The Best Hotels to Book near Oregon Zoo, Portland

A zippy six-minute ride from the zoo via the MAX light rail, Hotel deLuxe is a good base for any Portland visit. The historic inn has occasional pop-up movie screenings and a 1950s-inspired cocktail lounge. Wander the halls to see classic film photography, then head across the street to the 19th Hole, where minigolf and a beer garden ensure a fun evening outside.

An old-school guesthouse with just a handful of rooms with shared bathrooms, this is an economical place to stay with the whole family in a locally beloved, close-in neighborhood with great restaurants. Enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast, then catch the MAX at Providence Park for the quick trip to the zoo. Downtown is an enjoyable 20-minute stroll away.

An independent hotel with spacious suites that feel like studio apartments, the Inn at Northrup Station offers high-spirited stays in funky northwest Portland. Decor is candy-colorful, and each suite has kitchen facilities, housewares and a bathroom. A parking pass and streetcar tickets are included to help you get around, and downtown is an easy walk away. Other perks include movie nights and plenty of coffee.

Whimsical vintage decor defines this century-old hotel in the heart of downtown, from bird-bedecked wallpaper to tree-themed accents. Rooms are comfortably and artfully furnished, and a spa and fitness center promote overall wellness. Stroll to nearby Pioneer Square to catch the MAX light rail to the zoo and other Washington Park attractions, then choose from a wide range of restaurants nearby for a memorable night out.

Take your crew to the zoo, then bed down at the Society Hotel in the Old Town Chinatown, where budget-friendly sleeping options include bunk beds in the hostel and private rooms with shared baths (ensuite rooms are available, too). Meet other adventurers in the lobby, which doubles as a bar and cafe with small bites, then head up to the rooftop deck for the city views.

An updated take on the European-style hostel, Lolo Pass offers a choice of private rooms (all with ensuite baths, blackout shades and countertop workspaces) or shared quarters with private bunks complete with bed lamps, privacy curtains and lockers. A cafe slings the caffeine each morning and, come evening, the rooftop and sidewalk seating are good places to enjoy a local beverage. The MAX light rail is a 15-minute walk away at Lloyd Center.

What was once the grandest department store in Portland has been reincarnated as an upscale hotel. Guest rooms are luxurious, with tranquil blue and gold colors. A long soak in a rainforest shower is a welcome pleasure after a day exploring the zoo, especially with eco-friendly BeeKind toiletries that help fund honeybee research. The Nines is a two-minute walk from the MAX station at Pioneer Square North.

An older, low-key hotel that has been lovingly refurbished, the Mark Spencer is a short walk from the Galleria MAX stop and the Oregon Zoo. Rooms easily accommodate families, with a full kitchen and cookware plus comfy bedding, a fitness center and a copy of the New York Times delivered to your door daily. The public areas are delightful, including an outdoor courtyard.

The British accent is strong at the Hoxton, from the hotel’s London origins to the hip Roberts radio in each guest room. But Oregon flavor is abundant, too, in locally sourced art, woodsy decor and a basement speakeasy. The location is ideal for exploring downtown, checking out the Portland Saturday Market and getting to the zoo via the MAX station at Skidmore Fountain.