10 Best Venues for Small Team Retreats in Portland 2026

As remote work continues to shape the way teams collaborate, small team retreats have become essential for fostering connection and creativity. Did you know that 92% of employees feel more engaged after an offsite retreat? However, finding the right venue can be a daunting task. To simplify your planning, we've compiled a list of the ten best venues for small team retreats in Portland, Oregon, for 2026.

Overview of Portland for Small Team Retreats

Portland is a vibrant city known for its lush greenery, craft breweries, and a strong focus on sustainability. The best seasons for retreats are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded. Portland is easily accessible via Portland International Airport (PDX), which is about 20 minutes from downtown.

Venue Comparison Table

| Venue Name | Location | Capacity | Price/Person/Night | Best For | Standout Feature | F&B Included | |---------------------------|--------------------|---------------|--------------------|--------------------|----------------------------------|--------------| | The Nines | Downtown Portland | 10-50 | $200-$300 | Creative Workshops | Rooftop bar with city views | Yes | | Ace Hotel | Pearl District | 10-40 | $150-$250 | Casual Meetings | Unique industrial design | Yes | | The Benson Hotel | Downtown Portland | 20-60 | $175-$275 | Formal Gatherings | Historic charm | Yes | | McMenamins Kennedy School | NE Portland | 10-30 | $100-$200 | Team Bonding | On-site brewery | Yes | | Hotel Zags | Downtown Portland | 15-50 | $180-$260 | Team Building | Outdoor pool and fire pits | Yes | | Urban Studio | SE Portland | 10-25 | $120-$180 | Creative Sessions | Flexible space for activities | No | | The Laurelhurst Theater | SE Portland | 10-40 | $120-$220 | Movie Nights | Vintage cinema experience | No | | The Portland Art Museum | Downtown Portland | 15-50 | $200-$300 | Cultural Retreats | Access to art exhibits | Yes | | The Society Hotel | Old Town | 10-30 | $100-$180 | Budget-Friendly | Rooftop deck | No | | The Heathman Hotel | Downtown Portland | 20-50 | $175-$250 | Executive Retreats | Classic elegance | Yes |

Best Venues for Different Scenarios

Our Top Picks

1. Best for Creative Workshops:

   • The Nines – A modern space with a rooftop bar perfect for brainstorming sessions.

2. Best Budget-Friendly Option:

   • McMenamins Kennedy School – Unique venue with a relaxed atmosphere and on-site brewery, ideal for team bonding.

3. Best for Formal Gatherings:

   • The Benson Hotel – Offers historic charm and excellent service for more traditional meetings.

Detailed Venue Insights

1. The Nines

• Location: Downtown Portland
• Capacity: 10-50
• Price/Person/Night: $200-$300
• Best For: Creative Workshops
• Standout Feature: Rooftop bar with city views
• Insider Tip: Book direct for 15% savings.

2. Ace Hotel

• Location: Pearl District
• Capacity: 10-40
• Price/Person/Night: $150-$250
• Best For: Casual Meetings
• Standout Feature: Unique industrial design
• Insider Tip: Request a room block early for group discounts.

3. The Benson Hotel

• Location: Downtown Portland
• Capacity: 20-60
• Price/Person/Night: $175-$275
• Best For: Formal Gatherings
• Standout Feature: Historic charm
• Insider Tip: Complimentary AV equipment for meetings.

4. McMenamins Kennedy School

• Location: NE Portland
• Capacity: 10-30
• Price/Person/Night: $100-$200
• Best For: Team Bonding
• Standout Feature: On-site brewery
• Insider Tip: Check for seasonal events to enhance your retreat experience.

5. Hotel Zags

• Location: Downtown Portland
• Capacity: 15-50
• Price/Person/Night: $180-$260
• Best For: Team Building
• Standout Feature: Outdoor pool and fire pits
• Insider Tip: Ask about team-building packages.

6. Urban Studio

• Location: SE Portland
• Capacity: 10-25
• Price/Person/Night: $120-$180
• Best For: Creative Sessions
• Standout Feature: Flexible space for activities
• Insider Tip: Bring your own catering for cost savings.

7. The Laurelhurst Theater

• Location: SE Portland
• Capacity: 10-40
• Price/Person/Night: $120-$220
• Best For: Movie Nights
• Standout Feature: Vintage cinema experience
• Insider Tip: Book a private screening for team bonding.

8. The Portland Art Museum

• Location: Downtown Portland
• Capacity: 15-50
• Price/Person/Night: $200-$300
• Best For: Cultural Retreats
• Standout Feature: Access to art exhibits
• Insider Tip: Arrange a guided tour for an enhanced experience.

9. The Society Hotel

• Location: Old Town
• Capacity: 10-30
• Price/Person/Night: $100-$180
• Best For: Budget-Friendly
• Standout Feature: Rooftop deck
• Insider Tip: Ideal for smaller, informal meetings.

10. The Heathman Hotel

• Location: Downtown Portland
• Capacity: 20-50
• Price/Person/Night: $175-$250
• Best For: Executive Retreats
• Standout Feature: Classic elegance
• Insider Tip: Inquire about complimentary breakfast for groups.

Conclusion: Action Items for Your Team Retreat

1. Define Your Goals: What do you want to achieve during the retreat?
2. Set a Budget: Use the pricing details above to create a budget that fits your needs.
3. Choose a Venue: Evaluate your options based on your goals and team size.
4. Book Early: Venues fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
5. Plan Activities: Consider team-building activities that align with your retreat goals.