Portland's BEST Kept Secret? This Courtyard Marriott Will SHOCK You!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on Portland's true Hidden Gem: The Courtyard Marriott That'll Actually SHOCK You (In a Good Way!). Seriously, forget those Instagram-perfect hotels – this place is real, it’s got heart, and it might just become your new Portland obsession.
Let's get messy, shall we?
Portland's Perfectly Imperfect Secret: A Courtyard Marriott Breakdown
First things first: Accessibility. Okay, I’m not gonna pretend I know absolutely everything about wheelchair accessibility (though I’ll try!). What I can say is that, from what I saw, they’ve made a real effort. Elevator access is a given (thank goodness), and I spotted Facilities for disabled guests mentioned. Need specifics? Call them! But from a general vibe, it felt inclusive. This is vital for everyone.
Cleanliness and Safety: Okay, let's address the elephant in the room…or, the COVID-19 elephant in the lobby. This Courtyard gets serious points. They. Are. On. It. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays – all the buzzwords are there, and feeling it. I even saw staff wiping down elevator buttons constantly. Plus, Hand sanitizer stations are EVERYWHERE. I'm talking constant access. It's reassuring…and honestly, a little obsessive (in a good way!). They also offer a Room sanitization opt-out available, for those who prefer a more eco friendly approach. Felt good knowing that.
Rooms: Now, let's talk ROOMS. I'm gonna be honest – it's a Courtyard, so don't expect a suite with a private waterfall. BUT. The basics are surprisingly solid. Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Yes, please. Because Portland always has light pollution. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? ABSOLUTELY essential! And it actually works, unlike some places. It's fast! I also noticed a Coffee/tea maker, which is a lifesaver for my caffeine addiction. There's a Mini bar which is dangerous and a fun Refrigerator, and the Bathroom was well stocked. The bed? Comfortably firm. You've got a desk, Complimentary bottled water, and even a Laptop workspace…if you must work (though, honestly, why?). It's a good, solid, functional room. The Soundproofing is pretty good too – a huge plus for a busy city like Portland.
Internet, Internet, Internet (and More Internet): Okay, this is important. They get it. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms – fantastic! I think it's a must have. There's even Internet access [LAN] in some rooms, if you're a tech-savvy type (I'm not, so I can't comment much). Wi-Fi in public areas too, naturally. Connectivity is key these days.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (aka the Food Rundown): This is where things get interesting, because the Courtyard isn't just a hotel; it’s a… well, a life-saver when you need to eat. They have a Restaurant and a Bar. I was craving something easy after my flight, so I grabbed a Salad in the restaurant and an amazing Coffee (because Portland, obviously, knows coffee). The fact that there's a Coffee shop on-site is brilliant. They serve Western cuisine in restaurant, and Western breakfast. There is also a Breakfast [buffet], and the convenience of Room service [24-hour] is HUGE. You can even get a Bottle of water at your door. Now, I usually prefer more unique dining experiences, but the convenience of this was the biggest selling point.
Services and Conveniences: They have Air conditioning in public area, A Concierge service that was very helpful, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, a Dry cleaning service, an Elevator. There's also a Gift/souvenir shop. They also gave me an Invoice provided immediately. Ironing service and Laundry service are available too.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You!): I didn’t have kids with me, but I did notice they have Family/child friendly policies and Kids meal options. They also offer a Babysitting service. Also offering the Indoor venue for special events if you have a family that needs more privacy.
Things to Do (And How to Relax – Because, Portland!): Okay, this Courtyard keeps it real on the relaxation front. While it’s not a full-blown spa resort, they do have a Fitness center (I ran a 5k on the treadmill with a spectacular view!), a Swimming pool [outdoor] and yes, it is in fact good. Very good. It has a Pool with view. This is what made me fall in love with this place. The pool is gorgeous! They also have a Sauna and/or Steamroom. Perfect. I can't comment on a Spa, because a spa experience is not available but the gym and pool alone were enough to wash away all the troubles of the day.
Getting Around: This is a big plus. Airport transfer is available, which is key if you're flying in. They also offer Car park [free of charge], if you’re driving, and a Car park [on-site], if not. They also have the expected Taxi service and Valet parking.
A Few Quirks and Honest Observations (The Good, the Bad, and the Weird):
- The Staff: Honestly, they were lovely. Approachable, helpful, and genuinely seemed to care. None the less they were trained in safety protocol.
- The Vibe: It's not trying to be fancy. It’s comfortable, clean, and functional. It’s the sort of place where you can actually RELAX.
The Shocking Truth: Why This Courtyard Marriott Will Actually Surprise You
Look, I've stayed in a lot of hotels. And honestly, most Courtyards are…well, they're fine. But this one? This one gets it right. It's the perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and surprisingly good vibes. You're not paying a fortune, but you're getting a solid experience. And in a city like Portland, that's worth its weight in locally roasted coffee beans.
My Crazy Good Deal: The Offer You Can't Refuse
Tired of Overpaying for "Trendy" Hotels?
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- 20% Off Your Stay: Use promo code "PDXSECRET" at checkout.
- Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily: Fuel up for your Portland adventures.
- Free Parking Included: Save on those pesky city parking fees!
- Guaranteed Upgrade (Based on Availability): Maybe you'll snag a room with a view!
- Flexible Cancellation: Because life happens.
Why Choose Us?
- Clean and Safe: We're obsessed with your well-being.
- Perfect Location: Close to everything, but tucked away for peace and quiet.
- Friendly and Helpful Staff: We're here to make your stay amazing.
- The Pool with a View: Seriously, it's worth it alone.
Don't Delay – This Offer Ends Soon!
Click the link below, use promo code "PDXSECRET" when you book and prepare to be pleasantly surprised!
[Insert Link Here - You'll Need to Grab This from Your Website or Booking Platform]
P.S. If you see me at the pool, say hello! I’ll be the one soaking up the sun and secretly planning my next Portland adventure.
Merrillville's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn & Suites Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly curated Pinterest itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL, a trip to the Courtyard by Marriott Portland East, lived, breathed, and potentially mildly regretted (but mostly loved). Here's how it's gonna shake out, though, believe me, things ALWAYS go sideways.
Trip Title: Portlandia, Pizza, and the Pretenses of Productivity (Courtyard Chaotic Edition)
Day 1: The Arrival (May Contain Mild Panic)
1:00 PM: Arrive at Portland International Airport (PDX). Okay, first observation: this airport is surprisingly pleasant. For an airport. I mean, compared to LaGuardia, it's practically a spa retreat. Found the rental car…after a solid 20 minutes of wandering and muttering about Hertz's lack of clear signage. "Where is the dang shuttle?! Is this some kind of existential riddle?!"
2:00 PM: The drive to the Courtyard. Google promised 15 minutes. Lies. All lies! Turns out, Portland traffic is a beast, even on a Tuesday afternoon. I also got distracted by some really cute houseboats on the Willamette River. "Ooh, look, a houseboat! I want one! Wait, where's the turn?" Yeah, that set me back a bit.
3:00 PM: Check in time. Finally! The Courtyard itself is…well, it's a Courtyard. Clean enough, the lobby is kinda…corporate, but hey, at least the AC is blasting. My room? It's a room. Beds seem comfy, which is the most important thing after the traffic skirmish. Now for a quick survey: Is the bathroom decent? Check. Are there enough outlets for my phone and my travel iron (don’t judge!)? Double check.
3:30 PM: The Great Snack Acquisition. Okay, let’s be real, the vending machine is not on brand. I'm hangry, the hotel cafe menu looks underwhelming (and probably expensive), and my stomach is rumbling like a disgruntled tuba. So, I sprint to the closest grocery store. It's a glorious carb-filled frenzy, then return to the hotel and binge on chips and cookies. Regret level: already high.
4:00 PM- 6:00 PM: Wasted time in the room… I'm trying to work, but the emails never stop coming. My productivity is about the same as that of a sloth on vacation. I stared out the window at the parking lot, convinced I saw somebody I knew. Was it a ghost? Was I just really tired? I might have napped.
6:00 PM: Attempt at Food. I finally venture out for dinner, and I'm craving pizza. Portland has pizza, right? (Spoiler: yes.) After looking up the restaurants, I decide to be brave and venture into the unknown streets of the city.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Pizza Pilgrimage. The pizza place I Google-stalked, is absolutely amazing. I devour a whole pizza by myself and judge everyone who orders salad. It was a transcendent experience. Pizza is the answer to everything.
9:00 PM: Head back to hotel. The evening is capped with some local beer, and a Netflix binge. That's the life, isn't it?
Day 2: The Urban Adventure (and Potential Meltdown)
7:00 AM: Wake up. Alarm clock snooze button on a loop. Coffee is vital. The Courtyard coffee is…well, it's coffee. Let's say it gets the job done.
8:00 AM: Attempt Attempt the hotel gym. I'm a liar. The gym, I went in. I walked around, judged everyone who was in there, and left.
9:00 AM: Downtown Wander. Into the city, I go! I plan to explore Powell’s City of Books. The sheer size of it is slightly overwhelming. I get lost. I find myself wandering the children's section. "Should I buy that children's book, just to pretend I know stuff?" Later I will try to pretend to be cool in an indie record store. The attempt fails miserably. I leave with an obscure album that I will never listen to.
12:00 PM: Lunch… I eat where and whatever I can find.
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Exploring more of Portland. I wander through the shops, marvel at the street art, and almost get run over by a cyclist.
4:00 PM: Back to the hotel for a short rest.
6:00 PM: Dinner #2. I'm thinking Thai Food. I end up in a tourist trap. The food is mediocre, and when the bill comes, I'm horrified. I pay, vowing to never return.
7:30 PM: I go through my hotel's free television service. I watch an episode of something I don't remember, and fall asleep at 9:00 pm.
Day 3: Departure (With a Side of Existential Dread)
7:00 AM: Quick Breakfast. It's the same as yesterday. Just another cup of coffee.
8:00 AM: Check-out time. Say goodbye to the hotel room, which, for a brief time, was my temporary domicile.
8:30 AM: Attempt to make my flight.
Portland International Airport (PDX).
Homeward Bound! (With a lingering pizza craving and a profound appreciation for quiet hotel room).
Final Thoughts:
Portland, you're weird, you're wonderful, and you are definitely a city I'll be back to. The Courtyard? It served its purpose. It was a base camp for my chaotic adventures. And you know what? Maybe that's all it needs to be. Now, where's the phone charger? And the coffee? I need coffee!
Escape to Kroonstad: Cornerstone B&B's Unforgettable Charm
Is this secret better than your Grandma's secret cookie recipe? (Also, did she ever remember to put the chocolate chips in?)
Okay, spill the tea. Location, Location, Location – what's the deal?
The Room: Is it a concrete box of despair, or... something else?
The Breakfast Buffet: Does it deserve a spot in the pantheon of Portland brunch? (Please say yes.)
The Staff: Are they grumpy Portlanders, or... actually friendly?
So, about the "shocking" part… What's actually the secret?
