The Mark Spencer Hotel

Doesn't Recommend

crosslandjeremy

Joined 2 years ago

Worst hotel experience ever!!. Can I give negative stars?? When we first walked into the our Mark Spencer hotel room, I was quickly taken back to the first apartment I lived in after college when I looked around at the light fixtures and cheap furniture. After a passing laugh and shrug, since we got a good deal on the room, my wife and I went about our evening. We had no idea what was in store. When we got back from our evening, around 10pm, we heard a faint argument in the neighboring room – as the argument escalated and we discovered the walls might have been made of paper Mache, we heard a couple yelling at each other…. “Woman, you better calm down right now!!”, “I will not calm down!! You calm down!!”came from the next room. We felt like we were in a crack house, the only thing missing was the sound of a crying baby and people passed out in the hallway. We called the front desk and complained, the clerk said she had gotten many complaints, and was going to call the police. My wife and I quickly packed our bags and waited. A few minutes later we heard a knock at the neighbor’s door and the confident sound of a police officer, we quickly opened the door and checked out, exhausted at 11pm. After this scary experience, not able to find another hotel room in Portland on my own, and even joking with the police to see if they had any rooms available, the manager at the Mark Spencer got us a room at The Governor hotel a couple blocks away. The room was great; the staff at The Governor made us feel like we were running for President. A quick suggestion for Groupon, I love your business model, etc, but please, please have your sales staff to more reconnaissance work to ensure quality. You should be focused on making good quality products affordable, not making cheap products cheaper.

Recommends

Lone Swagman

Joined 3 years ago

Very nice experience. Several years ago, the Mark Spencer was my first experience staying in an "extended stay" type of hotel.

The hotel itself is modest and their rooms are always pleasant and well stocked. Staff always friendly and helpful.

As noted in several of the other reviews, this hotel - part a more quiet part of downtown - is in walking distance to all the things and events that people come to Portland to enjoy.

Major con - is the distance to a major grocery store for those who depend on walking or public transit.

Recommends

Sethleftofcenter

Joined 5 years ago

Great spot for the price. No complaints here. Superb location for the price. Minutes to Powell's, gay friendly bars / clubs, nearby Whole Foods grocery available and shopping. Housekeeping was punctual and professional. Friendly staff. Nice breakfast ready for early birds and afternoon tea and cookies. Will stay next time in PDX. Some may not like the night life noise the emanates from the clubs nearby, but it wasn't enough to disturb sleep.

Doesn't Recommend

t0adman

Joined 11 years ago

Ragged around the edges. I wanted the Mark Spencer to be edgy and cool but it ended up being run down and in need of repairs. The entry way is odd and dirty and the carpet on the steps is worn. My room was actually an efficiency complete with Motel 6 decorating and completely shot mattress. No noise issues and located right on the edge of the Pearl District (which is nice). However, it's also right in the middle of the gay district - wasn't an issue for me but worth knowing. The hotel makes money on rubs, like $16 for self park and $8 for wireless i-net access. I guess a lot of hotels do but when you pay a decent amount for a beat down place you hope to get some nice extras. Don't expect any here.

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Visitors to the Rose City are enchanted by this landmark's quirky history and well-kept rooms.. In Short
Unassuming and inviting, this hotel is a good spot for extended-stay guests who want a downtown location. What's more, some of Portland's best attractions are steps away, including Jake's Famous Crawfish, Powell's Books and several popular nightspots. All rooms have kitchens and cable TV and come with continental breakfast. Afternoon tea is served in the library every day from 4pm to 6pm. The roof garden is available for sunbathing or stargazing.

Doesn't Recommend

stevedahl

Joined 7 years ago

"Alternative" Snobs. Maybe it was a bad time for them or a full moon or something but I booked here as an "in-town" anniversary getaway and was sorely disapointed. It didn't seem intended but they managed to somehow screw up every aspect of our stay. A classic case of "over promising and underdelivering". And when we tried to complain the effeminate concierge continued to whine and imply it was our fault. Very little business sense they seem to have. NEVER again!!!

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mirimoto

Joined 7 years ago

Cool Hotel, Great Location!. Got a room on the ground floor near the lobby. Full bed, super big room... much larger than expected. No problems at all with noise. Staff very friendly and breakfast was good.

Doesn't Recommend

truesally

Joined 8 years ago

Needs Updates & Little Luxuries. Although our jr. suite was spacious and the kitchenette well-stocked, this room/experience was not worth the price. The decor is hideously outdated, and not in a fun retro way. The towels were small and rough, no robes available, and amenities were terrifically uninspired. Nearby clubs, hallway/street noise, and pigeons at our window made for a restless sleep. We weren't told about breakfast but stumbled upon it - not bad, good pastries, instant oatmeal, juice, teas & coffee. Newspapers are now for sale (not complimentary) and parking is an outrageous $16, no valet. There are plenty of nicer places to stay downtown for these costs.

Doesn't Recommend

jbwerner58

Joined 8 years ago

Noisy night in Portland. we stayed at the Mark Spencer to take advantage of a 2 for 1 special. For the special

we got a room opposite the elevator. That coupled with the thin walls subjected us to

excessive noise for the whole night(little sleep). We would advise if take the special

be very aware of what you are likely to get. The staff was friendly and did not balk

when we left a night early(they did not charge for the parking). However, we would

not stay there again.

Recommends

sararln

Joined 9 years ago

close to everything!. My stay at the Mark Spencer was fabulous! The price was very affordable, and I was a bit worried that when we arrived we would find out why. To my surprise and pleasure, the staff was friendly and helpful. Our room was clean and cozy. I felt safe with the secure entry and the card key doors.

The continental breakfast was great, and you even get a kitchen if you feel like cooking.

I read reviews of the Mark Spencer that said it was too noisy to sleep, but I slep like a baby. This hotel is right in the middle of downtown and within walking distance to everything I was interested in seeing/doing in the city. Powells just a block away, tons of record stores and thrift stores and great places to eat. Highly Recommended!