Portland is one of my favorite cities in the US, and after a couple of recent trips I may also have a new favorite hotel for future travels. Granted, 2020 has been a very strange year for travels, so hotel rates are typically low, and services are quite limited. The Hyatt Centric Portland opened in early 2020, just in time to shut down again due to the pandemic. It re-opened a few months later with modified services. I visited once in the late summer with my family, and then returned a few weeks later when I had a business trip to Portland. The hotel is located on the corner of Alder Street and 11th Ave in southwest Portland. I’ve stayed at several other places in Portland through the years, but assuming the price remains reasonable, I’d gladly return to the Hyatt on future trips.
The Hyatt Centric brand is supposed to be a lifestyle brand that has prime locations and properties with local flavor. At least part of that is true in this case. I mean, the location is good, but I’m not sure what is particularly local. I don’t consider that a knock on this hotel.
Hyatt Centric Portland – public spaces
As with many city center hotels, parking is expensive with valet nearly $50 per night. There is street parking all around, but many restrictions. Thanks to my Globalist status, parking fees were waived, but even so, I don’t really like valet parking in most cases. Thankfully given low occupancy during my stays, there was rarely much of a wait to get my car. The lobby is relatively small, with a reception desk, small seating area, elevators, and the main restaurant Masia on the ground floor. Also included thanks to my status is breakfast at Masia. Even with slightly limited options, meals here were a highlight. Spanish chef Jose Chesa brings food from his homeland to the menu here, including churros, which were an indulgent treat (more than) once during my stays.
While I visited the gym, it was only briefly to cool off and stretch after running.
Hyatt Centric Portland – Rooms
During my stay with family, we received a free upgrade to a suite. When I was alone, I did not get a suite, but a corner king room with better view. While rooms are small, I didn’t feel cramped in either instance. While traveling alone for work the lack of a desk was more of an annoyance. I realize that’s the current design trend in many hotels. When working, an actual desk is much preferred. Note that the photos on the website show desks, but at least in the rooms I’ve stayed in do not have a desk. Both rooms I saw are modern, pretty minimalist, urban design with exposed ceilings, and polished concrete floors such as those from Commercial Concrete Polishing Perth.
The one bedroom suite was an appreciated upgrade during my stay with family. This made it easier to set up a bed from the couch for my daughter, and we could close the bedroom door and not have to be so quiet.
The sitting room was spacious enough for us to relax, and for our daughter to spread out a bit. The double sofa bed was plenty of room for her.
Bottom line on the rooms, small, but nicely appointed. Obviously, I preferred the suite, especially with 3 of us, but either room I had was fine. Just be prepared for somewhat tight quarters and no work desk.
Out and about in Portland
One of my favorite parts of visiting Portland is the food and drink, in my case, beer. Food trucks are all over the place, and a good way to explore the food scene. Plus, everything has outdoor dining, much preferred these days. During my last visit, air quality started to become an issue from forest fires. I departed before the worst days in Portland, but it was quite surreal to see in person
This photo is from the morning before I departed. Photo doesn’t really do it justice. A very strange red hue to the cloudy/smoky sky. This smoky weather disrupted some dining plans. Several restaurants closed for the safety of their staff and patrons. So I missed out on Pine State Biscuits, which several people recommended to me. I was able to visit Cascade Brewing, and their excellent selection of sour beers, and Great Notion is another good choice for excellent and sometimes unique beers. Too many favorite food spots to mention, but after missing out on 2 Pine State Biscuit shops, I did get to Nong’s Khao Man Gai. Thai style chicken and rice. Simple, but delicious. I also made it to Matt’s BBQ, worth a stop if craving some smoked meats.
Final Thoughts
The Hyatt Centric Portland is a nice new hotel well located in downtown. Easy walking distance to various restaurants and sights, and quick access to highways if going further away. Two visits on recent trips, and I’d gladly stay again on future visits to the city.
Have you stayed here? What did you think?
