Escape to Portland: Jantzen Beach Getaway at Rodeway Inn & Suites!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the messy, glorious, and sometimes questionable world of the Rodeway Inn & Suites at Jantzen Beach. This isn't your polished travel blog review, this is the real deal. I went, I saw, I survived (and maybe, just maybe, had a decent time). Let's get into this Escape to Portland: Jantzen Beach Getaway review!
First Impression: The Location - Jantzen Beach! (The Good and the… Quirky)
Okay, let's be honest. Jantzen Beach is a vibe. It's this weird, almost nostalgic, kind of slice of Portland that's… different. Think of it as Portland's slightly awkward, but ultimately good-intentioned, cousin. The Rodeway Inn, thankfully, is right there. Walking distance to the MAX (which is crucial if you don't want to deal with Portland traffic – trust me, you DON'T want to). Easy access to shopping, which is good because, well, shopping! You can definitely have a good day here, and I think I almost forgot there was a gigantic mall nearby (it's not the best, but it lets you burn some time when you need to).
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Let's Be Real
Wheelchair Accessible: Uhhh, the website says it's wheelchair accessible. Now, I didn't personally test this, but I did see elevators and general ramps. BUT, I always take those accessibility claims with a grain of salt. I recommend CALLING and asking specific questions about room access, shower facilities, and the general layout of the common areas. Don't just take the website's word for it. (Important!)
Elevator: Yes, there's one. Thank you, merciful heavens, because lugging suitcases up stairs after a day of exploring is NOT what I signed up for.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitization is Key (and We Hope It's Real)
Look, in this COVID-crazed world, cleanliness is EVERYTHING. The Rodeway Inn gets points for attempting to look clean. The website touts a bunch of stuff: "Anti-viral cleaning products"! "Daily disinfection in common areas"! "Room sanitization between stays"! "Rooms sanitized between stays"! I hope it's all true. I really do. I mean, I didn't see them bleaching the walls, and I certainly didn't witness them changing every bedsheet between guests, but I think I felt relatively safe. There was also hand sanitizer readily available, and that is always appreciated.
There was also a doctor/nurse on call. A nice touch.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Continental Breakfast, Anyone?
Breakfast [buffet]: Okay, let's talk about the dreaded "continental breakfast." I had my hopes up, but I didn't expect much. It was… passable. I mean, there was cereal, some sad-looking pastries (I think they were pastries), and a coffee machine that could probably only produce a brown liquid. It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't exactly gourmet.
Coffee/tea in restaurant: They had some coffee in the lobby. It wasn't the greatest, but it was there.
Restaurants: There aren't any restaurants in the hotel. You'll need to walk or drive for food. The good news? Jantzen Beach is packed with options.
The Bar: Well, if you want to get a drink, there is a bar but its not located in the hotel.
Rooms: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Dingy
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. My room. The room was… adequate. The air conditioning worked (a huge plus in the Portland summer).
Air conditioning - Yes! I loved it.
Blackout curtains: Blessedly dark. Made getting some sleep a little easier.
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! (It actually worked, too!)
Free bottled water I was able to drink it!
Refrigerator - I could cool my drinks.
Coffee/tea maker - Ah yes, I could make tea! (I never did).
Desk - I have to say I liked the desk.
On-demand movies - Well, at least I know it's there.
Now, for the quirks:
Soundproofing - I did not have the pleasure of experiencing this.
Towels: Were…there. Sufficient, clean.
Slippers: I didn't care for them.
Bathrooms - The bathroom was clean, but the showerhead was kinda sad. Water pressure? Meh.
Extra long bed: I had space!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Beyond the Bed
Okay, this is one area where the Rodeway Inn could improve. The hotel itself doesn't offer a ton in the way of relaxation opportunities.
Fitness center: There is one, but I didn't go. I would need to lift weights for an entire day just to get over the fact that the buffet had no tasty food.
Swimming pool [outdoor]: There is an outdoor pool. It looked clean, and I saw a few people enjoying it.
Spa/sauna. Nope. Not here.
Services and Conveniences: What Else Do They Offer?
Free parking: Yes, thank the gods. Parking in Portland can be a nightmare.
24-hour front desk: Useful for late check-ins or any issues that might arise.
Laundry service: Available. Good for longer stays.
Daily housekeeping: They did a good job cleaning the room.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly?
- Family/child-friendly: Sure, kids are welcome. There's not a ton specifically for kids, so plan accordingly.
My Crazy, Slightly-Flawed Conclusion
Look, the Rodeway Inn & Suites at Jantzen Beach? It's not the Ritz. It's a budget-friendly, perfectly acceptable place to crash while you explore Portland. I wouldn't say I was mad, but I also wasn't exactly blown away. It's got its quirks, its flaws, and its moments of "meh." But, it's clean, it's convenient, and it gives you a place to lay your weary head after a long day of Portland adventures.
My Emotional Reaction:
Okay, if I'm being 100% honest, it wasn't the most glamorous stay of my life. I wanted to love it. I really wanted to love it. But the breakfast. Oh, the breakfast.
Quirky Observation:
The elevators are slow. Like, truly slow. Bring a book or just accept your fate. You'll be waiting.
My Honest Rating:
I would give it 3 stars. Decent, but not spectacular. You can definitely do worse.
My Special Offer:
Escape to Portland – Jantzen Beach Getaway! Book Now and Get a Free Upgrade and Dinner!
Are you ready to explore the quirky charm of Portland without breaking the bank? Book your stay at the Rodeway Inn & Suites at Jantzen Beach and get ready for an adventure!
Here's What You Get:
- Cozy Comfort: A clean and comfortable room with all the essentials, including free Wi-Fi.
- Prime Location: Steps away from Jantzen Beach, easy access to the MAX, and all the Portland sights!
- Extra Perks: Free parking.
But wait, there's more! Book now and get:
- A FREE Upgrade (Subject to availability – get there early!)
- A gift certificate to a local restaurant, meaning you can treat yourself to a delicious meal! This will cover the cost of all that continental breakfast!
Why Choose Us?
- Cleanliness and Safety are Top Priorities (and some of the staff are very nice).
- Great Value for Your Money.
- Unbeatable Location for Exploring Portland.
Booking Notes
- Click Here to Book (Seriously, do it. Don't trust me, though!)
- Availability is limited, so don't wait!
Get ready to escape to Portland! Book your Jantzen Beach Getaway today!
Escape to Paradise: Uncover the Hidden Gem of Villa Sitara, Bali
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your Instagram-perfect itinerary, this is… me, trying to survive (and maybe enjoy?) a short stint at the Rodeway Inn & Suites Portland - Jantzen Beach. God help us all. Honestly, just the name alone – "Jantzen Beach" – conjures up images of meticulously tanned bodies and… well, I'm definitely not in that demographic.
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of Budget Hotels
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Portland International Airport (PDX). Okay, so far, so good. The flight was… a flight. No exploding engines, no screaming babies (miracle!), just the usual cramped legroom and the persistent dread that maybe I left the stove on. Gotta call Mom later.
- 2:00 PM: Uber to the Rodeway Inn. Ah, here we are. The exterior… well, let's just say the phrase "charm" doesn't exactly leap to mind. It has that distinct "recently renovated in 1987" vibe. The parking lot? A swirling vortex of mismatched cars and the lingering scent of… something vaguely chemical. I'm suddenly craving a shower. A long shower.
- 2:30 PM: Check-in. The front desk person is… enthusiastic. Almost too enthusiastic. Like, they're trying to sell me a timeshare for a room with a questionable stain on the carpet. I politely decline the "breakfast buffet upgrade" (more on that later, I'm sure).
- 3:00 PM: Room Assessment. The room… is a room. Queen-sized bed that probably has seen better decades. The TV is older than some of my friends' children. And the bathroom? Well, let's just say I've encountered cleaner public restrooms at a truck stop. The faint smell of mildew is a constant companion. Okay, deep breaths. We can do this. We have to do this. This is what budget travel is. It's a test of endurance. And maybe my gag reflex.
- 3:30 PM: Wandering the neighborhood. Okay, this is where the adventure begins. Or, at least, where I try to find a coffee shop that isn’t a soul-crushing chain. Stumble upon a small, independent place a few blocks away with an amazing aroma. It’s called “The Quirky Bean.” (God, Portland is predictable, isn’t it?)
- Anecdote: I order a latte and try to read a book. The latte is excellent. The book is… well, it’s about existentialism, which feels appropriate given the Rodeway Inn experience. Across the room, two people are having a heated debate about the best type of artisanal sourdough bread. Seriously, Portland. It is… a vibe.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner at a nearby restaurant (maybe a food truck?). After the existential coffee experience, I venture to find some more local food. I stumble on some awesome fish and chips truck. The guys gave me an extra piece after I told the story about my room. It's… nice.
- 7:00 PM: Back to the Rodeway. Let’s be honest, my expectations are low, and there’s a distinct sense of… resignation. I'm already mentally prepping for the "breakfast buffet" (again, more on that later).
- 8:00 PM: Attempt Movie or Chill. The TV is even worse than I imagined. The picture is grainy and the sound is… well, it's like listening to underwater squirrels. I try to watch a movie, but give up and just stare at the ceiling. Wondering if I can just stay awake and get a head start on the next day rather than dealing with the bed.
- 9:00 PM: The Bed Test. Okay, I’m afraid of this bed. I was correct. It has the support of a wet noodle.
- 10:00 PM: Attempt Sleep. The noise from the highway is terrible.
Day 2: The Jantzen Beach Experience (and Maybe Regret)
- 7:00 AM: "Breakfast Buffet." Okay, here we go. I braced myself. It looks like a culinary crime scene. Stale pastries, what I can only assume are hard-boiled eggs of questionable vintage, and weak coffee. I grab a piece of toast and flee. The smell is… something that will forever be etched in my memory.
- Anecdote: I briefly considered running away, but the memory of the fish and chips. At least I’m still alive.
- 8:00 AM: Head to Jantzen Beach. Oh. My. God. Okay, so "Jantzen Beach" is technically a shopping center. A HUGE shopping center. And I didn't actually do proper research. My excitement is tempered by a vague sense of disappointment, and a lot of very big stores. I guess it’s a thing?
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Shopping. Sigh. Wandering around giant stores. I try to find some real-life souvenirs.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at a Generic Food Court. I have to eat! I find a food truck, which is a godsend.
- 1:30 PM: Explore some more and people watch. I’m starting to feel like a character in a quirky novel, observing the lives of strangers. I might not have the sun and the beach I expected, but the people-watching is surprisingly entertaining.
- Quirky Observation: I see a couple arguing over a discount on air fresheners. The woman is wearing a sweatshirt with a picture of a cat wearing a tiny crown. I love this city.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the room. Just for a respite of the endless… Everything.
- 4:00 PM: Thinking about dinner. Do I go back to the food trucks, or try something different?
- 5:00 PM: Dinner. Found another food truck. At least Portland has good food trucks!
- 7:00 PM: Back to the Room, and I start my preparations for departure. I’m leaving tomorrow, thank God!
- 8:00 PM: One last desperate attempt to find a decent movie on the TV. No luck.
- 9:00 PM: More highway noise.
- 10:00 PM: Sleep and pray for morning.
Day 3: Departure and the Aftermath
- 7:00 AM: "Breakfast Buffet" (again, I have to experience it one last time). I skip the "eggs."
- 8:00 AM: Check out. Saying goodbye to the Rodeway Inn is like breaking up with a toxic boyfriend. Relief washes over me as I hand over the key.
- 9:00 AM: Uber to PDX. Reflecting on the experience.
- 10:00 AM: Flight.
- Overall Emotional Reaction: Okay, the Rodeway Inn was… rough. But I survived. I ate some good food. And, you know what? I might even come back to Portland. Maybe. With a better hotel, though. And definitely with more research about "Jantzen Beach"!
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars. Points for the fish and chips. Minus points for everything else.
- Post-Trip Trauma: I’ll need a week in a five-star hotel just to recover. And therapy. Lots and lots of therapy.
Escape to Portland: Rodeway Inn & Suites - Jantzen Beach Getaway! (Or... Did I Escape?) FAQs!
So, like, what's the deal with the Rodeway Inn at Jantzen Beach? Is it, you know, *livable*?
Okay, let's be real. The Rodeway Inn isn't winning any interior design awards. Think "budget-friendly" with a side of "slightly dated." But hey, you're in Portland! You're there to explore the city, not to judge the thread count of the sheets (which, admittedly, were probably... functional). My room? It was clean, which is, like, the most important thing, right? I've stayed in places that felt like crime scenes. This wasn't that. Mostly. There WAS that mysterious stain on the carpet… but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t… you know. I mean, the location is *the* selling point. Jantzen Beach! It's right there, practically begging you to wander up and get some sugar at the mall.
Is the location actually any good for exploring Portland? Because that’s kinda important…
Listen, this is where the Rodeway triumphs! It's *amazing* for exploring. Jantzen Beach is a pretty central location... sort of. Getting around by car? Easy peasy. Getting around with public transport? Okay, it's not right outside the door. But honestly, you can't beat the proximity to the MAX (the light rail). I hopped on, and BAM, downtown Portland in like, 20 minutes. I could get on the MAX and head to the Pearl District and all the food carts. I spent too much money but was totally worth it. Plus, it's close to the waterfront and easy access to I-5. Just remember to factor in traffic, because, well, it's Portland. And the traffic is... well, let's just say it gives you plenty of time to contemplate the meaning of life while you crawl along.
What about the amenities? There *are* amenities, right? Please tell me there are amenities!
Well… It’s a Rodeway Inn. So, let’s temper those expectations, shall we? Free breakfast? Yes. It's a continental breakfast situation. Think: packaged pastries that looked suspiciously like they'd been around since the Reagan administration, instant oatmeal, and questionable coffee. I stuck to the coffee and maybe a banana. I’m not judging, ok? I *did* try the waffle maker (it was a moment of pure, undiluted optimism) – which was probably cleaned at some point this century. I think. There's a pool too. I didn't swim in it. Looked… inviting? Not sure, it was early October. Plenty of parking, which, coming from someone who's lived in cities with parking wars, is a HUGE win. The Wi-Fi? Actually pretty decent. I could even stream Netflix on my laptop, which was how I entertained myself while dodging the questionable breakfast pastries.
Okay, what was the *worst* part? Give it to me straight.
Ugh. Okay, fine. Here’s the thing. The walls... they're thin. Like, paper-thin. On my first night, I swear I could hear the guy in the next room *breathing*. And, oh boy, did I hear it. And every time the door slammed, it was like a minor earthquake. Look, I'm a light sleeper, a chronically sleep-deprived individual. Let's just say I didn't exactly get a king-sized helping of Zzz's. But hey, at least I got to experience Portland’s nightlife vicariously through the sounds of the people in the adjoining rooms. (I think I might have been eavesdropping!) That was not that great. I would have traded the ability to tell you all about the neighbors' evening in a heartbeat for some decent sleep. Still good though, the location was great!
And the *best* part? C'mon, give me something positive!
The *best* part? Definitely the Jantzen Beach location, hands down. Seriously. I could walk past the giant Red Lion, which, you know, is just one of those quirky Portland things that exists. The mall! It was so close. I took a walk the first night, and just that, that was a good thing. And the staff? They were genuinely friendly! The front desk guy was super helpful with directions. That counts, right? They were even smiley in the morning with the coffee - bless their little hearts. I mean, it wasn't the Four Seasons. It's not supposed to be. And if you're looking for a place that just lets you spend one or two days just outside the city? It's perfect. Definitely. You get what you pay for, and what you're paying for is a bed nearby to all sorts of Portland fun. And that's an absolute steal.
Would you stay there again? Honestly?
Okay, this is the million-dollar question. Would I? Probably. If I was on a budget and needed a place to crash while exploring Portland? Absolutely. I'd go in knowing what to expect. Bring earplugs. BYO breakfast (or find a local café, which, let's be honest, you should be doing anyway). And embrace the slightly… "rustic" charm. Look, the hotel is not the focal point. Portland is. The Rodeway Inn is just a launching pad for the awesomeness that awaits you. So, yeah. I’d do it again. But next time, I'm hitting up the mini-mart across the street for a carton of fresh coffee.
Tell us about the Jantzen Beach Mall! Is it still worth going there?
Oh, the Jantzen Beach Mall! It's… well, it's a mall. It's not exactly the Champs-Élysées. But hey, it's got everything a mall should have. There are some familiar chain stores, but it's got the big, you know, department stores. Remember the good old days? The kids were screaming and playing. The lights were bright. The smell of food was strong. I went and got some essentials, which was pretty handy. And the giant Red Lion across the street? It adds a touch of Portland quirkiness. Plus, it’s a great place to people-watch. But, you know, it has also has a certain... charm. And hey, sometimes you just need to buy a pair of cheap socks and a Cinnabon, right? (Don't judge me!) I went to the mall. I needed those socks. I'm not sure how I lived before. It's a mall. It's a mall. It's a mall.
Any last tips for a Rodeway Inn at Jantzen Beach newbie?
