Motel 6-Portland, OR - North

This hotel offers a practical and often budget-friendly option for travelers, with its unique provision of smoking rooms appealing to a specific segment of guests, alongside its widely appreciated pet-friendly policy. It serves as a convenient base for business travelers due to its proximity to work locations, and is particularly well-suited for event attendees visiting nearby venues like the Portland International Raceway and the Expo Center. While some guests find the location convenient for accessing downtown areas and major freeways, others note concerns about the immediate surroundings. The staff frequently receives praise for their helpfulness and friendly demeanor, though experiences can vary. Guests often highlight the comfortable beds as a positive aspect of their stay. To ensure a satisfactory experience, it is advisable to inspect your room upon arrival and be mindful of the neighborhood, as some areas may present safety concerns.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests find several practical amenities available, including a dedicated work area within the rooms, which is appreciated by those needing to be productive. The provision of a cart to move belongings is a thoughtful convenience, and free parking is consistently highlighted as a significant benefit. Many rooms are equipped with a fridge and microwave, adding to the comfort and utility for longer stays. The hotel also features well-stocked vending machines for quick snacks and drinks. However, some common hotel amenities are notably absent, such as complimentary toiletries, in-room coffee makers, or a continental breakfast. Guests also report issues with the air conditioning not maintaining a comfortable temperature and a loud bathroom fan. The elevator is frequently described as dirty and slow, and the Wi-Fi connectivity can be unreliable. Additionally, the downstairs coffee is often found to be of poor quality, and some rooms have limited wall sockets.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
While some guests report finding their rooms clean and simple with comfortable beds, a significant number of reviews highlight pervasive issues with cleanliness and room comfort. Many non-smoking rooms are reported to have a strong musty or smoky smell, and numerous instances of cigarette burns are noted on bedding, curtains, and even furniture. Guests frequently mention finding dirty towels, stained sheets, and even blood-stained sheets, along with hair on pillows and dead flies on the floor. The bathrooms sometimes present issues such as a cracked sink or a toilet that cycles intermittently or has a loose seat. Noise is a common complaint, with guests experiencing disturbances from thin walls, hallway echoes, loud door openings, and screaming or banging from adjacent rooms, impacting overall tranquility. Additionally, some find the air conditioning to be ineffective, and the provided towels are often described as thin.

Dining & Food Quality
Guests consistently note the absence of on-site dining options, with no breakfast service provided by the hotel. This means guests need to seek meals elsewhere, which can be inconvenient. There is also no provision for in-room coffee, requiring guests to bring their own or rely on external sources. The coffee downstairs is frequently described as being of poor quality, with reports of it tasting day-old or the urn being broken, making it an unreliable option for a morning beverage. Furthermore, the immediate vicinity offers limited food places, with only a few fast-food establishments like Burger King mentioned, which some guests found unsatisfactory in terms of service and food quality. This lack of convenient and appealing dining choices often necessitates guests traveling further afield for their meals.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location receives mixed feedback, with many guests appreciating its convenience for specific purposes. It is frequently praised for its free parking and its close proximity to major attractions such as the Portland International Raceway and the Portland Expo Center, making it ideal for event attendees. Its accessibility to the freeway is also a plus for travelers. Some guests find it well-situated for reaching the Vancouver waterfront, Downtown Portland, and nearby supermarkets and stores. However, a significant number of reviews highlight concerns about the immediate surroundings, describing the neighborhood as sketchy and an industrial area. Guests report the presence of homeless people nearby and express safety concerns in the parking lot. Additionally, some found the hotel difficult to find in the dark due to broken outside lights.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel is a recurring theme in guest reviews, often receiving high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. Many guests highlight specific individuals who provided attentive service, were exceptionally welcoming, and went above and beyond to assist with various needs, including car issues or navigating reservation problems. The quick check-in process is also frequently commended. Staff members are often described as caring, smart, and well-trained in customer service, contributing positively to the guest experience. However, feedback on staff is notably mixed, with some guests reporting negative interactions. Instances of staff being perceived as rude, unwelcoming, or unhelpful are mentioned, including refusal of late checkouts, unaccommodating responses to room issues, or even entering guest rooms uninvited. There are also reports of staff not adequately addressing serious concerns like alleged theft or security breaches, leading to significant guest dissatisfaction.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several specific hotel policies and unique aspects of their stay. The hotel has a strict no late checkout policy, regardless of circumstances, which can be inconvenient for some travelers. Additionally, there is a rule prohibiting guests after 9 PM, which some find unusual for a hotel. A notable point of concern for some is the practice of servicing rooms when guests are not present, which can feel invasive. For longer stays, particularly in this region, guests are informed of a policy requiring them to vacate after three weeks. The hotel also enforces a strict rule that identification is required for every adult checking in, not just the primary booker. Furthermore, some guests have reported serious electronic key security issues, including unauthorized entry into rooms, which raises concerns about personal safety and privacy.