The Society Hotel

Item: The Society Hotel
Rating: 45
Author: Yasha Wallin

Where:
Portland, Oregon
Why:To visit friends and see what all this Portland hype is about.
When:January 2017
Who:Me, myself and I

My minimally chic bed.

Room with a view.

Business lunch.

Toasty lobby vibes.

The Society Hotel The wall panels behind reception are made from original doors of the building’s first life – a hotel for sailors dating back to 1881.

The wall panels behind reception are made from original doors of the building’s first life – a hotel for sailors dating back to 1881.

Night light.

Me and my straightjacket bathrobe.

Expect all the Portland staples here like craft beer, almond milk, Matcha, and the previously pictured avocado toast - yum.

The Society Hotel Over the years the building has housed everyone from sailors, Jewish merchants, Gypsy royalty, Japanese immigrants, and me. There are nods to this rich history throughout the floors, with old newspaper clippings, recycled materials, and the original stained glass intact.

Over the years the building has housed everyone from sailors, Jewish merchants, Gypsy royalty, Japanese immigrants, and me. There are nods to this rich history throughout the floors, with old newspaper clippings, recycled materials, and the original stained glass intact.

How Portland stays cozy.

It was 28 degrees when I was there, but magical nonetheless because we had rare sunny days.

Highs & Lows

It’s all about the lobby and café (and in the summer the rooftop). The fireplace was always going, and it has a warm, casual vibe for partaking in what Portland does best: drinking coffee and talking politics.
It’s perfect for anyone on a budget. Whether you want something super affordable (one of the shared rooms) or more privacy (your own suite with bathroom), you’ll be well taken care of without breaking the bank.
Rarely have I encountered friendlier staff.
Instead of calling down to the front desk they have a texting concierge to ask anything: where’s the best restaurant in the city, can you bring me Tylenol for my hangover, etc.

Let’s just say the neighborhood has some very colorful personalities, so not amazing for walking around at night.
The walls are thin, so I counted sheep whilst my neighbor snored. The plus side: they provide free earplugs.

The Barometer

Design
Website
Environmental Consciousness
Night's Sleep
Service

Amenities
Takeable Treats
Refer a Friend
Overall Value
Life Changing

Total: 45/50

Important Bits

Type
Victorian Clubhouse: hostel, private suites and a cute cafe.
Vibe
Crafty contemporary
Location
In Chinatown / Old Town
Rooms
24 private rooms with shared bathrooms, 12 suites, 1 bunker room with 24 beds.
Music
Radiohead, and other melancholy hits (when in Portland, go emo).
Year Opened
2015
Designed By
Owners Matt Siegel, Jonathan Cohen, Jessie Burke and Gabe Genauer.