Need Some direction

I will be needing to stay in Portland for 5 days following my release from OHSU. Can anyone direct me to a clean / cheap motel that does not have drug deals and hookers in the parking lot....?

You crack me up! And, no, crack wasn't meant to be a pun! Exactly how much are you looking at spending? The downtown Marriott is actually pretty darn nice (and can be spendy -- I'd call and ask if they've got a "medical" rate -- the fertility clinic's across the street *yep the one in the news, been there done that, lol*) but not completely unreasonable ($100ish a night). Its also fairly convienient to OHSU if you needed. http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/PDXOR If you wanted to stay in downtown Portland, I'd just avoid the Chinatown area if you're really wanting to not see the drug deals (but, honestly, working downtown I've seen quite a few in many different spots around town but you often have to know that's what you're seeing and hookers, never seen them). I also worked in the old Multnomah Hotel which has since become Embassy Suites. There -- well, yes, there I saw it all, lol -- anyway the hotel itself is nice but pretty darn pricey. http://embassysuites.hilton.com/en/es/hotels/index.jhtml;jsessionid=W5K1WWVFRUGHYCSGBIWM22 QKIYFC5UUC?ctyhocn=PDXPSES Now, if you want something a bit further out but on MAX (yeah, you'll probably see some of what you talked about, too) you may want to try the Doubletree at Lloyd Center. You've got the mall across the street and MAX right next door (cheap travel anywhere MAX/Tri-Met takes you). I think this actually might be my "best pick" of them all because its older it will be a little less expensive. There's a grocery store (Safeway) on the other side of Lloyd Center (just dodge the bullets) and a fairly decent view if you get a room on the park side. http://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/hotels/index.jhtml;jsessionid=W5K1WWVFRUGHYCSGBIWM22QKI YFC5UUC?ctyhocn=RLLC-DT Again, if you picked any of these places, you'd want to call and see if they offer a discount for medical reasons. Also, even though I live in the area, I've also stayed at the Marriott and the Doubletree and got to look at a few of the rooms in the Embassy Suites. Doubletree just seems the most convienient for me. Oh, I almost forgot. OHSU might be able to provide you with a list of hotels they "recommend" those on the list would be most likely to offer some type of discount. And, even with all of my "joking" about the area, I've lived in Portland/Vancouver all of my life. There is no place that is absolutely safe. Are there places I'd avoid, yes, probably. But, even though Lloyd Center's been shot up a few times lately, I still go and don't have fears about it. I've worked in that area as well as downtown Portland and didn't have any problems. If you look hard enough, you may spot a drug deal but many of the prostitutes are gone. I've got to look really hard to find them (plus I avoid the areas they tend to frequent). Good luck! Lori

Thanks Lori My husband has lots of medical problems and we have stayed a a few convenient motels and seen a lot.. I am not easily shocked.. I've worked for sheriff's office for years so I have seen and heard, not all, but most... although it can be entertaining. I am just needing to stay in the "area" just in case a leak happens and the Dr said we should know that in about 5 days.. I thank you for the info .. My surgery is on the 17th..so close...Judy

Hi Judy: Saw you on the OHO Site. We are almost neighbors. Two of us from here are going through the process with Legacy Good Samaritian. We have appointments with Dr. Patterson on 10/19. Hopefully if we find more from North Central Oregon we might be able to form a support group of some sort. Good luck on your surgery and will be looking for updates on your progress. Jeanne

I would love to get a support group started. I know there are several in the Hermiston area, I have seen them on the OHO. Judy

Judy, almost anything downtown would be ok, as long as it is a chain like Marriott, Hilton, etc. I would not recommend staying at the Days Inn downtown though. It is REALLY cold there and they set the thermostats to heat only when it gets down to like 58 degrees! Other nice hotels would be 5th Avenue Suites, The Benson (but probably a little spendy), The Governor. I like the idea of checking with OHSU to see if they have negotiated any rates for their patients.

Kim, Thanks for the info.. I also liked the idea of getting a list from OHSU and I have done that. I think we now have it covered. Thanks so much Judy