Portland's Riverfront Paradise: Unbelievable Deals at Best Western PLUS Rivershore!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the frothy, slightly chaotic world of Portland's Riverfront Paradise: Unbelievable Deals at Best Western PLUS Rivershore! – or, as I like to call it, the place where you can finally not feel like you're breaking the bank while still enjoying a slice of the good life. Prepare for a review that's less "polished travel blog" and more "friend spilling the tea over lukewarm coffee."
First impression? Okay, let's be real, I’m not completely sold on a Best Western always being "Paradise." But, hey, sometimes you need a reliable workhorse, you know? And the "PLUS" in the name gives me a whisper of hope.
Accessibility & Cleanliness (and the Slightly Paranoid Ramblings of a Germaphobe)
Okay, so the good stuff first! Accessibility gets a big thumbs up. Lots of folks need this, and I’m glad to see it's a priority. Wheelchair accessible? Check. Elevators? Yep. I didn’t personally need these things, but knowing they’re there makes me breathe a little easier, especially for friends and family.
Now to the cleanliness, which, let's be honest, is a big deal in these post-COVID times. The Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays are music to my perpetually anxious ears. They’re talking about Professional-grade sanitizing services, which sounds fancy. I’m also loving the Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so this is a major win in my book! And the Room sanitization opt-out available? Yeah, I don't think I'd be opting out. But the fact that you can is cool. Plus, Cashless payment service? Yes, please! Less fumbling with bills, more time spent… well, whatever you’re staying there to do!
Side note: I am a nervous flyer, which means I am prone to nervous talking. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't checking the Fire extinguisher situation on my floor. I saw a couple, but can’t say for sure how many. The Smoke alarms made me feel a bit safer. This might be a good time to address the CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property. I think the idea is to make guests feel safe, but I'm not sure how I feel about being watched!
Internet & Tech Shenanigans (The Battle for the Bandwidth)
Alright, let’s talk internet. They trumpet Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! This is essential in my book. I have deadlines, cat videos to watch, you know the drill. The Wi-Fi was generally good, but sometimes… well, let’s just say I spent an afternoon staring at a spinning wheel while trying to download a photo. I did see Internet [LAN] listed, which is like… a throwback to the old days. I'm not sure who still uses LAN cables anymore, but it's there. I can't review the Internet [LAN]. The fact they offer Wi-Fi for special events tells me they know what’s up. Also, having Audio-visual equipment for special events is handy for those corporate retreats or, you know, awkward family reunions.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Make a Difference)
This is where the Best Western starts to feel… well, less "budget" and more "thoughtful." Daily housekeeping? Hallelujah! I hate making my bed. Concierge? Always a lifesaver for recommendations. Dry cleaning and Laundry service? Amazing, especially if you are like me and travel with half your wardrobe. Luggage storage? Essential for those dreaded early check-ins or late departures. Having a Convenience store is another plus, especially when your midnight craving hits.
I was curious about the Facilities for disabled guests, because they already seemed on the ball with accessibility. They’ve thought of some of the little things, too – Essential condiments and Complimentary tea in the rooms are nice touches.
Room Report: The Cozy Cave (or Not-So-Cozy Cave)
Let’s peek inside the room. The Air conditioning was a godsend because, let’s be honest, Portland summers get HOT. I didn’t have an Extra long bed. I'm tall and this is an important feature. The Blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping in (when the internet allowed). The Coffee/tea maker was a must. The Desk was decent. The Refrigerator was helpful for keeping my rogue chocolate stash cool. The In-room safe box is always appreciated. Oh, and the Alarm clock and Wake-up service? Surprisingly helpful.
Now, the downsides (because nothing is perfect): The décor was… functional. Think, "modern hotel room," not "boutique chic." No grand gestures, but comfortable and clean. I did like the Complimentary tea option. The Bathroom was clean and okay. The Slippers were a nice touch, but I needed to go shopping because there was no Hair dryer.
Food, Glorious (or So-So) Food
Okay, food! This is where things get interesting. The Best Western PLUS Rivershore offers a Breakfast [buffet]. Buffets are my kryptonite. I mean, who can resist overeating at a buffet? Don't judge me! They also have Breakfast takeaway service, which is a massive win for early risers or those of us who just want to eat in our pajamas. They offer Asian breakfast too!
There's a Coffee/tea in restaurant, which is great. They offer a Poolside bar. They said there was a Vegetarian restaurant, but I didn't see one.
I could have had A la carte in restaurant. There's a Snack bar.
Okay, I'm skipping most of the category since I didn't get to eat.
Things to Do (Beyond the Walls)
This is where the "Riverfront Paradise" bit comes in. This Best Western is positioned well for seeing the sights.
Ways to Relax (The Spa Dreams)
Okay, here's the part I'm most excited about: the promised "relaxation" options. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Nice! Gym/fitness? Good for working off that buffet binge. Sauna and Spa? Alright, now we're talking! You know, it’s a Spa/sauna. So, the hotel has a Fitness center and also a Steamroom. I wish I’d had time to take advantage. I've been promised a Massage, but I was unable to see it. The Pool with view would have been nice. They offer Body scrub; They offer Body wrap. You might get to relax!
For the Kids (Bless Their Hearts)
I saw some kids during my stay. They looked happy. Babysitting service? Good for families! Family/child friendly? Seems to be, from what I saw.
The Verdict (Plus a Whimsical Offer)
Look, Best Western PLUS Rivershore is not going to win any design awards. But, it's a solid, dependable choice. It's clean, reasonably priced, and has some surprisingly nice amenities. The location is great. The team is dedicated. It does feel like a good basecamp for exploring Portland.
Here's my offer (because I'm feeling generous):
Book your stay at the Best Western PLUS Rivershore through this review, and I'll personally send you a list of my favorite Portland donut shops. Consider it my thank you for reading and supporting this honest, slightly messy, and hopefully helpful review!
Escape to Pinehurst: Your Perfect Comfort Inn Getaway!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously color-coded travel plan. This is my adventure in Portland, centered around the Best Western PLUS Rivershore Hotel. And let me tell you, it’s gonna be a wild ride. Prepare for tangents, opinions, and the occasional existential crisis. Here we go…
Day 1: Arrival & Riverfront Reverie… Maybe?
1:00 PM: Touchdown at Portland International Airport (PDX). Ugh, airports. Always a sensory overload. The screaming babies, the overpriced coffee, the sheer volume of luggage. But hey, at least I made it! Grabbed an Uber to the Best Western PLUS Rivershore. Fingers crossed they have a decent room. I’m so ready to ditch this airplane smell.
- Quirky Observation:** The airport carpet smelled vaguely of desperation and lukewarm pretzels. It's a Portland classic, apparently.
2:00 PM: Check-in. The lobby is…well, it's a Best Western. Clean enough, but not exactly the Ritz. The front desk guy looked like he'd seen some things. Lots of things I bet. Got a room on the third floor (pray for no noisy neighbors).
2:30 PM: Room inspection. Okay, the bed looks comfy. Crucial. The view? Okay, not spectacular, just some trees and a sliver of the Willamette River. I’m not complaining, I really need the rest. I unpacked, which took about 2 minutes, because I overpacked as usual.
3:00 PM: Stroll along the Willamette River. This was the plan. I envisioned a peaceful walk, absorbing the Portland vibe. Reality? Rain. Yep, Portland. Always the rain. I hate umbrellas and ended up soaked. Emotionally and physically. The river was pretty though, even in the drizzle. The waterfront is surprisingly industrial and scenic, kinda like a good, slightly grumpy, friend.
4:30 PM: Failure. I bailed on the "peaceful stroll" and dove into a local coffee shop. I'm not ashamed. Spent an hour people-watching and writing in my travel journal. Saw an eccentric old guy in a tweed jacket yelling at a pigeon. Peak Portland. The coffee was, thankfully, excellent. Strongly opinionated language: and this is why I love Portland.
6:00 PM: Dinner at a place called "River Pig Saloon" It was decent. The food was slightly better than decent, ok, it was good and the atmosphere was lively. But, I had to wait 40 minutes for a damn burger. Portland is a place of contradictions.
7:30 PM: Back at the hotel. Watching TV. I'm exhausted.
Day 2: Food Crazed & Market Madness
8:00 AM: Wake up. Attempt to use the hotel gym. Failed. (The treadmill was broken and I’m not exactly a gym rat, let's be real)
9:00 AM: Breakfast. Best Western breakfast. Let's just say it exists. Waffles were…waffles. Coffee was required. Lots of coffee.
10:00 AM: Pike Place Market - Okay, I've got my bearings now. It wasn't in Portland. A miscalculation, I thought the rivershore has a lot to offer and it does, but it's not at the Pike place. So, there's the market - The Portland Saturday Market. A kaleidoscope of sights, smells, and sounds! Everything from tie-dye shirts to artisanal sausages. The vendors are amazing, the crowd is…well, a crowd.
- Anecdote:** I spent a solid 45 minutes debating whether to buy a hand-knit scarf. I ended up not buying it. Regret? Maybe a little. But my credit card is thanking me.
12:00 PM: Food time. Time to find food carts! I'm a fool for food carts. I got a Korean BBQ burrito from a food cart then I went to find a chocolate shop. I ate chocolate. It was a very good experience.
2:00 PM: Powell's City of Books. Sigh. Heaven. This place is overwhelming in the best possible way. You could literally spend a whole day wandering the aisles. I did. I got lost. I loved it. I bought entirely too many books. My suitcase is already groaning.
- Emotional Reaction:** Walking into Powell's felt like coming home. Surrounded by the scent of old paper and the promise of unknown worlds. It's a sensory symphony.
5:00 PM: I actually made it back to the hotel. Seriously, what happened to my time? I thought about heading out again, but I'm just exhausted. It was a lot. I might order room service and just read. My new books.
Day 3: The Burnside Bridge & Departure
9:00 AM: Wake up. I'm really starting to get used to the bed.
10:00 AM: I set out to go somewhere, but the rain is still here, now I have a headache. I need to leave, or I'll die of rain and books.
11:00 AM: The Burnside Bridge in the rain. It’s just a bridge.
12:00 PM: Lunch. Found a cute little diner.
2:00 PM: The Uber got here. We're leaving.
3:00 PM: Portland International Airport. Ugh. It's over. But it was a great trip.
Rambling:** Portland, you weird, wonderful city. I’ll be back. One day, when I’m not broke and have better weather. And maybe a bigger suitcase.
Portland's Riverfront Paradise: Best Western PLUS Rivershore - Or, You Know, *Almost* Paradise? Let's Spill the Beans...
Okay, Seriously, Is This Place Actually *Good*? Like, Good-Good?
What's the Deal with the "Unbelievable Deals" They Mention? Are They Actually Unbelievable? (Or Just... Deals?)
The Rooms… Are They Clean? Because, You Know, That's Kinda Important.
Is the River View as Awesome as They Say? (Or Is It Just… Water?)
Is the Hotel Close to Stuff? Like, Am I Going to Be Stuck in the Middle of Nowhere?
Breakfast, the Most Important Meal of the Day. What's Breakfast REALLY Like?
The Parking Situation. Tell me about it. Is it a nightmare?
