When NBA teams travel for away games, they create a personalized list of hotels that meet their specific needs. These hotels must be convenient and comfortable, so it is typical for them to be more expensive than a standard hotel room.
NBA teams stay in hotels with spacious suites and additional amenities like fitness centers and high-end restaurants. Some teams may have established relationships with particular hotels in cities they visit frequently. The Nines, JW Marriott, and Hotel Monaco are some of the hotels NBA teams use.
In this article, I will present a list of three hotels commonly used by NBA teams. This list is compiled from firsthand accounts and widely known reports.
Most Common NBA Hotels
It is not uncommon for teams to keep their hotel accommodations private, primarily for security purposes and to avoid being bothered by autograph seekers. However, it is not a closely guarded secret. Players may mention some of the hotels they stay at and often meet with fans at these hotels for interactions.
The Nines: Portland, OR
The Nines is a luxury hotel in Portland, Oregon. It has been known to host various high-profile guests, including celebrities, business travelers, and sports teams.
The Denver Nuggets were spotted at The Nines hotel in 2021. According to Aaron Mesh of Willamette Week, the hotel was surrounded by a furious crowd seeking Andy Ngo.
According to a 2016 article from Bleacher Report, JJ Redick of the LA Clippers was seen strolling through the sixth-floor lounge at The Nines hotel at around 2 pm. It appears that the LA Clippers were staying at the hotel that evening.
In 2020, the Lakers were also seen at The Nines hotel. ESPN reported that The Nines had become a preferred destination for former Lakers coach Phil Jackson and remained a regular stop on the Lakers’ yearly travel schedule.
JW Marriott
Marriott International is a company that operates and franchises a range of hotels and other types of lodging facilities worldwide. It is a leader in the hospitality industry, offering a diverse portfolio of properties.
The company’s brands include:
- The Ritz-Carlton
- St. Regis
- JW Marriott
In 2015, JW Marriott announced a partnership with the NBA. The hotel chain would allow its Elite members private access to NBA legends and players. This indicates that the NBA often utilizes JW Marriott hotels.
According to the Phoenix New Times in 2008, the Ritz-Carlton at 24th Street was the preferred hotel for most visiting NBA teams and some NFL teams in Phoenix.
Famous NBA players such as Phil Jackson, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal were rumored to have stayed at this hotel. If you were hoping to run into an NBA player in Phoenix, the Ritz-Carlton was reportedly the best place to try.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Portland
The Kimpton Hotel Monaco Portland is a luxurious hotel in Portland, Oregon. It is a part of the Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants chain, known for its stylish and unique hotels in popular cities across the United States.
According to an ESPN report from 2007, Dwane Casey, who was at the time the Minnesota Timberwolves coach, received a phone call in his hotel room at the Hotel Monaco from his general manager, Kevin McHale. Kevin informed him that he had been let go from his coaching position.
This suggests that the Timberwolves stayed at the Hotel Monaco, Portland, during this time.
Additionally, according to ESPN, the Houston Rockets basketball team had made a reservation to stay at the hotel for a period of three days.
The report also mentioned that the hotel provides robes specially designed for taller individuals, and the staff members are known for their exceptional customer service.
Final Thoughts
Based on extensive research, it has been determined that NBA players often stay at certain hotels when traveling for away games. However, this information is typically kept private for security purposes and to prevent stalkers from targeting the players.
Some hotels that NBA teams have stayed at include, The Nines, JW Marriott, and Hotel Monaco.