Finding a place to crash in the Pacific Northwest usually involves a trade-off. You either pay a fortune to be downtown or you end up in a beige box by the highway that smells like stale carpet and regret. Honestly, TownePlace Suites Vancouver WA is a bit of a weird outlier in the best way possible.
It's tucked into the Evergreen neighborhood, sitting at 17717 SE Mill Plain Boulevard. Most people assume "Vancouver, Washington" just means a cheaper version of Portland. While it’s only about 11 miles from PDX airport, this specific spot feels less like a transit hub and more like a neighborhood apartment complex. It actually shares a border with a massive city park.
The Kitchen Situation is the Real Hero
We need to talk about the kitchens. These aren't just "kitchenettes" with a sad microwave and a bar fridge that can barely hold a six-pack. We’re talking full-sized refrigerators, dishwashers, and actual stovetops.
If you're staying for more than two nights, this changes everything. You can go to the Fred Meyer down the road, buy actual groceries, and not feel like a gremlin eating takeout on your bed. The hotel even uses a partnership with The Container Store for their closet systems. It sounds like a small detail, but having Elfa shelving to organize your gear instead of living out of a suitcase is a massive quality-of-life upgrade.
Not Your Typical Lobby Vibe
Most hotels in this price bracket have a lobby that feels like a doctor’s waiting room. Here, it’s a bit more social. They’ve got a 24-hour coffee station which is basically a requirement for surviving the gray Washington winters.
There is a "In A Pinch" market in the lobby for when you realize at 11:00 PM that you forgot toothpaste or need a random bag of pretzels.
Outdoor Space and the "Park" Factor
One thing that catches people off guard is the backyard. It’s got a seasonal outdoor pool—which is great when the PNW actually decides to be sunny—and a hot tub that’s open even when it’s chilly.
There’s a fire pit and BBQ grills. You’ll often see families out there grilling burgers while the kids run around. Since the property is adjacent to a park with walking paths and ponds, you don't feel trapped by asphalt. It's surprisingly quiet.
Is It Actually Pet-Friendly?
Kinda. Actually, very.
A lot of hotels say they are pet-friendly but then hit you with a $150 non-refundable fee for a one-night stay. At TownePlace Suites Vancouver WA, the policy is usually more reasonable, often around $20 per pet per night plus a smaller one-time cleaning fee (around $50). They allow two pets up to 165 lbs. That’s a lot of dog.
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The fact that there’s a literal park right next door makes it one of the better spots for dog owners. No more scouting for a tiny patch of grass behind a dumpster.
Room Layouts: Studio vs. Two-Bedroom
They have 115 rooms, and they are all suites. If you’re traveling with a family or a work crew, the two-bedroom suites are a lifesaver. You get two separate bathrooms. Think about that. No fighting over the shower at 7:00 AM.
- Studios: Best for solo business travelers or couples. Around 334 sq ft.
- 1-Bedroom Suites: Separate living area, about 506 sq ft.
- 2-Bedroom Suites: The big kahuna. 700+ sq ft with a full dining table.
The Breakfast and Parking Reality Check
Breakfast is free. It’s a hot buffet. You’ll find the standard Marriott staples: waffles, eggs, sausage, and those little yogurts. It’s decent. It’s not a five-star brunch, but it saves you $20 and a trip to Starbucks.
Parking is usually a surcharge—roughly $10 a night—which is annoying but standard for the area. However, compared to Portland parking rates which can hit $45+, it’s a steal.
What’s Nearby? (The Stuff That Matters)
You aren't just stuck in a suburb.
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- English Estate Winery: Literally walking distance. It’s Vancouver’s first winery.
- PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center: Very close if you’re in town for medical reasons.
- Big Al's: A massive bowling and arcade spot about 2 miles away. Great for killing time if it’s raining.
- Dining: Pho House Cafe and McMenamins East Vancouver are nearby if you don’t feel like cooking in the suite.
Actionable Advice for Your Stay
If you are planning to book, call the front desk directly and ask for a room facing the park rather than the parking lot. The noise difference is noticeable. Also, if you’re a light sleeper, bring a white noise machine; the walls are okay, but it’s still a wood-frame building and you might hear the occasional heavy-footed neighbor upstairs.
Check the seasonal dates for the pool before you pack your swimsuit. It usually opens in late May and closes by mid-September. If you're arriving late, the hotel is near the 205 and SR-14 interchange, making it easy to find, but traffic on Mill Plain can be a nightmare during rush hour. Plan your arrival for mid-afternoon if you can.
Pack some dishwasher pods and your favorite coffee grounds. The hotel provides basic supplies, but having your own brand of coffee makes the full kitchen feel a lot more like home.