Andrea M.
Yelp
I have lost count of how many times I've stayed here since discovering it in 2009. In fact, it feels like a second home. I stayed here two years ago and due to an issue that led to my posting a negative review, I was contacted by the hotel front desk manager and another senior employee. I wasn't able to speak with either of them on the phone but I was offered a two night stay in a junior suite for my trouble.
I had a trip planned to Portland for the week of December 10th (2023) and still had the emails from the hotel saved. Just out of curiosity, I emailed the hotel manager and asked if the free nights were still valid since there was no indication of an expiration date. The manager replied shortly after and said that although he couldn't extend the offer of two free nights, he gave me one free night and the valet parking for half price. I added two additional nights, which of course I paid for, but in booking the reservation they didn't ask for credit card information or anything.
I arrived at the hotel and the lobby was as beautiful as I remember it; even more so with the addition of new furniture. The manager had mentioned the new furniture and I was afraid it would take away some of the nostalgic charm of the 111 year old hotel. it had the opposite effect. Everything was absolutely gorgeous; the incredible gingerbread castle display (you could even smell the gingerbread!) that was based on the castles that inspired the Disneyland and Disney World castles. The tree in the lobby was beautiful as were all of the poinsettias, etc. Just breathtaking.
I checked into the hotel and gave them my credit card number. When I went up to my room, it was on the 11th floor. So stunning! It was huge! Comfy king sized bed, panoramic views from the corner windows, a huge TV and a sofa along with two chairs that formed a sitting area.
The bathroom was really nice with the marble floors and amenities. The only drawback of the bathroom is that the choice in faucets could have been better. The faucet doesn't stick out very far into the sink, so when you wash your hands, water goes all over the place.
Ironically, they did tell me at the front desk that housekeeping was only by request but I opted not to take it, since I wasn't going to be there that long. However, one morning someone from housekeeping knocked on the door. I wasn't ready to get up so I put the Do Not Disturb sign on the door and went back to bed. When I woke up a few hours later there was a letter under my door saying that they tried to do housekeeping but weren't able to due to the sign on the door. I was going to go down to the desk and ask if I could have it done later but figured it was too late. I went out for a few hours and when I came back to my room, the bed was made and there were fresh towels. This made me REALLY happy, because I thought that my chances for getting housekeeping would have been lost. So it was MUCH appreciated.
Since I've stayed here so many times, I've noticed that the place isn't what it used to be. The staff has changed, of course, but they no longer have a doorman out front. When I arrived at the hotel, it just felt empty because no one was standing outside. They still have their valet person but since that person has to run back and forth between getting cars, etc, they weren't always readily available. I understand that the pandemic and so forth meant the unfortunate loss of some of the staff, but they are missed. I don't even think they have bell attendants anymore. When I left I had more bags than I could carry downstairs alone, so they sent up one of the valets to help me.
It's also very awkward parking in front of the building because you're almost in the middle of Broadway. There is a bike lane to the right, which means that the valet line for parking your car is to the left and opening your car door with cars whizzing by on the other side can be scary.
My first night at the hotel I didn't feel much like driving or walking around looking for a place to eat, so I splurged on room service. The menu wasn't huge so there wasn't a whole lot to choose from, but the employee I spoke with was SUPER nice. She even came up to my room and brought me my food. When I was finished, I called down for some takeout boxes. She appeared at my door again and brought some utensils and napkins. Extremely friendly and such a nice and fun person to talk to.
I was surprised at how quiet the hotel is given that it seemed to be pretty full.
But I'm not complaining about that at all.
Despite all of the changes, it's still my favorite hotel in Portland (and I LOVE that it's now part of Hilton because I can get points (to add to another free stay!). The location is perfect.
I was going to make this review longer, but the bottom line is that I love this hotel and I'm very appreciative of the service I received. Looking forward to returning soon! Very thankful to the Hotel Manager for contributing to my wonderful trip!