Hidden Tips

To begin with, probably the most helpful life hack is setting your expectations beforehand while being prepared. It’s a one-star motel; you are only snagging it because it’s cost-effective. Don’t expect too much comfort. Best to pack along some supplies, i.e., disinfecting wipes for surfaces, a travel towel, and even your own pillowcase if you’re that sensitive. Always lock your room door, and don’t leave valuables in sight in the car or the room. Make sure you read the latest guest reviews prior to booking to get an idea as to what condition it is in now.

Let’s leverage the one major strength of the location: the MAX light rail. Purchase a day pass in the Hop Fastpass system and plan to spend the entire day away from the motel. Leave early in the morning, return only to sleep. Head out on the Yellow Line to take in downtown, the Pearl District, and connections to other lines to see places like Washington Park or the hip ‘hoods of SE Portland. This transit access lets you do the city’s best while paying the lowest price for sleeping accommodations.

Don’t depend on the immediate locality for food. Portland is a foodie’s paradise in that while there are fast-food choices, one can take the MAX downtown to enjoy the renowned food cart pods, or explore exceptional restaurant scenes in neighborhoods like the Pearl District or SE Division Street. A great budget strategy is to have a large, late lunch at a fine city place and grab some easy snack for the evening from a Fred Meyer or New Seasons en route back to the motel.

Another hack to stay at the Economy Inn. If, for example, your purpose of visiting Portland is to sightsee the city and you have a car at your disposal, parking downtown can cost you over $40 a day. Staying at the Economy Inn allows you to park your car for free while you are staying and use that same very hyper-convenient MAX train to travel around the city. The amount saved just in parking fees often exceeds the price of the motel room; that indeed is a prudent, if unsightly, way of traveling.