Staying at the Westin Portland

Our first trip to the Rose City in September was successful, despite the outcome of the soccer match we were in town to support. We walked to Providence Park for the aforementioned game, took the Tri-Met Max streetcar to Washington City Park, the Japanese Gardens, and the International Rose Test Garden. Craft beer was enjoyed along with food truck fare, pub favourites, French bistro brunches, and tax-free shopping. Of course every successful trip needs a solid home base and ours was at the Westin Portland.

Staying at the Westin Portland

We pulled up to the front on Southwest Alder Street, sent the car away with the friendly valet, and were greeted by the Westin’s sweet white tea aroma as we opened the double doors into the lobby. On the right, the contemporary Lobby Lounge’s tall windows illuminated the regal space filled with gold and blue furniture, wood-panelled walls and a corner I made note of for later where we would sip cocktails.

After checking in with the front desk, and hearing about their Green Choice option that lets you decline housekeeping for a day in exchange for points or vouchers for the hotel’s Daily Grill restaurant, we made our way up the elevator to our Studio Suite.

The room was bright and spacious, with a decor that mixed textured fabrics, metals, and warm colours. On one side the fluffy and inviting Heavenly Bed, and on the other a sitting area where an orchid leaned gently over a thoughtful bottle of bubbly that had been delivered for John’s birthday — the real reason for the trip, the soccer match, and the experience of the new-to-us city.

The bathroom was stocked with amenities, from cotton swabs and conditioner to a loofa by the bathtub, which was next to the rain shower stall. The desk in the room had every plug and hookup we could have asked for right on the table top so that we didn’t have to go digging around on the ground and behind furniture to find an outlet.

The room looked out on one of Portland’s famous food cart pods located between SW Alder, SW Washington, 9th Ave and 10th Ave where dozens of food trucks served their street-side fare, giving us inspiration for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Being so comfortable, and with every amenity we required, we could have stayed in the room longer than we did each day, lounging in our robes in the morning while planning our next move in the city.

While it was tempting to lay in the pillowy soft comfort of the signature Westin Heavenly Bed from sunrise until sunset, the Westin Portland’s location was ideal for starting out on foot to explore the city or to loop around the block and purchase a $5 streetcar day pass from a kiosk on the sidewalk that could take you all corners of the city.

This boutique Westin felt luxurious without being over the top to the point where amenities and technology seemed superfluous — it also reminded us of staying at the Magnolia Hotel in Victoria, which we adore.

Coming Up in Portland This Season

It’s safe to say that Portland is so hot right now. Everyone wants to experience its culinary culture, craft beer scene, arts, and much more so if you’re planning a trip to Portland this season, here are some upcoming holiday events:

• Centennial Holiday Exhibit: Christmas Past, Present and Future at the Pittock Mansion, through to December 31st. Pittock Mansion also offers some of the best views of the city on a clear day.
• Polar Express Train Ride on the Mt Hood Railroad through to December 28th.
• Festival of Lights at the Grotto through to December 30th.
• Winter Wonderland at the Portland Raceway through to December 28th.
• And more …»

The Westin Portland is also offering a holiday shopping package that includes a $50 Nordstrom gift card for each night you stay, with rates starting at $239/night and complimentary 4:00pm checkout. Visit their offers page online for details.

Follow Travel Portland on Twitter and Facebook along with the Westin Portland on Twitter and Facebook for more information about visiting Portland this season.