The Royal Sonesta Portland Downtown

The location is very convenient for getting into downtown from the airport. The rooms we had on our two stays a week apart were both spacious and comfortable. Water bottle were provided. Parking is available at $49/day, I thought that rather high. Also, it wasn't until after I had made the booking that they informed me there is a $30/day "destination fee" whatever that is. And the a $30/day amenities fee that can be applied to cover restaurant or mini-bar charges. Since breakfast is $15/person, it covered that for us. BTW, the young woman at breakfast, Nadyah, was a delight. She would have made the place 5 stars, but I have to knock off 2 stars for them adding fees after the booking. That isn't right!

We stayed at the Royal Sonesta Portland as part of a *stay-to-play* basketball tournament, and it was a major disappointment from the start. After a five-hour drive from out of state with three kids, we arrived to find we couldn't even park at the hotel. The garage was full, and when I asked the front desk for recommendations, I was told to "just drive around." Not exactly helpful when you're unfamiliar with downtown Portland and trying to navigate with tired kids in tow. After circling and trying two or three nearby garages that didn't work for us, we ended up walking several blocks with luggage and children just to check in—only to face a **45-minute check-in process**. Once in the room, we discovered there was **no refrigerator or microwave**, which is not family-friendly at all. While they mentioned you can request them, they’re only available "if they have extras." Again, not helpful. This stay was anything but convenient. The hotel was selected through the tournament, but if we had the choice, we would’ve stayed anywhere else. I paid for convenience and comfort and got the opposite. We will never stay here again, and I absolutely would not recommend it to anyone—especially families traveling for sports or events.

This is a fine place to rest your head but is nothing special. The room was comfortable, the bed was fine, it was all fine-fine-fine. There's simply nothing special or extraordinary about it. It was clean. I found a deal on a discount site which made it that much more affordable but.... if you're looking for something with lots of charm or personality that is out of the ordinary, this isn't it. The room decor is.... strange. Bright yellow and purple checked with bird wallpaper and big black and white graphic accents. But hey, you can see that in the photos. There is a business area which is a small cubby space but I was happy they had one, as I had to use it. And the check in process was very nice - the reception desk checked us in late and night and they seemed like they were used to it and were quite friendly. Do note, if you check in late, you'll either need to do street parking or park in a lot a couple blocks away as the valet/on site parking doesn't run late at night. So a fine, clean stay. Just nothing special.

This historic building has been updated in many ways for the comfort of the guests. It has all the things you’d expect from a luxury hotel, including dry cleaning, in-room safe, ice bucket/glasses, bottled water in room, robes, extra blankets and pillows, an iron & board, hairdryer, soaps, shampoos, body wash, cotton swabs and balls, etc. The rooms are spacious and come equipped with blackout and sheer curtains to your preference, the shower has good water pressure, and toilets are updated to modern standards. The lobby is incredible, with tall bookshelves filled with books that you can take to your room, a piano, comfortable seating, chess tables, and very good coffee/tea/hot chocolate available in the mornings. They have on-site secured parking, and professional security. The location can’t be beat. Just 2 blocks from Pioneer Square, so the max trains can take you anywhere in the greater Portland area. Walking distance to Waterfront Park (you can walk across the Steel Bridge or Burnside Bridge from Waterfront Park, which we enjoyed on our last visit) and walking distance to the Galleria Shops, Powells Bookstore, and so much more! The staff at this hotel are top notch as well. Everyone has been friendly and helpful, and the cleaning staff do a great job keeping this hotel and specifically the guest rooms in good condition. My son and I have stayed at a few hotels in Downtown Portland, but none compare to The Royal Sonesta. We’ve stayed here 3 times and will definitely be returning. It’s just got such a fun kitschy Portland vibe and atmosphere, and I can’t imagine ever finding another hotel we like more.

BED BUGS!!!! We stayed here for my sisters birthday and I felt a bug on my neck in the bed. We trapped the bug in a glass to show the hotel staff proof of the infestation as well as picture of bites on my neck. They have yet to refund us because they are conducting an “investigation.” What else do they need? We immediately left and captured the proof as well as the carnage the bugs left behind. Never contacted us after to follow up, I’d be surprised if they took any measures to address the bed bugs in the room after we left. Save yourself the disgust and stay somewhere else