10 Stay-Worthy Family Friendly Hotels in Portland
When it comes to planning a family trip to Portland, Oregon, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is where to stay. With dozens of visits to Portland over the last decade, often with young children in tow, I’ve had the chance to experience the city’s hotel scene firsthand. Whether we were stopping briefly en route to the Oregon coast or planning a longer stand-alone trip, our priorities have always been the same: comfort, convenience, and kid-friendly amenities. In this guide, I’m sharing the 10 best family friendly hotels in Portland that will make traveling with kids both practical and enjoyable.
Why You Can Trust This Guide
Before we dive into the recommendations, let me briefly explain why you can trust my advice. I’ve traveled to Portland dozens of times over the past ten years with young children, staying in hotels ranging from high-end luxury to practical mid-range options. I focus specifically on family-friendly travel, evaluating hotels through the lens of parents who need comfort, convenience, and value without compromising on quality. I’ve personally explored neighborhoods, tested amenities, and assessed how well hotels cater to families. My goal is to provide trustworthy guidance so you don’t have to spend hours researching.
Portland also serves as a perfect home base for exploring the Oregon coast. Many of these hotels are centrally located, allowing for quick day trips or overnight adventures along the coast while returning to a comfortable, kid-friendly base.
What Makes a Hotel Family Friendly in Portland
Before listing the hotels, it’s worth noting the factors I considered in evaluating family friendly hotels in Portland:
- Location: Easy access to downtown attractions, parks, or the airport. Slightly outside the city is fine as long as you have easy access to highways.
- Hotel Size & Room Options: Spacious rooms, suites, or connecting rooms that accommodate families comfortably.
- Kid-Friendly Amenities: Pools, game rooms, complimentary cribs, kid menus, or even onsite activities.
- Value for Money: Balancing comfort, convenience, and cost. Families shouldn’t have to pay top dollar for basic accommodations.
- Overall Experience: Cleanliness, service, and the ability to meet family needs without stress.
With that in mind, let’s explore the 10 best family friendly hotels in Portland.
1. The Ritz-Carlton, Portland
No list of family friendly hotels in Portland would be complete without mentioning the Ritz-Carlton. This high-end option caters to families looking for luxury and convenience.
Location: Downtown Portland, walking distance to Pioneer Courthouse Square and the waterfront. Perfect for families who want to explore the city on foot.
Hotel Size & Rooms:
- Medium-sized property with just under 300 rooms.
- Offers suites with separate living areas, ideal for families.
- Rooms feature modern décor, minibars, and large bathrooms.
Kid-Friendly Amenities:
- Cribs and rollaway beds available upon request.
- In-room childcare services and babysitting available for an extra fee.
- Indoor pool for swimming with children.
Why Families Love It: The Ritz-Carlton combines luxury with practical family needs. It’s not just an elegant property; it’s also structured to accommodate families who want upscale comfort without compromising convenience.
2. The Benson, a Hilton Hotel
Another cornerstone in Portland’s hotel scene is The Benson. We’ve stayed here with our children, and it consistently delivers a solid, reliable experience.
Location: Downtown Portland, near shopping, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Hotel Size & Rooms:
- Large hotel with over 300 rooms.
- Offers family suites with pull-out sofas and extra space.
- Offers adjoining rooms for amazingly reasonable prices!
- Classic décor with modern touches; rooms are functional and comfortable.
Kid-Friendly Amenities:
- Cribs and rollaway beds available.
- Onsite dining offers kid-friendly options.
- Easy access to parks and walking routes in downtown Portland.
Why Families Love It: The Benson is straightforward and dependable. It may not be flashy, but it is clean, comfortable, and located centrally. Families know they can rely on it for a stress-free stay.
3. Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel
If you’re looking for a hotel slightly removed from downtown but still convenient, the Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel is an excellent choice.
Location: On the waterfront, about a 10-minute drive from downtown Portland. Offers scenic views of the Willamette River.
Hotel Size & Rooms:
- Small-to-medium property with 143 rooms.
- Suites with separate living spaces are available, which work well for families.
- Modern and stylish rooms, some with river views.
Kid-Friendly Amenities:
- Cribs available upon request.
- Onsite bike rentals for family-friendly excursions.
- Riverfront access for walks and outdoor activities.
Why Families Love It: The Kimpton RiverPlace balances a peaceful riverside setting with easy access to city attractions. Kids enjoy the open spaces, while parents appreciate the thoughtful amenities and scenic surroundings. Even though the property is older, rooms are beautifully maintained and the hotel is more than deserving of its 4.5-star Google rating!
4. Hotel deLuxe
For families who enjoy boutique style with a touch of glamour, Hotel deLuxe offers an interesting option. The Hotel deLuxe offers a very similar vibe to Benson with historical architecture and glamour.
Location: Downtown Portland, convenient to cultural districts, theaters, and restaurants.
Hotel Size & Rooms:
- Smaller hotel with just over 150 rooms.
- Family-friendly suites available with extra beds and open layouts.
- Rooms are designed with retro-Hollywood style but remain practical for families.
Kid-Friendly Amenities:
- Rollaway beds and cribs upon request.
- Proximity to the Portland Art Museum and Powell’s City of Books—both kid-friendly attractions.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi and breakfast options.
Why Families Love It: It’s an upscale boutique hotel that doesn’t sacrifice practicality. Families can enjoy style and convenience without feeling overwhelmed by large crowds.
5. Heathman Hotel
The Heathman Hotel is a classic Portland property that caters well to families seeking a mid-to-high-end experience.
Location: Downtown Portland, within walking distance of shopping and cultural attractions.
Hotel Size & Rooms:
- Medium-sized hotel with around 241 rooms.
- Offers suites and rooms with ample space for families.
- Traditional décor with modern amenities.
Kid-Friendly Amenities:
- Cribs available.
- Restaurants on-site with kid-friendly menus.
- Easy access to parks and public transportation.
Why Families Love It: The Heathman combines tradition and comfort. Its location allows families to explore Portland without relying on a car, and it offers reliable amenities that make traveling with kids easier.
6. Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown
For families who value spacious rooms and complimentary perks or are looking for a value option, Embassy Suites is a strong contender.
Location: Downtown Portland, close to Pioneer Courthouse Square and the waterfront.
Hotel Size & Rooms:
- Large property with over 200 suites.
- Suites include separate living areas and sofa beds—perfect for families.
- Contemporary décor with practical layouts.
Kid-Friendly Amenities:
- Complimentary breakfast and evening receptions.
- Indoor pool for children.
- Cribs available upon request.
Why Families Love It: Embassy Suites focuses on practicality without sacrificing comfort. Families enjoy the extra space, included meals, and convenient location, making it a solid value. The pool is a great benefit after long days of sightseeing!
7. Residence Inn by Marriott Portland Downtown/RiverPlace
Extended-stay options like the Residence Inn are ideal for families who want the flexibility of cooking meals and staying longer in the city.
Location: Waterfront location, just a short drive from downtown Portland.
Hotel Size & Rooms:
- Medium property with 144 rooms.
- All rooms are suites with kitchens and living areas.
- Spacious layouts designed for families and longer stays.
Kid-Friendly Amenities:
- Fully equipped kitchens.
- Complimentary breakfast and grocery delivery services.
- Indoor pool and fitness facilities.
Why Families Love It: The Residence Inn offers the comforts of home with hotel convenience. Families can prepare meals, stretch out, and enjoy a home-like environment while exploring Portland. This is definitely a basic budget friendly hotel but it does that extremely well!
8. The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel
The Nines is perfect for families who want a high-end experience without straying too far from kid-friendly practicality.
Location: Downtown Portland, connected to Pioneer Place Mall.
Hotel Size & Rooms:
- Large property with over 300 rooms.
- Offers suites with extra beds and living areas.
- Modern décor and luxurious finishes.
Kid-Friendly Amenities:
- Cribs and rollaway beds available.
- Restaurants provide kid-friendly menu options.
- Walking distance to parks, museums, and shopping.
Why Families Love It: The Nines delivers luxury that families can enjoy. Its central location allows for easy exploration, and the spacious rooms work well for kids. However, at this price point I would steer families towards the Ritz-Carlton.
9. McMenamins Kennedy School
For a unique experience that families may enjoy, McMenamins Kennedy School offers a hotel stay like no other. The McMenamins name is synonymous with unique hotels in Oregon, and this location is no exception. How fun to spend the night in a converted school?!
Location: About a 15-minute drive from downtown Portland in the Alberta Arts District.
Hotel Size & Rooms:
- Medium-sized property with roughly 55 rooms.
- Rooms are converted classrooms, offering quirky, fun layouts for kids.
- Retro charm with modern amenities.
Kid-Friendly Amenities:
- Onsite soaking pool and arcade room.
- Family-friendly dining options.
- Outdoor spaces for kids to play safely.
Why Families Love It: McMenamins Kennedy School is playful, memorable, and full of character. It provides a fun alternative for families who want something beyond a standard hotel experience.
10. The Allison Inn & Spa (Near Portland, Wine Country)
If you’re willing to venture slightly outside Portland, the Allison Inn & Spa offers a serene family-friendly option under an hour away in the Willamette Valley.
Location: Approximately 45 minutes from downtown Portland, nestled in Oregon wine country.
Hotel Size & Rooms:
- Medium property with 99 rooms.
- Spacious suites with king beds and living areas.
- Modern décor with luxury amenities.
Kid-Friendly Amenities:
- Cribs and rollaway beds available.
- Heated outdoor pool for children.
- Access to walking trails and outdoor spaces.
Why Families Love It: The Allison Inn & Spa blends relaxation and family practicality. It’s ideal for families looking for a retreat outside the city while staying within easy reach of Portland. I wouldn’t use this for my main homebase in Portland but it makes a great add on for a night or two to enjoy Oregon wine country.
Using Portland as a Base for Oregon Coast Adventures
One of the advantages of staying in any of these family friendly hotels in Portland is the city’s proximity to the Oregon coast. Portland is about a two-hour drive from popular coastal towns like Cannon Beach, Seaside, and Lincoln City. Many families I’ve traveled with, including my own, use Portland as a home base, either staying overnight in the city before heading out to the coast or returning after coastal adventures. With so many kid-friendly accommodations, it’s possible to combine urban exploration with beachside fun without logistical headaches.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right family friendly hotels in Portland doesn’t have to be complicated. From the luxury and reliability of the Ritz-Carlton and The Benson to the playful charm of McMenamins Kennedy School or the home-like feel of Residence Inn, there’s something for every family’s needs. Each of the hotels listed here offers a combination of location, comfort, and practical amenities that make traveling with children easier and more enjoyable.
Whether you’re in Portland for a quick stop on the way to the coast, a long city-centered vacation, or a mix of both, these hotels provide a strong foundation for a stress-free family adventure. With spacious rooms, kid-friendly features, and convenient locations, you can focus on creating memories rather than managing logistics.
No matter your family’s preferences—luxury, boutique style, extended stays, or quirky and fun—these 10 hotels represent the best options for families visiting Portland. The city is as accommodating as it is vibrant, and choosing the right hotel ensures your trip is comfortable, convenient, and full of memorable experiences.
