I stayed in the Parlor apt for 3 days recently. It was easy for me to feel right at home as soon as I arrived - both in terms of the space itself, as well as the neighborhood.
I know this lovingly maintained Victorian sits in an industrial busines-core part of PDX, & I like to do my due diligence so I read several of the reviews prior to booking the apartment. I must say most of those guests must be from out of town!
Yes, there is a transient population, but frankly as a 21 yr + Portlander, I can tell you the lion share of PDX’s homeless pose no significant increased danger to your person; They are harmless, for the most part. You CAN see the face of mental illness & poverty in this city but crime from this population is usually very petty. I had a warehouse I. PDX for several years in an are like this, the most that ever happened is someone stealing my sunglasses & lose change from my car I accidentally left unlocked. I personally felt perfectly safe in the first floor parlor apt. the entire time.
I admired how the home has been lovingly maintained over the years. Thankfully, the original wood window and door frames have not been painted over, although some wallpaper has, which is very common to see in homes of this vintage. I rly loved the windows & the master suite vibe of the apartment. This is a light-filled apartment which makes it even cozier. Paulla has upper & lower blinds, in addition the bedroom has blinds & curtains which is fantastic if you’re a night owl like me & sleep during the day - total blackout achieved!
The claw foot bathtub was dope, water pressure good, heating/cooling system both fast, effective & quiet. I’m not a chef so kitchens don’t rank that highly to me anyway when I’m reviewing a place. If you wanted to prepare your own meals throughout your stay, you may feel a little circumscribed by the limited counter space & gear to cook with, ie, lots & pans & utensils & stuff; there are a few but not heaps.
If your stay happens to fall over a holiday, like mine did, you can expect the neighborhood to be almost eerily quiet, it’s insane. You would not think so by the looks of your urban surroundings, but it’s true.
I didn’t try to walk to any restaurants but I know that I could because I know the city. I personally didn’t love Le Pigeon, but it is close by, & if you’re a carnivore-foodie you absolutely should go. For groceries, Fred Meyer is a very short drive away.
In my interactions with Paulla & her cohost before & upon arrival, I found them both to be friendly & responsive. I didn’t need anything so they’re doing something right.
There was another guest in the upstairs apt during my stay. It’s true you can here muffled conversations & media the guest might be playing in the background, like music or movies, it’s definitely not decipherable, at least it wasn’t to my ears. If you need absolute quiet, you need to get out of the city.
Get yee to a cabin or treehouse, my friend!
But, for me, this charmer had absolutely everything else going for it, & I would happily stay again.
Tatyana in PDX