Hyatt Centric Downtown Portland Review
Portland, Oregon, sometimes known as the PDX or City of Roses, has been a frequent trip destination of mine. Friends and ToP members started telling me about the hotel. After spending more time recently at the Hyatt Regency Convention Center, I felt it was time to make the trip all the way into town to the Hyatt Centric Downtown Portland. The unique lobby with fantastic nooks to work or rest, as well as the pleasant staff who greeted me, immediately impressed me. You might be surprised by the hallway carpet, which initially led me to believe I'd been teleported to Las Vegas.
Location
Located in the heart of downtown with easy access to get anywhere downtown whether walking or by transit. This hotel stands out from the moment you see it with its unique building featuring wood trim. There is parking at the hotel as well as ample city garages and lots that will save you money. It is also easily accessible by transit with the Max Line.
Typical Booking Cost
In a downtown full of hotel brands to choose from, the Hyatt Centric Downtown Portland is just a Category 2 in the World of Hyatt program! That means you can book this hotel for $95 (annual fee) from your World of Hyatt credit card anniversary certificate. Here are the award costs for each room type:
Standard Room
- 6,500 points off peak
- 8,000 points standard
- 9,500 points peak
- All bookable with a category 1-4 free night certificate, but best if used on standard or peak nights.
Standard Suite
- 11,500 points off peak
- 13,000 points standard
- 14,500 points peak
Premium Suite
- 13,000 points off peak
- 16,000 points standard
- 19,000 points peak
The hotel has 220 guestrooms and suites. The cash prices here typically range between $135 and $250 currently for a standard room, but can climb higher during busier periods. When I booked, rooms were around $135 per night so I elected for a cash booking. With lower cash rates, you will need to do some math to see if using points or a free night certificate makes sense here. Look for those peak rates of $300 and above, As always with downtown hotels, you will need to account for parking prices as well. I will use my World of Hyatt credit card or World of Hyatt Business card for any incidental charges while staying. If you do not have a Hyatt card, then a Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve would work as well.
Property/Amenities Review
The Hyatt Centric Downtown Portland offers valet parking but at big city prices of $47 with in and out privilege. I would not need my car so I elected to park myself at a SmartPark Garage which was just about a block and half away and an easy walk. I paid just over $19 for overnight parking for a savings of $28 versus parking via valet. On Award bookings as a globalist you can get complimentary valet parking which I have done as well.
The hotel features a restaurant and bar area which is used for breakfast and dinner. There is also a grab and go section available 24/7. I felt the breakfast start time of 7 AM was a bit late as many start at 6 AM, especially if departing the city that day. Overall, I felt the breakfast was good, minus the dirty menu I was given. The breakfast selection had plenty of choices and variety to make most people happy. Portions will not amaze you by other Hyatt standards. Another complaint from sausage lovers might be the lack of that option in the breakfast sandwich or breakfast burrito. Service was prompt and food arrived fast and hot. Without globalist status, I would consider an off-site adventure for some of the local gems in Portland.
Feel like an evening beverage, then head to the lobby between 5 and 6 PM for a complimentary wine tasting. While some hotels are a bit firm with these types of perks, the staff here were easygoing here. They let me try each of the wines they were sampling. It made for a nice way to enjoy the happy hour and chat with others in the lobby. Sadly they ended this in early 2024 and I could not find out if it was temporary or permanent on my other visit. I made sure they knew I hoped they would bring it back.
The hotel offers a full gym and water filling station on the second floor if you need to work off the great food and beverages of Portland.
Hyatt Centric Downtown Portland Review: King Suite Room
When I checked in on the app, I had only been upgraded to a king view room. I saw that suites were available so I elected to not check in until later. That is when I noticed I had been upgraded to a King Suite. Sometimes it pays off to be a little patient.
The first thing you will notice is the concrete floors here which are unique. While it may be annoying to some, I liked the look. There were some smaller carpets throughout the room to add a pop of color and make it feel more homey inside the room.
The living room area was spacious with unique artwork and items including a rooster under the table and a record player.
The bedroom was spacious and had plenty of closet space including robes. It may have been one of the most comfortable beds I can recall in all my stays this year as well.
The bathroom was nice and bright with plenty of space and a nice shower. I wish it had double sinks but the large mirror is a plus.
Hyatt Elite Perks & Status Recognition
As a Globalist member, I received an upgrade to a King Suite. Breakfast was included, and upon arrival, I was given a gift bag. The gift bag with a little soft globe inside impressed me and it was a nice touch with my two free waters every day. I was also offered my Globalist late checkout.
Hyatt Centric Downtown Portland Review: ToP Thoughts
Portland has many branded and boutique hotels to choose from, so if wanting to go Hyatt, this would be my choice. It gives you being located downtown with that boutique and eclectic Portland vibe. It really does not feel like your normal branded hotel in any downtown. Have you stayed here or seen a crazy carpet like this in the PDX? Come over to our Facebook group and share your thoughts.
