Where to Stay

From the Victorian air of the Northwest area, to heavenly views of nearby Mount Hood, Portland oozes ambiance. Unusual lodgings abound, so skip the run-of-the-mill hotels and celebrate Portland's distinct style. If standard accommodations are what you seek, the city has that too.

Downtown

Simon Benson was pivotal in bringing culture and gentility to Portland, as reflected in the hotel named for him, The Benson. Built in 1912, this beauty boasts a celebrated lobby with Austrian crystal chandeliers. It is the first choice of visiting presidents and celebrities. The Governor Hotel is another landmark. Lewis and Clark live here, at least in murals and spirit. Everything about this hotel recalls a time when the West was not only won, but finally forced to mind its manners. If you like to be spoiled while traveling, make your reservations at the Heathman Hotel, where you will find subtle elegance and a courteous staff. Room service food arrives from the kitchen of the renowned Heathman Restaurant. Built in 1894, the Hotel Vintage Plaza was slated for conversion into office space, but was rescued and restored in the early 1990s. Now on the National Register of Historic Places, guests here are treated to wine tasting by the fire and intimate dinners at Pazzo Ristorante. Other swanky Downtown digs include Hotel Monaco, the RiverPlace Hotel and the recently remodeled Portland Hilton. Do not overlook the Marriott Hotel, right across from Waterfront Park. Ask for a room with a view and settle in to watch the activity on the Willamette and its bridges.

Downtown hotels are not necessarily synonymous with expensive rates. The Hotel deLuxe, built in 1912, is within reach of both your budget and Pearl District activities. The Imperial Hotel, built in 1908, is the city's longest continuously running hotel, and with good reason. The rooms are spacious and the 2p checkout time allows you to linger a bit. Just west of Downtown is The Mark Spencer Hotel. Offering kitchenettes and long-stay rates, it is an excellent choice for guests who are on extended business or relocating. The comfy hotel is located near Powell's Books and Jake's Famous Crawfish.

Northwest

Why not spend the night in a beautiful old home in the trendy Nob Hill area? The Heron Haus, a turn of the century English Tudor, has sweeping city views and a paneled library that is perfect for sipping from your brandy glass. You will be within walking distance of the Northwest galleries, restaurants and boutiques. Although not technically located in Northwest Portland, the MacMaster House is conveniently located near northwest 23rd Avenue and Washington Park. A stay here resembles a leisurely visit to a wealthy relative's house. Each of the seven rooms has a special personality, and the breakfast is hearty and imaginative. Look into the Silver Cloud Inn. Although the hotel faces an industrial area, it is a great place to stay, offering the kinds of amenities that a bed and breakfast cannot. It boasts a fitness center, spa, video library and cable TV. Galleries, shops and restaurants like Paley's Place and L'Auberge are literally just steps away.

Eastside

The Eastside is loaded with great places to stay. Instead of the large, full-service chain hotels, opt for the real flavor of this often overlooked area by staying a night or two at the popular McMenamins Kennedy School. The McMenamin brothers snapped up the old schoolhouse and transformed it into a 35-room bed and breakfast inn. Resonating a great sense of style and humor, the best touches include basketball in the actual gymnasium, a movie theater, and drinks in the Detention Bar. Many of the rooms contain the original chalkboards. The breakfast served at Portland's White House is local fare prepared with a gourmet touch. Although this property is luxurious, it is priced less than almost any Downtown hotel. It is especially nice to enjoy sherry in the parlor, and sip refreshments on the sun-dappled patio in the summertime. The Lion and the Rose bed and breakfast was the home of a brewery magnate. Stroll around the beautiful grounds of the Queen Anne home. In the gazebo, take the opportunity to pop the question to someone special, even if the question is as simple as, "Where do you want to eat tonight?"

Outlaying Areas

Close your eyes and picture the perfect ski lodge. Do you see a huge stone fireplace? Rustic beams and stonework? You must be channeling Timberline Lodge, built in 1937 and named on every list ever compiled of outstanding American architecture. Located on Mount Hood, it is the heart and soul of the Timberline Ski Area. Speaking of rustic lodge charm, the Heathman Lodge, located next to Westfield Shopping Town, has bundles of it. Besides everything any business traveler could ever need, there is atmosphere to spare from leather lampshades to Pendleton wool bedspreads.