Frequently Asked Questions
Send us an email at info@nwportlandhostel.com if you can’t find an answer here!
What do I need to check-in the hostel?
To check in, you’ll need a valid, government-issued photo ID. If you're an international traveler, please bring your passport; if you're a U.S. traveler, a state-issued ID is required. We are unable to accommodate residents of the Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA metro areas, so your ID must show a residence outside of this region. Additionally, a credit or debit card in the guest’s name is required at check-in. We are a hostel for travelers! At Northwest Portland Hostel, you can only book for others if you’ll be staying together.
What are your office hours and check-in/out times?
Our front desk is open from 7am to 11pm. Late arrivals can be arranged with prior notice. Our lobby is conveniently located on the corner of NW 18th Ave and NW Glisan St., next to our Hostel Cafe. Check-in starts at 3pm. Complimentary luggage storage is available for early arrivals and on your day of departure. Check-out is at noon. Late check-out is available for a $20 fee. Anyone checking out after 12 PM is considered a late check-out, and we will charge the card on file. Hostel guests have 24-hour access to the premises.
How does the cancellation policy work?
To avoid charges, please cancel or modify your reservation by midnight the day before your scheduled arrival. Same-day cancellations will be charged for the first night’s stay.
Do you provide meals?
Yes, we provide meals at our Hostel Cafe! Join us every morning for locally roasted Cascadia coffee and house-made pastries. We’re proud of our scratch-made breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu, featuring American classics with a focus on Pacific Northwest ingredients. If we don’t make it ourselves, we support local businesses. As a hostel guest, you'll receive a $3 discount on any of our breakfast menu items. The Hostel Cafe is open seven days a week, from morning until late, and also offers an espresso bar with 12 local beers, ciders, and kombucha on tap.
How many nights should I plan to spend in Portland?
You can see many of Portland's most popular attractions in two to three days if you stay in or near downtown. If you'd like to visit Mount Hood, hike in the Columbia Gorge, visit the Oregon Coast, or see how locals live by spending time in one of Portland's many neighborhoods, we recommend at least five days.
Are there private rooms with bathrooms or do they all have shared bathrooms?
Most of our rooms have shared bathrooms, but we have plenty available! In our Commons building, we offer three private rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Contact us to check availability—not all rooms are listed online to prevent overbookings.
Do you provide linens and towels?
Yes! Linens are provided. Towels are included in private rooms and available upon request for dorms.
Does the hostel have laundry facilities?
Yes! We have coin-operated washer and dryer, with laundry soap available for purchase at the front desk.
What are my parking options?
Street parking passes are available for $10 per overnight stay (free after 7 PM and before 9 AM, and most Sundays), except on days when Portland’s pro soccer teams (Timbers or Thorns) have home matches at nearby Providence Park.
Are there lockers in the dorms?
Yes! Each dorm bed has a locker big enough for a backpack. You’re welcome to use your own lock, or we offer locks for purchase or a $10 refundable deposit.
Do you have WiFi?
Yes! We provide free WiFi.
Do you have bike storage?
Yes, we offer free indoor bike storage for our guests. We also have a bike repair station, complete with an air pump and other essentials!
Is there a curfew?
No! Once you’re checked in, you have 24-hour access to the hostel. Our front desk is staffed from 7 AM – 11 PM, with overnight staff on site for emergencies. Please note that our quiet hours are from 10 PM – 9 AM.
Is the hostel located downtown?
We’re in the historic Northwest District, between Nob Hill and the Pearl District—in the city center but just outside of downtown. You can walk downtown or take public transit easily.
Why do I pay lodging tax?
Oregon doesn’t have sales tax, but there is a 16% lodging tax (14% from the State and City of Portland, plus a 2% Portland Tourism Assessment).
Do you allow pets?
No, due to the shared nature of our hostel.
Are there restaurants and grocery stores near by?
Yes! Our neighborhood has plenty of restaurants, pubs, and coffee shops, plus large grocery stores within a few blocks. And, of course, we have our very own Hostel Cafe open 7AM- late!
Does this hostel accept groups?
Yes, we are perfect for groups! We can accommodate groups of 10 to 100 people, depending on availability. Whether you're a youth or adult group, we have the space and facilities to meet your needs. Please visit our Group Accommodations page for more details.