Fifth Avenue Suites Hotel

We’re locals, but my husband and I stay downtown once or twice a month. We’ve tried every four star property in Portland, and Fifth Avenue Suites is our favorite by far. It’s what I’d call whimsical luxury; it’s neither stuffy nor ridiculously trendy. The beds are comfortable, the service is excellent, and we seem to get a free upgrade to a king suite every time we book a standard room. Love those Aveda toiletries! There’s free wine tasting in the lobby every night, which seems to be standard at all Kimpton properties.

The restaurant in the lobby, The Red Star Tavern, isn’t the most exciting restaurant in Portland, but it’s good food in a fun setting.

My family visits Portland a few times a year and we’ve tried out most of the Downtown hotels over the years. This one is probably our favorite place we’ve stayed. The rooms are true suites with plenty of space spread out. The room is also furnished at an above average level of quality. The hotel is well run and has some nice perks like wine in the evenings with art projects for kids.

But this hotel also charges top dollar – and with parking and taxes – you are often looking at $225-$250 a night for a suite – which is 50% more than many other good hotels in downtown Portland. Is it worth it? Well we have tried a few of the others, and next week we are headed back to the Fifth Avenue Suites. So I guess I’m a sucker, or else, it’s worth it.