Harlow Hotel

The room was spotless and the staff were polite, but getting comfortable was another story. It started at 62° and took five hours to reach 70°, and the desk couldn't do anything to warm it further. The cold was almost useful since there wasn't a refrigerator in the room. There was no coffee, tea, or microwave either, and the windows were filthy. The cafe was just a disappointing bagel and coffee shop. The neighborhood didn't feel great, and the lobby is buzzed open for guests. Even a Lift driver mentioned that the area was overrun with homeless people. At checkout, the after-tax rack rate ended up slightly above what we'd reserved, and nobody could explain or adjust it. Next time in Portland, we'll look for a more agreeable $200 room in a better spot.

We stayed in a Signature Double Twin Courtyard Room in January 2026. The room was clean and modern, with comfortable beds, clean carpet, two robes, and a roomy shower stocked with supplies. Once warmed up, the heating and cooling unit stayed quiet and was easy to set with the thermostat. Everyone on staff was friendly and helpful. The historic Harlow Hotel was renovated in 2019. Our main room-layout gripe was the lack of seating beyond a little upholstered bench by the bed. With the two beds facing each other and the TV on the side wall, watching it worked from just one bed unless we pulled it around. There are homeless people in the area, though we felt safe throughout our stay.

We were glad to be there just one night. The room was spacious and clean, and the location worked well for concerts at the Roseland Theatre and walking or shopping downtown. But it was unbelievably loud. I think a metal beam running through the wall made sounds carry, because I could make out every word from the hallway. We could even hear the people next door having sex, at a perfectly normal volume. It wasn't quiet or relaxing at all.

I paid about half of what Hilton would have cost, and I actually liked this room more. It was clean, and the staff were helpful. The downstairs “coffee bar” wasn't much to write home about, though. I got a cold croissant that seemed a day old.