The hotels in Portland below make it easy to access these local attractions: International Rose Test Garden Japanese Garden Pearl District Moda Center Portland State University Saturday Market Portland has long been referred to as the City of Roses, and the International Rose Test Garden is a big reason why. Located in Washington Square Park, this is the most famous of Portland’s many rose gardens. From April’s bloom through October, visitors can stop and smell the more than 7,000 rose plants of approximately 550 varieties that populate the park. Elsewhere in Washington Park, you can find the famous 5.5 acre Japanese Garden, hailed as perhaps the most authentically designed Japanese Garden outside of Japan. Relax and sip tea at a genuine Japanese Tea House, or stroll down the intimate walkways past winding streams. Best of all, the garden offers superb views of Mt. Hood off in the distance.
The Pearl District is Portland’s hippest neighborhood. This well-known art district features trendy boutiques, first-class art galleries, fancy restaurants and cozy cafes. This is the hottest place in town to see and be seen. As the only major professional sports team in town, the Trail Blazers are a local institution. Head downtown to the Moda Center (formerly known as the Rose Garden) for a Blazers game, where the passion of Portland’s fans is on full display. When not hosting NBA games, the Moda Center features events like hockey games, ice skating championships, wrestling matches, rock concerts, and more. While downtown, make sure to take a tour through Portland State University’s campus. In addition to academics, the university is known for staging events and performances ranging from opera, theater, dance, film and lectures over the course of the year.
The Saturday Market is your destination for local art and other artisan craft items. Located on the Columbia River waterfront, the Saturday Market is the largest continually operating outdoor arts and crafts market in the country. Open every Saturday and Sunday from March through December, the Saturday Market is a must-see if you are looking for a unique souvenir to commemorate your trip. In addition to the attractions already mentioned, Portland offers great restaurants, bars, live music and many other unique places and events. So when it comes time to look for Portland hotels, make sure you book your stay with Choice Hotels for accommodations worthy of a city as one-of-a-kind as Portland.