In the heart of a bustling urban center and close to a tranquil river lies an unassuming independent boutique hotel with an interesting mission: to bring the outdoors into the city. The Hotel Zags can be found in the Fountain District in downtown Portland, Oregon, a trendy city where you can order the best coffee in America. Opening in 2019, this hotel is conveniently located, easily accessible by public transportation, and newly renovated, offering its adults-only guests a serene and comfortable getaway in a modern, light-filled oasis.
One of the most unique features of a stay here has to be its fully-stocked Gear Shed. Guests can check out a wide array of items, including fishing rods, skateboards, yoga mats, binoculars, and much more from this adventurer’s dream locker. You simply need to reserve the gear you want at the front desk anytime during your stay. And even if you’re not feeling up for tackling the great outdoors, this homey hotel serves the outdoors to you. Every evening, there’s S’mores Hour from 7 to 8 p.m. in the lush courtyard, where The Hotel Zags brings camping vibes to the city center. So, feast on marshmallows and chocolate to your heart’s content, while you connect with other guests around an open fire.
If you’re flying into town, the closest airport is Portland International Airport (PDX). You’ll find direct flights here from most major American cities, including Los Angeles, Denver, Las Vegas, and San Francisco. To get to the hotel, the most affordable option is to take the MAX light rail, which is just a short walk away and will get you there in under an hour. You can also drive the 13 miles (less than 20 minutes) or take a taxi.
The Gear Shed at The Hotel Zags
The Gear Shed is your one-stop shop for all your adventuring and entertainment needs. Want to stroll through Portland and capture memories of this Pacific Northwest beauty? Reserve a camera for your walking tour — you can borrow a Leica if you want high-quality, professional images, a GoPro for the best action shots, or a Polaroid for instantly-printed snaps.
Ready to leave the city behind and get out into the woods? Grab a mountain bike, along with any necessary safety gear (helmets, locks, lights, and knee pads), and you’re good to go. Head over to Forest Park, which offers 80 miles of trails and is a little over an hour by bike from the hotel. This lush park has some of Oregon’s prettiest trails and is the largest urban forest in the U.S. For an even closer escape into nature, you can visit Hoyt Arboretum, Oregon’s lush “living museum of trees” close to downtown Portland. It’s around 30 minutes by bike (just over an hour on foot), and there are 12 miles of hiking trails, where you can see 2,300 species of trees and other plants. Both of these places are easily accessible by public transportation as well.
On rainy days, when going outside seems like a drag, don’t worry — the Gear Shed’s got you! Rent the Nintendo Switch for endless gaming. Do you prefer to go analog? Then take out a classic board game, like chess, instead. If you’re hosting a team-building, corporate, or social event, note that the Colosseum, a 1,600-square-foot space, is available to rent (for an additional fee). It can be adapted to fit anywhere from 20 to over 90 guests, and it offers a variety of entertainment, including shuffleboard and pool tables, online gaming, and darts.
Staying and dining at The Hotel Zags
