I had a quick overnight at Kristin & Kip's place. They were very thoughtful in making personalized recommendations for food and beer in the neighborhood, for a good, scenic running path suggestion-- and even offering to pick me up from the light rail stop. Above and beyond! Really, they couldn't be nicer! Even the cat was friendly, for a cat ;) The room was comfortable and breezy-- the airy window and ceiling fan made for ideal sleeping conditions. The neighborhood was super cute and quirky and felt very safe even after dark (important for me, as I was traveling solo), though many of the shops were closed during the time I was there. I arrived mid-evening and left early morning.
As much as I enjoyed my stay, I would note that this neighborhood might be best for those with a car or who are not as interested in being "downtown," or who have more time to spend than just passing through. Those three things for me made the location not quite right for me--- that's on me though.
I was limited on time in my first visit to Portland, so was hoping to spend some good QT in the heart of the city, getting to know it. I found that it takes longer than I had prepared for from Kristin's home to get to/from downtown by transit. It is totally doable and there are MANY options, but it is not quick. Buses are very close by, and the light rail is ~1 mile. This travel was just a little trickier to navigate with luggage. I noted this with the lovely hosts (REALLY not trying to be difficult), and they graciously responded with an offer to pick me up. I ended up walking from the light rail to their home because it was a BEAUTIFUL evening and I had been sitting, traveling all day and it felt good to move. I ended up using Uber to get back to the city/Union Station after I left in the morning. It worked out just right in the end, but I wanted to note this for other travelers. This wouldn't dissuade me from staying with Kristin again (I'd love to be in the neighborhood when that sock store and all the other cute little places were open!), just would want to be prepared.