People looking into this property need to see some reviews with more balance; yes this place has its pluses, but also very strong minuses - too many for me personally.

I was looking for a one-night thrifty bargain in Portland near I-5, and decided to risk this place based on the surprisingly low price and suspiciously glowing reviews. I didn't like it and I won't be back; nothing dire happened, its just very bare-bones and too worn-out and shabby.  

Like most large cities these days, its flatly impossible to find a decent hotel room in Portland near I-5 with a rack-rate under $100.  Nice mid-range places that I used to stay in a few years back on business for maybe $65 are now $110.  And why not, since all the hotels in entire greater Portland metro area often book completely solid on summer weekends; I've seen this happen frequently over the years. 

So consider that instead of something like $110 you are paying perhaps $54 here, and you are definitely getting half the room-quality for half the price.  My experience was somewhere between checking into the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel but without any charm, or perhaps, say, staying in a friend's grandmother's old home, where 40+ years ago they added a spartan bedroom and bath to the basement, furnished it from Goodwill, and haven't changed it since. Its extremely dated and in dire need of major renovation.

Our visit with our son's family in North Portland was indeed an easy and pleasant one thanks to the folks at the Viking Motel. We arrived very late and by email arrangement found our key under the doormat of our room. The room with bath was spartan (AC, WiFi, TV with On Demand, fridge and coffee maker included) but expertly made up each day with freshly ground coffee for our pot. Located next to both the 405 and the MAX station, the motel provides easy access to downtown area by car and public transport and appeared to be popular with bikers and campers touring Oregon. An excellent diner, organic supermarket and large Fred Meyer are within easy walking distance. For the budget conscious looking for a convenient stopover, the Viking and its helpful owner can't be beat.

The Viking is a good bargain if you're not looking for style or to be near downtown/Pearl District (although you can access both easily on the Max outside the door or by car on the 405). Our room was basic but clean, the beds were reasonably comfortable. The water never seemed to get really hot in the bathroom, however. We appreciated the large organic market and the Lodge coffee shop near by--the Viking is also a block from diner, although we didn't try it. The owners are kindly and accommodating. We would stay again.

Killer deal. Stopped in on a bike tour down Washington and Oregon. Nearly 100 degrees in Portland the day I checked in, they had the AC already on for me. Couldn't be nicer people. The motel is a great deal for the price, neighborhood isn't bad, and close to downtown on the train. Will definitely stay here again!