Scene
A mix of grand history with Portland, Oregon’s charm
Even if you’re traveling to Portland to experience its raw personality, you may want to stay in a space a little more refined. Nobody’s confusing the Sentinel Hotel with the Plaza, but it strikes all the right notes of a historic, boutique, luxury hotel — it was formerly the Governor Hotel — while maintaining Portland’s creative charm. It’s essentially a perfect mid-place for those seeking the PDX experience with plush pillows.
The Sentinel is set across two historic buildings — an Elks Lodge from 1923 and a luxury hotel from 1909. The classic ceilings, marble floors and timeless elevators still remain, giving it an updated Roaring ’20s vibe. But hallways lined with classic photos of midcentury musicians and sports add an artful accent. You’ll even find an autographed guitar from Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page next to the hotspot nightclub in the lobby. So even if you’re not looking to dance all night you’ll find the ground floor undeniably cool. For comfort, class and creativity, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better option in the Rose City.
Location
Right in the heart of downtown Portland
The Sentinel Hotel is nothing if not convenient. It’s set in the middle of downtown Portland, less than a third of a mile from the city center and 20 minutes from the airport. From the hotel’s front door you can walk to dozens of bars and restaurants, though you’ll have to venture out if you want to experience Portland’s eclectic neighborhoods or hike through its urban wilderness. Here’s an idea of other stuff that’s easily done nearby:
- Peruse the most impressive — and borderline intimidating — collection of whiskey you’ve ever seen at the Multnomah Whiskey Library. If you’re stuck, ask the bartender for a flight, then walk the two blocks home.
- Take a pedal bike tour through Portland’s famous donut shops. You’ll hit spots like Heavenly, Voodoo and other known names as you negate your exercise immediately.
- Hike through Forest Park, 5,200 acres of Pacific Northwest wilderness tucked right in the center of the city. It’s got 80 miles of hiking trails to choose from, only about 10 minutes away.
- Explore creative neighborhoods like the Alberta Arts District and the Pearl District, both about 10 minutes away. (The Downtown Streetcar, just outside Sentinel’s entrance, provides direct service to the Pearl District.)
- Catch a Portland Timbers game at Providence Park, five minutes from the hotel. The MLS franchise plays mostly during the summer, and games are often sold out.
- The hotel is a great location to opt for a stroll through five stories of books at Powell’s City of Books. It’s the world’s largest independent bookstore and a Portland landmark, about 10 minutes’ walk away.
Rooms
Because the Sentinel Hotel spans two historic buildings, the rooms vary considerably. All, however, offer soft, northwestern tones and plush, plaid furnishing that feel a little like a spring collection from Ralph Lauren. Rooms are reminiscent of northeastern summer homes and emanate luxury without much pretension. You’ll find everything from old globes to pillows adorned with cyclists, giving the spaces some character, with little touches like ceramic animal sculptures and quizzical metal lunch boxes on the nightstands.
Each room also offers coffee from Portland Coffee Roasters and plush bath robes. And even the smallest rooms have seating areas with large leather chairs and big tables, perfect for a nightcap cocktail or early-morning email.
The Sentinel’s rooms break down into the following categories:
- Deluxe rooms – The entry-level rooms still feel fairly spacious at 230-330 square feet, though a number of them sit in an interior hallway and have minimal views, if any view at all. Think of them like those interior cabins on cruise ships, where no light means you can sleep until noon.
- Premiere Rooms – These slightly larger rooms clock in at 325-400 square feet, offering a seating area that feels more like a study, thanks mostly to the fireplace.
- Parlor Suites – Set in the Elks Lodge building, these two-room suites offer a full living room with fold-out sofa, desk and helpful vintage globe.
- Executive Terrace Suites – The Terrace Suites are easily the coolest rooms in the house. Though they skew a little smaller at 300-350 square feet, they also boast private rooftop terraces with panoramic views of the skyline, each equipped with its own firepit and outdoor couches. (Queen beds)
- Bridgetown Parlor Suites – On the top floor of the 1909 hotel building, you’ll walk through a bright atrium with suites lining the hallway. These are the Bridgetown Suites, the largest standard suites in the hotel at 550 square feet, boasting a unique bridge-inspired design scheme. They also offer access to The Room at the End of the Hall, a funky top-floor lounge filled with coffee and snacks. (King beds)
- Terrace Studio Suites – Essentially like the Terrace Suites, with more space and larger terraces. These also offer access to The Room at the End of the Hall. (King beds)
Amenities
A good number of Portlanders have probably been to this Portland hotel and don’t know it. That’s because its two main bars and its restaurant are all destinations unto themselves, accessible without ever stepping through the lobby. That means you’ll likely meet locals without having to leave the Sentinel’s storied walls, and can enjoy the scene and retreat easily back upstairs.
Domaine Serene Wine Lounge – Just past the elevators in the 1909 hotel wing you’ll find this tasting room for Willamette Valley’s Domaine Serene winery. Beyond fine wines, you’ll find live music on weekends, though be advised the lounge closes at 9 p.m., so you’ll want to go before dinner. It’s also closed Monday-Wednesday.
Jake’s Grill – This offshoot of iconic Jake’s Crawfish is an old-school American steakhouse in every sense of the word, from the stuffed animal heads on the wall to the red leather booths that tower over dinner guests. The historic main bar’s look is so classic it was used as a filming location in “Drugstore Cowboy,” and murals of Lewis and Clark and other old northwestern scenes surround you in a sense of place. No point in trying to get creative with your order either — stick with steak and a Manhattan and you’ll be doing the place justice. Jake’s also features a direct staircase from the dining room to the upstairs guest rooms, so you can slip into a food coma pretty easily.
Fortune – The Sentinel’s lobby bar is set inside the hotel’s historic lobby, full of tropical plants, colorful wallpaper and a vegan bar menu. If you want a quiet drink, though, go early, as after about 8 p.m. on weekends it transforms into a full-on nightspot, where live DJs and a young crowd make it one of the city’s top nightlife destinations.
Fitness center – The gym sits on the second floor of the 1909 hotel building, with treadmills, cables, dumbbells going up to 50 pounds and a Peloton bike. It’s got high ceilings and lots of light, creating one of the more welcoming and spacious hotel gyms in downtown.
Parking – The Sentinel offers valet parking for $50 per day.
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FAQs
How far is the Sentinel from the Portland International Airport?
It’s 11 miles away.
What is the hotel’s address?
614 SW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97205 USA (at the corner of 11th and Alder)
When is check-in at the Sentinel?
Check-in is typically from 4pm onward and check-out is noon.
What are the most popular amenities?
Some of the more popular amenities are free wifi, 24-hour front desk, concierge, meeting rooms, on-site restaurant, a lounge, room service, ironing service, minibar, flat-screen TVs in rooms, bathrobes, air conditioning and more.
Is the hotel pet friendly?
Yes.
I thought Jackknife Bar was in the Sentinel?
It was, though it closed in May 2020. The lobby bar is now Fortune.
How far is the hotel (614 SW 11th Avenue) from Portland Art Museum?
The museum is just .3 mile south of the hotel.
