Visiting Portland¶

Wondering where to stay and how to get around once you get to Portland? We have a bunch of great resources for you.

Eating¶

During the main days of the conference (Monday and Tuesday), ample food and refreshments are provided. For non-conference days and dinners, connect with new friends and explore Portland’s vibrant scene. For those attendees with specific dietary needs, Portland is very inclusive and accommodating.

Recommendations coming soon!

Where to stay¶

Revolution Hall is a converted high school located in the historic Buckman neighborhood in Portland’s vibrant inner-east side. It is surrounded by a mixture of vintage and modern housing, parks, small businesses, and a variety of local eateries including coffee shops and restaurants.

There are many options on VRBO, Airbnb, and other sites in the neighborhood around the venue. We encourage you to look into these options to find lodging nearest the venue.

There are also a number of hotels located within two miles of the venue. These are a short rideshare trip away! You are welcome to walk, but please note that our beloved city has experienced an increase in unhoused residents in the past few years, and you may see evidence of this.

Eastside Portland (near Revolution Hall)¶

Lolo Pass

Affordable private and shared room options
Coffee/cafe in lobby, coworking space
0.4 miles to venue, walkable

KEX Portland

Charming private and shared room options
Beautiful restaurant in lobby
0.8 miles from venue

Hotel Eastlund

Wonderful rooftop restaurant and bar
1.2 miles from venue

Downtown/Westside Portland¶

Our Westside hotel recommendations are located within and near Portland’s Pearl District, a vibrant neighborhood with shops, restaurants and Powell’s Books!

Canopy Hotel by Hilton

Modern hotel near art and nightlife
Restaurant in lobby, 24-hour fitness center
1.9 miles from venue

Ace Hotel

Boutique hotel with private and shared room options
1.8 miles from venue

Mark Spencer Hotel

Historic hotel with upscale accommodations
1.9 miles from venue

There are a number of other wonderful hotels in this city. If you have a question about a specific hotel or neighborhood outside of our list, contact portland@writethedocs.org.

Getting around¶

Portland is a very accessible city and there are many transportation options available, public and otherwise. Portland is divided into six quadrants (with Burnside Avenue delineating north and south sections, and the Willamette River separating west and east sections). It is a city of neighborhoods, and each has its own distinct personality. We encourage you to connect with other documentarians and explore our unique neighborhoods during your stay.

Public transportation¶

There are four bus lines that run close to Revolution Hall. If you’re coming from downtown, you can take lines 15 (Belmont), 12 (Sandy Blvd.), 19 (Glisan), or 20 (Burnside). If you are coming from the Convention Center area, the best bet is to take line 70 (12th Ave.). Check the TriMet Trip Planner for more information.

Portland has an extensive bus network as well as a separate streetcar network. The MAX is Portland’s major light-rail system. The MAX primarily connects Portland with the surrounding cities, such as Gresham, Beaverton, Clackamas, and Hillsboro. If you’re flying into Portland Airport (PDX), there is a MAX station for the Red Line in the airport itself.

If you are planning on using MAX, Portland Streetcar and/or city buses frequently during your stay, it may be worth investing in the Hop Fastpass fare card system. Or, it’s easy to tap your credit card for a one-time ride. You may purchase MAX tickets from a ticket machine at the airport. Be sure to buy a ticket before boarding the train.

We recommend you use the TriMet Trip Planner.

Rideshare/taxi¶

Taking a rideshare or taxi is a convenient option for getting to Revolution Hall and around Portland. Portland has both Lyft and Uber, and they are quite popular. If you prefer local taxi companies, here are a few recommendations:

Please note that it is not common to hail taxis in Portland, and that your best bet is to call in advance.

Bike rentals¶

There are two bike rental companies in downtown Portland that may be good options if you want to experience Portland by bike (which we very much recommend), and a bikeshare program:

Driving¶

If you drive to the conference, note that the venue doesn’t have parking on-site. You are able to park in the nearby neighborhood in street parking for free.

Any of the streets east of the venue (15th Ave and higher) allow for all-day street parking.

Sundries¶

There is a Market of Choice located within walking distance of the venue.

Visiting Portland