The Heathman Hotel

"So, what's the story with this one?Built in 1927, this much-loved Portland landmark, elevated to international stardom by its cameo in the steamy 2011 bestseller 50 Shades of Grey, got a fashionable face lift earlier this year, and those used to its old-money library looks will either love or hate the 10-story historic hotel’s bright and stylish refresh. What hasn’t changed are the opulently costumed doormen, prime downtown location (next door to the popular Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall), and luxe downstairs tea court. After a day of shopping, museum-hopping, or hiking in nearby Washington Park, pluck a good book off the lobby library shelf, grab a glass of wine, and secure a spot on the blue velvet sofa by the fireplace. Who's staying here?Weekend wanderers, wedding parties, honeymooners, and the occasional 50 Shades of Grey superfans. Tell us everything about the rooms.The 151 guest rooms are beautifully done in white, gray, and sea blues, with bright white wooden wall panels at the head of each bed, elegant bar carts, plump cozy chaises, pretty blue-and-white patterned throws, and locally produced Water Avenue Coffee and Steven Smith teas. If you want space to spread out, book a Corner King Room; it's nearly 500 square feet, with a leather lounger in the sitting area and plenty of natural light. Any stand-out features or services?The all-local honor bar sports wee bottles of Burnside Bourbon, fig vinegar sourced from Red Ridge Farms in the Willamette Valley, and Sourdough and Olive Oil bars by Portland chef turned chocolatier David Briggs of Xocolatl de Davíd. Feel like a pint of Salt & Straw’s Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons in bed? Whether it’s 9 p.m. or 9 a.m., room service will deliver it with a spoon—and a smile. What's the deal with food and drink?Upon check-in, choose a pint of Oregon craft beer or glass of wine, and mark your calendar for 5 p.m., when the hotel hosts a complimentary spirits hour featuring a craft cocktail of the day. Since you're perfectly placed in the center of one of the most exciting food cities in the country, plan on getting out and about come mealtime; farm-to-table favorite Higgins is two blocks up Broadway, esteemed Japanese chef Naoko Tamura's Shizuku is a short stroll, and the Saturday morning Portland Farmers Market at nearby Portland State University is just the place for a hot and hearty breakfast and edible souvenir shopping. Any thoughts about the hotel's facilities?You’ll be eating well and often during your Portland stay, so best take advantage of the hotel’s small but mighty gym, with its mini rock-climbing wall, punching bag, and live-streaming Peloton bikes. If leaving the room isn’t part of your workout, order a Well+Fit kit, equipped with a Manduka yoga mat, barre3 bands, weights and core ball, and workout-video loaded iPad. The hotel also has discounted and complimentary passes to local fitness studios; just stop by the front desk. What's the bottom line?The Heathman is a fresh-faced piece of authentic Portland history with the perfect downtown location, lots of local amenities, and the library of your dreams." - Jen Stevenson