Red Lion Hotel Portland Airport

This hotel is primarily recognized for its convenient proximity to the airport and its 24-hour shuttle service, making it an ideal choice for travelers with early flights or late arrivals, as well as those seeking a quick overnight stopover. While many guests appreciate the ease of access to the airport, feedback on the overall experience is notably mixed. The hotel caters well to individuals and couples needing a functional place to rest before or after a flight. To ensure a smoother stay, guests are advised to confirm all potential fees, especially for parking, and to request a ground-floor room if they have heavy luggage or mobility concerns, as there is no elevator.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a basic set of amenities, with many guests noting the absence of a swimming pool or hot tub, which some found disappointing, especially for families. There is a fitness center that guests describe as clean and well-maintained. For convenience, the hotel provides a laundry room, though some reviews indicate issues with the dryer or limited availability. A small convenience shop is available near the front desk, offering snacks and microwaveable meals for purchase. While free Wi-Fi is generally available, some guests reported issues with TV functionality or limited channels.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is varied. Many guests found their rooms to be clean and the beds comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, a significant number of reviews mention issues such as outdated rooms with visible wear and tear, including stained carpets, peeling paint, and broken fixtures. Some guests reported unpleasant odors, including smoke or urine, and instances of ants or other bugs. Noise levels can be a concern, with thin walls allowing sounds from neighbors and slamming doors to be heard, particularly in rooms near exits. Bathroom conditions were also mixed, with some noting them as small or having low water pressure.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel does not feature an on-site restaurant or offer complimentary breakfast, which is a frequent point of feedback from guests. While some reviews mentioned that breakfast was advertised but not provided, the hotel does offer hot coffee in the lobby. For those needing quick meal options, a convenience shop sells snacks and microwaveable items. Some guests appreciated the option to use DoorDash for food delivery directly to their rooms. Additionally, the hotel provides a shuttle service to nearby restaurants for guests seeking more dining variety.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's prime location near the airport is its most significant advantage, with a 24-hour airport shuttle service consistently praised for its promptness and reliability. This makes it highly convenient for travelers with early morning flights or late arrivals. However, the parking situation is a common source of frustration; a $10 nightly fee is often not disclosed upfront, and guests must navigate a complicated validation process at the front desk every time they enter or exit the gated lot. A major accessibility concern is the lack of an elevator to the second floor, which poses a challenge for guests with heavy luggage or mobility limitations.

Staff & Service
The staff receives highly mixed reviews, ranging from exceptional to very poor. Many guests commend the staff for being friendly, helpful, accommodating, and going above and beyond to assist with requests, such as shuttle scheduling or resolving issues. Specific individuals are often highlighted for their positive attitudes and efficiency. Conversely, a notable number of guests reported experiences with rude or unresponsive front desk personnel, describing them as dismissive or unhelpful, particularly during check-in or when addressing complaints. Some guests also experienced miscommunications regarding shuttle bookings or hidden fees.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, which is appreciated by guests traveling with animals, though a pet fee may apply. A security deposit is typically required upon check-in, which some guests noted was not clearly advertised. The hotel's parking validation process is a unique policy that frequently causes confusion and frustration, requiring guests to obtain a ticket upon entry and have it validated at the front desk each time they leave and return to the property. This process, while intended for security, is often seen as cumbersome and inconvenient.