AOL PICK from our Editors
The Rose City has a remarkable array of accommodations in its downtown core—everything from business hotels to family accommodations, budget to luxury, hip to classic. While the usual chain properties cluster near the airport and convention center, Portland has an extraordinary number of luxury boutique hotels. In the downtown core and along the river, many hotels feature fresh new interiors and Northwest art within the framework of lovely historic buildings; some of these cater to hipsters, with retro furnishings and décor. For a splurge, The Heathman and Benson hotels are elegant, historic accommodations that have been hosting the well heeled for generations. There are only a handful of inexpensive hotels downtown, and they come with drawbacks for those seeking sleep, including noise and party atmospheres. Since transportation is free and easy throughout downtown, all downtown hotels are conveniently situated.
The Heathman Hotel
Neighborhood: Downtown Price Range: Expensive The Heathman is steeped in Old World elegance, with a lavish lobby, dark wood furniture and Northwest art in its 150 luxurious guest rooms. Yet it’s the Heathman’s peerless service that sets it apart. Guest choices include selecting a favored style of bed; we like the indulgent European feather one. The Heathman Restaurant is a James Beard Award winner, and regional wines are complimentary in the library Tuesday through Thursday afternoons.
Hotel deLuxe
Neighborhood: Pearl District Price Range: Moderate Hollywood meets Portland at the Hotel deLuxe, a posh downtown special that evokes the era of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, who would be right at home in its Art Deco-inspired lobby. Design details abound: crown molding, elegant furnishings, vintage black-and-white photographs. What’s not so abundant is space—many of the 130 rooms are on the cozy side.
Hotel Fifty
Neighborhood: Downtown Price Range: Moderate Hotel Fifty may look humdrum outside (it dates to the 1960s), but inside it’s a different world. Sleek, contemporary furnishings include memory-foam beds and a unique sliding closet/bathroom door. The best views overlook Waterfront Park. However, noise is a major issue here: Hotel 30 sits next to a major freeway on-ramp, and has thin walls—a bad combination. The H50 bistro & bar serves classic dishes with verve.
Hotel Lucia
Neighborhood: Pearl District Price Range: Moderate A stunning collection of David Hume Kennerly’s black-and-white photographs, including those of numerous world leaders, graces the walls of Hotel Lucia, which wins plaudits for its comforts (cushy beds feature high-quality linens and even a pillow menu). Goldenrod-walled rooms, a cozy library and friendly staff add to the warmth felt by guests staying at this quintessential Portland hotel. Lucia’s restaurant—Typhoon!—serves up some of the city’s best Thai cuisine.
Hotel Modera
Neighborhood: Downtown Price Range: Moderate Portland is known for its friendly nature, and Hotel Modera offers an opportunity to socialize with fellow guests in an outdoor courtyard complete with fire pits. The low-profile hotel (it was originally a motor inn) has 174 contemporary guestrooms and suites with thoughtful touches, such as down blankets and luxurious throws. The large picture windows open to city or courtyard views. Nel Centro, with outdoor dining during the summer months, draws culinary inspiration from the French and Italian Rivieras.
Inn at Northrup Station
Neighborhood: Nob Hill Price Range: Moderate Retro furnishings and a vivid purple-orange-green color palette that nearly dances makes the Inn at Northrup Station a treat for the senses. The all-suite hotel is ideal for families, with well-stocked kitchenettes, sleeper sofas and a Portland Streetcar station just outside. Complimentary streetcar tickets, parking and breakfast make the inn a bargain, and the hotel’s perky persona—“Come Sleep With Us”—puts a smile on everyone’s face.
RiverPlace Hotel
Neighborhood: RiverPlace Price Range: Moderate The calm waters of the Willamette River flowing by and spacious, light-filled rooms accented with blonde wood lend the RiverPlace Hotel a relaxing demeanor. The genuinely friendly, helpful hotel staff adds to this sensation. The inviting lobby, with its natural woods, stone fireplace and lovely art, charms guests with hominess. Situated several blocks south of downtown, the hotel has a getaway feel, yet it’s within easy walking distance of the city's core.
The Nines
Neighborhood: Downtown Price Range: Moderate Visitors may be forgiven if they think they’ve stumbled into an art gallery when visiting The Nines, one of Portland’s swankiest options, perched atop the historic Meier & Frank building. The spectacular art collection begins in the lobby and continues in the 331 guest rooms. Rich brocades in turquoise and silver add a playful, contemporary twist to the sophisticated rooms. City sounds are hushed and far below. The Urban Farmer, located in the hotel’s atrium, is a see-and-be-seen steakhouse.
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Jupiter Hotel
Neighborhood: Central Eastside Price Range: Budget Originally a motor inn, the Jupiter Hotel is minimalist lodging for urban explorers who like to stay up late—live music in the Doug Fir lounge can go on into the wee hours. The 81 guest rooms are a bit spartan, if attractively decorated with wall-size nature graphics. The Jupiter’s bamboo courtyard with outdoor fireplace makes a fine gathering spot, and rental bikes offer excursion opportunities.
Kennedy School
Neighborhood: Concordia Price Range: Budget The McMenamins empire resurrects historic buildings, turning them into updated brewpubs and vintage hotels with character galore—and no TVs. The old Kennedy School now houses a hotel, theater, brewery, soaking pool and several restaurants and bars. The spacious guest rooms, originally classrooms, are quirky spaces outfitted with vintage artwork—and chalkboards. Best for gregarious sorts who enjoy socializing, the Kennedy School is as much community center as hotel. With so much on offer here, the danger is forgetting to explore beyond the campus.
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