Stephen S.
Yelp
My wife is frequently in Portland on business, and we typically stay in the familiar chains of hotels for the points. However, I wanted a departure from the norm, this time. A decade ago, we stayed in B&B's all the time. It was such a great experience then, and I needed a respite from the rat race. Hoping to reach back and capture some of that experience, and noting the very reasonable rates, we booked a week here at the Lion and the Rose. We were not disappointed.
Steve and Dusty are wonderful hosts. As owners of the Lion and Rose, I found them to be very attentive to the property, and very gracious. They, or their staff, were always available, but were never hovering over us. We were always greeted with smiles, and a sense of genuine delight in the their roles as caretakers, and owners of this beautiful period home. I felt as though I had stepped back in time for a short while, and it brought back wonderful memories of my childhood.
With temperatures in the 60's during the day, I opened my window, and turned on a fan, stretched out across the bed, and took in the quiet sounds of the surrounding neighborhood, and slept for hours, while my wife was in meetings. (sounds cruel, I know!) The sheets, and the blankets were like those my grandmother would have on her bed, crisp and clean. It felt like I was away from home, but in a familiar place at the same time. That is exactly what I needed.
Breakfast was at 8:30 sharp, every morning. Arriving early, we were often entertained by Steve chatting, or arguing with Alexa, "Amazon's digital assistant". Alexa played breakfast music at Steve's request each morning as well. Conversation was always informative, and interesting. We met some wonderful people during our stay. Steve would eat breakfast with us in the mornings, and was there to assist in breakfast conversation, if needed, but once people started talking would blend in or out as a relaxed mood of discourse began. That is a thoughtful host indeed, ever thinking of the experience being had by his guests.
As for myself, when it comes to breakfast, I typically have a "Southern Pallet", but I am always eager to try and taste new things, and new combinations. The recipes used for breakfast were not so far from my usual fair that I was put off, but they were rather a mixing of flavors and breakfast favorites that I may not have ever had the opportunity to enjoy otherwise. Steve told us that some of the recipes were original recipes that were passed down through the lineage of the home. That seemed to allow one to connect even more with the grand historical grace, and charm of this special place. Breakfast was always enough to carry me until well after lunch. So, I had plenty of energy to roam, and explore the area, or kick back and relax, or in my case, nap!
During our stay, we stayed in two of the rooms, and both were well appointed, and lovingly kept. I can't say that I have a complaint at all, as this is the experience I expected, and more. It isn't the Marriott, or the Hilton, and one shouldn't expect it to be. Expect to feel like you are visiting grandma's and grandpa's 18th Century home in a quiet suburban area of Portland.
On a side note, I am a huge fan of the NBC TV series Grimm. I thought I had seen this home before, but couldn't remember where. It turns out that it had actually appeared in the series during season one, episode 4, if I'm not mistaken. I thought that was really neat, and there were some photos of clips in a binder from the show on the coffee table in the gathering room to read. I'm a big fan of the show. So, this was neat for me, even if others aren't. I'm weird, and in Portland, that is "normal"!
Portland is one of my very favorite cities in the U.S. for all of it's diversity, charm, and acceptance of the "weird". It is a relaxing place, and it can be an very exciting place too! One need only to know where to look. There is more to do than I ever have time, and I do love to continually explore it's nuances, and the hidden treasures. However, during my visit this week at the Lion and the Rose with my amazing wife, I felt right at home to just relax, and sit in the swing on the wrap around porch, watch the people, squirrels, and listen to the gentle rain fall. I was able to hit my reset button, and that was just what I had hoped for.
Thank you, Steve, Dusty, and staff for such a wonderful experience. We will see you again in the near future.