, corporate travelogue. This is my take, with all the messy, imperfect, and brutally honest details you (maybe) actually want.
SEO & Metadata First (Ugh, Gotta):
- Keywords: Best Western, Portland, Beaverton, Hotel Review, Accessibility, Spa, Pool, Restaurant, Family Friendly, Cleanliness, Free Wi-Fi, Oregon, Travel, Vacation, Accessible Rooms, Business Travel
- Meta Description: My hilariously honest review of the Best Western Portland West Beaverton! Dive into the accessible features, the not-always-perfect spa, that surprisingly decent breakfast, and all the quirky details you actually care about. Plus, is it really a paradise? Read on…
Now, Let's Get Real…
First Impressions: pulling up, I was immediately relieved. Car park [free of charge] - bless the budget gods. And the exterior? Well, let's just say it's… functional. Not exactly postcard material, but hey, I'm not here for architectural awards.
Accessibility: The Good, The Potentially Better
I always start with accessibility because it's crucial. And on this front, the Best Western delivered. They've got Wheelchair accessible rooms, and they seem genuinely committed. Facilities for disabled guests are definitely on the list. But, and there's always a but, the website could be a little clearer about specific details (like the exact dimensions of the bathroom doors). Still, a solid start.
Rooms: The Sanctuary (Mostly)
Okay, let's be real. The Rooms sanitized between stays. And I love the small things. Free bottled water after a flight? Yes, please! And hey, I needed the Air conditioning, because, Oregon summers can be… well, something. The Linens were crisp, the bed was comfy. I even made a point of really staring at the Blackout curtains, and let me tell you, they worked. Like, really worked. Almost too well.
Speaking of which, my room had a killer Seating area, which I totally took advantage of. I had some laptop work to do, and their high-speed Wi-Fi [free] was a godsend, although I did have to reset the router a few times - hence how I know the Internet access – wireless was fantastic, the Internet access – LAN was there too, and the Internet services as well! I really appreciated all the work-oriented options so I could do all my stuff in peace.
Now, the Mirror in the bathroom? Could have been a tad brighter. Minor quibble, I admit.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe, Maybe Too Safe?
This is where the Best Western gets serious brownie points. Anti-viral cleaning products, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Daily disinfection of common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere… They really seemed to be on top of things in terms of Hygiene certification. The fact that the staff wore masks and the Staff trained in safety protocol made me feel safe. They're even offering Room sanitization opt-out available, which is a nice touch.
The security was on point too with CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, and Security [24-hour]. I felt ridiculously safe, like I was in a fortress. However, on my way to the Pool, I accidentally locked myself out of my room (oops), and it took a few minutes before they could help me get back in. But hey, better safe than sorry, right?
The Spa: Paradise Found… Eventually?
Alright, let's talk about the spa. The Pool with view, Spa, and Sauna were calling my name, and I practically sprinted toward the Swimming pool [outdoor].
My first impression? Stunning, but a little chilly, but okay. Then, I decided to try the Massage. The therapist was lovely, but I am pretty sure there was some sort of miscommunication. I asked for "medium pressure", and well, let's just say I woke up feeling like I'd been tenderized. I'm not even sure if the Body scrub and Body wrap would have helped, but I was a bit apprehensive at that point. I'd say this wasn't quite the luxury experience I was hoping for, but the service was still great.
A much better experience was the Foot bath. Oh, the bliss!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure
Okay, so the Breakfast [buffet] was… a surprise. Not the gourmet experience, but the selection was broad, the coffee was hot, and they had a waffle maker. Listen, those waffles were on point. They also had a Breakfast takeaway service.
There was also the Coffee shop, and a Snack bar, but I didn't check them out. I did have a Bottle of water courtesy of my room, which was great. They also offer Alternative meal arrangement, which is a nice touch.
I wanted to try the Asian cuisine, but wasn't able to.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things Matter… Sometimes
The Concierge was helpful and friendly, and it was nice to have the Doorman. The Dry cleaning and Laundry service are nice but not mandatory for a weekend trip. The Gift/souvenir shop was underwhelming, so I skipped that. The Elevator was a godsend. With access to a Cash withdrawal, and a Convenience store, you have everything.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Beyond the Room
I heard there were some family-friendly activities. I didn't get into that, but they supposedly have Kids facilities and Babysitting service.
Getting Around: Super Simple
It's pretty easy to get around in terms of Car park [free of charge], and Taxi service.
The Verdict: Is It Paradise?
Look, the Best Western Portland West Beaverton isn't perfect. But it's reliable. It’s convenient. It’s safe. It's clearly trying to offer a great experience, especially when it comes to the Cleanliness. They really seem to care. Would I go back? Honestly, yes. Those waffles alone…
So, is it true paradise? Maybe not. But it's a solid, comfy, and surprisingly enjoyable basecamp for exploring. And sometimes, that's all you need.
Escape to Cortez: Baymont Wyndham's Cozy Colorado Retreat
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because my Portland trip? It wasn't exactly the postcard-perfect adventure you see on Instagram. Think more… “surviving on coffee and sheer dumb luck” kind of journey. And yeah, starting off at the Best Western… well, let's just say it wasn't exactly the Ace Hotel. But hey, it was a roof, right? And the Beaverton location? Okay, let's just say "conveniently located for getting to where things actually happen."
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Coffee Quest (and minor existential dread)
- 1:00 PM: Arrived at PDX. Delayed flight, naturally. My bag, of course, was the one that decided to vacation in… wherever it was. Panic set in. Deep breaths. Found a slightly disgruntled airport barista who, bless their heart, made me a surprisingly decent latte. Fuel for the soul, folks. Fuel for the soul.
- 2:30 PM: Ubered to the Best Western (Beaverton, remember, the epicenter of… well, Beaverton. I’d be lying if I said the lobby décor didn’t scream "Budget Comfort," but the AC worked. Which was a win in 80-degree weather.) Checked in. Room was… fine. You know the type. Cleanish. The air conditioning sounded like a jet engine, which I quickly dubbed "the white noise that kept me from going completely insane."
- 3:30 PM: The Great Coffee Quest Begins. (This is no joke. Portlanders treat coffee like a religion, and I, the caffeine-addicted heathen, needed to find my church.) First stop, a highly-rated place near the hotel. Nope. Closed for “renovations.” My stomach sunk. Is this a sign? Am I doomed on this trip? Does my luggage exist?
- 4:00 PM: Attempt #2: Found a Starbucks and the barista was so young she couldn't comprehend the word "breve". Whatever. coffee was coffee. Drank it.
- 4:30 PM: Found a grocery store. Purchased cheap snacks. Ate them in bed. Watched terrible daytime TV. Embraced the utter, blissful nothingness.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Found a burger joint, I can't even remember the name. Was tired. Ordered a burger. Ate it. Burger good. Exhaustion, happiness, and the existential dread all fought for dominance simultaneously.
- 9:00 PM: Sleep. The jet engine AC provided the lullaby.
Day 2: Powell's and the Unbearable Lightness of Being (and a Food Cart Fiasco)
- 9:00 AM: Powell's Bookstore! (Finally! The real Portland experience!) Wandered around for hours. Got lost. Smelled the paper, got lost again. Found some amazing books, mostly stuff I'll never read but had to have. Spent way too much money. Left feeling intellectually stimulated and broke.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a food cart. Oh, the food carts! This was the stuff. The idea, anyway. I tried to be adventurous, went for a highly-rated Thai cart. What I got was mediocre and way overpriced. I'm still slightly traumatized by the bland pad see ew I was served. I'd rather eat my socks… or maybe that's the exhaustion talking.
- 1:30 PM: Stumbled upon a record store. Spent another hour and way more money on vinyl I'll never play. Had a conversation with a clerk about the merits of obscure krautrock. He was wearing a beanie. I admired his confidence.
- 3:00 PM: Tried to visit the rose garden. It was closed for a special event. (Insert dramatic sigh here).
- 3:30 PM: Found a park. Sat on a bench. Watched people. Felt a sudden, overwhelming urge to move to Portland and buy a ridiculously expensive bicycle. Resisted the urge. (For now).
- 5:00 PM: Back to the food… this time for donuts. Found a place with wild flavors. Tried… ugh… a bacon maple. It was not good… or maybe I was just full of existential angst.
- 6:30 PM: Decided to try to get some work done. Headed back to the hotel. Realized I'd forgotten my laptop. Cue the internal scream. Ran back. Grabbed it. Did some work. Got distracted by the jet engine AC.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner attempt #2: I grabbed a mediocre pizza nearby and ate it in bed. I think I might have cried while eating it. Sadness.
Day 3: Exploring and the Existential Crises Continues
- 9:00 AM: Finally made it to the International Rose Test Garden. It was… lovely. Smell the roses. Took pictures. Felt a moment of peace. (It was fleeting).
- 10:30 AM: Explored the Japanese Garden. Again, very pretty. Contemplated the meaning of life. Wished I had one of those tiny zen gardens, but I probably would have let the plants die.
- 1:00 PM: Decided to embrace the cliche and hit up a trendy coffee shop in a trendy neighborhood (like… the one that smells like burnt coffee and broken dreams). Made a bold declaration: "I will order a latte!" Got… a latte. It was pretty good, actually. Maybe Portland wasn't so bad after all. (Famous last words).
- 2:00 PM: Browsed some quirky boutiques. Attempted to be fashionable. Failed. Hard. Gave up and bought a funny t-shirt.
- 3:30 PM: Walked across the Hawthorne Bridge. Admired the city view. Briefly considered doing something reckless, like quitting my job and becoming a barista. Remembered I hate making coffee.
- 5:00 PM: Food cart round three! (I’m a glutton for punishment). Another Thai cart. This time, it was amazing! Finally vindication for the food cart dreams! I'm going to go back tomorrow, I think.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant. I actually can't remember the name. But I do remember the mood: overwhelmed. Exhausted. But kinda happy. Portland, you beautiful, messy, slightly insane place.
- 9:00 PM: Sat in my weird room. Planned what to do tomorrow. Felt the jet engine-like AC. Wondered what I would do with my life when I got back. Slept.
Day 4: The End is Nigh (and more food carts…)
- 9:00 AM: One last shot at the good Thai food cart! It was just as excellent as the night before.
- 10:00 AM: Packing. Said goodbye to the jet engine AC. Actually, I'm going to miss it.
- 11:00 AM: Check out. Grabbed one last terrible coffee.
- 12:00 PM: Heading to the airport. Still no sign of my suitcase. Decide this is the final nail in the coffin, the ultimate mark of the trip.
- 1:00 PM: Flight delayed. Spent the time sitting in the airport, staring into space. Ate a terrible airport sandwich.
- 2:00 PM: Flight delayed again.
- 3:00 PM: Finally on the plane. Headed back home.
Final Thoughts:
Portland, you were… something. Messy, confusing, overpriced, and at times, utterly fantastic. The coffee obsession is real. The food cart game is also a real thing; some hits, and some misses. The people are friendly (mostly). And yes, my luggage is still missing. Do I recommend going to Portland? Absolutely. But be warned: come prepared for the unexpected. It's probably best to bring your own zen garden, and a very large bag of snacks. And maybe… a therapy bill. But you know, in the end, you'll be happy you went. Maybe.
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Escape to Paradise: Best Western Portland West Beaverton's Hidden Gem! - FAQ... With Feelings!
Okay, so you're thinking about the Best Western in Beaverton, eh? “Escape to Paradise?” Brave words, Best Western. Let's see if they hold up under my, shall we say, vigorous questioning. We're going to dive deep, people. Get ready to be slightly overwhelmed by my… enthusiasm.
Is this really, truly a "Hidden Gem"? Don't lie to me. I need a vacation. Like, yesterday.
Look, "Hidden Gem" is a subjective thing. And honestly? Before I booked, I was expecting… well, let's just say I spent a LOT of time scrolling through photos, squinting, and praying the carpet wasn't that horrible motel-beige from the 90s. The pictures online are, shall we say, optimistic. But then… Yeah, there's something genuinely pleasing about the place. It's not the Ritz, obviously. It IS clean. That's a HUGE win for a Best Western, right? And for a Beaverton based motel? It truly is. I wouldn't say "hidden" – it IS a fairly well-trafficked highway-adjacent hotel. But "gem" in the sense that it's a perfectly pleasant, reasonably priced place to crash after a long day of hiking or (my personal favorite) serious retail therapy at Washington Square. It’s a solid, unpretentious… escape. Okay, Maybe I’d give them their “Gem” classification. Especially after dealing with the other motels in the area.
What are the rooms *really* like? Is the bed comfy, or am I going to wake up feeling like I wrestled a mattress made of rocks?
Alright, here's the deal. The beds… are… okay. Look, I'm not going to lie, I've slept on cloudier. My first night, I was convinced I’d get a crick in my neck. But you know what? I actually slept through the night! No tossing, no turning, just… blissful unconsciousness. And honestly, isn't that the main goal? They aren’t the *best* beds of my life, but they are good enough to get the job done. The rooms are a decent size, not cramped. And clean. And that's what matters. The bathroom? Functional. Think: good water pressure, a working shower curtain that *doesn't* try to attack you, those little hotel soaps that you know are going to dry your skin out. It's all… fine. Which, again, for a Best Western, is pretty darn good. They have those little shampoo bottles, too. I like those. It's a tiny victory every time.
Okay, BUT the continental breakfast. TELL ME THE TRUTH. Is it the sad donut, stale cereal, and lukewarm coffee situation? Because I can't handle that.
Right, the breakfast. The MOST important question. And for the love of all that is holy, please don't let me down. Okay, deep breaths. It's… actually pretty decent! Yep. There’s definitely coffee, and yes, it has a chance of being lukewarm. But I made my coffee, grabbed some fruit and eggs, and felt fine. There are some hot options. They had (gasp!) sausage one day! Sausage! I actually ate it. It was edible. The pastries... you're rolling the dice a bit there, folks. Sometimes they're fresh, sometimes they look like they’ve been hanging around since the Eisenhower administration. But the yogurt? Solid. The cereal selection is decent. And the waffle maker? A game-changer for the kids, and also maybe for me. I mean, who doesn't love a waffle? So, yeah, the breakfast is a win. A solid, satisfying win. Don't expect culinary artistry, but it'll get you fueled up for a day of exploring. Or, you know, another day of retail therapy.
What about the location? Is it a convenient place to get to attractions, or a death trap where you’re stuck?
Okay, the location is a MAJOR plus. It's right off the highway, which can be both a blessing and a curse. Easy to get in and out of. But, you do, occasionally, hear the traffic. Meh. Mostly, it's great. Close to Washington Square Mall (hello, shopping!). Easy to get into Portland if you feel adventurous. You can get to the zoo pretty easily from there. And it's a short drive to the Oregon Zoo – perfect for a little (or a lot of) animal therapy. Plus, it's surrounded by restaurants, so you don't have to wander far for dinner. I tried an Italian place down the street – pretty good! So yeah. Location? Definitely a selling point. Just maybe pack some earplugs if you're a light sleeper.
Is there a pool? Because if there's a pool I'm IN.
Ah, the pool. There IS a pool! And a hot tub! This is where I have some mixed feelings. The pool area is decent. It's outdoors. It's clean. It's... small. If there's a huge crowd, you're going to be swimming elbow to elbow. I went one afternoon, and it was… fine. Very kid-centric, which is cool if you have kids, less cool if you're looking for a tranquil, meditative dip. The hot tub? Smaller. I didn't use the hot tub. I was a bit creeped out. Call me overly cautious. Honestly? I’ve seen cleaner. Overall, the pool is okay. A nice perk, but don't expect a resort experience. Lower your expectations slightly and you'll be pleasantly surprised. Maybe. I'm just sayin' it's not the MAIN reason to book.
What about the staff? Are they friendly, or are they just going through the motions?
The staff? Mostly, they were great! Really. Friendly, helpful, and efficient. Check-in was smooth. I had a question about directions one morning, and the guy at the front desk was super helpful. I needed extra towels one day, and it was no problem. They seemed genuinely… nice. And that makes a difference, right? It makes a difference when you're traveling. It makes the whole experience a little less…transactional. I mean, I've stayed in places where you felt like you were inconveniencing them by *existing*. Not here. Here, the staff seemed okay with me being there. And that, my friends, is a win.
Any major downsides? Did anything RUIN the experience?
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