What is the local area around the Sheraton Portland like?

The hotel in consideration is at 8235 Northeast Airport Way 路 Portland, Oregon 97220

Curious as to whether or not the area around this hotel is good for a vacation, not business travel. Meaning if it's lively, close to a variety of places for things like shopping, food, entertainment, sights, etc. Also, any comments as to whether or not the hotel in itself is good, clean, and accommodating for a stay.

If not, any recommendations of high-quality, central hotels in Portland?

No...this is way out by the airport. There really is nothing to do out there, unless you cab it or take public transportation into the city (or drive yourself).

You really should look more downtown if it's for a vacation...more central location. Close in on the east side or downtown would be best.

I'm not sure of your price range, but some nice places downtown include The Marriott (there are 2 downtown), The Benson, RiverPlace (unique), the Westin, Hotel Monacco, etc. For something more 'funky', the Jupiter on the east side is cool...connected to the Doug Fir lounge.

I would not stay near the airport, there is nothing to do in that area unless you want to watch the planes fly in and out :/

id stay downtown if youre here for vacation, because thats the most central location. theres plenty to do downtown, and close to all publiv transit. the hotels the first man listed were perfect. but you do have many choices, theres hundreds downtown.

for sure make plans to go to saturday market downtown, its a blast!

We recently stayed at the Park Lane Suites. It's near the baseball field and MAX light rail. It's a ways but walkable to get downtown from there. The people there are really nice and very helpful. The rooms are nothing fancy, but they have a separate bedroom and a tiny kitchen. The rates are very reasonable, too.

For more ideas on where you might want to stay, try TripAdvisor.com. It has a list of hotels, along with comments from past guests, and also destination guides.

You can try hotel search in http://www.AmericaCheapHotels.com where you can read hotel reviews and comments, see photos and its physical locations through maps, details about important nearby locations ....