A happy surprise (price and comfort) at Portland’s airport Red Lion Inn
Red Lion Inn lobby
For our recent visit to Portland to see Texas rocker James McMurtry, I didn’t want to pay a lot for a motel. After a search, I found a cheap rate at the Red Lion Inn out by the airport (7101 NE 82nd Avenue).
It was $53 for a night, was close to two other places we wanted to visit (the IKEA store and the Fabric Depot) but 10 miles from the concert site at the Aladdin Theater. I says to myself, let’s take a chance. And it was a very pleasant surprise.
The second-floor room was very small, but we had our desired king-sized bed. The entertainment center cabinet had the TV and a microwave and a small refrigerator, and dresser drawers. The room also featured a small desk and chair, free wireless, and an extra chair in a corner. The room was very clean.
The bed was very comfortable. Only heard one jet go over us, and that was when I had awakened around 6 a.m. the morning after the concert; I quickly went back to sleep.
The downside is location. If you are headed toward the airport on Airport Way you turn left onto NE 82nd Avenue, which is currently undergoing a lot of construction in a couple of places. Access into the hotel is easy. Exiting is a challenge. To go to IKEA or to the airport, you have to exit Red Lion from the rear and circle around. It’s not intuitive or marked. If you wish to go south on NE 82nd, you go out the front entrance and you can only turn right onto 82nd.
The Red Lion has a restaurant and sports (betting) bar on site. We didn’t try the restaurant. We did go into the bar for a night cap after the concert, and it was pleasant with a friendly bartender.
The drive to downtown Portland is pleasant and you have several routes to choose from. We avoided getting on the interstates and actually enjoyed the drives.
If your trip to Portland is just to visit the downtown area, the airport area is probably not your best choice. But if your visit includes stops at east Portland sites or to the airport, I’ll gladly suggest you try the Red Lion. It’s cheap and very comfortable. If you are expecting or desire first-class accommodations, look elsewhere.
Oh, what can you do nearby? In addition to being with a very short drive to a huge IKEA store, you can shop, eat and relax at many stores at nearby Cascade Station.
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