Escape to Paradise: Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel - Your Oregon Oasis Awaits!
Escape to Paradise? Let's See About That: Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel – My Oregon Oasis (and Minor Meltdown) Awaits!
Alright, folks, buckle up. This ain't your sanitized, PR-approved hotel review. This is real life. I just finished a stay at the Sheraton Portland Airport, and I’m about to spill the metaphorical (and possibly actual) lukewarm coffee on my experience. It promised an "Oregon Oasis." Did it deliver? Let's break it down, because lord knows, after that flight, I needed an oasis.
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- Keywords: Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel, Portland Airport Hotels, Oregon Hotels, PDX Hotels, Accessible Hotels, Spa Hotels, Airport Hotel Review, Hotel Review, Fitness Center, Pool, WiFi, Restaurant, Portland, Accessibility, Family Friendly Hotel, Business Hotel.
- Meta Description: Honest review of the Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel. Accessibility, amenities, cleanliness, dining, and overall experience detailed. Is it your Portland oasis? Find out! With a healthy dose of opinions, because who wants boring?
First Impressions & the Accessibility Angle:
Okay, so I arrived frazzled. Delayed flight, lost luggage (fingers crossed!), the whole nine yards. The lobby? Pleasant enough. Standard airport hotel fare – bright, clean-ish, and teeming with bleary-eyed travelers. Accessibility? Crucial for me, as I’m navigating some mobility issues these days. The hotel does boast several promising features, so I'll start with that. The elevator was thankfully easy to find and actually functioning (a win!), and the doorways seemed wide enough for a wheelchair…though I didn't have to test that specifically. They claimed Facilities for disabled guests, which is a relief, but I didn't get a chance to REALLY put them to the test. The exterior corridor was actually a pleasant feature. I didn’t feel trapped in a maze of hallways. Check-in/out [express] was offered. I got a Wheelchair accessible room, that was amazing.
Okay, wait. This is important. The hotel claims to be accessible - which is great. But, and this is a big but, it's only partially accessible, which is a frustrating reality of many hotels. I didn't check out how the swimming pool or fitness center were set up cause I was too tired from traveling . However it will be important to check out the other facilities, like restaurants, lounges, spa, and other facilities.
Internet Angst & the Wi-Fi Wars:
Internet access - free Wi-Fi in all rooms!. THANK GOD. I needed to connect, to scream into the digital void, to file a luggage claim, all the important internet-y things. And…it worked. Most of the time. It wasn’t lightning fast – more of a gentle, molasses-like flow. There was also Internet [LAN] available in my room, which is cool if you're old school, but let's be honest, who carries ethernet cables anymore? The Wi-Fi in public areas was also available, but for some reason, I stayed in the room most of the time.
Room Report: Good, But Not Perfect (And Those Blackout Curtains Saved My Sanity):
My room was decent. Clean-ish. Let's be honest, "cleanish" is my new baseline standard for hotels. It had a desk (thank goodness!), a refrigerator (yay for late-night snacks!), and a coffee/tea maker (which I immediately tried to set on fire - it almost didn't work). The bed was comfy enough, though I could have used an extra long bed to stretch out I would've loved for an Interconnecting room(s) available, even though I was traveling solo. Blackout curtains were a lifesaver. Given the constant Oregon drizzle and the proximity to the airport, they are required. They were totaly necessary. I'm talking proper, soul-saving blackout curtains. Essential. The bathroom was…functional. Basic toiletries. The biggest plus? The toiletries smelled pretty good and the shower was also good. I definitely utilized the towels and the slippers. The alarm clock didn't work. Or maybe I didn't work. One of those things.
Amenities & the Art of Relaxation (Or Lack Thereof):
Okay, here's where things get interesting. The Sheraton boasts a Fitness center, a swimming pool [outdoor], a Spa/sauna and even a Spa, and a pool with view. All very enticing after my travel adventures and the stress of my flight. The gym/fitness seemed alright, but seriously, I just wanted to collapse. The swimming pool [outdoor] looked inviting (I didn't go in - the Oregon weather said no, no, NO!). And the promise of a spa/sauna? That almost convinced me. The sauna and a steamroom? Bliss! And the prospect of a relaxing massage? Yes, please! I did not partake. I didn't get around to any of this. I was too damn tired. But let's assume they were there and mostly functional.
Dining Drrrrama: Mostly Pleasant, Some Confusion:
This is where it got a bit…messy. The hotel offers a restaurant with Asian cuisine in restaurant, and International cuisine in restaurant, a bar, a coffee shop, and a snack bar. Breakfast [buffet] looked amazing , with a tempting array of options, but the lines! Oh, the lines. I went to the restaurant looking for lunch, and the server got my order wrong. The coffee/tea in restaurant was alright. The food was pretty good. I had to order Alternative meal arrangement. It was the only option available. The bottle of water was great. It was all fine, but not the effortless luxury I was hoping for. The happy hour deal at the bar was a nice touch. A poolside bar was available but wasn't open. And I just ordered room service for every meal from room service [24-hour], because I was that tired.
Cleanliness & Safety - The Pandemic Perspective:
Let's be real, after the past few years, safety is paramount. I'm always vigilant. The Anti-viral cleaning products made me feel much safer! The hotel claimed to be taking it seriously. They had Hand sanitizer stations, which I appreciated. There was, theoretically, Daily disinfection in common areas. My biggest concern was the Room sanitization opt-out available, which means that the cleaning services don’t actively sterilize the room between visits. The staff members seemed to be well informed, although I did hear a guest complain of lack of cleaning. The Cashless payment service was appreciated, as was the fact the hotel had a First aid kit. The Shared stationery removed, a small thing, but a good sign. There was a Smoke alarms, which made me feel safe.
Services & Conveniences – The Good, the Bad, and the Indifferent:
Air conditioning in public area? Check. Daily housekeeping? Yup. Cash withdrawal? Yes. Concierge? Possibly. I didn't use it. I had lots of Essential condiments, it wasn't a problem. Laundry service (needed it after I was splashed with mud), luggage storage (thank god!), and the dry cleaning (which I didn't use) all seemed standard. The elevator was there - a plus! On-site event hosting? Probably. I didn't see a lot of events.
Things To Do (& Not To Do):
Things to do: The hotel is super close to the airport, so it's great if you're flying in or out. In terms of things to do at the hotel, it's a mixed bag. I would've loved to spend some time at the Fitness center. But if you just want to relax, the Sauna and Spa/sauna are a fantastic option. The hotel is located close to the airport and the city.
For The Kids (If You Have Them – Which I Don’t… Yet):
They have Babysitting service. I don't have kids. They have Kids facilities, which seemed to be in good condition.
Getting Around – The Airport Shuffle & Beyond:
The hotel provides an Airport transfer service, which is crucial. I used the Taxi service one time. Parking was provided.
Final Verdict: An Oasis…with a Side of Confusion?
Look, the Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel is…adequate. It’s convenient. It's reasonably clean. It tries to be an
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Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to plan a trip that's less "perfectly curated Instagram feed" and more "reality TV show where things occasionally go sideways." We're talking Portland, Oregon, baby, and based at the Sheraton Airport, which, let's be honest, is the perfect launchpad for chaos. Here's the itinerary, or rather, the suggestion of an itinerary, because let's face it, I'm a terrible planner, and so much of this will probably go out the window the moment a food truck starts calling my name.
Sheraton Portland Airport - Welcome to the Edge of Adventure (and Possibly Jet Lag)
Day 1: Arrival and Pre-Adventure Shenanigans
- 1:00 PM: Land, squint at the perpetually overcast sky of Portland, and stumble my way to baggage claim, muttering a silent prayer that my suitcase hasn't ended up in Alaska. (Happened once. Don't ask).
- 1:45 PM: Check into the Sheraton. Honestly, airport hotels are a practical necessity, not romantic, but hey, at least the pool is… well, it exists. Let's focus on the positives! Deep breath.
- 2:30 PM: Mandatory "orientation" walk around the hotel. Locate vending machines. Assess the bar situation. Mentally prepare for the sheer amount of coffee I’m going to need – Portland is basically fueled by it.
- 3:00 PM: The Real Portland experience (or the beginning of it, at least): Uber/Lyft into Portland. This is where things get dicey. I had grand plans of taking the MAX light rail, being all eco-conscious and whatnot. But fatigue and the siren call of a warm, comfy seat will probably win.
- 4:00 PM: Powell's Books! Oh.My.God. Powell's. Okay, this is where I descend into glorious literary madness. I could (and have) spend hours, days even, lost in the stacks of Powell's City of Books. We're talking multiple floors of book heaven. My bank account whimpers at the thought of it. I need to find a quirky, local cookbook, maybe something about foraging. And a good travel memoir. Obviously.
- 6:30 PM: Food Truck Frenzy! Portland's food truck scene is legendary. I'm thinking… something Asian fusion? Or a ridiculously good burger? Or tacos? The possibilities are overwhelming, and the indecision will probably paralyze me.
- 7:30 PM: Stumble around aimlessly, trying to "find my bearings" which is code for "wander until I find a bar with good beer and a slightly less terrifying clientele." Maybe a dive bar with live music? That's the dream.
- 9:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Crash. Prepare for the inevitable jet-lag induced insomnia that will make me watch infomercials at 3 AM.
Day 2: Coffee, Rain, and Unexpected Art
- 8:00 AM: Wake up, or attempt to. Rely heavily on coffee. Like, vampire-in-sunlight levels of coffee. Find a local coffee shop – Portlanders take their coffee very seriously, so this is a research project.
- 9:00 AM: Explore. Walk. Wander. Get gloriously, wonderfully lost in the city. Maybe brave the International Rose Test Garden, even if the roses aren't in peak bloom… it’s the idea that counts.
- 11:00 AM: Art Attack! Visit the Portland Art Museum. I tend to be intimidated by museums, but Portland's is supposed to be pretty decent, and I am supposed to be a cultured tourist. (I really need to stop calling myself a tourist. I'm a traveler, dammit!).
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Something simple, something fast, something I won't regret later. Maybe a quick sandwich from a local deli.
- 2:00 PM: Neighborhood Exploration. (This is where the "getting lost" part comes into play) Find a smaller neighborhood, like the Pearl District, and poke around. Browse quirky shops. Maybe buy something I don't need but absolutely must have.
- 4:00 PM: That thing! I was thinking of visiting the Pittock Mansion for the amazing views. Do I dare? Ugh, the stairs and parking… Hmm… Let's see if I still feel that way at the moment.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Decide to be "adventurous" and try something I've never eaten before. Korean BBQ? Ethiopian? The element of surprise (and potential gastrointestinal distress) makes this exciting.
- 8:00 PM: Craft Cocktail hunt. Portland is known for its craft cocktail scene, so, research time! Hunt down a trendy bar with unusual ingredients and hopefully, good vibes. It's more about the people-watching than the actual drinks, but hey, a good cocktail is always welcome.
- 10:00 PM: Back to the hotel, probably slightly tipsy and already planning my next trip (because, well, why not?).
Day 3: The Multnomah Falls Debacle (Probably)
- 9:00 AM: Hit the road! The Columbia River Gorge and Multnomah Falls await!
- 10:30 AM: Oh dear. Traffic, and the reality of driving, possibly with a rental car I'm not used to. I hope I got the insurance.
- 11:00 AM: Actually, parking and crowds at the falls make up a separate category of hell. I'd heard horror stories. Now, to face it. Do I want to just go? It'll be something nice for the memories.
- 1:00 PM: Hike (or attempt to). The Gorge is beautiful, or so I'm told. I'm more used to a flat hike! Maybe a short one. Maybe I'll chicken out. Maybe I bring snacks.
- 3:00 PM: Drive back towards Portland.
- 4:30 PM: Visit a brewery. Portland is beer-city, ya know.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant.
- 8:00 PM: Head back to the hotel. Packing.
- 9:00 PM: Last beer at the hotel bar and, in all likelihood, ordering room service even though I swore I wouldn’t.
Day 4: Departure and the Soul-Crushing Return to Reality
- 6:00 AM: Wake up. Curse jet lag. Curse early morning flights. Curse the sheer concept of leaving.
- 7:00 AM: Last coffee run. Grab a pastry.
- 8:00 AM: Check out of the Sheraton. Say goodbye to the tiny shampoo bottles (I swear I’m going to start taking them).
- 9:00 AM: Arrive at the airport. Navigate security with a mixture of dread and resignation.
- 10:00 AM: Board the plane, mentally compiling a list of everything I wish I'd done, eaten, and experienced.
- 1:00 PM: Land. Back to reality. The memory of Oregon will keep me alive. Until the next trip, of course.
Important Notes (Because I'm a Disaster):
- Packing: I am terrible at packing. I overpack. I underpack. I forget essential items. Assume I will be wearing the same outfit for three days.
- Transportation: I am capable of walking. But taxis/Uber will be involved. I will probably spend far too much on getting around.
- Food: I will eat everything. I will also probably complain about my stomach.
- Expect the Unexpected: Delays, wrong turns, spontaneous adventures… embrace the chaos. It's half the fun!
So there you have it. My "plan". Wish me luck, I will probably need it. And if you see a slightly disheveled person wandering the streets, looking overwhelmed but also slightly ecstatic? That’s probably me. Say hi! And maybe buy me a coffee.
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What *is* this whole thing anyway? I mean, what are we even doing here?
Ugh, good question. Honestly, I'm not entirely sure. I think we're supposed to be answering questions. Important questions. Or maybe just… *any* questions. It’s like that game where you have to fill in a blank. And I'm pretty sure I’m failing miserably, just like I fail at folding fitted sheets. They’re the bane of my existence, I swear to all that is holy!
But, here's the *attempt* at an answer: It's supposed to be a place to understand… well, things. The things that you, the curious reader, might be wondering about. So, ask away! Though, fair warning, I reserve the right to wander off on tangents about squirrels and the existential dread of Mondays. Or maybe both. They often overlap, you see.
Okay, okay. But seriously. What are the rules? Is there, like, a format?
Rules? Format? Bless your heart. You're assuming there *are* rules. I barely manage to put on matching socks most mornings. There *should* be rules, probably. But… nah. I'm winging it. Think of it as a freewheeling conversation with a semi-coherent friend. I'm that friend.
There will be digressions. There will be typos. There will probably be excessive use of exclamation points because I get excited easily (and also because I need to feel like I'm doing *something*). You've been warned.
Will I get a straight answer? Like, can I actually *trust* what you say?
Ha! Trust? Look, I'm not a saint. Or a doctor. Or a lawyer. Or anyone remotely reputable. So, no, you absolutely should *not* take everything here as gospel. Cross-reference everything. Fact-check. Call your mom and ask her opinion. Just… be skeptical, okay? I'm just a person, typing things from a slightly messy desk. And hey, my mom *always* knows best!
Also, be aware that I might occasionally get things wrong. I'm not perfect. And sometimes, the truth is… well, it's complicated. Like that time I tried to build a birdhouse and it ended up looking like a drunken gnome's vacation shack. That whole experience taught me *something*… I'm still not sure what. Probably a lesson in humility. Or maybe just a lesson in avoiding power tools.
What if I have a really *specific* question? Will you answer it?
Oh, that depends. Is it about the mating rituals of dung beetles? Probably not. Is it about the best way to eat a chocolate chip cookie? *YES!* (Let me know if you want a deep, detailed response to just that. Warning: may involve a life-altering experience with a slightly-overcooked cookie). Look, throw 'em at me. I'll do my best. No promises, though. Because, well, see above re: chaos. And squirrels. And Mondays.
Pro Tip: Specificity is your friend. The more detailed your question, the better chance I have of actually, you know, *answering* it. Although, even vague questions can spark some fantastic trains of thought. Like, what even *is* time? Mind. Blown. And yet… what a glorious cookie, with still-melting chocolate chips. Good times.
This is… a bit disorganized. Is this going to be consistent?
Disorganized? *Me?* Never! (Okay, maybe a little. Okay, a lot.) Consistency? That, my friend, is for robots and people with actual schedules. I’m more of a… *flow* type of person. I go where the mental current takes me. It's a free-wheeling, free-associating experience. It's like watching paint dry, but with more exclamation points!
Honestly, I apologize in advance. If I get bored, I might switch gears mid-sentence to talk about… well, whatever shiny object catches my attention. I'm working on it. Sort of. I may ramble. I may repeat myself. I *will* probably contradict myself. Such is life, you see. Also, don't be surprised if I start talking about my cat. He’s, you know, my world!
So, like, what's the goal here? What do you *want* to achieve?
Oh, geez, that's a loaded question. If I'm being completely honest? To entertain myself. And maybe, just maybe, to provide a few chuckles along the way. And if I can occasionally impart some tiny nugget of useful information? Well, that's just gravy.
But the primary goal is to survive the day. Truly! Then eat ice cream. Then… you know, repeat. So yeah, if I can get through this without having a full-blown existential crisis, I'll consider it a win. And hopefully, you will too. So, what's your question?
Is there anything else I should know? Any final words of wisdom?
Yes. Remember that life's too short to drink terrible coffee. Also, buy the good chocolate. And don't be afraid to laugh at yourself, even when you're completely and utterly clueless, like me. And, well, if you find a good fitted sheet folding technique, *tell me about it*. Seriously. I'm begging you.
Oh! And one more thing! Don't take me too seriously. I'm just a person, muddling through. Like everyone else. Now, go forth and… ask away! I think I'm ready. Okay, maybe not. But let's do it anyway!
