"Zoom out—what's the big picture here?Built in 1909 as the Imperial Hotel, this boutique hotel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was once where Eastern Oregon cattle ranchers congregated when they came into town. Nowadays Hotel Lucia is an artsy, funky downtown hub for guests both near and far, who come from all over the world to experience Portland’s many charms, and nowhere else will you be more centrally positioned to enjoy them. The Lucia’s stately brick facade opens from downtown’s busiest byway into a supremely cozy gallery-esque lobby lined with soft Persian rugs, high-backed velvet armchairs, a flickering fireplace, and an art collection that includes the world’s largest collection of black-and-white photos by Pulitzer Prize winner David Hume Kennerly, an Oregon native and former staff photographer for The Oregonian newspaper. What’s the crowd like?Staycationers, business travelers, art lovers, couples, and more. What are your thoughts about the rooms?Befitting the hotel’s historic status, rooms and bathrooms can be quite snug, while the street-facing ones are subject to the general downtown din. If more space is a requisite, book a Junior Suite; if you’re a light sleeper, request the quietest room possible—the friendly staff is happy to oblige. How about the little things, like the wifi, mini bar, or shower goodies?Wi-Fi is free and fast, the cushy pillowtop mattresses are wrapped in luxurious Italian-made Mascioni linens, the pillow menu lets you pick between soft, medium, firm, or extra firm, in-room Nespresso coffee machines mean no stumbling downstairs to get your wake-up cup, Tivoli Bluetooth Clock Players let you stream your own Portland playlist, Salt & Straw ice cream delivery is available around the clock, and the minibar is a locavore’s dream. Plus, you’ll get a $5 minibar credit for each day you pass on housekeeping. Anything stand out about other services and features?Your fitness routine needn’t falter just because you’re out of town—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 by barre3 and The Lab X Burn. 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—it’s an easy pedal down to Tom McCall Waterfront Park’s riverfront trail, then onward to the booming inner Southeast industrial district." - Jen Stevenson
