Portland sits on the Columbia and Willamette rivers with views of snow-capped Mount Hood.
Oregon’s largest city is known for its parks, bridges and bicycle paths, microbreweries, coffeehouses, and one hot culinary scene, including gourmet food trucks.
Visit the Japanese Garden and Oregon Zoo at Washington Park. There are galleries to rival New York and live music crossing every genre.
Where to stay? Glad you asked! The top suites and best hotels of Portland, Oregon, are the subject of this issue.
1. The Nines, A Luxury Collection Hotel
2. Hotel Lucia
3. Hotel deLuxe
4. The Benson Hotel
5. Royal Sonesta Portland
6. Heathman Hotel
7. Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel
1. The Nines, A Luxury Collection Hotel
Awards: Fodor’s Choice; AAA/CAA Four Diamond Awards 2020; Condé Nast Readers’ Choice List 2020
From U.S. News, it reports, “The 331 rooms at The Nines, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Portland – which rests in the top floors of downtown Portland’s Meier & Frank Building – are five-star material, from their regal-looking decor and turndown service to the rainfall showers, flat-screen TVs, 350-thread-count linens and luxury bath products. Guests also love the drinks and meals served at the on-site steakhouse, Urban Farmer.”
Forbes Travel Guide recommends the hotel, noting, “With Pioneer Courthouse Square, the city’s living room, across the street and world-class shopping and dining within walking distance from the Portland hotel, The Nines serves as an optimal home base for visitors to the City of Roses. Be sure to find The Library, tucked into a private room off of the atrium. Accentuated with dark leathers and walls lined with bookshelves, it’s the ideal place to escape and dive into one of the 3,000 books from the legendary — and local — Powell’s Books. The Portland hotel’s extraordinary collection of local art features more than 400 works displayed throughout the property.”
Meier & Frank Suite
The 1,536 sq. ft. Meier & Frank suite offers a living room with an inviting chocolate-colored sectional couch, perfect for gazing at the view of the city beyond. The dining room glows from the light of a deco-style chandelier, with seating for eight on tufted velvet chairs. One and a half baths ensure convenience while entertaining. Features such as 9-foot high ceilings and oversized windows contribute to the nostalgic modern décor exhibited throughout the hotel. The den features a sleeper sofa for additional sleeping accommodations.
More suites at The Nines.
2. Hotel Lucia
Awards: Fodor’s Choice; Conde Nast Reader’s Choice List 2020
Forbes Travel Guides writes, “Hotel Lucia is located in downtown Portland, within short walking distance of everything from Powell’s Books (the largest independent bookstore in the world) and the art galleries in the Pearl District to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, farmers markets, and fine dining. The hotel is less than a 10-minute walk from Waterfront Park, where you can bike the paths, walk along the waterfront, check out the statues and public art and get out in the fresh Portland air. As you step foot in the lobby lounge, you’ll be greeted by sleek leather armchairs that rest alongside minimalist floral arrangements and a roaring fire, while in the lobby atrium, gallery lighting emphasizes a collection of photography and contemporary sculpture.”
Conde Nast Traveler adds, “Hotel Lucia is an artsy, funky downtown hub for guests both near and far, who come to experience Portland’s many charms, and nowhere else will you be more centrally positioned to enjoy them…The gym is equipped with live-streaming Peloton bikes, and the Well+Fit kits have a Manduka yoga mat, barre3 bands, weights, a core ball, and an iPad loaded with workouts. Or, if you’d prefer to get out and about, ask the staff about discounted local studio passes or borrow one of the hotel’s Shinola bicycles.”
Penthouse – The Gallery
At just 725 sq. ft., the Penthouse packs a big punch with a King bed, seating area with a pull-out couch and sitting chairs, desk, dining table with wet bar, a fireplace, and two bathrooms.
More suites at Hotel Lucia.
3. Hotel deLuxe
Awards: Condé Nast Readers’ Choice List 2020
Forbes Travel Guide says, “You may think of Portland as artsy and green—but the city also has its share of glamour, and upon entering the downtown Hotel deLuxe, you’ll soon see why. Hotel deLuxe, built-in 1912, takes its dramatic Art Deco cues from the hotel’s theme: retro Hollywood glamour. By paying homage to the golden era of Hollywood, the hotel has created an air of timeless sophistication without the snobbery. Details of days gone past—such as a 1950s-style cocktail bar—blend seamlessly with modern amenities.”
Conde Nast Traveler adds, “Check-in is easy-breezy, and it doesn’t take long to get the lay of the land at this intimate inn. Straight ahead: citrus-infused spa water. To the right: the gorgeous Screening Room, where you can catch a famous old-timey flick if the night is right. To the left: the hotel’s impossibly elegant restaurant, Gracie’s, and, more importantly, the Driftwood Room, a small, sultry, retro hole-in-the-wall bar, local legend, and destination all its own.”
Marlene Dietrich Suite
A small but worthy suite is the 320-sq.ft. Marlene Dietrich Suite with high ceilings and tall windows are swathed in lavish draperies, like elegant curtains on a stage. Outside are views of Goose Hollow and West Hills.
More suites at Hotel deLuxe.
4. The Benson Hotel
Awards: AAA/CAA Four Diamond Awards 2020
Forbes Travel Guides says, “Portland doesn’t have the centuries-old history of American cities on the East Coast, so when you come across landmarks from its most dynamic early growth period at the beginning of the 20th century, they are something to behold. The Benson Hotel is one such landmark. The majestic Benson was designed and built to be the first world-class hotel west of the Mississippi River, and it remains one of Portland’s premier establishments today. From imported marble and carpets to chandeliers hanging in every guest room, The Benson is luxury embodied.”
Benson Presidential Suite
For nearly every U.S. president since William H. Taft, the 900 sq.ft. Benson Presidential Suite has been where they stayed in Portland. The private bedroom features a wall-to-wall custom-made wardrobe, a luxurious European bed with a Tempur-Pedic mattress, and a 55-inch television. The large bathroom features marble bathroom vanities, a television mirror, and a large walk-in shower with a multisensory water experience. A floor-to-ceiling gas fireplace creates an inviting ambiance in the large living room space. The main living area offers high-end Italian furniture, a wet bar, 65-inch television, and a guest bath. A custom three pendant Swarovski crystal chandelier illuminates the large marble table that seats up to 8 guests.
More suites at The Benson.
5. Royal Sonesta Portland
Awards: Fodor’s Choice; AAA/CAA Four Diamond Awards 2020; Condé Nast Readers’ Choice List 2020
U.S. News reports, “This hotel in downtown Portland gets high praise for its outstanding staff, great location, and comfortable rooms. The decor here is vibrant, and the in-room amenities, from the Italian Frette linens to the flat-screen TVs, were top-notch according to recent guests. Duck out of your digs to spend time at the on-site fitness center or the Dosha 5th Avenue Spa, where you’ll find a range of treatments. And before you venture out of the hotel to taste Portland’s amazing dining scene, make sure you grab a bite at the on-site restaurant which serves Pacific Northwest-inspired cuisine. You can also bring your pooch for a stay at this hotel for free should you want to explore Portland with your best friend.”
Grand Suite
The recently renovated, the 850-sq.ft. Grand Suite features a separate King bedroom, living room, and dining area.
More suites at Royal Sonesta Portland.
6. Heathman Hotel
Awards: Fodor’s Choice; AAA/CAA Four Diamond Awards 2020; Condé Nast Readers’ Choice List 2020
Of this perennial Reader’s Choice winner, Conde Nast Traveler writes, “Built in 1927, the Heathman, a much-loved Portland landmark that catapulted to international stardom when it cameoed in 50 Shades of Grey, got a fashionable facelift, and those used to its old-money library looks will either love or hate the 10-story historic hotel’s bright and stylish refresh. What hasn’t changed are the opulently costumed doormen, prime downtown location (next door to the popular Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall), and luxe downstairs tea court. You’ll be eating well and often during your Portland stay (including at the Heathman’s own Headwaters restaurant), so best take advantage of the hotel’s small but mighty gym, with its mini rock-climbing wall, punching bag, and live-streaming Peloton bikes.”
Penthouse – The Grand
The 1,200 sq.ft. Penthouse – The Grand is located on the 9th floor with views of Broadway and Salmon. It features a separate living area with a gas fireplace, a six-person dining area with a wet bar, and a two-person Jacuzzi tub.
More suites at Heathman Hotel.
7. Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel
Awards: AAA/CAA Four Diamond Awards 2020
U.S. News says, “When you book a stay at the Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel, you can anticipate a picturesque view of Portland’s Willamette River. And this hotel’s amenities are pretty nice too: Flat-screen LCD TVs, in-room yoga mats, and Atelier Bloem toiletries, to name just a few. While many hotels in the Kimpton brand attract trendier travelers with their bright, quirky decor, RiverPlace takes a different approach. Guest rooms are adorned in muted hues and earth-toned tiling, adopting a more naturalistic, cozy feel. Some other draws, according to recent visitors, are the hotel’s on-site restaurant, King Tide Fish & Shell, and its excellent location near downtown Portland. However, travelers caution that the attention to detail could stand to improve and that they expected more at a property of this caliber.”
Riverfront Suites
With waterfront views, enjoy your own wood-burning fireplace plus private bedroom and jetted tub in the 625 sq.ft. Riverfront Suites.
More suites at Kimpton RiverPlace.
