Portland, Oregon used to be known for being a sleepy little Pacific Northwest hamlet. About ten years ago, it quietly transformed into a yuppie/hipster nirvana, complete with coffee houses, organic restaurants, a quirky sensibility, and a stable of cool celebrities such as filmmaker Gus van Sant, Simpsons' creator Matt Groening, and indie rocker Carrie Brownstein. Then, the Independent Film Channel (IFC) showed up with Saturday Night Live's Fred Armisen and Brownstein in tow. Thus was Portlandia launched. The sketch comedy show turned out to be a big hit for the cable channel, and tourism climbed. The city obliged with such ventures as walking and bike tours of notable spots featured in the show.
So, if the siren call of the hipster-doofus show has you booking plane tickets on your smart phone as you twirl your handlebar mustache whilst sipping a craft cocktail, here's some suggestions as to where to stay:
the Nines Don't even think about capitalizing the first word in the hotel's name. Just don't. So uncool. This boutique LEED Silver-certified hotel perches in the heart of the city center at the top of one of Portland most beloved landmarks, the stately Meier & Frank Building. Fine dining on site promises gourmet cuisine entwined with indigenous flavors," and toiletries are from the eco and animal friendly Bee-Kind line. Nightly rates for a mid-June stay currently start at around $253.
Hotel Monaco Portland This being a Kimpton hotel, there's the company-standard wine happy hour from 5-6pm every day. Complimentary yoga mats are provided in each of the 221 guestrooms so you can get your zen on, along with complimentary bicycles to ensure that exploring the city doesn't mean expanding your carbon footprint. Pets are welcome, but those with allergies will be glad to know that there's an hypoallergenic, pet-free hotel floor featuring special air filters, allergen-free cleaning methods, and gluten-free honor bar selections. Nightly rates for a mid-June stay currently start at around $295.
Heathman Hotel Fitness fans can join Heathman General Manager Chris Erickson on an early morning run. Those preferring less-sweaty pursuits will appreaciate the downtown hotel world-class contemporary art collection and a unique cataloged guest lending library of 4,000 plus titles, each signed by the author who enjoyed a stay in the hotel. The Heathman Hotel is adjacent to the Portland Center for the Performing Arts and the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, and just steps away from the Portland Art Museum, the Oregon Historical Society Museum, Nordstrom's, Powell's Books, Pioneer Place, and the fashionable Pearl District. There are 150 guestrooms, and nightly rates for a mid-June stay currently start at around $215.
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