Weekend Getaway: Portland

While Portland, Oregon, isn’t known for being particularly sunny all year-round, it certainly compensates with its unique style and flair. If you’re looking for a way to make the winter a little less gloomy, we suggest redeeming your stockpile of points and miles for a trip to the City of Roses.

Here are a few points properties that we recommend for your weekend getaway to Oregon.

Hyatt

Hyatt Centric Downtown Portland

For a central location that skirts the line between Downtown and the Pearl District, book a room at the Hyatt Centric Downtown Portland. This boutique property stands just a couple of blocks from the famous Powell’s City of Books and within easy access to several urban green spaces and Old Town Chinatown.

You’ll find the decor in your fully stocked room to be both modern and comfortable, with plenty of thoughtful touches and pops of color. To satisfy your hunger any time of day, feel free to swing by the on-property market to pick up a selection of local favorites, such as canned wine, salads, sandwiches and coffee.

A night at this property is available from 12,000 World of Hyatt points.

Cards to Help You Earn World of Hyatt Points

If you’re looking to maximize your earning potential with World of Hyatt, the best way to do that is by—you guessed it—opening a co-branded credit card. Cardholders of The World of Hyatt Credit Card earn 4X points per dollar spent at Hyatt properties, 2X points on transportation, restaurants, flights purchased directly through the airline and fitness club memberships, and 1X point on all other purchases.

Marriott

Hotel Vance, Portland, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

A couple of blocks north of Portland State University stands the Hotel Vance, short for “Advance.” This brand-new hotel is perfect for travelers who like to think and create. The vibe on site is artistic, colorful, vibrant and conducive to new ideas.

Featuring plenty of natural light and open space, this property is also great for solo travelers or digital nomads to meet and mingle. Spend some time off with your new friends in the game room, which features classics, such as shuffleboard and foosball. Don’t miss a meal at The Daily Feast, a local diner nearby that features from-scratch American fare.

A night at this Category 6 property starts from 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

The Bidwell Marriott Portland

For celebrated luxury in the heart of downtown, you can’t go wrong with The Bidwell. Located right in between the I-405 and the shores of the Willamette River, this property stands within walking distance of many Portland favorites.

Featuring simple designs and stunning views, The Bidwell is ideal for a romantic weekend getaway or even a special event. Relax and enjoy a cocktail at the scenic High Horse bar or get a billiards tournament going with your friends.

If you’re missing your usual workout routine, hit up the fitness center and make good use of the Peloton bikes available to guests.

A night at this Category 6 property is available from 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Cards to Help You Earn Marriott Points

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

One of the best ways to earn Marriott points is to apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card from Chase. Cardholders have the opportunity to earn rewards on everyday spending and also earn automatic Silver Elite status. Cardholders earn 6X points per dollar spent on purchases at Marriott properties and 2X points on all other purchases.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

For those not interested in paying an annual fee, consider the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card from Chase. Cardholders still have access to complimentary Silver Elite status and earn 3X points per dollar spent at Marriott properties. Cardholders also earn 2X points per dollar spent on travel and 1X point per dollar on all other purchases.

For those who want a quick path to Silver Elite and a decent earning potential without committing to an annual fee, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold could be the right choice.

Hilton

The Duniway Portland

For a modern hotel with a historic twist, definitely check out The Duniway. This hotel was named for famed pioneer and writer Abigail Scott Duniway, who fiercely advocated for women’s right to vote.

Immerse yourself in Abigail’s still-lingering spirit while enjoying an entertaining evening at the guest-only rooftop bar, Abigail’s Hideaway, or enjoy a craft cup of coffee at Mayrose coffee bar.

This property is ideal for the whole spectrum of travelers, from solo travelers to groups in town for an event. With ample event space and places to work and hang, it’s easy to make The Duniway your home away from home in Portland.

A night at this property is available from 34,000 Hilton Honors points.

The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton

We love a property with a past, and The Benson is a prime example of that. Designed and built by Simon Benson and A.E. Doyle, this property has been a favorite of celebrities and dignitaries for more than 100 years.

Guests who are curious about the hotel’s history have no problem learning more, as the on-site Historic Stairwell museum is a 12-story marble stairwell that tells the tale of Benson and his service to Portland.

Enjoy seasonal, locally sourced dishes in The Palm Court, a stunning old-fashioned dining concept meant to transport you back to The Benson’s early days.

A night at this property is available from 33,000 Hilton Honors points.

Cards to Help You Earn Hilton Points

Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card offers decent earning potential and plenty of travel benefits—a good choice for the business traveler. While it charges a $195 annual fee (see rates and fees), cardholders earn 12X points per dollar spent on Hilton purchases and 5X on other purchases on the first $100,000 in purchases each calendar year, 3X points thereafter.

This card provides complimentary Gold Elite status. A $195 annual fee is a small price to pay considering that benefit. Cardholders also have the opportunity to upgrade to Diamond Elite status by hitting a $40,000 spending threshold.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is our favorite credit card in the Hilton card portfolio. While it comes with a hefty $450 annual fee, the benefits, if used, can more than make up for it.

Notably, the Hilton Honors Aspire Card is the only hotel credit card that offers top-tier elite status—in this case, Hilton Diamond.

Cardholders earn 14X points per dollar spent on Hilton purchases, 7X on purchases at U.S. restaurants, flights booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel and cars booked directly through select car rental agencies. All other eligible purchases earn 3X points.

IHG

Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel

A wonderful blend of urban gray and urban green, the Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel places guests right on the banks of the Willamette River. This cozy-chic hotel is located along a vast stretch of waterfront parks, perfect for a pleasant evening stroll around sunset.

Don’t forget to budget some time to pop up to Portland Saturday Market, a gigantic outdoor market with heaps of vendors that is, unsurprisingly, open only on Saturdays.

If you’d like to stay active during your stay, enjoy complimentary bicycles as well as on-site yoga classes. If you’re into local beers, make sure to taste the Kimpton Dreifecta, a genuine Portland brew.

A night at this property is available from 48,000 IHG Rewards Club points.

Cards to Help You Earn IHG Club Points

IHG One Rewards Premier Card

The IHG One Rewards Premier Card from Chase is a mid-range credit card.

This card charges an $99 annual fee, but it includes automatic Platinum Elite Member status and 10X points per dollar spent at IHG properties. Note that IHG elite status isn’t known for being particularly rewarding, but it does offer a nice bonus on points earnings when you stay with IHG.

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

The Premier level card won’t be the right choice for everyone. If you’re an IHG Rewards member interested in an IHG credit card, but you don’t want to bother with any annual fees, then consider the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card from Chase.

This card does come with the opportunity to bump up to Gold Elite, which is a nice perk for members with Member status. However, those interested in status should really consider the IHG Rewards Premier instead.

Chase Travel Portal

The above properties are wonderful options for Portland, but they aren’t so exciting if you haven’t stocked up on a bunch of points in exactly the right currency. If you don’t have a stash of brand-specific points lying around, there is another option.

Many credit cards offer their own rewards programs that include the opportunity to redeem points on travel. If you’ve been stockpiling credit card rewards instead of hotel rewards, a trip to Portland could be a great way to redeem them.

For example, you could use your stash of Chase Ultimate Rewards Points to book your hotel. When Chase points are redeemed on travel purchases through the Ultimate Rewards portal, they are worth 50% more than other select categories if you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and 25% more if you have the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. That bonus is a great incentive to use them on a trip to Portland!

Here are a couple of examples of properties in Portland that can be booked using Ultimate Rewards points.

Woodlark

Once named “The House of Welcome,” the historic Cornelius hotel combined with the old Woodlark, Clarke & Co. drug store is now reimagined as the Woodlark, two historic buildings in one contemporary hotel.

Originally designed by the same architecture firm as The Benson, the Woodlark is a genuine Portland staple. Head to the on-site Bullard Tavern for Texas-Oregon fusion dishes inspired by chef Doug Adams or enjoy a craft beer at the relaxed, living-room style Abigail Hall.

Whether you choose to tuck away in a cozy room or a spacious suite, expect to leave feeling relaxed and refreshed.

A night at this property starts at 10,080 Ultimate Rewards points.

Dossier Hotel

Expertly crafted with a nod to local Portland artists, the Dossier is an ideal spot for travelers who enjoy exploring the local art scene. Located down the street from the Woodlark, this property places guests right in the heart of downtown.

Each room and suite in this hotel is full of local art, inviting visitors to experience the true heart of Portland. This property also features an Artist in Residence program, which is open to artists for short-term stays, and all creators are welcome to apply.

For an immersive dive into Portland’s art scene and easy access to the city’s favorite spots, the Dossier is an excellent choice.

A night at this property is available from 8,747 Ultimate Rewards points.

Cards to Help You Earn Ultimate Rewards Points

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

A consistent favorite is the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, offering opportunities to earn Ultimate Rewards points at great rates and benefit from travel perks. It has a hefty $550 annual fee, which is partially offset by an annual $300 travel credit, plus built-in travel insurance and protections for when you’re on the go.

Cardholders can enjoy the ability to earn up to 10X points on certain travel and dining purchases.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

If a $550 annual fee just doesn’t sound like a good fit, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card instead. With a $95 annual fee, this card is a good pick for a first-time Chase Sapphire applicant.

You’ll still enjoy solid travel protections as well as 2X points on travel, which can be redeemed through the portal or transferred to airline and hotel partners.

Bottom Line

Whether you have points in a hotel-specific currency or can redeem credit card points for accommodations at a variety of properties, you have options available for a weekend trip to Portland. Utilizing hotel or flexible points can help make a weekend trip to the City of Roses well within any budget.

All information about the American Express Hilton Aspire Card is collected independently by 10xTravel.