Bluebird Guesthouse

Traveling alone to see friends in Portland for a few days, I did not want or need an Airbnb all to myself, nor did I want to stay in a large hotel. The Bluebird Guesthouse was the perfect solution. Enjoyed a cozy stay in the first-floor Gabriel Garcia Marquez room. Comfortable room with a private bath, with its own heating/thermostat, which was very handy as it was very chilly when I was there. Nice common areas and generously stocked kitchen with everything one needs for a simple breakfast. Great location. The place was very quiet and peaceful despite being on a lively street. A great option for a solo traveler.

The Bluebird is a terrific find! It’s a big old house with tremendous charm and character. We had our own “private” bathroom and shower, which was totally true, but we had to chuckle in that it was “down the hall” from our room. We didn’t care, but I could see that wouldn’t be for everyone. The hotel provided some comfy bathrobes for our use. The room was quiet, the AC worked great. The “help yourself” kitchen had loads of teas, great coffee, snacks, and noshies for breakfast. Conveniently located for our needs. A real gem.

Cozy B&B in hip Portland district. Lots to walk to. Very comfortable beds and pillows. Self serve continental breakfast. Lovely old guest house, easy check in. Occasionally Spotty wifi. Parking was a bit hit and miss. Only negative comment was in terms of accessiblity - there is no railing on the right side of the entry stairs and the gate swings to the left, so was impossible for somewhat impaired to navigate solo.

Absolute oasis and delight! Great location amongst food carts, shops and restaurants, vintage clothing stores, and the Hawthorne theater concert venue. The house is a true gem and historically accurate. Lots of hidden treasures to be found. Gluten free foods are available! :) Of special note, the staff was phenomenal! So kind and helpful. The home was immaculate. Cleanest restrooms I think I’ve ever seen.

The amenities were great. Location is in a good place with walking distance to many resturants. Parking is not good but seems typical for Portland.

A perfect stay! Really enjoyed the Le Guin room, the well-stocked breakfast kitchen, and cozy sitting areas. Location and staff communication were also great. Would definitely return!

Overall score: 4||Customer Service: 5|Location: 5|Parking: 3|Cleanliness: 4|Reservations: 5|Comfort: 4||We stayed last night at this lodging location, while we were visiting the Portland area. We made our reservations a few weeks ago, and the process was seamless and very easy. Everything was contactless and we received an email from the staff on how to access the house. Our email instructions included our room and private bathroom details.||The parking situation is very challenging because they don't have on site parking. There is nearby street parking within 1-2 blocks. This lodging is within walking distance to many nearby restaurants, shops, and bars. The rooms are warm and cozy, but not very accessible for handicapped people. Overall our lodging experience was very good and I'm sure we would return for another visit. ||

Like most of Portland the Guesthouse is in a querky neighborhood with lots of places to eat and shop. The Guesthouse is an old craftsman style home all sorts of built-ins and nice woodwork. If you're looking for an upscale place to rest your head then this might not be the place for you but very comfortable bed, friendly staff that make the stay very enjoyable.

Overall score: 4 Customer Service: 5 Location: 5 Parking: 3 Cleanliness: 4 Reservations: 5 Comfort: 4 We stayed last night at this lodging location, while we were visiting the Portland area. We made our reservations a few weeks ago, and the process was seamless and very easy. Everything was contactless and we received an email from the staff on how to access the house. Our email instructions included our room and private bathroom details. The parking situation is very challenging because they don't have on site parking. There is nearby street parking within 1-2 blocks. This lodging is within walking distance to many nearby restaurants, shops, and bars. The rooms are warm and cozy, but not very accessible for handicapped people. Overall our lodging experience was very good and I'm sure we would return for another visit. Tip: Enforce or put a sign in your driveway "Don't Block Driveway" so your guest can at least load bags. Parking is not good at all. I saw others homes in area that had signs stated the obvious. There are alot of steps. Don't stay here if you can't handle stairs or parking issues in this area. Other than that, enjoyed my stay. @glampedlife

I picked a near-perfect spot for my first trip to Portland. This place is everything the (positive) reviews have said. Charming, low-key, convenient, cozy, private but with a social/communal vibe. I think it was an especially good place to stay taking my first-ever solo vacation. While it does feel a little strange walking into a house with no one there to greet you (if you get in later during the day) so you feel more like an intruder than a guest, the living room area was very warm and inviting. The welcome e-mail gives you all the details you need to know upon arrival anyway, and it was easy to find my room in the basement. I stayed in the Elliott Smith room for pricing, privacy, and a love for the musician. It had a nice-sized queen bed, antique desk, and was well-lit and simply decorated. While it was less convenient to walk up the stairs to use the restroom off from the kitchen, I didn't find myself having to wait to use it. There are also two other bathrooms upstairs. The clawfoot tubs are neat, but you do have to be careful getting in and out, as they are tall and slippery. It also helps to shower/bathe early in the morning as the hot water seems limited. I decided to move into the Gabriel Garcia-Marquez room for the last two nights of my stay, for a little more space and private bathroom (still very affordable). That room was just as nice, fairly elegant, with a larger king-sized bed, very clean bathroom, and a view of the backyard. The continental breakfast is bagels and pastries laid out on the counter (gluten-free and gluten filled), an assortment of bananas, apples, and oranges, cereal, oatmeal, and coffee ready to go when you wake up. There is juice and dairy/non-dairy milk in the fridge, as well as yogurt. So you've got quick, convenient options. This was also the only time I ever saw staff on the premises, as they were laying out fresh bagels/pastries, cleaning, and doing laundry. So, you don't feel like your privacy is invaded by any means. I just cozied right up in the breakfast nook and enjoyed the cloudy view. I ran into a couple guests in the kitchen, and they were friendly. You pretty much feel like you have the house to yourself. The only time it doesn't feel that way is when people are walking up and down the stairs, as they are old and creaky. But, I never found myself having to knock on doors telling people to keep it down. The location is right in the heart of Division Street, and I lucked out with great weather, so I was within walking distance of plenty of shops, pubs, and restaurants. Hawthorne is just a few blocks away and is a big shopping district as well. Otherwise, from this location, you can catch a Lyft or the #4 bus to pretty much anywhere around town. I can't fault the place for things basically out of their control, e.g. creaky stairs because it's an old house. I can't deduct stars because staff wasn't on the premises, as I was able to figure things out pretty easily (how to get in, where my room was, kitchen/bathroom etiquette, etc.) and the other guests staying there were fairly quiet and courteous, save for a half-eaten apple on the counter and a couple dirty dishes in the sink. Overall, this is a very cool, off-the-beaten-path, unique experience that I will definitely come back to for a future stay.

Great location near restaurants and bars (we tried Cat's Paw and Cibo. Both great) Cute decor. Comfortable accommodations.

I have now stayed at both the Bluebird and Evermore guest houses and they're both excellent in their own ways. Bluebird is quaint and feels like home away from home to me. I always try to stay in the Gabriel Garcia-Marquez room on the main floor. It has its own bathroom with claw foot tub/shower combo, a little desk, reading chair and a/c for the hot summers. On Division there are plenty of options for food, drink, and shopping. And nice area for neighborhood strolls. The kitchen in the main part of the house is big enough with an island to cook meals and there's enough seating for everyone to eat in-house. Tbh, everyone is always out and about experiencing the town so you mostly have the place to yourself and everyone I've ever encountered has been so nice and friendly. There's a sweet little neighborhood cat named Cheesecake who likes to hang out on the porch. Be prepared for creaky floors and thin walls, it's an older house after all, and it's lovely.

This was our first time staying in this kind of place and we LOVED it. Parking stinks in the area but the house is amazing. The area the house is in has bars, restaurants, shops, coffee shops...everything you can think of. I wish we had more time, we were only there for one night. Our room was downstairs and had its own bathroom, which I was in love with. Claw foot bathtub? Yes please!

I have never stayed in a guesthouse before on vacation - my experiences ranges from hotels, motels, and AirBnBs. this was a great experience, the house has a cozy vintage feel. Free breakfast of pastries, coffee, and fruit in the kitchen in the mornings. Quiet neighborhood, ample street parking, and within walking distance to some of Portland's great eats such as Pok Pok and Salt and Straw. I felt very safe staying here. Cute breakfast nook in the kitchen. My only complaint was that the wi-fi didn't work all weekend I was there so unfortunately have to subtract 1 star for that. Otherwise, would recommend this gem to anybody!

Looks can be deceiving. We got stuck in one of the basement rooms. The basement was half finished and resembled something out of a horror movie. The room was super small, low ceilings, dark and stuffy (no fan nor AC). There is no bathroom in the basement. We had to use the kitchen half bath to brush our teeth. The only showers/baths were up two flights of steps and were disgusting. Used towels on the floor and random bars of soap with hairs on them in the shower. To top it off the lady who 'checked us in' was not friendly at all. She made it seem like she had way better things to do then to help us get situated. I've stayed in hostels that are significantly nicer for less than we paid for the guesthouse.

You can't beat this B&B for the price. Staff is incredibly friendly and there if you need anything. The rooms are cozy but very cute and supplied with whatever you need for your stay. I was worried it might be noisy at night with the rooms being so close to each other but with our fan going all night I didn't hear a peep! Bathrooms are SUPER clean and sharing was never a problem. My boyfriend and I stayed in the Sherman Alexie room one night and the Raymond Carver the next two nights. The Raymond Carver is definitely cozy but it was the perfect size for a short stay. It was also really convenient having access to a full kitchen to save our food overnight etc. You don't get this at a hotel. And the bagels and muffins in the morning were fresh and yummy! Highly recommended!

This place makes me happy. If I could live here, I would. The Bluebird is set off from the street, snuggled behind trees and big green leafy plants and blooming flowers and vines. My boyfriend and I arrived late from the airport and used a code to get into the door. The house was quiet and peaceful, like the residential neighborhood around it, and I can remember the smell of old wood mixed with rainy night air. We stayed in the tiny and sunny Raymond Carver room, which felt almost like a secret room tucked away in the house. One of the best parts might be the surrounding neighborhood. I have never seen so much green in a city in my life! Everyone had a garden full of plants and flowers, whether they were actively cultivating them or not, things just grew everywhere. You can walk up to Hawthorne st. which has some quirky shops and restaurants, and a big mountain in the distance. Writing this review makes me want to go back right now and stay at the Bluebird... sigh

So comforting to stay at a place that feels like home. Nice and clean and staff who do their jobs and yet are transparent to those who stay there. Makes the whole experience like you own a home on SE Division Street. Restaurants and shopping nearby make this location a plus. WIFI is great. The kitchen stocked with utensils and a continental breakfast offering is available every morning. I'm sure it will be hard to leave this place when the visit is over. Will be back on my next visit to Portland.

This house is very charming and a nice place to rest if needed. The attendants were very friendly and there are plenty of good restaurants nearby. The stray cats were definitely the highlight of our stay and they were great companions for the night.

There is no staff on site and this business is not run in a professional manner appropriate for the price

We took our anniversary trip to PDX and stayed overnight at the Bluebird in the Gabriel Garcia-Marquez room this mid-week. Arrangements were made online and with the instructions in our email we were set. Finding the place was easy with the assistance of google maps. Check in is 2 and we were there just after. As you can see from the others pictures we were greeted by old school charm with modern convenience in the public areas. Our room was spacious, clean, and cozy looking. As we dropped off our things before another adventure we looked forward to relaxing here later that night. On our way out we were welcomed by a nice young woman washing dishes, this would be the only time we ran into someone who worked here. That night the bed was comfy, the WiFi was handy (we could still watch house of cards) and my partner enjoyed the soap. Good closet space for a short stay (complete with spa robes) and lots of drawers/cabinets of the old built-in variety. I personally enjoy windows and natural light and that was in no short supply, we especially loved the unique windowed and flicker-lit built in dresser/drawer (I supplied plenty of pix of our stay here too). Everything was clean (save what looked like a small old grey stain on the douvet) and smelled the same. We explored the neighborhood and while chunks of Division were under construction there were still restaurants and shops and bakeries open which we took advantage of. Didn't realize we were kind of across the street from the Oregon theatre for adult movies, but didn't seem to be a bane or a bonus lol. We didn't eat or cook here, really only used the kitchen for storing leftovers in the fridge but it was stocked with fresh bagels and muffins in the morning. Only big complaint would be the lack of hot water, between just the two of us with moderate showers we actually ran out. oh, and there's a water wand that looks lovely but for the life of me i could not see how it would work. Otherwise we loved it and will certainly return to the GG-M room at the Bluebird.

Just stayed one night in the Bluebird Guesthouse. Beautifully restored Victorian. The room was quiet, the temperature indoors was comfortable, and the bed was luxurious. I was worried it would be noisy because it's right on Division Street, but the house sets back from the street. They set me up with a nice continental breakfast. Lots of choices. I'm definitely coming back!

A diamond off division & 35th street! Jess the house manager is super hospitable and gave me tons of recommendations! The house is super clean, cool looking and it includes breakfast! I recommend this place and will come back! Plus it was $39!!! Division St. has lots to offer! Division Wines, Pok Pok, New Thai Blues, Imperial Bottle Shop Taproom & much more!!!

Bluebird is an excellent place to stay in Portland for a unique, affordable experience. You can't beat the location right in the heart of the bustling businesses on Division Street. There are so many little restaurants, bars, and shops, I could have easily stayed on this street and been entertained for days. It's easy to find a parking spot on the street right on Division or across the street a block or so away so this is very convenient. The experience is like a bed and breakfast but a bit more independent for the guest. The owners and staff are there a bit in the morning but are almost invisible and keep to themselves. I've stayed in the Sherman Alexie and the Beverly Cleary rooms. You get juice, coffee, and muffins/pastries and fruit in the morning so don't expect a full breakfast but it's plenty of food. This is a guesthouse, not a B&B. They have a computer with internet access down in the kitchen area that anyone is free to use. They have free wi-fi but it's not a strong signal upstairs. If you're in a double occupancy room they charge only $10 extra for a mattress on the floor and the 3rd person which is very reasonable. I am so close to giving them 5 stars but just can't quite yet. 2 easy ways to improve the experience a bit: -Stock the rooms with higher quality toilet paper. Yes, I'm looking at you, Scott bath tissue that feels like sand paper on your you-know-what. -Make it more obvious for how to dispose of dirty towels and get new linens. I asked the woman restocking the rooms where to put our dirty towels and she told me about a laundry chute. After knowing this it was fine but since you don't have someone coming in and cleaning your bathroom and changing the sheets it would be nice if the linen thing was a bit more obvious. I'm not sure if this can be improved but the wireless is pretty spotty. Not a strong enough connection to stream video from an iPad. These are small issues. These items aside, Bluebird is a charming, affordable choice in a great location! I have stayed here twice now and I will be back again for sure and have already recommended them to many people I know.

I stayed in the E. Smith room. My boyfriend and I got here late, after everyone was asleep. The E.S. room is downstairs, in the basement. Here is the problem: It stank. This room had such a terrible odour. I thought it was the bed. It was not. We could not figure out where this awful smell was coming from. There was only one tiny window in the room and it was already open (I imagine someone was trying to air the place out). It had to be the carpet. I can only imagine there was some kind of flood (sewage?) and the carpet was not cleaned or dried properly. We could not sleep and we didn't know who to talk to since it was late and we had not yet met anyone who ran the place. When I went to pay the next morning I informed them of the stench. I got a nonchalant shrug as a reply to my concern and a "oh, we'll have a look at it". Honestly, I would have appreciated a refund.

I would recommend this place for people who don't mind sharing a space with other nice folk. It's like respectively vacationing with a friendly neighbor that you've agreed to share the kitchen with but will probably barely see. The house itself its super nice and comfortable. The front porch is big, welcoming, and complete with porch swing. The common space is large and well kept. The shared bathrooms are antique-y and also clean and well kept. If you prefer sunlight, definitely opt for the rooms not in the basement. The kitchen has most things one would need to make a meal including DIY pancake mix and sandwich bags. They also provide free bagels, muffins, and coffee in the morning. It's pretty wonderful. Also pretty wonderful is the location of the Bluebird Guesthouse. This is where it's a total bonus over staying at a hotel or hostel in downtown. I should mention that it's across the street from an Adult theater so overcautious parents be warned. Regardless, it's in a great neighborhood with bars, restaurants, and a grocery store nearby. It's also very close to Hawthrone which is another bustling area of Portland. We stayed two nights in the Elliot Smith room and it is definitely the better (if not best) option for the money as far as accomondations in Portland.

Here's a guesthouse that's oozing with charm. Rooms are basic,spacious and clean. The staff is accommodating. I definitely plan to return to the s home-away from home!

Quick run down of this charming guesthouse: - No ankle-biters. Kids under six years old are not allowed = super quiet. - Most comfortable hotel/hostel bed I've ever used. Good sleeps makes for happy travelers. - Great location. For those that want to travel without a car this is a great home base. There is plenty to do in this area, plus it is easy walks to different neighborhoods, pubs, restaurants, shops, parks, bakeries. We rented bikes, cuz bikes are fun, but they are not needed. Between walking or bus #4 you could easily fill a weekend without need of a car. We rented from Clever Cycles, an awesome shop that is a pleasant 2 mile walk from Bluebird. - This may be a negative for some, but it was a bonus for me: we never even saw the owners/managers. We let ourselves in following their emailed instructions and just left the keys in the unlocked room when we left three days later. Zero hassle. - The house is gorgeous. It is brimming with Craftsman touches, little nooks and crannies abound. One little nit is that I wish the bedrooms had hardwood floors; carpet gives me the heebie-jeebies. - Rudimentary breakfast fare (and coffee) are provided, but Portland is such a breakfasty town you should just go out and get yourself a salmon Benedict and a Bloody Mary with homemade pickled veggies. Really. Do that. It was a lovely visit and I wouldn't hesitate to stay at the Bluebird again.

This place is so cute! Tucked away in a residential part of Portland, a short walk from Hawthorne and a short drive from Downtown, the Bluebird is a very cozy and comfortable place to stay on a budget. I think the best way to picture the Bluebird is as a hostel for adult-like people. This means less focus on catering to drunk Australians and more focus on being quietly charming. The atmosphere is super-laid back. I never saw any staff my whole time there, but the place was immaculately clean and there were just enough little touches to make my day (paper in the morning? Check. Hot chocolate on a cold, wet evening? Check. Tasty muffins and bagels in the morning? Check.) One thing I will warn you about this place is that the walls are thin. This means that if the couple down the hall is having sex, you will get to listen in, and I imagine that the opposite is true, as well. Just like at a regular hostel:)

I stayed at the guesthouse for 3 days this past September. During my stay, a section of Division Street that runs in front of the guesthouse was closed for construction. This did make getting to guesthouse a little tricky since the bus had to take a detour. Nothing that Google Maps and a little walking couldn't handle. During normal bus service, the bus stops really close to the guesthouse. There are a lot of bars, small shops, and restaurants next to the guesthouse on Division Street but they all unfortunately looked closed due to the construction. Soon after I arrived, I was informed by Nina, the manager, that I would be refunded $60 due to the inconvenience of Division Street being closed. I was given the refund without even asking for it which I thought was very classy. I stayed in the Raymond Carver Room during my stay, which was big enough for a single person or a couple. I rented a bicycle for use during my stay here in Portland. I was instructed to keep the bicycle in the basement. According to one of the caretakers, most people who stay at the house don't have a bicycle which I find surprising being that it is Portland. Bathrooms (which are communal) and the common areas were neat and clean. I had no troubles accessing the bathrooms during my stay. As you can see from the pictures, the house has "character" and a cozy feeling to it. The kitchen was a little messy, but I'll attribute that to some guests who didn't bother cleaning up after themselves. The guests that I ran into were all cordial. I ran into a couple from Oakland, CA and we spent a few minutes chatting about the local attractions. There is a nice little backyard with a table and some chairs where I had my breakfast each morning. There is complimentary breakfast food (bagels, muffins, pastries, etc.), coffee, and fruits. I particularly enjoyed the strawberry habanero cream cheese that was available but I think I may have been the only one who dared touch it during my stay! If communal bathrooms don't freak you out and you want something different than a standard hotel experience, I recommend this place.

My boyfriend and I stayed here for our first out of town trip back in September and I was just telling a friend that they should go here when I realized I had never written a review! And I loved this place! I'd never stayed in this sort of accomodation, but I felt like we still had a lot of privacy and the room was small in a cute and snuggly way--perfect for a romantic getaway! The price is right too. Very affordable. Its also close to a lot of great shops and eateries in SE Portland so we ended up walking or taking the bus a lot. The decor was beautiful and if I could live here I would too, my fellow reviewer. There are a lot of lovely touches that make the space precious. You can tell that the owners have put a lot of love into it. If you're looking to party though, this may not be the place. We felt like we were breaking curfew or something by coming home late, but no one seemed to notice us so I think it worked out. I just didn't like the feeling of having to sneak around and the house is old so you have creaking to deal with! Overall I must say our experience was top-notch and gave us some great memories to cherish.

After two nights near the airport and a couple days at the coast, we needed a place to suck it all in. This was perfect. I have many interests, one of which is craftsman architecture, I own a Chicago Bungalow, and have always been a huge fan of the West coast craftsman movement. A movement which paid as much homage to the owner as it did the builder. If you are like me you will love this simple, tasteful home. There is a spacious porch to relax and watch the locals walking or riding by. There is also a deck upstairs that is quite secluded. In back you will find a nice fenced in back yard with a table and chairs, plenty of quiet places even if the place is full. The dining room is ample and the living room is incredibly comfortable, but my favorite room was the small study. It had a fireplace, a couch and a chair, it was a small room but very intimate. I lost myself in this room reading on our check out day. Before leaving I noticed a painting call "The man with the Hoe." There was an accompanying poem that is another of my interests, an ode to the working man. Stay at this house, the owners are nice folks with a true respect for the human spirit.

My wife and I were really happy with our stay at the Bluebird Guesthouse. The decor is really nice, and the attention to detail impressed me. You can tell the owners take a lot of care with the house. The house is cozy -- plenty of places to sit down and read. The house is located in a easy-going residential-commercial area. There are a few places to get food in walking distance; the restaurant across the street in the yellow house was awesome (great beer, too). Just know that the house isn't very close to downtown. If this is your first visit to PDX, I would recommend staying downtown so you can walk or take the light rail to everything. If you want something slower and quieter, stay here. UPDATE - 6 years later Laughing as I read my 2010 review. This section of Division has changed a lot! (for better or worse is up for debate). There are plenty of shops and restaurants in walking distance.

This place is so cute! I stayed here with a couple friends when I came down to visit Portland for the first time during the summer. Bluebird Guesthouse is a cozy guesthouse establishment with a bed and breakfast feel where it's like you are staying at someone's house. The place is semi-hidden behind some foliage and it definitely has a rustic feel. It might get a little creepy at night with the creaky floors and interesting portraits on the walls, but other than that I find this place quite quirky and charming. I liked how they provided free bedding, towels and wi-fi. Our room was clean, and one of the patrons was kind enough to get us an extra futon for one of our friends. There are a couple bathrooms and showers scattered throughout the floor and I never had to wait in line for any of them. There weren't that many guests staying at the place but they were all respectful and non-disruptive. Oh and they provide free food!! In the morning, you can go downstairs and help yourself to some bagels, muffins, fruit and coffee. For the 3 of us, we each only had to pay $38 total for our one night stay. This is so much cheaper than staying at a hotel, and they provided a lot of free accommodations. If you are traveling to Portland, I highly recommend staying here for an excellent experience that is affordable at the same time.

Bluebird Guesthouse is conveniently located on SE Division St, where loads of restaurants/bars/cafes are merely at a stone's throw. I stayed in room called Raymond Carver ($65/nt), which was super cozy with a big and comfortable bed, a small desk and chair. There were plenty of tidy bathrooms, so I never had to wait around for someone to come out so that I could use the bathroom. The kitchen was spacious and filled with tons of bagels/other baked goods (GF options available)/tea and coffee. I rarely saw anyone hanging out in the common areas; the house was pretty quiet. There were parking spots in front of and around the house. When I go back to Portland, I would definitely consider staying at this guesthouse again!

Stayed here on Feb 23rd 2010 and was VERY satisfied! Was a bit skeptical at first at staying at a guesthouse but ended up being a more memorable experience than staying at a hotel. The staff was very friendly on the phone. They seemed very trusting and warm and this carried over into the atmosphere of the guesthouse itself. Although we never saw them, they gave us the key code for the entrance of the guesthouse and we found our way to the Raymond Carver room. It was tiny but VERY cute. we only stayed a night so that was no problem. Thought because it was so small that it would have been very noisy but guests were all considerate of each other and did their part in keeping quiet and keeping the place neat and clean. Paid $65 for the night and would DEFINITELY stay there again when next in Portland PROs: - good location - 3 mins walk from bus stop which takes you into downtown portland, 20 mins away. bus comes every 15 mins - surrounded by little restaurants, coffee shops and bars - VERY CLEAN and neat - warm, cozy atmosphere. cute, tasteful vintage decor - washing and drying facilities (paid) - free breakfast - fresh, delicious muffins and bagels, organic coffee, herbal teas, bananas and fruit - quiet - friendly staff - free wifi CONS: - stayed for only 1 night and there really weren't any cons!

After travelling from the East Coast, I needed a place to "roost" for a week in between day trips with my good friend. This turned out to be more of a "home away from home," with the great breakfast treats, use of a computer (and free WIFI), not to mention some seriously good coffee. I recommend Bluebird highly because of its simplicity and yet its modern approach to overnight stay. I was downloading music in my room while sleeping in until 8am or so. I don't think that I can even do these things at home. It is obvious to me that these innkeepers know what they are doing - and if they continue to do it well, they will have many more ornithological encounters than just bluebirds - what I mean is...many more patrons will fly in. Great spot. Seriously great spot.

Location, location, location...if you want a place that is in a funky neighborhood close to good food...it's a good choice. Bluebird is like staying in your Portland friend's house--shabby chic and relaxed. This is not a fancy B&B. We wanted a private bathroom, so we chose a downstairs unit; it was in August, and the room, despite no a/c, stayed cool enough for our needs. If you are bothered by older carpet or being by the laundry room, or need A/C to sleep the downstairs might not be the best choice for you. The house manager was very helpful and welcoming but not intrusive. Loved talking with her and she was so helpful. As for the other guests, the vibe will depend on who stays at the time, but there are plenty of places in the house to tuck yourself away--the swing on the porch, the kitchen built in table...it's a funky, fun place. While I haven't stayed in the Evermore, I'm told that it's a more stately, elegant place. But for our needs, would recommend.

My husband and I stayed at the Bluebird Guesthouse two months ago on our first visit to Portland, and what a gem it is. It's nestled in a cozy part of town and within walking distance of several great eateries, including Pok Pok, Pix Patisserie, the Victory Bar, and the Detour Cafe. From the guesthouse, we were able to walk to the Hawthorne, Belmont, and Pearl districts, and the downtown area was a 10- or 15-minute bus ride away (there are bus stops close by). We also had a rental car so we could visit the coast and the Columbia River Gorge/Mt. Hood area, and there was always available street parking nearby. We stayed in the Sherman Alexie room on the second floor. It was a nice size for two people and came equipped with a window A/C unit and a desk containing Sherman Alexie's newest novel, "Flight." There were towels and extra linens in the closet. We did have to share a bathroom, but there were two of them nearby (one with a shower, one without), and I only had to wait for the shower once in five days. The floor was also consistently quiet. The kitchen is spacious and stocked with delicious bagels and muffins every morning, and you can store food in the fridge as long as you label it. Occasionally we'd run into other guests there, and everyone was incredibly nice. Within the kitchen area, there's a desk with a computer for free internet access, but there's also wifi if you want to bring a laptop. If you're only interested in downtown Portland, you should probably stay downtown. But otherwise, I highly recommend the guesthouse as an inexpensive alternative so you can explore other areas of the city.

This was the first thing my husband and I booked for our trip to Portland, after the plane tickets. It just seemed that cool. It was full for the first of our four nights here, though, so we stayed at the Ace Hotel downtown, then moved to the Ken Kesey room at the Bluebird. I'm glad we did it that way, because we were able to get a good overview of downtown and the Pearl District before moving across the river. First, I loved the fact that the Bluebird had a room named after one of our all-time favorite musicians (RIP Elliott), but the only reason we ended up not taking it was because it's in the basement and I didn't feel like walking upstairs to use the bathroom. It also seemed sort of eerie to stay in a basement room named after a rock star who committed suicide... Anyway, the Ken Kesey was right next to one of the full baths, so it didn't really feel like we were sharing it. The breakfasts were adequate, although there are also some great options nearby if you're hungrier. We had breakfast at the Bluebird two mornings, and went to Bread and Ink on Hawthorne, which was amazing, on one of the weekend days. The Bluebird's location is great, right by the No. 4 bus stop, down the street from Pok Pok, and a half-mile walk through calm residential streets to Hawthorne. I liked that you were pretty much on your own, it made it feel very home-y, but the staff we met was very nice. They didn't even mind that our heavy suitcase broke one of the suitcase holders. Would definitely stay here when we return (and we will) to PDX, if only because we didn't get to play The Office trivia game on the shelf in the living room.

I really loved this Guest House. In fact, I almost want to say it's a 1 star so that way there will be space next time I'm in town. Close to businesses. Offer a decent breakfast (even gluten free baked goods from a local bakery, I was in heaven...I haven't had a chocolate covered donut in awhile). Free parking right out front. A/C in the room. Adorable patio areas complete with porch swing. Main floor is devoted entirely to the kitchen and common areas with rooms on upper floors. This was nice because at other places I've stayed, the kitchen is next to someone's room and I'm an early riser... Also, there's a computer for everyone to use that sits in the backroom overlooking the yard. Kitchen has a cute little eat in breakfast nook. Our room had a skylight. Only downside was the rooms were a bit more expensive than other places I've stayed and there wasn't an additional fold out bed or as much space as the other places. Still loved this place though!

I've stayed here twice. I stayed here last year last minute because my partner didn't like the hotel we originally booked so we had to find a place quick and they had an available room. We absolutely loved it. It's cute and cozy and feels just like home. You do have to share bathrooms but I never had to wait. It was super quite and all the other guest were courteous and nice. It's in a nice neighborhood that has a lot going on. I think this neighborhood has a lot more going on than downtown Portland. I also stayed this year for 6 days and again I had a wonderful experience. I stayed in the Raymond Carver room. I recommend this place to 3 other friends and since we all traveled together we all stayed in the guesthouse and none of them had complaints. 2 of the stayed in one of the basement rooms (Elliot Smith) and I would hang out down there and it didn't smell as reported from another yelp review. I even asked them and they didn't smell anything. It was actually quite cozy. The staff was always very pleasant and helpful and I would highly recommend this guesthouse to anyone who doesn't mind sharing bathrooms or feeling right at home.

Loved our stay... check in check out was so easy. Our room was so charming with king bed , private bath ( with robes provided) and a wonderful selection of breakfast goodies in the morning. Definitely will be back

I've stayed at the Bluebird three times, twice with my husband and once with my mom. I've always been pleased. It's quiet, nicely decorated, clean, and comfortable. The staff are nice, and practically invisible. The continental breakfast is good -- fresh fruit, bagels, oatmeal, etc. Plenty of gluten free options, if that's important to you. I'm sure I'll be back the next time I need to stay overnight in Portland.

We had no air conditioning, no parking, no housekeeping service, no fresh towels, all in a room with a 7 foot ceiling that had about as much space as a prison cell. For the price we were charged ($175/night) we could have easily stayed at a decent hotel. My wife and I have been traveling for more than 20 years and these were by far the worst accommodations we have ever experienced.

I enjoyed my stay at BB Guesthouse. Was in Portland for a 3 day weekend where it rained the entire time. I didn't have a car, but the #4 bus is very convenient for going downtown and along Division Street where there are lots of restaurants, yoga studios, etc. You probably won't find a taxi unless you call ahead (so bear that in mind in deciding whether to stay in this part of town without a car). I stayed in the Ken Kesey room which was quaint and cozy. Just big enough (I wouldn't have two people because you can't access the bed from both sides due to sloping roof line). The price is quite reasonable and everything was as promised (breakfast of bagels, pastries, coffee, juice). This room had a shared bathroom, but others have private baths. I thought it was kind of noisy because it's an old house and the floors squeak and groan and you can hear people coming and going and talking, etc. Overall, it was fine and the people I met were nice as were the staff who are only there during the day. Definitely not a typical hotel or even B&B experience. I liked it though and now that I know what to expect, I'd stay here again.

They canceled a confirmed reservation at the very last minute. Left my mother, who traveled 17 hours from Venezuela, without accommodations minutes before checking in. The excuse was that I am a local, but they did not even bother to check or notify about the issue, even confirming the reservation earlier on that day, until late on the day, minutes before her arrival at the Guesthouse. Their response was even worse, arguing that they had problems with drunk guests and drug use. Arbitrary and amateur management causing travel disruption, you will be better off staying with someone more professional and dependable.

This place has been perfect so far. In the middle of a trip up and down the coast from central California to the bottom tip of Washington, this has been the BEST place I have stayed. I even say it is the best place I've stayed out of ALL my trips, I take a vacation about once every couple of months; so basically about four-six times a year. Note: This is one of two homes. The wifi here is fast and included with the room. There is a well stocked fridge for morning;bagels, cheeses, juice. And fresh ground and ready to brews coffee. A full kitchen to either cook in or sit at the adorable seating area and wish it was your kitchen. There is a great dining room area and very cozy living room with a small "red fireplace room" behind that. This is where our room was; the Marquez room. It was about $90 with tax and all but well worth every cent. This room has a private bath(the cheaper rooms do not but the other bathrooms in this house are just as CLEAN) but the Marquez room bath has a claw foot tub (the water didn't get very hot though, I'm assuming someone else might've taken a shower before me). There is a very nice sized closet but TONS of extra storage in this cute window area of the bedroom. It held the two weeks worth of packed gear and newly added shopping bags that myself and the man had(we over pack by a lot too-FYI). The bed is California king too :) So! Over all. This place is amazing. There is also a separate little room off the kitchen by the back porch that has a computer to use and the backyard has a simple table and chairs setup. Along with the from porch has an abundance of seating to relax and watch the foot traffic or read a book. Stay here and don't bother going anywhere else. Although, if this place ever gets too busy when I come back I would be heartbroken to not stay here again.

This is a very different B & B but very refreshing. There are no TVs, no phones, no noise. The inn keepers are not actually "Inn Keepers". They are not there, at all! They give you info via email or phone to gain access to the house, then everything you need is in this huge house. There is free wi-fi, a computer you can use, laundry facilities (didn't check these out, so I don't know if they are free or not, but I think they are). The kitchen has bagels, muffins, jam, cream cheese, tea, coffee, plates, utensils, etc. It was a little confusing if all this food was for breakfast or snacking. At just about every other B &B I have stayed at there was something to nibble on in the evening (cookies, muffins, cheese & wine). But I decided to play it safe and wait. It was kinda feast or famine in the morning however! I did not get down to the kitchen until 9:30 in the morning and there was only 1 muffin left, no bagels. My boyfriend ended up splitting my breakfast with me. BUT, there was a ton of organic fresh fruit. Note to innkeeper, please put more bagels (some whole wheat plz) and leave notes as to when we can eat these. The bathrooms are adorable, with an original claw foot tub upstairs in the community bathroom. There seem to be bathrooms and toilets everywhere, you won't have to wait for a bathroom. It was a huge house, peaceful, laid back, quiet, and a lot less expensive than the other B & B's near by. If you need or want a B & B in this neighborhood, I think it was worth the money. Ciao, SB Update :) I was asked a very good question, if this is a good place for visiting family to stay? Most definitely! It has way more charm than any hotel, even the Benson. They can come and go at any hour of the night (other B & B's you may feel a little awkward walking in at 1 in the morning :) If your families house is near by, like mine, then the bird is in *walking* distance, which was fantastic! One thing I wanted to note however. There were stairs on the outside, leading up to the house. If you are handicap and need to use a walker or wheelchair, I don't think they have access. I think there was one room on the main level, I think, but getting to the house is a problem. Hope this helps, Ciao SB

Cozy. Easy going. Great neighborhood for walking. I checked in without anybody there. I just sort of walked into my room, got my key and went ahead with my business. Shared bathroom, which always makes it a little harder. But at this price, this place is a gem.

Nothing short of amazing. The house was built in 1910 and has all its original fixtures and furniture! It's cozy and it felt like home. The hostess was friendly and she always had amazing coffee or pastries out to enjoy. The kitchen is spotless and had everything you needed if you wanted to cook your own meal. Its located to vintage stores, food, bars and pinball! This was our first time here and it most certainly won't be our last. If your in Portland stay here!

Awesome place. Clean, old bungalow with a nice continental breakfast, large rooms and near some terrific restaurants. I never slept so comfortably in a guesthouse before. Go to the original Pok Pok in the neighborhood, specializing in the difficult to find northern Thai cuisine. The hosts at Bluebird make you feel welcome, always have fresh roasted coffee at the ready, and the common areas of living and dining rooms are comfortable and inviting. Will return if back in Portland.

The Bluebird Guesthouse was so fun and beautiful! The beds were so comfy and it just felt like home. It is a nice alternative to a traditional hotel and is in a really fun area. All the house guests and attendants were very nice and the breakfast was delicious. Definitely recommend.

My husband and I loved this place! Very cozy and quite. Perfect location for going to all the cute shops and restaurants on Hawthorne Blvd. Always plenty of street parking. Yummy local bagels, sweets and pancake batter in the kitchen for breakfast.

My husband and I had our wedding reception on a library rooftop terrace and one of our guest tables was the "Gabriel Garcia Marquez Table." When we began making honeymoon travel plans to visit the Pacific Northwest, naturally enough I booked the Gabriel Garcia Marquez room at the Bluebird Inn. The house itself was warm and inviting, with just the right amount of quirky (some of the old black and white portraits on the walls were delightfully creepy as are the creaking wooden floors throughout the house). It was cool to have the conveniences of home (stocked kitchen with organic ingredients, front porch/backyard access, and and a computer area with free access to wifi) and to lose some of the distractions (no TVs here, thankfully, which kept my husband from ignoring me for the Olympics). The Gabriel Garcia Marquez room was beautiful with cozy reddish colored walls and gorgeous windows overlooking the backyard. Fun touches include little lamps with flickering flame lights in front of the windows, a clawfoot tub in the adjacent bathroom, and one of the author's books tucked in the desk drawer. The one slight drawback we discovered about the room is it's location right off the kitchen. I am a late sleeper and on the first night there I was continually awakened by the early morning breakfast makers/loud talkers and everyone in between until around 11 a.m. This was easily solved the next night, though. There is a wall a/c unit next to the bed, so we turned it on fan mode before bed and it successfully drowned out all of the kitchen noise the next morning. If you're an early riser, you probably won't be disturbed; otherwise, definitely use the fan mode as white noise to block out the inevitable morning ruckus. We didn't run into other guests very often (probably because we slept so much), but when we did they were polite and seemed like regular human folk. Our stay was 4 nights and now that we've been back home for a couple months, I find myself missing it and wishing we could return. The location is amazing and walking distances to so many restaurants and shops. You'll love staying here and for the affordable price, you can't go wrong! Special thank to Nina for making our stay so pleasant and memorable.

I have never stayed at a guesthouse before, so we weren't sure what to expect. It is basically a very, very nice hostel arrangement with every amenity you could need (e.g. fridge full of great breakfast foods, brand new washer and dryer, complimentary computer/internet, etc.) Our room was very classy and comfortable. This whole house appears to have undergone a massive renovation, but has retained all of it's 1920?s character. Every detail is polished and new feeling. Unbelievable, especially for what we paid. Why anybody would stay in a hotel, or anywhere else in Portland for that matter, I couldn't say. This place would be perfect for romantic couples, business folk, families, and/or people looking for a very nice place for cheap (we were in the first and last categories). Never staying anywhere else in Portland again.

Wow - see owner comment below. That is responsiveness! Thanks Chris!