"All the Comforts of Home" Park Lane Suites Tip by Rixie

Park Lane Suites looks as if it's a converted 1950s apartment building. There's a conventional lobby and elevator but open walkways outside the rooms. I got a bargain $90 rate through hotels.com -- the price below is per person, double occupancy.

The suites are actually small apartments -- not luxurious (it actually reminded me of a 1950s apartment), but clean and comfortable. The well-equipped kitchen has a stove, dishwasher, fridge and a table for two, as well as a supply of coffee and sugar. The living room includes a TV and writing desk, with Internet access. It would be especially good for an extended stay.

My only criticism was very minor: the opaque drapes in the living room don't close. The center section of the front window is covered by a transparent curtain, but I prefer a greater degree of privacy.

The walls are thin, but that didn't bother me. I kind of liked hearing the children next door singing in the bathtub. :)

Pluses:
* The room rate includes a simple Continental breakfast -- bagels, coffee, fresh whole fruit, and juice -- which is served in the lobby. Snack cookies are put out on the front desk in the evening.

*It's in a good location, away from the downtown hustle and bustle, but close to the bus stop on West Burnside and within walking distance of Washington Park and the great shops and restaurants on NW 23rd Avenue.

*The front desk staff (moonlighting college students, perhaps?) demonstrated a level of professionalism and helpfulness that was noteworthy. When my evening flight to Portland was delayed for hours, I spoke to one young man on the phone twice. He was very reassuring; he said that someone would still be on duty, even if I arrived in the middle of the night, and that if my flight were to be cancelled, I would be reimbursed for the first night. Another front desk clerk checked me in online for my return flight and printed my boarding pass, promptly and cheerfully. No problemo!

If you're used to the Ritz Carlton, this is not the place for you. But if you're like me and are seeking a pleasant home away from home, you'll like Park Lane Suites. I would definitely stay there again.

Address: 809 SW King Ave (at SW Yamhill)
Comparison: less expensive than average
Directions: A block off W. Burnside Avenue, near Jim Fischer Volvo (look for the big Volvo sign)
Phone: 503-226-6288 or 800-532-9543
Price: US$40-80
Theme: Hotel
Website: http://www.parklanesuites.com/