The Royal Sonesta Portland Downtown

A total mess. We had a room with a clogged tub and black mold coming out of the drain. Moved to another room that had not been cleaned as there were smudges all over the lower half of the mirrors from a child. Spent 2 hours in limbo moving from one room to the next room. Finally received a clean room which was a “comped upgrade” (it was the exact same as the one booked) but what was most outrageous is that we were given a room that management opened with us at the door and it was already occupied. Management completely violated their privacy by barging in on those guests and made us feel super uncomfortable. She did not apologize to them or us about that incident. It was a total mess.

The staff were helpful and professional. We had a suite that was clean and comfortable, but noise from the street was a little loud. The area it is in downtown is a little rough, probably not kid friendly - but otherwise, it was a value.

I had a few problems with this hotel. In fairness, a few are no fault of the hotel, but worth noting. 1) Checked in around 9:30pm. A few steps from the hotel, I walked through a group of 20-30 people, mostly young, sitting/hanging out around the corner of the block on Washington St. Several were openly lighting crack/meth (?) on aluminum foil as if lighting a cigarette. I saw this a number of times in my three night stay. I experienced no problems with any homeless/addicts, but was struck by the number, the tents on sidewalks, and the open use of narcotics downtown. Its a city with rules that are hurting its youth (again no fault of hotel). At midnight my first night, I heard what sounded like 12 gunshots in a row, followed by two shotgun blasts maybe 1/2 mile away (I know what guns sound like). I mentioned it to the front desk clerk who said it happens occasionally. I would think twice before bringing kids. 2. Parking at hotel is $53/night 3. VIP not honored. Chose this hotel bc it was listed as Expedia VIP hotel. But, no room upgrade at check-in, no free parking, and no VIP late checkout - “unavailable” per front desk. And when I asked for an additional bottle of water (two in room at check in), I was told I’d be charged. if I stay 30 days, only the two initial bottles? “Yes” per front desk clerk. Guests are required to check out and back in for another bottle. 4. Rooms clean, but hotel needs a make-over. Old plumbing 5. Price very good

Decor fantastic, the electronics are very dated, the TVs were not enabled to access the internet - to force the movie channel. With the staff recommending us not to go out in the evening-TV time with family was needed. We used our WiFi hotspots with a mental note to not stay again. The brunch in the on-site restaurant was wonderful. In the evenings the Finch on fifth is abysmal, with limited evening menu options of what was decaying food coupled with the overbearing dirty waiter was awful. My daughter was shy before puberty hit so when the waiter forced his choice of starter on her and then got very close in her face yelling she should speak up our night was ruined before the many times reheated food arrived. We felt we could not express our concerns. We felt very intimidated and needed to escape rather than be humiliated again. Saturday night we had food delivered to the room. Even though no sign advising this you can self park rather that pay the $52 a night. We were also offered and accepted an upgrade for $200 but this never came through we were charged full as it was an ‘expedia’ issue. I should of believed the other reviews that mentioned this.

This was such a quirky and lovely hotel. The only downside was we stayed in a 1 bedroom suite with a door with small kids, but the sliding door was waaayyy too loud and too difficult to close, so while the layout of the room was great, it's not going to work if you're planning on closing/opening the door while some of your party is sleeping. Bathroom pocket door was also difficult to open and close, but doable.

Check in was a breeze- complimentary wine happy hour a nice bonus- cold water in the lobby available anytime you come through was a nice touch. Coffee in AM is superb. The rooms are always impeccably clean and whenever we make a special request for our family- they always come through with a smile on their faces. That’s why we only stay here when we come to PDX.