Travelers’ House

Greatest deal in town. Only around $ 30/​night. My friend and I had booked a last minute trip to Portland, and we were trying to decide between the hostel and Airbnb. I’m so glad we chose to come here instead.
Especially with staying at hostels I think people generally have a lot of doubts. I assure you, you’re not making a bad decision by coming here. We were welcomed and greeted by Grant at the front desk. He was very helpful in giving us recommendations and showing us around the hostel.
We got our beds in the 8 person room, there’s also the option for 4 person room. There’s clean sheets, blankets, and pillows. Extra blankets if needed. I’m a pretty sensitive sleeper but I slept very comfortably here. There’s lockers in the room for storage, you’re able to rent a lock from the front if you forgot yours. I got lucky and Grant gave me one to use that someone left behind to have someone else use. There’s two showers and three bathrooms total. Everything is very clean. The kitchen area also is very clean. You can store extra food in the fridge if you want. And they have complimentary tea. The living room area is super cute with comfy couches, I spent a couple hours outside in the front porch getting some work done. It’s really nice when it’s warm out.
There’s plenty of street parking in the area. Don’t have to worry about anything. The neighborhood seems safe. We walked around to a few bars at night in the area. The location’s also very close to downtown, I wanna say around 15 min by car. You can even take the bus line 4 right in front of the hostel that takes you straight to downtown with a $ 5 all day pass for trip there and back or wherever you wanna go. The buses stop at around 1 am and run frequently. You use a passcode to unlock the front door so you can enter and exit whenever you want. Also free wifi.
I would definitely recommend coming here to others. Grant is super chill and really funny. Plus it’s fun making new friends from all over the world.

Love this place ! I stayed here before I moved to Portland and I moved here bc I had such an awesome time.. I now live two blocks away — the location is close to major transit and the max transit rail system and walking distance to Mississippi ave is super clutch.
Great place to stay if I was traveling to Portland.
5 stars!

In the colorful leftist tradition, I will fluff up my initial review like a cotton candy machine combines hot air with pink-​dyed white sugar. To exalt my own saccharine verbosity, I will return to a testimony written in the tint of memoir. Thereafter I will tail off with a koan (rhetorical question), intended to caramelize the marbling of sentiment and reason into a vitally aerated naked substratum for which the creative power of travelers may harness, along their right to exercise such lines of excellence, so that the future genus Hominidae may perchance evolve within a scope without providence; anew; fresh with overcoming! These combined methods equal the sum of my honest review as well as my best effort towards an outline for an exhaustive dissertation: «Oxymoronic Hospitality» (to be published at a later date). I digress:
The meat, or rather semi-​rigid paper tube, to the backbone of this pinky cotton candy review is my personal distaste for, or disappointing dissociation of, such an artificially sweetened, contrived festivity. That is to say, not all who go to the fair are merry — especially if one goes with an appetite for lunch but finds only fluffed up sugar wisps aerobically wrapped around paper tubes. There is a difference between curiosity and motivation among all people; a child may ride the carousel with simple glee, whereas a wise man may approach the situation differently — as he operates from a higher, more evolved set of pleasures and satisfactions — by getting drunk, puking on the plastic ponies, and stealing as many brass rings as he can fit into his pockets — for merriments’ sake. In a milder form, a wise man may just be looking for lunch and good company.
I’m sure that at this juncture the online reader (perhaps departing me now) and respective staff are growing weary of all this metaphor, simile, and roundabout literary devising. Be not weary of this strongly slated accidentalism! For this is my personal justice I am seeking — let me explain: a futile effort was made on my own behalf to inoculate just a simple dash of culture into the sparkly clean and sterilized kitchen of The Travelers House; indeed a grand opus of magnet poetry, which was composed on top of the fridge — and from the top of my soul — was promptly aborted, deleted, in what I perceived in the ether of the moment as either a beat of the wings from the symmetrical & paradoxical wings on the butterfly of Fortune — or a mere strum of meek human concordance with the Neo-​Leviathan of our Age: the benevolent and perfect ruler; Comfort.
How then, in fact, was the experience unsatisfactory? I will deliver my testimony and reveal the mirthless essence of The Travelers House.
One night, I believe it was just before Halloween, there was a group of perhaps eight of us – lively and engaging individuals from both the US and abroad congregating in the main room, warming up to a typical hostelesque spontaneous evening of introductions and good intended chit-​chat. Indeed, a night wonderfully familiar to a hostel of any sort, anywhere in the world. However, this place was not a hostel, but a house of some ominous kind, and this was not just any place in the world, but an intentional exception to it: Portland, Oregon. So then, just as what would seem to be customary to a group of traveling individuals, there began to crackle a small kindling, a central spark to what could have been a smoldering and rich slow-​burning fire, swooning us all together through the night. Tragically, this was not to be; the limit of noise had been breached, as was ordained by The Rules, being dispatched to all of us sitting there (yes, sitting — we weren’t rowdy) by a slumberous young lady, clad in her nightgown, emerging from the house residents’ upper story. «I can actually hear you guys talking upstairs, and it’s past quiet hours.» All at once, it was unanimously felt, that this was a home, not a hostel. What was the time? Nearly half past ten o’clock. Quiet hours.
After the house resident left us to return to her unperturbed sleeping chambre — the crackling of our shared nimble and peregrine fire being reprobated by the House deity — we were left steaming a little, like an ember doused with water; scattering from our instinctual flocking together. But as the Phoenix rises from its’ ashes, so our little troupe regained its squab pace; after fumbling with a few trite attempts to reconcile good humor and experiment with snarky whispers, we eventually all agreed on something in the spirit of our mutual condition by somehow all saying, «why don’t we go to the bar?»
Please allow me to to console the reader, after having navigated through this tremulous rookery of thought, where prose is reared among enigmatic oceans and embryos beyond humanness, with a gentle touch of philosophy:
Is the home to the traveler the same home to the host? Indeed it can’t be! Is not the nature of travel to live by the free-​flowing experience of life? Indeed it must!
NdP Balf

Would definitely recommend this hostel to anyone traveling through Portland! Being a female traveling solo I felt completely safe and comfortable as soon as I arrived at Travelers House! They completely understand the importance of creating a family/​community feel for travelers and the house is set up to facilitate interactions and gatherings! The hostel is kept very clean and beds are super comfy! Loved the group campfire and all staff are really welcoming and super helpful — Learnt how to make pumpkin pie (thanks Ryan) and play ukulele (at least beginning — thanks Mac). Would definitely stay here again :-)

Really eclectic, modern yet super cozy all at the same time. It wasn’t overly crowded but there are still enough people around to meet and make new friends. Their minimum 3 night stay policy makes it easy to greet familiar faces each morning over free French Press in the large kitchen space. I really loved the décor, ambience and layout of the rooms.
This is not your usual hostel. The owners really go out of their way to make your hostel stay the best it could possibly be. And they’re quick to share insider advice on PDX or invite you out with them!
TH place is just — cool. And heart-​centered. Spend a week at this eco-​friendly, super well-​appointed (local vendors supported whenever possible), community-​driven facility. You won’t be disappointed!

I echo everything said by the other 5-​star reviews. Cozy home, high standards of cleanliness and consideration for others, lovely communal experience. All I can add that hasn’t already been mentioned is:
— the sheets and bedding are colorful and super soft
— the sleeping room was a perfect temperature and people respected when others were resting
— there are tons of spots to relax and do your own thing or join in with others for a meal and conversation
— there was never a wait for a shower or space to get ready
— yoga mats are available for stretching
— the front porch is expansive & perfect for sitting
— events are planned for the guests who wish to participate
Of course, those things just barely scratch the surface. The main thing is that this hostel is true Portland with its mission to serve travelers and the community, location directly in a lovely neighborhood, and welcoming vibe.

A healthy, fragrant mimosa tree, adorned mid-​August with fuzzy pink flowers and letters and poems of gratitude that sway in the breeze, sets a warm and inviting tone as guests make their way up the steps and into this lovely sanctuary, to rest tired bones and engage in new, mind-​expanding friendships.
I booked a 3 night stay here for my first trip to Portland and couldn’t have been more pleased with the entire experience — from pre-​trip communication, to ease of arriving by public transport, to the immaculately clean and comfortable rooms and the friendly staff that, as others have already mentioned, this feels SO much more like you’re staying at a good friend’s house than in a hostel.
Beds are surprisingly comfortable, and lockers for storage are huge (they’ll easily hold a 50L backpack and then some) which really help with staying organized. Never had to wait to shower. WiFi and desktop computer came in handy. Kitchen is spacious and inviting, and there’s an absolutely incredible breakfast place just a few blocks down called Sweedeedees. Get to this place before they open, unless you don’t mind waiting in line (in true Portlandia fashion — brunch episode anyone?) and ask for the muffins with locally foraged berries which are likely still in the back and piping hot from the oven. And get the churned, salted butter to go with it. On every bite.
Back to the hostel… the bike rentals are super convenient and I highly recommend taking advantage of hopping on one of their shiny new Breezers. They are perfect for cruising into town and taking in all of the sights, sounds and smells from a different perspective than by foot or gas pedal. Better yet, grab some new friends and go cruising together on a bike-​scapade throughout the city. A lot more fun than going just by yourself, or with your boyfriend, or whoever. Make some new friends!
And on that note, I invite you while staying here to really step out of your comfort zone and be the first to extend a hand or warm smile to your fellow hostellers. It’ll likely be very much appreciated and will result in some extraordinary experiences and memories. I made so many incredible friends here, many who came to feel like old friends by the end of just three days, and we went on some amazing adventures together, including Ecstatic Dance Portland, which runs every Sunday morning, and is like no other ecstatic dance I’ve ever attended. At least 100 people! Do go.
The workers couldn’t be any more accommodating and friendly. They even offered to take a bunch of us out on a walking pub crawl, which was a lot of fun and a great way to gain some local insight and perspective.
Everything about this place felt so much like home that by the time it came to depart, I had a big lump in my throat and a quiver in my heart.
I will absolutely be staying here again and have already been recommending this place left and right to my friends. Trust the reviews — this place has 5 stars for a reason. I feel like it attracts some truly amazing people!!! Tell them Jo sent you ;)

A place so awesome, I had to you all about it. It’s clean and safe. Transportation if you want to cook for yourself and convenience store on the corner. Really nice kitchen and great food on Mississippi Ave. It really gives you a slice of Portland life. Well thought out rules ensuring comfort for all.

Wonderful and affordable place to stay in a nice location in Portland, as long as you are a considerate and kind person. All of the people were courteous and friendly, and I was able to relax even in a room with seven others sharing. Great atmosphere for a transformative adventure! Staff were extremely helpful, even during technically closed hours (they live on site).

Very welcoming and comfortable place to stay! I made some really great friends and had an incredible time.

Lovely little lodge. It has a real community feel to it and it’s got a very homely feel to it. Located close to shops and cafes and food carts as well as bus stop. Not a party hostel and I appreciated the good night’s sleep every night. Tate and Grant were always there to help out in case of any queries. Will definitely stay here again next time I’m in town.

Traveler’s House isn’t your ordinary hostel… it feels more like a home to come back to at the end of a day out & about.
Located in the cultural district of Alberta Arts, its a short bus trip or bike ride from the city itself. Its nice to be on a quieter street away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
All the staff are wonderfully friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere they’ve created allows people to easily interact and meet other travelers. They have an enviromental and social conscience which I really appreciate.
The kitchen is great and well equipped for cooking your own food, with a great loca organic grocer located around the corner. You can rent bikes from them, the beds were comfy and warm, bathrooms clean. What else can you ask for?!
Thank you to Travelers House of having me — I will definitely be back again :)

An excellent choice for a clean, comfortable place to stay. Great location, with lots of shops/​restaurants/​bars within walking distance. Also a 40 min walk or 20 min bus ride to downtown. The owner Grant and the staff were super friendly and knowledgeable about the area, and I met interesting people from around the world while staying here. I would definitely come back.

This place is homey and welcoming. It’s got dorms as well as a 3 person private room to rent, a Huge kitchen, two social rooms, a big chalkboard posting local events in the greeting area– even yoga mats. Tate, the greeter, was a wealth of knowledge, showing us things on a local map and helping us plan our visit, but talking to the other hostel — goers is strongly encouraged. They have tons of great info too, and tend to be friendly, social and willing to offer up all sorts of unique advice. Be sure to check out the rule list when you check in, or online– it’s all common sense stuff for a shared house– don’t be too loud late, don’t be naked, etc.

When I tried opening the front door I had failed to write down the security code they had emailed me.
The door opened to what felt like a familiar face. «Scott?» she said with a smile.
«Tate?» I had spoken with her when I booked the room. She had remembered
I was checking in and she was expecting me.
Her loving raspy feminine voice is the quintessence of chamomile tea and romantic comedies.
It was like being at home, not a hostel and more like an intimate Inn.
Travelers House is an old Portland style cottage that’s sits up on a hill. The yard is unstyled, the wooden stair rail, paint chipped rustic, but the inside is newly renovated.
Things are orderly rational and clean here with a after 10pm quiet zone. The kitchen stays mom spotless even with many of the international travelers utilizing it — a couple from Santa Cruz made curried tofu for their train ride back home. An Aussie made fried egg sandwiches. I made a strawberry salsa.
For a hostel, the bunk beds were comfortable the shower newly outfitted with great water pressure that ran as hot for as long as I wanted but the graciousness and welcomingness of the staff and owner Grant were what stood out as unmatched.
One staff member Ryan agreed to watch
and remove from the oven some baked sweet potatoes I was cooking while I ran an errand. One early morning he was engaging with another guest in meditation, they even had a guide book. But always the staff, including Brittany and the owner Grant, took time to listen to what I had to say and personally engage in a positive shiny way. On my stay Grant was building a Yurt in the yard of the house next door, which will be renovated for more guest rooms.
This hostel inn is just north of bars and cafes on a stretch of Mississippi and there is a small grocery store nearby. It’s an easy bus and train to downtown.
Privates are available, which would be a good first introduction to hostels.
It’s hippy bliss Portland style at an excellent value.
No shoes allowed inside.
Laundry service available $ 5.
Staff is helpful to look up information.

I was never one for hostels, so when my friends and I booked it for our short holiday in Portland last week, I was apprehensive.
It was definitely nothing like I expected. The photos posted on Unilocal are an accurate reflection of the state of the house throughout the time we were there. Very cosy, well-​maintained, clean, neat and safe. The owners were very friendly and inviting, and shared tips on where to go to get the best brunches or the best hikes in the area.
We had a room for 4 people in the lower level. The room was nicely decorated, pretty spacious for a group of 4 (I’m sure it would have easily fit 2 more people). Bathrooms and showers were clean. The kitchen was also open for us to use, and that was where we met the other travelers staying in the house. Everyone was immensely friendly.
We left a couple of days before Thanksgiving, but from what I hear, they were organizing a Thanksgiving potluck, which definitely sounded fun!
Affordable, clean and comfortable. Also helps that it is conveniently located a 15 – 20 min walk from Historic Mississippi, and a 5 min walk from one of the best brunches I’ve had (Sweedeedee’s). Very close to the bus stop and convenience store, with a grocery store located 5 min away. Highly highly recommend this place.

I stayed at the Travelers House with four of my friends. We had the large dorm that fits 8 people. I was expecting a decent house with a bed to sleep in but my stay at the Traveler’s House ended up being so much better than I expected.
My group was greeted at the door upon arrival and immediately given a tour and a warm welcome. The layout of the house and design appeared to be well thought out with comfortable furniture and plenty of space to gather. It was clear as we took our tour that a lot of thought had gone into the design of the house. The common areas were clean and it appeared to have furniture from different parts of the world which really played into the Traveler’s House concept. The kitchen was large and had plenty of space for us to store our food and cook.
Everyone that we met along the way was warm and very friendly. All of the staff members were attentive and gave excellent recommendations on where to go in Portland. You could literally give them a list of things you were looking for and they could point you in the right direction.
Down to the last detail, the Traveler’s House understands hospitality. I will definitely stay here again.

Stayed here last week and had a great time. They have a deep understanding in what Hosteling/​Travel is truly about and have definitely put good thought into how to run this place.
It is 100ft from the bus and at the end of a great stretch of establishments on Mississippi. You get a great neighborhood experience of what Portland is really about, especially if you bring a bike or rent one of theirs.
Bunks were comfy and clean, and i really like their fromt porch and general common room. Their backyard is beautiful, though I just used it to park my bike.
They are just getting started and I would suggest a few things. I would like to see them be a bit more proactive about bringing people together. I went to a nice dinner on Sunday. It would be great if they organized stuff like this everyday. They have an awesome backyard, but it was going unused. It would also be cool if they sort of had planned adventure maps or secret things they could recommend that you don’t find in a tour book. portland has so much of this kind of stuff that you would never get bored. It would also be awesome if they put a bike repair stand on the front porch or in the back yard. That would be icing on the cake.
I will definitely stay there next time I am in Portland. i hope they become a really well known Hostel.

Being a female traveler, I often worry about how safe/​clean a hostel will be. All my fears were put to rest when I arrived. There is a door lock, with a code that changes often. There are lockers for your belongings, and the neighborhood seems safe enough. I stayed in the dorm with men and women, and I felt 100% safe.
It felt like I with staying with a friend or cousin, vs. a hostel with complete strangers. The staff is incredibly friendly, there is a no-​shoe in the house policy (I love that!), and it is incredibly clean.
Complaints: Some people had a hard time finding it, from bus station. I had a car, so I was fine.
Honestly, I just loved sitting in the chairs on the front porch, or in the back-​yard, and reading. Quiet and relaxing zen environment. I would go back in a heartbeat!

Ended up making plans to stay in Portland at the last minute, the result of which was that I had to book a total of three different hostels throughout my stay. Travelers house was by far the best.
The location is awesome, right by the coolest coffee shops, record stores, and a bus line that goes downtown. The accommodations are really nice as well — full kitchen, nice shower, cute backyard. Really though, the highlight was the sense of hospitality and community. The staff was was so genuinely nice and welcoming, and since the place is geared more towards foreign travelers, you meet a lot of interesting people. It honestly feels less like a hostel and more like crashing with friends that you haven’t met yet.
P. S. don’t let the lack of reviews scare you away, they just opened this summer!