Walking and Cabs (Not Nessesarily Related)

Two questions, only related by the fact they%26#39;re both about %26#39;getting around%26#39;.

In May, my husband and I are coming to Portland for a little weekend getaway. We%26#39;re taking the train from Seattle. The only time we%26#39;re not planning on using public transit or walking is to/from the train station to our hotel, the Benson.

Approximately, how much would a cab be from the train station to the Benson? (Rough estimates are fine, I won%26#39;t yell and scream if you a few bucks off)

And the other question:

We%26#39;re looking at a few restaurants for dinner in the Pearl. Its been some time and my mind is fuzzy; is the Pearl a relatively safe area to be walking around at night? What areas in the downtown vicinity should one exercise more than average street smarts (or generally should avoid) after dark?

Walking and Cabs (Not Nessesarily Related)

If you don%26#39;t have a lot of luggage, consider walking from Union Station, as it%26#39;s only about 1/2 mile to the Benson. On the other hand, cab fare should be less than $5.

Lots of options for a nice dinner in the Pearl: Ten 01, Bluehour, Andina, Giorgio%26#39;s, Fenouil, Olea, Fratelli.... Tell us a little more and we can help you narrow it down. And yes, the Pearl District is fine after dark. The areas where you might feel uncomfortable are within a block or two either side of Burnside, headed towards the river from the Benson. Not unlike you might feel walking through Pioneer Square in Seattle.

Walking and Cabs (Not Nessesarily Related)

Thanks for the quick reply!

While we won%26#39;t have much with us; we%26#39;ll probably splurge on the cab.

We%26#39;ve been eyeing Fratelli and Giorgio%26#39;s as possibilities. I%26#39;ll certainly check out the other recommendations. Overall, I think we%26#39;re aiming for something in the Italian or local/PacNW vein as we%26#39;re already planning on Fenouil; we enjoyed ourselves there several years ago. (Heh, ours is the second oldest review for the place on Tripadvisor). But planning and trying new places is half the fun!

Good to know that the Pearl is still a good neighborhood. Its been a couple of years and areas can change; you never know unless you ask (or find out on your own).

Your cab ride won%26#39;t be much - the distance is short. The Pearl is very safe. I walk it day and night. The walk back to The Benson should not be an issue after dinner. I recommend Giorgio%26#39;s for great food. Have fun!