Unbeatable Portland Getaway: Fairfield Inn & Suites North Portland!
Forget the Rose City, Focus on the Roses (and the Fairfield Inn & Suites North Portland!)
Okay, let's be real. Portlandia's got a reputation, right? Hipsters, food trucks, and enough rain to make a duck jealous. But you need a chill basecamp, a haven, right? Enter the Fairfield Inn & Suites North Portland. I’m going to give it to you straight, no rose-tinted glasses (pun intended!). This isn't a five-star palace, but it's a perfectly decent, and surprisingly accessible, option. Let's break it down, shall we? Buckle up, it's gonna be a colorful ride!
Accessibility: Top Marks, Seriously
This is a big win, folks. The Fairfield Inn North Portland crushes it in accessibility. Wheelchair accessible, check! Elevator, check! They genuinely seem to get it. My friend Sarah, who uses a wheelchair, and I were blown away. Wide hallways, easy access to everything – the lobby, the breakfast area, even the goddamn pool (more on that later!). It’s not just about meeting the minimum requirements; it felt thoughtful. This is such a big win over places that claim to be accessible but really aren't. Kudos, Fairfield!
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe in a Crazy Time
Let's be honest, we're all a bit paranoid these days. But, I appreciated the effort here. They've got the Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, the works. Signs are plastered everywhere, but hey, that’s the new normal, right? And honestly, it felt clean. My germaphobe anxieties were, at least, somewhat quelled. The Staff trained in safety protocol seemed to take it seriously. They even had hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. My only minor gripe: the occasional lingering scent of disinfectant, but hey, better safe than sniffly.
They offer Room sanitization opt-out available, which I liked, because, like, sometimes you just want someone to leave you alone. I like that it's an option.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Breakfast, Baskets, and a Bar that Actually Matters (Sometimes)
Okay, let's be Frank here. (Just because) The Breakfast [buffet], even with the Individual-wrapped food options, was standard hotel fare. Waffles (the highlight, duh!), scrambled eggs that looked a little… apprehensive, and the usual suspects. But, and this is a HUGE but: THE WAFFLES. Mmm. Seriously, I may or may not have gone back for thirds. They also offered Breakfast takeaway service, which was super convenient for grabbing a quick bite before heading out to explore the city.
There's a little Coffee shop, which I didn’t try. Restaurants are close. And there is a bar. I did pop down one evening. It wasn’t a bustling cocktail haven, but it served the purpose. A couple of beers and some chat with the friendly bartender, which was perfect after a day of exploring. It's no speakeasy, but it's got the essentials which is what I needed.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
Okay, this is where the Fairfield shines, mostly. The Daily housekeeping was efficient. Loved the Concierge – super helpful with recommendations and directions (I'm directionally challenged). Laundry service - a lifesaver after a week on the road. The Convenience store came in handy for snacks and late-night cravings. They have a Concierge. They were helpful. I got a haircut at a place they recommended. It was a great haircut. This isn't a high-end service, it's just solid, reliable stuff.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: The Pool (with a view, maybe?) and the Elusive Spa
Alright, here’s the real kicker, and where the Fairfield surprised me. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is pretty nice for a hotel pool. Open seasonally, so check the window, but it's a welcome escape. It's not huge, but it's clean and well-maintained. The gym’s basic but functional. I didn’t hit up the Spa/sauna (because, confession, I’m a total spa wimp). I’m not sure if they had a Pool with view, but I am sure it did not offer the ocean view that I was craving.
Available in All Rooms: The Nitty-Gritty
- Air conditioning: Yep, essential.
- Free Wi-Fi: Praise be! (Also, a reminder to secure your connection with a VPN, people!)
- Coffee/tea maker: Always.
- Hair dryer: Thank goodness, because Portland weather is a mood.
- Refrigerator: Essential for stashing leftovers and, let’s be honest, adult beverages.
- TV with Satellite/cable channels: Standard fare.
- Desk: For the super-productive workaholics, or, more likely, for balancing that waffle plate.
- In-room safe box: Never used it, but it’s there.
- Ironing facilities: Who irons on vacation? (Just kidding… mostly.)
- Smoke detector: Hopefully, it's working.
- Wake-up service: (I'm a wake-up alarm person, so I didn't use it.)
- Window that opens: Sometimes. I always appreciate a window that opens, but I couldn’t get it open in my room.
The Ups and the Downs: The Real Deal
Look, I'm not gonna lie. This isn't a luxury resort. It’s a reliable, comfortable hotel. But here's what I genuinely appreciated:
- The Accessibility: Seriously, top marks. It was a major weight off Sarah’s shoulders (and mine).
- The Cleanliness: Reassuring in these times.
- The Breakfast Waffles: Need I say more?
- The Staff: Friendly, helpful, and genuinely seemed to care.
Now, here are some of my small annoyances:
- The Location: While it's "North Portland," it's not in the thick of things. You'll need a car, ride-sharing app, or a willingness to use public transportation.
- The Bar: Does its job, but don’t expect a craft cocktail experience.
- The Noise: The walls weren't paper thin.
Is it a "getaway?" Yeah, absolutely. Is it an Unbeatable Portland Getaway? That depends on your expectations. But for the accessibility, the value, and the overall pleasant experience, I'd definitely recommend it. It's a solid choice for a comfortable and accessible basecamp for exploring the Rose City. Just, you know, bring your own rose-tinted glasses, if you want them!
Metadata/SEO Goodness (Because Why Not?)
- Keywords: Portland hotel, North Portland hotel, accessible hotel, Fairfield Inn, accessible travel, wheelchair accessible, family-friendly hotels, Oregon vacation, free Wi-Fi, swimming pool, breakfast included, reliable hotel, budget-friendly hotel, spa, sauna
- Meta Description: Honest review of the Fairfield Inn & Suites North Portland. Discover its accessibility, amenities, and overall appeal for your Portland getaway! Featuring accessibility, cleanliness, and the all-important waffle!
- Title Tags: Fairfield Inn & Suites North Portland Review: Your Unbeatable & Accessible Portland Getaway?
Alright, buckle up Buttercup, because this Portland trip? It’s gonna be… a journey. And by journey, I mean a glorious mess of slightly-too-much coffee, existential dread at the rain, and questionable food choices. Here’s my "plan," such as it is, based out of the Fairfield Inn & Suites Portland North, God bless its air conditioning.
Day 1: Arrival and… Well, Let's See
1:00 PM - Land, Land, Ho! (Or, Hello, Portland!) Okay, so the flight was delayed. Again. My inner monologue is currently screaming about the injustice of airport pretzels. But hey, I survived! Now, time to figure out the rental car. Pray for me. I'm pretty sure I forgot how to drive in a straight line over the pandemic.
2:30 PM - Fairfield Inn Frenzy: Checked in, finally. The lobby is… clean. Really clean. Maybe a little too clean? I swear, I saw a janitor sparkle-dusting a plant. Anyway, room's decent. Standard hotel fare, but the free Wi-Fi is a godsend, because I'm already plotting my escape to browse all the weird Portland things online.
3:30 PM - Drive to the Pittock Mansion (or Attempt To): Google Maps says it's a "scenic drive". I'm anticipating a terrifying series of hairpin turns and the eventual realization that I should've booked a Lyft. Seriously, why did I think I could handle Portland traffic? Pray for my sanity (and the lives of other drivers).
- Anecdote: Okay, so I did make it to Pittock Mansion. The view? Exquisite. Worth the perilous ascent. However, I saw a guy propose…and he got rejected! Awkward. Truly awkward. They both just stood there, silent, while everyone else awkwardly pretended to admire the city. I should have just minded my own business. I felt bad for the both of them.
- Emotional Reaction: The rejection was painful to witness. Did I start to fear failure and change? Yes. It was a wake up call.
5:30 PM - Food Cart Frenzy (and Regret): Everyone raves about Portland's food carts. I need a freaking meal, and I'm starving after that emotional rollercoaster I just went on. Wandering aimlessly through the designated food cart area… It was overwhelming. So many choices! I end up at a cart that promises the "best tacos in the PNW." LIES. They were… edible. But not the life-changing experience I'd hoped for. Probably should've listened to my gut. Food cart regret hits hard.
7:00 PM - Powell's City of Books: The bookstore. The behemoth. The Mecca of bookworms. I get utterly lost in the stacks. A wonderful kind of lost. It’s like a literary labyrinth! I could easily spend the rest of my trip here, and I'm seriously tempted. I buy three books I probably already own. I regret nothing. Except, you know, the tacos.
9:00 PM - Back to the Hotel, and Existential Dread: Back at the Fairfield. Already the comfy bed is calling to me. It's raining, of course. It wouldn’t be Portland without rain. I'm starting to feel the fatigue of travel and the exhaustion of being a human. Time to get some sleep and mentally prepare for the next day's adventures (or maybe just staying in bed until noon, no judgment).
Day 2: Coffee, Carts, and… Chocolate?
8:00 AM - Coffee Run of Champions: Portland is coffee culture, right? So, I drag myself out of bed for a quest for the perfect brew. My quest? To find a coffee shop in walking distance to the Fairfield Inn. (Honestly, I'm already regretting not picking a closer location). The closest shop doesn't seem to be the place to go. I need a STRONG coffee.
9:00 AM - The Plan (Ha!): I plot my strategy for the day while downing my coffee. The plan is loose to say the least. Strolling along the Hawthorne District, and seeing what captures my attention.
9:30 AM - Hawthorne District Adventures: The district gives me a little bit of a sense of purpose. The shops are filled with quirky and eclectic items. Cool places to eat and explore, so naturally I'm on board.
- Quirky Observation: I swear, every other store sells something tie-dye. And tattoos. So. Many. Tattoos. I'm starting to rethink my bland minimalist aesthetic real quick.
- In one shop, I find the coolest t-shirt I've ever seen, then I can't find my size and have a mini-panic attack.
12:00 PM - Food Carts Round Two (Or, Have I Learned Nothing?) Refueled and ready for more culinary challenges! I decide to take some recommendations from the locals. And it pays off! The Ethiopian cart is AMAZING. I over-order, of course. But no regrets this time.
2:00 PM - Voodoo Doughnut (Do I Dare?) I know, it's a tourist trap. I've been warned. But, I must experience it for myself, right? The line? Ridiculous. The doughnuts? Okay, they're big and colorful. I've seen better, I've seen worse. The experience itself is an exercise in patience. I get a doughnut with bacon on it, because why not?
- Emotional Reaction: I'm not ashamed to admit I devoured that bacon doughnut with a strange mix of delight and mild self-loathing. It was a sugary betrayal of my life-long attempt at health consciousness.
4:00 PM - Exploring the Pearl District: So much art! So many galleries! This is definitely my vibe.
6:00 PM - Chocolate Time! (Because Portland) Of course, there's a fancy chocolate shop. Because Portland. I indulge in a dark chocolate truffle. Sweet (literally) and perfect.
7:30 PM - Another Food Cart! The problem with having too many choices is you have to decide. In the end I think it was a good choice.
9:00 PM - Back to the Room, The Melancholy of Being Alive: Tomorrow I'm checking out. I'm torn. I need to go home, but I don't want to leave this weird little corner of the world. I'll miss the food carts, the coffee, and the way the rain makes everything smell like wet earth and possibility. And I've only been here for two days.
Day 3: Farewell, Portland, You Glorious Weirdo!
- 8:00 AM - Final Coffee Run: Grabbing coffee from the local place this time. I've learned.
- 9:00 AM - Last Minute Scavenger Hunt: I check out of the Fairfield, and I decide to do some final souvenir shopping.
- 12:00 PM - Airport Bound: Goodbye, Portland. You were… something.
Important Notes:
- Flexibility is Key: This "schedule" is more of a suggestion. Be prepared to deviate. Get lost. Embrace the unexpected.
- Food Glorious Food: Eat everything (within reason).
- Embrace the Rain: It will rain. Get a good jacket.
- Enjoy the Ride: Don't overthink it. Just breathe. And maybe pack extra chocolate.
This is just a start. The real adventure begins when I step out of the Fairfield Inn and into the glorious, messy, and utterly unpredictable world of Portland. Wish me luck!
Vincennes Getaway: TownePlace Suites Luxury Awaits!
Unbeatable Portland Getaway: Fairfield Inn & Suites North Portland - FAQs (Because Let's Be Real, You *Need* This!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups! You're thinking of escaping to Portland, and the Fairfield Inn & Suites North Portland has somehow caught your eye? Smart move. But let's get one thing straight: I've *been there*. I’ve survived the rain, the coffee, the food carts…and I'm here to spill the (locally roasted) beans.
The Absolute Basics (And Why I Nearly Screamed In Delight)
What's actually *in* the Fairfield Inn & Suites North Portland? Is it posh? Is it... bearable?
Okay, posh? Absolutely not. Bearable? Blessedly, yes. We're talking a solid, reliable, *clean* hotel. Think comfortable beds – seriously, I slept like a log after a day of brewery hopping. (More on that later). Free breakfast is included, which, let's be honest saved me a small fortune. And there's a gym. I, uh, glanced at it. Looked perfectly fine. Did I *use* it? Okay, maybe not. But it's there! Also, parking is free, because Portland parking can be a literal nightmare.
Location, Location, Location! Where *is* this thing, and am I going to spend an eternity on a bus?
Alright, let's break this down. It's in North Portland. Now, before you panic and think, "Oh no, I'm going to be stranded!" – hold your horses. It's actually pretty darn convenient. Close enough to the action (downtown, breweries, food trucks! Oh, the food trucks!), but far enough out that you get some peace and quiet. I mean, driving in Portland can be a real test of patience, so it's worth it to have a somewhat easy escape.
Is there a free breakfast? Because, you know, adulting is hard.
YES! And it wasn't just a sad continental breakfast. I'm talking waffles (make your own!), eggs, sausage, fruit, yogurt...the works. Honestly, it was a lifesaver. I felt like I was winning the (slightly hungover) game of "survive the day." Seriously, I'm a sucker for a good hotel breakfast. And this one did *not* disappoint. It's worth it alone.
The Real Deal: My *Experiences* (And The Occasional Rant)
Okay, so you sound like you actually *stayed* there. Spill the tea! What was the *vibe*?
Alright, so here's the thing: I went to Portland with a friend. We're talking a girls' trip, fueled by caffeine, questionable decisions, and a whole lotta laughter. The Fairfield Inn? It was our home base. Our safe harbor from the constant downpour. (Seriously, pack an umbrella). The vibe? Relaxed. Unpretentious. Clean. No white tablecloth nonsense. Just...chill. There were families, couples, and people like us – just trying to have a good time. And honestly, it worked.
Was the Wi-Fi decent? Because let's face it, we're all addicted to our phones.
The Wi-Fi was... good. Not stellar, not abysmal. Honestly, it was perfectly acceptable. I managed to stalk my ex on Instagram, upload some pics of amazing food and generally keep up with the digital world without too much of a meltdown. So, yeah, it's good enough. I didn't have to sacrifice my social media addiction. Phew.
Food, Glorious Food (Because Portland, Duh!)
Food! I *must* know. Is it close to the deliciousness?
Okay, listen. Portland is a food paradise. Seriously. And the location of this hotel? It's a *relatively* easy hop to the food cart scene. Those amazing food carts! Those juicy burgers! Those gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches! (Okay, I'm drooling). We spent a glorious afternoon hopping from food cart to food cart and generally stuffing our faces. The hotel's location made it much less of a stressful ordeal to get there. I can't emphasize the food scene enough. You *must* eat ALL the things!
The Nitty Gritty (Because Nobody's Perfect)
Any downsides? Because let's be honest, nothing's perfect.
Alright, so here's the deal. The hotel isn't the fanciest thing you'll ever see. It's not palatial. It's functional. And the shower pressure could have been just a *little* stronger. (First world problems, I know). Also, the gym, I swear, was like a ghost town. I mean, maybe I should have used it. But I was too busy eating donuts. Can't win 'em all, right?
Seriously, give me one thing that was REALLY bad. Come on, I'm skeptical.
Okay, fine. If I *have* to be nitpicky... the air conditioning in our room was a bit loud. Not like, "wake you up in the middle of the night" loud, but more like, "subtle white noise" loud that I'm sure you might notice if you don't have a roaring rainstorm to drown it out. Other than that, I was pretty happy. So, so happy. I'm still thinking about those waffles.
Would you go back? Be honest!
Absolutely! Without a doubt, a resounding YES. For the price, the location, the free breakfast (seriously, the waffles!), and the overall chill vibe, it's a winner. It's not luxury, but it's reliable, clean, and gives you a great base to explore one of the coolest cities in America. I'm already scheming my next trip!
Okay, you sold me. Any tips for my trip?
YES! Pack an umbrella. A good one. Seriously. Layer your clothes. Portland weather is unpredictable. Bring comfy shoes for walking and exploring. Be prepared to embrace the weird. And most importantly, be hungry. Oh, so, so very hungry.
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