Questions & Answers
We’ll try to answer some of the most common questions here. Shoot us an email at info@nwportlandhostel.com or post a question on facebook if you can’t find an answer here.
What are your office hours and check-in/out times?
Our office is open 7am - 11pm. Rooms are available after 3pm, but you may check in early and store your bags in the luggage storage room (free of charge). Check-out time is 12noon.
How does the cancellation policy work?
Please cancel or make changes to your reservation at least the day before your reserved date (before midnight). We charge the full amount of your first night’s stay as a cancellation fee for same day cancellations.
Do you provide complimentary breakfast?
We provide a locally baked bagel (Bentley’s Bagels) with toppings and coffee, tea, or juice. Our coffee beans are roasted by Cascadia Coffee Roasters and we offer Steven Smith Teamaker tea, crafted down the street from us in small batches. Lodging guests have the option to trade their bagel for a $2 discount on a breakfast menu item at the Hostel Cafe. Our cafe offers the American classic of eggs, bacon and toast, a salmon or veggie hash, homemade granola, and a number of other items. It is open from 7am to 11pm and has a espresso bar and 12 local craft beers, wine, and kombucha on tap (although we are not suggesting the taps for breakfast!).
Are there private rooms with bathrooms or do they all have shared bathrooms?
Most of our rooms have shared bath. We have plenty of bathrooms available. In our new building, we have 3 private rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Call the hostel at 503-241-2783 to check on availability. We not always put all rooms online to avoid overbookings.
Do you provide linens and towels?
We provide linens and offer free towels upon request.
Does the hostel have laundry facilities?
We have a coin-operated washer and dryer. Laundry soap is available for sale at the front desk.
What are my parking options?
Street parking is available in Zone M designated parking spots surrounding the hostel. You can purchase a permit from our front desk for $5/day which allows you to park from 3pm until 12pm the next day in this zone. After 7pm and before 9am, parking is free (except during MLS and NWSL soccer games at the nearby stadium).
Are there lockers in the dorms?
Yes, one per bed and big enough for a backpack.
Do I have to bring my own lock?
You may use your own lock or we have locks than you can either purchase or borrow for a $10 refundable deposit.
Do you have wifi or internet access?
We have free wireless access, as well as an internet computer to borrow ($1 per 15 minutes).
Do you have bike storage?
We have an indoor bike storage room.
Is there a curfew?
No. Once registered, you have 24-hour access. The front desk is staffed 7am - 11pm.
Is the hostel located downtown?
We are located in the historic Northwest District, between Nob Hill and the Pearl district. We are in the city center, but just outside of the downtown area. You can easily walk to downtown or take public transportation.
Why do I pay lodging tax?
Oregon does not have a sales tax. The state and the City of Portland, however, have a lodging tax that comes to 14%, plus a 2% Portland Tourism Assessment. A total of 16% will be added to your overnight rate.
I am a member of Hostelling International. Do I get a discount?
HI USA ended the licensing of independently operated hostels as HI Hostels at the end of 2023. This was a decision by HI USA and does not imply any reduction of quality at these hostels. With that, we are no longer offering discounts for HI USA members.
HI USA remains committed to helping hostelers find a diversity of hostel stay experiences and to highlight the many unique hostel offerings independently operated hostels provide. Check out hiusa.org/hostel-referrals for links to quality hostels in destinations without a HI USA hostels.
What do I need to check-in the hostel?
You need a valid, government-issued, photo ID. A passport if you are an international traveler and a state ID if a U.S. traveler, as well as a credit card. We are unable to accommodate residents of the Portland/Vancouver Metro area, hence a government-issued ID showing residence outside of this area is required upon check-in. We are a hostel for travelers!
Do you allow pets?
Pets are not allowed because of the shared nature of the hostel.
Are there restaurants and grocery stores near by?
The hostel is in an active district with many choices of restaurants, pubs, and coffee houses. There are large grocery stores within a few blocks from the hostel. We also have our very own Hostel Cafe open late!
Does this hostel accept groups?
The hostel has a separate building for groups. The Willi Unsoeld Group Center has 30 dorm beds, 2 leader rooms, its own equipped kitchen, dining area, and meeting space. The group center can be reserved by the dorm or the whole building. When no groups are booked, independent travelers are lodged in the building.