The Mark Spencer Hotel

02/18/2008 Posted by Sethleftofcenter

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.

09/11/2006 Posted by t0adman

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.

Pros: Located on edge of Pearl District

Cons: Run down and overpriced - pay a little more and get a LOT more

04/11/2006 Posted by stevedahl

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!!!

Pros: None This Time

Cons: Too Many to List

03/25/2006 Posted by mirimoto

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.

02/15/2006 Posted by truesally

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 The decor is hideously outdated, and not in a fun retro way.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.

Pros: close to streetcar, near good shops, near good restaurants

Cons: expensive, outdated decor, noisy

03/26/2005 Posted by jbwerner58

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.

Pros: Location, Price, Parking($10)

Cons: Noise, Noise, Noise

11/20/2004 Posted by sararln

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!

Pros: cost, staff, continental breakfast

12/01/2003 Posted by spencer5

This was so lovely - great bed, NY Times, nice breakfast, super location, quiet comfortable, pleasant staff, reasonable rates, convenience of kitchen, extra pillow, easy on line reservations, all great! :-)

Pros: Saw it from Powells

01/16/2003 Posted by cheribit

The Mark Spencer was a perfect choice for us "country hicks" that wanted to see the city without having to drive around. Other than housekeeping, the staff was friendly and extremely patient with our rowdy crowd. The hotel was unique, clean and very inviting. Housekeeping was so slow and not very friendly. We had to ask for garbage bags several times and when they were finally brought up the housekeeper practically threw them at us. We never got any cleaning, including making the beds, at all and also had to ask for towels. Overall had a very pleasant time and would stay again.

Pros: Great exploring area

Cons: Elevate & housekeepin

09/06/2002 Posted by debbiec

I have had a lot of people visiting Portland for various events my arts organization has sponsored, and the Mark Spencer staff has always been extremely gracious, accommodating and hospitable. Our visitors have always commented on how nice the hotel is, how fabulous the location is for the nightlife, and how wonderful the hotel staff was. I am always proud to do business with the Mark Spencer Hotel!