An older motor inn that has been refurbished. They've done a very nice job,....rooms are modern,...place is very clean,...and a terrific bistro and bar,...with good beers on tap. The hotel is at the west end of the Morrison Bridge, on the river. It's at the south end of downtown,...but still within walking distance of everything,...including the train station and Pearl District.
Staff were excellent,...very friendly,...helpful and knowledgeable!
The only odd thing is that a lot of the rooms have an open shower concept,...i.e., no shower enclosure. It means that the bathroom floor gets wet after the shower!
Would definitely stay there again!

The positives: Hotel Fifty is in a great location with friendly staff. They also did a good job with the renovations. The not-so-positive: My friend and I were shocked that they renovated over 4 years ago. The staff seem unorganized from the check in/check out to the restaurant. At breakfast there was a good sized line and yet many tables were open. They were not understaffed so I was confused. They had a coffee table set up for those who were waiting with a CHARGE of $3. The most upsetting aspect of our experience was the "complimentary" breakfast and drink ticket. At check out the charge was $25 dollars more than the price listed. When we asked about the charge she said it was because of the drink and breakfast tickets. They clearly said "enjoy your complimentary breakfast voucher". We felt tricked.

My first stay here and I was impressed. Room was comfortable and well laid out, clean, good bed. Internet available was included and easy to access. Central location in downtown area was nice. Parking was a little expensive.

I'll admit I was skeptical of staying at a lodging with a number in it's title -- I still have PTSD flashbacks to places that included "6" and "8" (they know who they are). Those fears were amplified when we rolled up on the exterior, a cubish, quasi-Bauhaus affair.

However, once inside, I had a great experience. The font desk staff were friendly and efficient, the elevators swift and silent. As others have noted, the rooms are a bit smallish, but I'll call it "cozy." Fittings were modern but functional; the clock radio featured inputs for both a 30-pin iPod connector and standard mini audio jack. Wifi was swift and reliable.

The decor at the restaurant was pleasant, the mood subdued, the service cordial. Like everyplace in Portland, they had a nice craft beer selection, and reasonably-priced.

Location is superb -- within easy walking distance of everything in downtown Portland, and the streetcars are nearby if you wish to go farther afield.

Views split into River and Parking Lot. Parking Lot isn't as pretty, but it is a bit quieter. Other reviewers noted the frequent noise from trains and streetcars, which I heard, but didn't bother me.

What DID bother me, as other reviewers have commented, is that the climate-controls appeared to have no effect. Happily, both of the double-hung windows opened fully (in stark contrast to the blocking plates one finds at many hotels these days) and Portland's pleasantly-cool ambient temperature took care of the rest.

In conclusion, in spite of some flaws, the Hotel Fifty is a solid choice for your Portland visit.