KEX HOTEL, Portland

Kex Hotel - A century-old building with Icelandic-inspired dining and rooftop sauna in East Burnside

Located in Portland's Industrial Eastside district, this 3-star Portland hotel occupies a historic apartment building along East Burnside Street. Kex Hotel features 26 non-smoking rooms equipped with down comforters, organic bedding, flat-screen TVs, and air conditioning. The ground floor houses Dottir restaurant, distinguished by its salvaged Douglas fir herringbone floor, circular center bar, and retro furniture. The restaurant serves Icelandic-inspired seafood dishes, including black cod with potatoes and wild mushrooms, complemented by house-brewed Viking Juice beer. Guest amenities include a 24-hour front desk, complimentary WiFi, concierge services, and a rooftop sauna. Weekly live music events transform the common spaces, while the lounge area offers travel and design books for browsing. The property stands 2624.7 ft from Oregon Convention Center, with Le Pigeon and Canard restaurants just across the road. Portland International Airport is 5.5 miles away, while several bus routes and a streetcar line service the area.

Pros

Custom-designed wallpaper blends Icelandic and Oregon natural elements

Located in the Grand Avenue Historic District, surrounded by top coffee shops and breweries

Seasonal cocktail menu features unique options like Icelandic mulled wine (Jolaglogg)

Regular live music events enhance the social atmosphere

Cons

Shared bathrooms in some room categories

5.5 miles distance from the airport requires transportation planning