This apartment is in a great section of Portland, just one block from the main commercial street in the Alphabet District. A great area to walk around. We walked to Powell's Books as well, and could have made it downtown if we'd had more time. It was easy to find from I-5 and near 405 for ease of getting to other areas of town if you travel by car.

The owner was very helpful and quickly responsive to our requests. For example, when we e-mailed him about my husband's missing prescription sunglasses, they were returned within a half hour (the woman who cleaned thought they belonged to the prior renter).

Unfortunately, the apartment itself was a bit disappointing. The main room had no windows, except the light coming from the adjacent kitchen. No standing or table lamps in the main room -- just the overheads. The whole place was dark and rather drab -- merely utilitarian, not warm or welcoming. The couch and bed were comfortable, though, and there was a large TV and a great selection of movies. The bathroom was very clean and well-stocked with the supplies we needed.

While we were on holiday, the people living in the surrounding apartments were obviously not, and at 5:40 a.m. on President's Day, someone began splitting wood just outside the bedroom window. There was a fair amount of noise from then on out and we gave up on sleeping in by 8.

To sum up: We were glad to be in Portland, in the Alphabet District, in a clean and convenient apartment that allowed our dog, dealing with a responsive owner. However, this apartment could use some upgrading.