We all need a staycation or a trip to a different city from time to time. Whether you’re a Portlander feeling a little cooped up or a visitor looking for a special Bridge City experience, picking the perfect home away from home is crucial.
We went looking for unique lodgings around town that showcase that “keep Portland weird” spirit. So choose your ideal digs, pack your bags, and get ready for a memorable getaway.
Love the sound of The Magic Barn but need some extra space? You can also rent The Magic House.
Photo via Vrbo
Cabin fever
Eagles Nest Treehouse | Southwest Hills
Escape into a “Tarzan” fantasy at this Airbnb situated 18 ft off the ground with trees growing through the deck. Guests reach the front door by way of a suspension bridge, then can ride a zip line back down to a secluded picnic area.
Tiny A-Frame Farm Meadow Retreat | Powell Butte Nature Park
Picture this: A glamping adventure, complete with an outdoor clawfoot soaking tub and old growth Douglas fir trees, in a setting that will make you feel like you’re miles away from civilization rather than just minutes from downtown.
Magic Barn | Hawthorne neighborhood
Originally built in 1936, this detached unit was a sculpture artist’s studio before being converted into a unique dwelling featuring old growth barn wood. Its history is on display in the outdoor sculpture garden; inside, a small kitchen, vintage furnishings, and a wood stove set a cozy mood.
Cedar Lodge | Forest Park
Find inner peace and relaxation at this private chalet cabin nestled within a wilderness sanctuary. Melt stress away with a soak in the hot tub, gaze at stars twinkling between the boughs of 300-year-old trees, and meditate around a campfire as tree frogs and owls provide the soundtrack.
From eerie ghost stories to tales of patrons being shanghaied via underground tunnels, the White Eagle Saloon & Hotel has a past that’s overflowing with murky lore.
Photo by @trinnadeleon via @mcmenamins
Hideaways with history
McMenamins White Eagle Saloon & Hotel | Eliot neighborhood
Since the turn of the century, this building has been a popular local hangout for both the living and the dead. Guests and employees have reported paranormal experiences, so if you’re into haunted history, this is the place for you. But light sleepers, beware — live music on the first floor every night (and the reported ghosts) may keep you awake.
Benson Hotel | Downtown Portland
Built in 1912, this hotel features original Italian marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and the “largest collection of Circassian walnut within one building.” The 12-story building on Southwest Broadway was originally known as the New Oregon Hotel and has hosted multiple US presidents, including William Howard Taft and Barack Obama.
The Royal Scott Double Decker Bus | Russell neighborhood
Hop aboard this 1953 commuter bus from Manchester, England, which locals will remember as the former home of the Grilled Cheese Grill. It’s now a tiny home on wheels, complete with a kitchenette, artwork, composting toilet, and lounge areas.
Sip your morning coffee and take in the rural views from the covered patio at the Island + Alpaca Farm Retreat.
Photo via Airbnb
Farm charm
Island + Alpaca Farm Retreat | Sauvie Island
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a stay at this working farm located on a wildlife refuge. Wake up to views of grazing sheep and pristine mountains, the sound of a crowing rooster, and the smell of clean, open space.
Roloff Farms | Hillsboro
You and up to 15 guests will sleep comfortably at this iconic, 5,300-sqft farmhouse that was home to the Roloff Family of the “Little People Big World” series for 15+ years. Play foosball or cornhole in the converted garage, swim in the pool, watch a movie on the 80" TV, and enjoy some fresh air at this working farm.
Wilson Farm Cottage | Damascus
Experience simpler times at this 8-acre working farm with access to trails through an established filbert orchard and 100-ft-tall cedars. You’ll stay in a handcrafted cottage, enjoy a daily farm-fresh breakfast, and see animals like ducks and pigs.
The Lodge at Highland Farms | Brightwood
You and up to seven other guests can experience life on a farm while staying in this former cedar mill, or in a cottage also located on the property. Explore the beautiful grounds and meet friendly Highland cattle, white peafowl, Icelandic sheep, and other special barnyard creatures.
Here’s the theme
Jurassic Retreat | Washougal, WA
Two words: animatronic dinosaurs. This rural rental pays homage to the “Jurassic Park” movies, from the five massive dinos that greet guests outside to the faux books written by the movie’s fictional professors.
Tiny Digs Hotel | Kerns neighborhood
Experience small living in one of 12 custom-built tiny homes, each featuring a unique design — like the railroad-inspired Arthur House or the Victorian shabby chic Cottage House.
Crystal Hotel | Pearl District
This flatiron-shaped building built in 1911 is a dreamy getaway for live music fans. Each of the hotel’s 51 rooms is decorated with items and art inspired by a song or performance from the bouncy-floor concert venue across the street, the Crystal Ballroom. Pro tip: Don’t miss the hotel’s underground saltwater soaking pool.
Kennedy School Hotel | Northeast Portland
Fall asleep in class... without getting sent to detention. This carefully renovated former elementary school building gets an A+ for its guestrooms; the original rooms are former classrooms while the newer accommodations have literary themes, like the Beverly Cleary Room.
This is the perfect jumping-off point for a self-guided wildlife safari, waterway edition.
Photo via Airbnb
Retreats on the water
Floating Home on the Columbia River | Vancouver, WA
Said to be a “Twilight” filming location, this buoyant getaway offers seclusion and relaxation while being mere minutes from the city. Paddle along the river in one of the home’s provided kayaks or paddleboards — or BYOB (that’s “bring your own boat”).
Willamette River Yacht | Milwaukie
Stay on a 55-ft yacht with three bedrooms, a living room, and an upper deck. Guests can add a private cruise to their stay for an additional fee.
The Lily Pad | Sauvie Island
Listen to local waterfowl, watch passing boats, and spot fish leaping out of the river from the vantage point of this floating home on the Multnomah Channel.
Open the back door at Brick House Beautiful to a beautiful garden, patio, fountain, and barbecue grill.
Photo via Airbnb
Cozy cottages
Brick House Beautiful | Laurelhurst neighborhood
Picture yourself sipping tea and reading a Jane Austen novel in this historic, Tudor-style cottage apartment that’s been featured in Better Homes and Garden Magazine.
Peaceful Garden Cottage | Mount Tabor
This quiet, airy home exudes serenity. Lounge in the hot tub, enjoy heated bathroom floors, wander through the garden, or walk to nearby Mount Tabor Park.
The Green Door PDX | Overlook neighborhood
Designed to mimic a traditional European field cottage, this guesthouse is surrounded by greenery and features vaulted ceilings, an open floor plan, and a luxury bathroom.
Modern Urban Retreat | Richmond neighborhood
Cozy up with your favorite person or treat yourself to a solo staycation at this chic one-bedroom guesthouse within walking distance of beautiful parks, unique shops, and some of Portland’s best dining.
