The sign for the Shilo Inn was bigger than the hotel, leaving us looking around for the structure that seemed as if it should be where empty sky was. But for a budget motel, it was better than most.

Our introduction at the front desk was very friendly and accomodating, and gave a very pleasant sense of the place. For hotel operators, I can't stress enough that a sincerely helpful and cooperative person up front makes up for a lot of evils. Try it. The Shilo Inn did, and everything that followed was that much more enjoyable.

The room was generally nice, clean and modern. There were three drawbacks, one significant and two a bit picky. The first picky issue was the lack of a lamp on the desk, particularly one with a plug for the computer. The second was the lack of conditioner along with shampoo, and I was told that they had run out and were waiting for a delivery. I was there 4 days and no conditioner ever materialized. Also, when the first shampoo ran out, I had to run down to the desk to get another.

The bigger issue is the bathroom itself, so small that it was nearly impossible to close the door. If you're large or have limited mobility, there's no chance you can manage it. The sink was outside, but the door swing almost hit the toilet. When I say it was small, I mean, small.

The continental breakfast was very skimpy, consisting of cereal and prepackaged industrial pastry. The coffee was good, though one morning I had to wake up the night clerk a half hour after breakfast was supposed to start because she was asleep in the office and hadn't made coffee yet. She was a bit embarrassed, and very friendly, for someone who was just awoken from a deep sleep.

Still, we had a good feeling about the place all along, mostly from our initial treatment by Jason at the front desk. His pleasant and helpful demeaner really set the tone for the stay, and made everything else more palatable. Had we been greeted by a jerk, it would not likely have gone nearly as well.

This was our 20th hotel stay in 12 weeks of travel across North America. We stayed seven nights in one of the larger king-size rooms (#200) for an average $65 night (including tax), booked the night before our stay on Hotels.com.

General: This place might best suit those looking for a cheaper, reasonable alternative to inner Portland city. For the price, it’s pretty good value remembering it’s not the Crown Plaza (that’s across the road). Bed was firm. Room reasonably clean. A basic continental breakfast (available 06:30 to 09:30) was included in our rate. Breakfast is several varieties of cereal/oatmeal, apples, yoghurt, juice, tea/coffee, toast/bagels and spread, muffins. It’s a mid-size, older motel over two floors with no lifts, with some minor room remodeling (e.g. granite sinktops). Washing machine/dryer available for a small fee. Drink & snack machine available.

What’s good: Our room was a larger King-size room, with an older couch and a desk. Felt like we had a little extra space. Walking distance to transport easy, and plenty of close-by fast food options. Lots of free car parking at the front and rear of the motel. Staff helpful & friendly.

Minor annoyances: Free wifi is intermittent. Probably okay for just checking email. We found it frustrating to do anything else, with regular drop-outs and slow-downs, including days with minimal guest numbers. Pillows not the most comfortable. The bathroom is pretty small (can’t do much about that though), with the basin outside the bathroom, in the main room. Whilst it wasn't a problem for us, it might cause difficulties for those needing to sit alongside the tub to bathe small children, or with mobility issues (tight squeeze to close the door).

Shower pressure was pretty low, to the point of almost not being able to rinse shampoo properly. We found if we showered later in the morning, hot water waned a little also.

Our room (#200), was directly above the breakfast room and staff preparing for breakfast some mornings (around 5am) would let the breakfast room door slam, which reverberated through our room. We found weekend nights were also noisier than during the week, with party people returning in the early hours.

Nearby: A service station with a smallish 7/11 store is opposite. Plenty of fast food within several blocks (Red Robin, Starbucks, MacDonalds, Subway). We felt safe walking around the area up to about 9.00pm. Large shopping centre (the Lloyd Centre) about eight blocks easy walk or catch the MAX rail for free from the Convention Centre stop to the Lloyd Centre stop.

For something different/unusual: Check out the nearby (free), kitschy Vacuum cleaner museum (107 NE Grand Avenue, 15 minute walk).

Transport: Portland has a light rail system (MAX rail) with a free travel zone which includes the stop nearest the motel (Convention Centre stop) into the main Portland city area (a 5 min. ride). The MAX rail stop is around six blocks easy walk from this motel. Catch the MAX from the Convention Centre stop to/from the airport also ($2.40 each).

I'd stay again, with a room upstairs away from the breakfast room.

This hotel is smaller than the other Shilo Inns that we have been to, but the rooms are just as comfortable with a great location!

Yes, it would be nice to stay downtown but the cost was two-three times higher. If you are able footed, this is great value. We took the Max from the airport and the stop was two short blocks. Public transportation is very close and it takes maybe 10 min to get into town or less. The hotel was clean (carpets a bit worn), the shower/tub new, had frig and microwave plus the usual basic breakfast included. It was quiet. The room we had had a King and was small but quite fine. It was clean. Free parking if you have a car. Not a deluxe place.