The Mark Spencer Hotel, Portland

One can debate whether or not the place has charm, or European ambiance, or whatever, but unless you're truly hard of hearing, it's incredibly, incredibly noisy. The neighborhood is full of bars and clubs, heavy traffic, has nearby train tracks with howling freight trains, and a church that tolls its bells at six in the morning. If you want to wake up rested, stay elsewhere.

During our stay at The Mark Spencer Hotel, I was suprised by two things. The first being the Front Desk Staff. Every time we walked by and everytime we spoke with them, I was greeted with smiles. This is a very nice simple gesture that went along way. The second surprise was the location. Such a wonderful location. It seems maybe The Mark Spencer Hotel is sitting on a gold mine. Whether the owner knows this or not, other hotels would gladly take their spot. The location is next to The Pearl District which offers very fun and unique Shopping. I loved the plethera of restaurants in the area. Each of the Front Desk Staff were willing to research information and provided any tips for a fun evening. Justin inparticular was nice and charming. His supervisor even noted that many of the guest would "like to take him home." He did a great job of making us feel at home. As for the Housekeeping and the Bell Staff, they did a terrific job. I have stayed at other hotels and not had the sevice of these workers. I believe the gentlemans name was Kao (pronounced Cow) He was very nice and funny. He had a hard job as he was over worked most of our stay. He needs a RAISE!!!! The hotel is nice and friendly with a great price. The rooms can be dark and the hallways sometimes do smell, but the hotel is like home.

Having never been to the Rose City, the smiling front desk always made sure we knew how to get where we were going. From the moment we checked in, the staff went out of their way to make our stay a home away from home, especially Magic and Uncle Dave. We also liked the continental breakfast (croissants, oatmeal, bagels, toast, oj, cereal, muffins) and the staff again made sure it was up to par. People on here complained how old this place was, but we thought it was in fantastic shape. Remember: you're sleeping IN the hotel, not WITH the hotel. It's okay if it's historic. It's centrally located and close to many attractions. We met people who paid twice as much to stay far out by the airport. This is downtown. The streetcar goes right by the front of the hotel and picks up a block away. You can't get better than that!! We plan on going back to Portland next summer and will definitely stay here.

The rooms are little older and not dressed up at all but the location made up for that by far. Dont pay over a $100 for a room, they are willing to negotiate. We went to a show at the Crystal Ballroom and its just 3 blocks down the street. Powells book (a must for any out of towner) is just two blocks away, and about a 10 places to eat in hoping on one leg distance. All around it was a great stay with a great staff. the only major downer was that the breakfest was alittle weak.

We liked the courteous welcome from the staff as we arrived. It was convenient to have the underground parking and be close to downtown amenities and the railcar. We utilized the kitchen. The older hotels are fun to stay in because of their "charm." We will definitely be back!

I really enjoyed my stay at the Mark Spencer. The staff were friendly, helpful, and courteous. The location is fantastic. Thank you for a very enjoyable stay in Portland.

I was prepared to stay in a well furnished high class room for 200$ a night,however the room was horrible. Small T.V.s, tiny showers, uncomfortable beds, and super thin walls did not make me a happy customer. The pictures that the hotel provides are misleading, it only looks nice outside of the rooms. I would reccomend the Westin, I have had nothing but good experiences there.

For a 30th reunion of some college friends, we booked online one executive suite, one junior suite, and one single room, and provided our credit card number to guarantee the rooms. Three days before our arrival last weekend, I called to confirm the rooms. We arrived at 2 p.m. and were told our rooms had been "downgraded" and "discounted." The Executive Suite that was to sleep four adults in two bedrooms and a separate room was now one room with one bed and a separate tiny room with a sleeper sofa. The junior suite was also downgraded. We did look at the rooms and were shocked; not only were they tiny but also shabby (and not shabby chic!). Fortunately, we were able to book rooms at another downtown hotel at the last minute and had a wonderful time plus a complimentary full breakfast together the next morning, for only a bit higher price. Even if you have booked in advance, guaranteed with a credit card, telephoned for a verbal confirmation, and arrived early in the afternoon, don't count on the Marc Spencer holding your room. Instead, try another of Portland's hotels. You'll sleep better at night, and that's a guarantee!

Great location, within walking distance of most everything downtown. Good friendly service with decent breakfast bar. If you're on the go, in at 2am up by 10, and you don't want to waste time with details, this is the place. Check out the rooftop lounge and the enclosed New York style courtyard like shaft. You can actually have a conversation with someone on another floor by just shouting out the window. Makes for great fun! I give it two thumbs up and a pinkie.

the place is terrific.. affordable.,, perfect location.. great rooms.. it is just an all time favorite.. The only disappointment is when I an inm Portland and cannot get a room.