Holiday Inn Express & Suites Astoria by IHG

You’re right in the middle of the city here, with restaurants and pubs nearby, and the location beat Best Western or Hampton for us. The hotel was very clean, and the bridge view from our room was spectacular. We also had a fireplace, which made the room feel extra peaceful. Breakfast had a good range of choices. The bathroom was the letdown in our suite. The tub and shower curtain felt more like home than a vacation, and the TV wasn’t smart, so we couldn’t watch Netflix or YouTube. I’d still recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Astoria.

Downtown is an easy walk, a mile or less, with shops and restaurants right along the waterfront. We passed a couple of people experiencing homelessness on the way, but they didn’t try to talk to or bother us, and I felt safe walking there and back. Our room was huge, with lots of nooks and hooks and a nice desk. Everything was clean, including the sheets and towels. Breakfast had a big spread of hot food, and the coffee was good. I loved this place. We didn’t use the pool or hot tub, though both had a nice view of the water and bridge. The gym was small, with three cardio machines and free weights, but you could still get a workout in.

The rooms were clean, and the river view we paid for was nice. Still, I wouldn’t stay here again if I can help it. We booked two queens and got two doubles instead. The male staff member couldn’t give us a useful answer about a major local event that directly affected the hotel. And the noise was constant: cars going over the bridge, footsteps in the hall and above us, and doors closing. This is my second least favorite hotel in Astoria, and I’ve stayed in most of them.

For what this place costs, I expected more. Walking around this side of the riverwalk at night didn’t feel safe to me. There were a lot of people who seemed shady and people experiencing homelessness, and some came across as especially aggressive. I’d definitely choose somewhere across town near Pier 39 instead.