The Grand Stark isn't for everyone. First, you need to factor in that because of its location, there are many homeless people in the area. This is just the reality of a hotel in downtown Portland. Second, this is not a shiny, ultra-modern hotel. The real wood floors are uneven and a bit creaky, the bed is oddly close to the ground, and the sink is oddly located. The rooms are small but somehow feel a bit a larger than they actually are.
Travelers who can put these minor issues aside will find this to be a charming hotel where everything works really well. I'm a stickler for plumbing, and the shower and drains all performed far better than those at the $300/night Hilton where I stayed recently. The internet is fast (~100Mb/s), the hot water is hot, and the elevators are roomy and reliable. As a plus, the adjacent Grand Amari restaurant is a welcome oasis of fine dining in this neighborhood. Above all, though the staff members are top notch -- friendly, helpful, and genuine. They really make you feel welcome and seem to be perfect hosts for this atypical hotel.
If you can get past its imperfections, you will find the Hotel Grand Stark to be a welcoming, comfortable, and delightful place to stay.