I'll be in town on 12/19 for the U2 concert at the Rose Garden Arena. Any suggestions for a nice hotel close to the venue? Embassy suites or better? Thanks!

Go to priceline. Check 4*. Check "downtown." Bid $70. No matter what you get, it's a quick MAX ride away from the Rose Garden, and the ride is free. Much better than spending $90 for the Convention Center Holiday Inn. If you're under 35, stay at the Jupiter Hotel and hire a taxi. It will rain.

The great thing about Portland is that it is really compact and easy to get around. Most of the hotels are bunched in the core downtown area, which is just across the river from the Rose Garden Arena. About a 5 minute drive. There are a few hotels right near the Rose Garden, but I have not stayed in them so I would not want to comment. If you do not mind being in that core area that I mentioned, then try the 5th Avenue Suites. Even though we live here, I have stayed there twice and it is really a nice hotel with a great staff. It is a Kimpton property, like the Alexis in Seattle that you probably know.



I was just at the Rose Garden for a concert this week. You did not ask for restaurant recommendations, but if you are interested, we had a great casual dinner at the Widmer Gasthaus and it is only 1 mile from the arena.



Have fun at the concert!

The Embassy Suites downtown are in a lovely building and just a quick and cheap taxi ride from the Rose Quarter. If you're looking for casual great food before the show, try Piazza Italia around NW 12th & Johnson in the Pearl. If you want to go high end, make reservations for Giorgio's also in the Pearl off 12th. After the show have a nightcap in the hotel bar or wherever else catches your fancy!

Thanks for all the great tips. I am a big fan of Priceline and use it frequently. I think this time I will spend more and book the Embassy Suites though. I'm taking my daughter to the concert and like the seperate bedroom set up. Although at $70 on Priceline I could almost get 2 rooms.