Going tiny can be big fun for families in Portland, Oregon.
You can’t talk about tiny house hotels without recognizing the original. Definitely the first in the USA, maybe even the first in the world, Caravan, The Tiny House Hotel (5009 NE 11th Avenue) is in the heart of Northeast Portland’s vibrant Alberta Arts District. The tiny houses are just as funky and fun as the surrounding shops and restaurants. Speaking of food, if you have young foodies in the family, you’re in luck, as this neighborhood has several of KidTripster’s Top 10 Family-Friendly Eats for Portland. Every effort is made to give you a true Portlandia experience from the Fair Trade soap to the vegan marshmallows for s’mores.
Where to stay at Caravan?
Caravan boasts six custom-built, tiny houses which all ring a communal fire pit with inviting Adirondack chairs, a ping-pong table, and a canopy stretched overhead. Each tiny house was built by a different designer; a booklet inside your tiny house tells each unit’s story. All the houses can accommodate a family.
KidTripster Tip: If you have a train lover in the family, opt for the Caboose, complete with bunk beds and a cupola loft.
Each tiny house is equipped with a mini refrigerator, stove-top burner, microwave, and Italian espresso maker (and organic coffee), but with the number of fantastic restaurants and food carts in the area, you likely won’t be cooking. The bathroom has a flush toilet and hot water shower. The toiletries are surprisingly high-end and locally-made: soap from Oregon Soap Company and shea butter shampoo and body wash products from Alaffia in Olympia, Washington. The sleeping areas invite cozy cuddles with handmade quilts, abundant pillows, and twinkly lights.
KidTripster Tip: The only thing that you won’t find in your tiny house is a television, but there is free WiFi, if you bring your own device.
And if you want to learn more about Portland, there’s a collection of random travel guides, walking guides, eating guides plus bike maps and books on food carts and tiny living in your tiny house library. Besides Good Night Oregon which is thoughtfully placed on your bed, you should bring your own kid books.
We stayed in the Skyline, a 142-square-foot tiny house with a queen-sized bed and a lofted futon that folded out into an additional bed. This particular unit was built almost entirely of salvaged materials. My son and I enjoyed discovering how the recycled metal and wood objects had been repurposed. And the triangular toilet was a conversation piece!
KidTripster Tip: Caravan does warn guests that late night noise from area bars can be an issue. However, you’ll find sound machines and a jar of foam ear plugs inside the units.
KidTripster Tip: Caravan is pet-friendly for a one-time pet fee of $25.
Rates for the tiny houses that fit three to four people start at $155/night; there’s an extra charge of $25/person/day for additional guests over the age of 10.
What to do in Northeast Portland?
The Alberta Arts District offers plenty of shops and galleries to explore. If you visit June through August, you may catch the Last Thursday (of the month) Art Walk right outside Caravan’s front door. And every Wednesday during the summer, Caravan hosts its own bonfire with a local band from 7 to 10 p.m. Neighboring Radio Room restaurant serves barbecue. Cost: Youth (10 and under) Free; Adult $10. And on any night, you can help yourself to s’mores fixings, Portland-style: vegan marshmallows, organic graham crackers (gluten-free, too), and Fair Trade dark and milk chocolate.
Rent bikes from nearby Everybody’s Bike Rental and Tours (305 NE Wygant Street).
Stop in at one of our favorite local stores, Grasshopper (1816 NE Alberta Street) for unique toys and kids’ clothing.
Explore KidTripster’s Top 10 Plays, most within a short distance of Caravan.
KidTripster Tip: Caravan has become a draw in its own right. Owners Deb and Kol host public tours on select Sundays where they educate people interested in tiny house living. Cost: $5/person.
Where to eat in Northeast Portland?
Alberta Street is a foodie haven. For breakfast, I’d recommend Petite Provence (1824 NE Alberta Street) or Pine State Biscuits (2204 NE Alberta Street). For lunch and dinner, choices abound. In fact, four of KidTripster’s Top 10 Eats have locations within walking distance of Caravan: Tin Shed Garden Cafe (1438 NE Alberta Street), Bamboo Sushi (1409 NE Alberta Street), Little Big Burger (2039 NE Alberta Street), and Salt & Straw Ice Cream (2035 NE Alberta Street). Sitting right next to Caravan, you’ll find The Grilled Cheese Grill (1027 NE Alberta Street) where you can either dine outside on picnic tables or inside a revamped school bus! If you’re looking for ethnic choices, try either Bollywood Theater (2039 NE Alberta Street) or one of the many food carts.
And for late-night cravings, Radio Room restaurant (1101 NE Alberta Street) offers “room service” to Caravan guests until 2 a.m.
Getting to Caravan
Caravan is located in Northeast Portland about five miles from downtown. Free street parking is available.
This writer received a complimentary stay for the purpose of this review. However, all opinions expressed are solely her own.
Pin to Pinterest & Read Later
