For some, Portland, Oregon has become a bit of a comedic hipster satire, as portrayed in the TV show Portlandia– but this city has not completely lost its cool. This unique city and its locals still provide a supportive micro cultural-sphere for artists, musicians, eco-warriors and anyone searching for opportunity to do their thing on their terms.
The city is littered in hip-er -than-thou brunch joints, incredible coffee spots with baristas competing for international espresso accolades and backyard projects paving the way for entrepreneurs to try their hand at a new craft. A strong identity is necessary to make it in a city which celebrates being different. In this vein, we’ve rounded up our favorite unique Portland hotels which meld the city’s love of weird with wonderful. It’s easy to see why people flock to visit this lovely city and these boutique Portland hotels are sure to to delight and immerse you in the fabulous culture of this city.
Handmade bikes and gourmet macchiatos
THE ACE HOTEL
Army chic at the Ace Hotel. Photo courtesy of the Ace Hotel.
Macchiato and a record player here
It should come as no surprise that Portland has its own Ace Hotel outpost of the boutique hotel chain. The Portland hotel is housed in a building dating back to 1912, a mere block from the fabled Powell’s Books and the possibility of many a leisurely stroll around town. In true Portland spirit, the hotel offers visitors the possibility to rent handmade bikes to get around town for the duration of your visit. Grab a macchiato at the locally-loved Stumptown Coffee in the hotel lobby before hopping into the photobooth for some caffeine-fueled photo shoot action. Ask for a room with a record player to indulge in the vintage/hipster charm of the Ace.
The Ace Hotel exterior. Photo courtesy of the Ace Hotel
Artisanal honey from this Portland hotel roof
THE HOTEL DELUXE
Photo courtesy of the Hotel deLuxe.
The Hotel deLuxe may not seem as Portlandia as the rest on our list forgoing ornamental birds for gold, old Hollywood glamour and a very respectable pillow menu that would satisfy even the pickiest Portland snobs. High on their roof, they have their own colony of honeybees, which produce small batches of artisanal honey you can buy at the hotel. Brunch at the hottest Portland spot, wherever it is this month, is steps away in the Pearl District.
Elegantly appointed furnishings. Photo courtesy of the Hotel deLuxe.
“Make it so” at this Art gallery hotel
THE HOTEL LUCIA
The art-y Hotel Lucia. Photo courtesy of Hotel Lucia
Sleep inside the Lucia gallery
The Hotel Lucia will make you feel like you’re spending the night at a gallery. This hotel walls play host to the largest collection of photographs from Pulitzer Prize winner and Portland native David Hume Kennerly. Whether your whims of fancy include trying out a different pillow or a pint of Portland’s famous Salt & Straw’s gourmet, hand-packed ice cream, the “Make It So” button in each room can really make it a reality in a heartbeat. Like Hotel deLuxe, the Lucia also has beehives on her roof as well and also sells the Bee Local brand of honey.
Bees working at the Hotel Lucia. Photo courtesy of Hotel Lucia.
They put a bird on everything
THE KIMPTON HOTEL MONACO
Eclectic prints & retro colors. Photo courtesy of Hotel Monaco.
The Hotel Monaco has literally “Put a Bird on It” with the beautiful Anglo-Chinois bird wallpaper in their tastefully decorated rooms at their trendy Portland hotel location. Wake up and utilize the yoga mats in each room before hopping on a complimentary bike rental to explore the hippest city in America. Can’t bear a visit to this green locale without your pet? They are welcome for a stay without an additional fee. Get some local tips from staff on which gallery to visit and feel decidedly immersed in Portlandia.
A mashup of Portland style. Photo courtesy of the Hotel Monaco.
Mid-century motor chic
THE JUPITER HOTEL
Making motels cool again. Photo courtesy of the Jupiter Hotel.
The Jupiter Hotel is a mid-century motor inn located in the uber-trendy LoBu (Lower Burnside) Portland neighborhood. Chalkboard doors, retro furnishings, bikes, local coffee and eco-friendly, all natural bath products — is that Bryce Shivers and Lisa Eversman we see in the corner? Be sure to visit Voodoo Donuts which is super close-by and get a taste of the burgeoning cultural district this hotel belongs to.
Portlandia grew up at the Modera
THE HOTEL MODERA
The graceful exterior of the Hotel Modera. Photo by Stamiesie
The Hotel Modera is for the more grown up, discerning Portlandia characters who are tired of plaid blankets and roughin’ it in cutsey-wootsy hotel rooms. Clean and sleek and filled to the brim with over 500 local and regional art pieces, the Modera helps the hipster escape the trials of shrugging off comforts. They hotel opens up above a modern courtyard with fire pits and the first Living Wall in the city, a sustainable art piece bringing Portland’s most famous color to the forefront.
Simple and warm tones in the lobby. Photo courtesy of the Hotel Modera.
Get to know your beef
THE NINES HOTEL
Lobby dressed to the Nines. Photo by HawkinsInternationalPR
The Nines Portland is a LEED silver certified hotel housed on top of the Meier & Frank building which was built in 1909 and served as a flagship department store before being turned into the boutique hotel it is today. Their Urban Farmer restaurant is a scene straight out of an episode of Portlandia, offering sustainable ingredients and beef options (pick either grass fed, pasture-raised, grain-finished, or corn-fed cows) come as close to acquainting you to your beef as an in-person meeting.
Tiffany blue, silver and cream at the Nines. Photo taken from trivago.
Fresh and Funky
THE INN AT NORTHRUP STATION
Dr.Seuss’s favorite color scheme. Photo courtesy of the Inn at Northrup Station.
The Inn at Northrup Station strives to give you the most unique hotel stay in Portland — and with their color palette of chartreuse, purple, orange, red and mint, they certainly succeed. The Inn is located on one of Portland’s most celebrated streetcar lines and on Wednesday nights, hit up the lobby for complimentary tasting of local wines and to meet some Portland natives.
Dusk settles on this cool hotel. Photo courtesy of the Inn at Northrup Station.