1-Star Review
Review of the Portland Clyde Hotel
It took me some time to decide whether or not to write this review, but I believe it's important for three reasons:
My experience deserves to be heard.
I want to help others avoid what I went through.
In today's corporate-driven hotel industry, this is one of the only ways a guest can push back.
I booked five nights at the Portland Clyde Hotel through Booking.com because I was working nearby at Portland Stages. My requirements were straightforward: a pet-friendly hotel that was affordable and close to the theater, since I did not have a car. On paper, the Clyde seemed like the right choice. Unfortunately, the reality was very different.
1. Pet Policy Confusion at Check-In
From the start, there was a breakdown between Booking.com and the hotel. Despite booking a pet-friendly room, the hotel acted as though they had no record of my dog and treated my request as brand new. I had to present paperwork and push back before it was "straightened out." I was then required to pay a $250 pet deposit.
2. Extension Nightmare
Midway through my stay, I learned I needed to extend by one night. I booked and paid for the additional night through Booking.com. Even though the extension was reflected in their system, the hotel insisted I pay another $250 pet deposit.
I refused, since I was not checking out and back in--I was simply extending. On the morning of my original checkout date, the hotel locked me out of my room and refused to release my belongings until I paid. I spent hours on the phone with Booking.com but got no resolution. This was an outrageous way to treat a guest.
3. AI Front Desk & Lack of Real Service
This hotel operates with an AI-first system, and the front desk staff act as little more than gatekeepers. They are not empowered to resolve issues and instead read from scripts or push responsibility back onto the guest.
Specific examples:
Lighting: My desk lamp was missing a bulb. I needed proper lighting to work, but their response was dismissive:"Regarding the lightbulb issue, we sincerely apologize for the delay. Our team was notified, but as lightbulb replacement is not categorized as an emergency maintenance request, it can take some time to be addressed."While they may not consider this an emergency, for a guest who relies on a safe and functional room to work, the lack of lighting was an emergency. It took three days before the bulb was replaced.
Shower Handle: On my first shower, the metal handle fell off and hit my toe. The damage to the tile was never repaired. Their written response?"At this time, we are unable to guarantee that this issue can be resolved during your stay. I apologize for the trouble and inconvenience it has caused."
Technology: I could not get the Roku remote to work. Rather than sending someone to check, they emailed me generic instructions on how it "should" work. The remote turned out to be broken.
Data Security: To extend my booking, the hotel required me to re-upload the front and back of my ID--even though I had already done this four days earlier. I refused at first because of security risks, but they insisted. This left me deeply uneasy about how my personal information is handled.
4. Noise Levels & Refusal to Relocate
This is an old building with poor soundproofing. The guest above me woke at 6 a.m. daily, stomping in high heels and dropping shoes onto the hardwood floor. It consistently woke me up.
I asked to be moved. The hotel had available rooms, but they refused. Their only "solution" was to tell me to use the earplugs they provide.
5. Neighborhood Safety Concerns
The area around the hotel felt unsafe. There is a heavy homeless presence, and while many individuals caused no issues, others were visibly struggling with mental illness. I was told someone had been stabbed nearby just a week before I arrived. This made walking my dog in the area stressful and concerning.
6. The One Bright Spot
The cleaning staff were the only positive part of my stay. They were attentive, kind, and professional. The cleanliness of the rooms was entirely due to their hard work, not management's policies.
Conclusion
While the rooms themselves were clean, the overall experience at the Portland Clyde Hotel was unacceptable. From pet policy disputes and deposit extortion, to dismissive maintenance responses, to unsafe conditions inside and outside the building--this was not a welcoming or professional stay.
If you value basic hospitality, safety, or respectful treatment, I strongly recommend choosing another hotel. read more