We were able to check in at 10am on our day of arrival which was a huge bonus. We were travelling with our dog and so we expected a "less nice" room, which is what we normally get at most hotels but our room was great and Zoey was welcomed with her name on the chalkboard at reception.

The location is superb and we could not have asked to be better situated. Whole Foods, fun restaurants and pubs, Pioneer Square, transit, amazing book store, etc.

The hotel offers a nightly wine tasting which was an incredible bonus. The tastings were very generous and the cheese, crackers and pizza was excellent. The self serve espresso, cappuccino and tea stations were also fantastic.

We will definately be back!

My husband and I spent last night at the Mark Spencer as part of an "Arts Package". The deal includes free parking in their underground garage, one night's stay, and tickets to a play. The package is a great deal, much cheaper than if you bought tickets and hotel stay separately. Staff were very helpful, professional and friendly. Although old, the hotel has been renovated and is very clean, with a lovely lobby that includes a library sitting area and a cozy breakfast area. It reminded me of some small European hotels. Located in the Pearl District, it's close to theaters, fun shops including Powell's Books, and lots of restaurants.
The room was simple but tastefully decorated, and very clean. It had a small kitchenette, flat screen tv, and a wonderful king sized bed with high quality bedding. We had a corner room on the 3rd floor, and I was worried we might have a lot of street noise, but that wasn't the issue. We were very impressed with everything about the place, and would go back again, EXCEPT for the one problem often associated with old buildings. There is little to no sound proofing between the rooms and to the hallway. All night long we heard people come and go, we could understand everything they said in the hall, there were doors closing, the sounds of toilets flushing, and people next door coughing. Because it was a Saturday night, I'm sure some were returning in the wee hours after hanging out at the nearby clubs and didn't think about the folks trying to sleep. Unfortunately, we were jarred out of sleep more than once, including one time when two teens were running down the hall and and yelling at each other. We wished we'd had some kind of white noise to cover up all sound. The room door had about a 2 inch gap at the bottom which we tried covering with a blanket but it didn't help. If the hotel replaced their doors with some that are sturdy and fit the openings it might help.
It's too bad...I would have rated this hotel a 5 and definitely gone back if we knew we could get a good night's sleep.

This was my second time at The Mark Spencer, and I loved it as much as my first visit in July. Both times I booked through Expedia in combination with my flight. The location is great, near the Pearl District restaurants, downtown, and other sites such as the Portland Art Museum. Getting around on public transit was also easy from the hotel when I didn't feel like walking. Staff are friendly and helpful and the room was clean and spacious, with good heat when I needed it. I will definitely book it again on my next visit.

Right downtown. Close to Powell's, and a short walk to the art museum. Help-yourself good breakfast. Espresso/tea/hot choc available at any time in the lobby. Wine-tasting and tea and cookies are included. Most rooms have full kitchen.
My only complaint was the squeaky floor boards. We were fine on the top floor but I think if you're in a lower floor and the people above you are awake late you might be disturbed by their foot steps.