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terpkristin
07-29-2015, 08:41 PM
I'll be in Portland visiting my brother (briefly) at the end of August before heading to Seattle for PAX. My plan (for now) is to take the train from Portland to Seattle. I realize it will be a little longer than flying but I'm not worried about that. Is anybody here familiar with that ride? What train company actually does the route? Does the train fill up far in advance (should I try to reserve a ticket now or can I wait til the week before, for example)?

On a related note, are there any hotels to stay away from in the PDX area?

/tk

digamma
07-29-2015, 09:04 PM
Amtrak.

Amtrak.com

thesloppy
07-29-2015, 09:27 PM
I find boltbus (https://www.boltbus.com/) to usually be easier/faster (and cheaper) than the train for that trip, but it can depend on traffic, and the train experience can be fun.

I don't know anything about hotels unfortunately. Lots of folks swear by airbnb for in-town lodging, since hotels tend to be downtown or on the outskirts.

path12
07-30-2015, 10:49 AM
I've made that train trip a few times. About three-four hours, I've not seen it super crowded.

cartman
07-30-2015, 10:58 AM
You should crash at Lathum's new place :D

chinaski
07-30-2015, 11:28 AM
The ride is really pretty in spots, I recommend it. Bolt is cheap and i've heard great things about it from friends.

Hotels, yes, there are many to stay away from. Dont get anything near the airport, especially anything farther out than 82nd. Go for a nice looking AirBnB or a simple bed and breakfast in inner SE or NE. Downtown hotels are nice, but can be very expensive. If you want real cheap and easy access to downtown, i like the Palms. Its an old school motel that was once really seedy, but now good(ish). Its cheap and right on the max, 15 mins from downtown and in real close proximity to good bars and food.

terpkristin
07-30-2015, 06:03 PM
Thanks, all, and keep the suggestions coming. :)

I think train is the way I'm going to go. I thought it might be pretty and it sounds like it does have some pretty spots, and it should be more relaxing for me than some other options. I'm not in a particular hurry and don't mind spending the money. I certainly don't want to drive (myself) if I can avoid it.

It SOUNDS like I can wait a bit on the ticket but I'll keep an eye out on Amtrak's website and if I see things being crazy, then I'll jump on getting a ticket or two (still not clear if/when my brother will know if he's coming with me to Seattle).

/tk