KEX Hotel

I went to Portland to attend a Conference in the Oregon Convention Center and had to make a last minute booking. After carefully searching AirBnB , Booking and Trivago, I decided to go for KEX by Booking, which proved a great cost/benefit option. In fact it fitted well my needs, since it's only some blocks from the Convention Center, with good showers, a small fitness space and, the best, a Finish sauna to relax after a long day of Congress. I ended up booking a bunk in a shared room, which was enough for my purpose. Each bunk has its own light, outlet and locker. Installed curtains provide some privacy. Although it was not a problem to me, a more sensitive person may feel a little disturbed by the noise of the air-conditioning or the street traffic, that's not really a big deal. Anyways, earplugs are offered for free in the rooms. Although KEX neither have a shared kitchen nor offer breakfast, there's an independent nice bar/restaurant on the lobby/ground floor where one can order for dinner or invite friends for a drink/chat at the end of the day. You can also bring your own meal at breakfast and eat it there. KEX is located at a walking distance from the Convention Center and from Portland downtown and offers easy access to public transport with a bus stop at its door. I could easily go run by the river in the mornings, which was especially pleasant in the spring time with the blossom cherry trees. The staff (CJ, Alexia, Michael and Cia) were especially friendly and helpful. I will definitely recommend KEX for those looking for a nice and affordable option in Portland.

Located in a safe part of Portland, less than 10 minutes walk to Convention Centre, this place has character and is designed to meet travelers' needs. The receptionists are human beings, helpful. The bar/restaurant is lively as it is also open to local people, and only people with key card can proceed to the rooms. I had the Deluxe room with Kingsize bed. The room was spacious, nicely decorated, had good bed and linnen and towels. A fridge w freezer, a sofa, a desk with light, plenty of sockets for charging electrical stuff and the toilet is separate from the shower. Housekeeping only enters your room upon request. Which I like. There are two supermarkets within walking distance. A tram stops one block away, which connects to the tram to and fro the Airport. There's a public (paid) open air parking lot at 50 meters or so. My colleagues, who went to the same conference as I did yet stayed in the blant hotels of the big chains, regretted their choice after hearing about Kex.

Overall very cute and clean place! I stayed in the 4-bd female dorm room and the mattress/comforter was super comfy. I booked this place mainly for the sauna to relax, which I went in twice & it was empty both times. They have a lot of towel options so that was great. It has one bathroom/shower next to it so that’s pretty useful. The bar area seemed vibey and there was a retro 25¢ Photo Booth in the lobby (bring a coin!). They had some outdoor space as well that looked nice, would’ve loved to use it in warmer weather.

Bathroom facilities are essentially as good as (if not better) than a typical hotel with en suite facilities.

Gorgeous hostel, very clean and quiet even in the dorms with 16 beds! The private bathrooms/showers were amazing and definitely help you feel like you aren't surrounded by people at all times. The privacy curtains in the bottom bunks were great and the security drawer was rather large. They even had water and glasses in the room for everyone and a full set of towels on each bunk. Rooms and bathrooms and hallways were super clean, and airconditioned which was a game changer for the 30°C weather I was there for! The bar downstairs has a great ambience and the bartenders are super friendly and make a mean cocktail. The area it's in is perfect, everything is so close, tons of great restaurants and bars and venues. 10/10 would recommend and stay again!