Portland's Hidden Gem: Hotel Deluxe's Unbeatable Luxury Awaits!
Hotel Deluxe: Portland's Gleaming Secret (Or Is It?) - A Review That's Almost Too Honest
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the tea on the Hotel Deluxe in Portland. This isn't your meticulously crafted travel brochure review; consider this more like a drunken confession whispered at 3 AM after a particularly potent cocktail. And let me tell you, the Deluxe is definitely cocktail-worthy.
First Impressions (And a Slight Panic Attack) - Access and the Vibes:
So, I rolled up, heart thumping a little faster than it should have. First off, accessibility – good job, Hotel Deluxe. Elevators are a godsend, and I spotted ramps and all the usual suspects. Made my life a LOT easier, you know? Because, let's be honest, hauling luggage AND myself through a posh lobby? Nope. Wheelchair accessible? Yep, totally seems like they’ve got that covered. The vibe? Oh, the vibe. Think old Hollywood meets unapologetic hipster Portland. Plush velvet, dramatic lighting, and enough art deco to make your eyeballs sing. I almost choked on my own anxiety for a sec. This place oozed sophistication.
The Room: More Than Just a Bed (Thank God):
Okay, the room. Let's get down to brass tacks. The Air conditioning was a life-saver during that freak heatwave Portland decided to throw our way. Blackout curtains? Bless you, Hotel Deluxe. Slept like a baby (after a few glasses of wine, but hey, details). Free Wi-Fi? Check! And it actually worked, unlike some hotels where you’re constantly battling the digital gremlins. I swear, I could have stayed in that bed all day, wrapped in those ridiculously fluffy bathrobes. Extra long bed? A serious win for us taller folks.
Now, about the Internet… they tout Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Internet access – wireless. Which is great. But, and here’s a minor gripe, I thought I saw a Internet [LAN] too. Meaning, a wired connection. I couldn’t find it. Not a huge deal (who even uses LAN anymore?), but still, a teensy tiny deception, maybe?
The Bathroom: A Moment of Existential Bliss (Almost):
The bathroom was an experience. Think marble, gleaming fixtures, and luxurious toiletries. They even had a scale (which I promptly ignored… vacation!). Separate shower/bathtub, with the bathtub big enough to soak away the stresses of… well, everything. Hair dryer was powerful enough to tame the lion's mane that is my hair. Seriously, it almost convinced me to join a cult of luxury. Sadly, no bathroom phone. But, who needs that to make a phone call these days?
Cleanliness and Safety: Breathing a Sigh of Relief (Finally!):
This is where the Hotel Deluxe truly shines in the current climate. I was obsessed with their commitment to safety. Anti-viral cleaning products and Daily disinfection in common areas? Sign me up! Rooms sanitized between stays? Absolutely. They’re taking things seriously. They even have Professional-grade sanitizing services. The whole place felt ridiculously clean and safe. Kudos.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Sweetest Spot!
Okay, let's talk food and booze. The Restaurants offer a variety. You have A la carte in restaurant and Breakfast [buffet]. But, I'm not a buffet person. I also noticed Asian breakfast and Asian cuisine in restaurant. As a person who loves Asian food, this caught my eye and I was excited. However, the actual taste was not what I expected. The food was not bad, it was fine. But, it just needs something else. Perhaps more spice? It just needs something. The Bar was the perfect place to unwind. A good selection of cocktails; happy hour.
The Spa: Almost Heaven? (Almost).
I'm a sucker for pampering, so the Spa was high on my list. They’ve got the whole shebang: Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Sauna, Steamroom, etc. The Pool with view was tempting, but I chickened out (being pale as a ghost in a Speedo is not a good look). I did get the Massage, though. Heaven. Absolute heaven. The therapist knew exactly what they were doing. It was the perfect antidote to the stress of… well, life.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax and Not Pay Attention to Your Finances:
The Fitness center had decent equipment, but I was too busy stuffing my face with pastries. I did like having a Pool with view and a Swimming pool [outdoor]. A Foot bath felt nice.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference.
They have a Concierge, Daily housekeeping, and some seriously amazing Doorman. The Gift/souvenir shop was a danger to my bank account, but everything was nice and I had to buy some. Currency exchange was convenient, even though I could have just used the ATM.
The Quirks and Cracks:
While the Deluxe is mostly flawless, it's not perfect. And that's okay. The service, at times, felt a tad pretentious. Like, they’re trying too hard to be fancy. And while the decor is stunning, it’s also a bit… much. I felt like I needed to put on a monocle just to walk down the hallway.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back? (Maybe.)
The Hotel Deluxe is a gem. Seriously. It’s luxurious, clean, and offers a fantastic experience, especially if you appreciate good service and some serious pampering. It's not cheap. But, for a splurge? Absolutely. And the staff are generally friendly and helpful, and the location is prime. I totally recommend it.
SEO & Metadata Stuff (Because, You Know, Gotta):
- Keywords: Hotel Deluxe, Portland, luxury hotel, spa, accessibility, restaurant, bar, Oregon, downtown Portland, review, travel, vacation, fine dining, massage, sauna, steamroom, swimming pool, fitness center, safe travel, clean hotel
- Meta Description: A candid review of Portland's Hotel Deluxe, highlighting its luxury, accessibility, safety, spa, dining, and quirky charm. Honest opinions and personal experiences.
- Category: Travel, Hotels, Reviews, Portland
- Tags: Hotel Deluxe, Portland, luxury, spa, accessibility, review, Oregon, travel, vacation
- Accessibility Tags: Accessible hotel, wheelchair accessible, ramp access, elevator access.
- Safety Tags: Sanitized rooms, anti-viral cleaning, safe travel, contactless check-in, Covid-19 safety.
Final, rambling thought: Seriously, get the massage. And maybe skip the Asian breakfast. You know, for your own good.
Milan Getaway: Luxurious Stay at Holiday Inn Express & Suites!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is a Hotel Deluxe Portland (OR) adventure… gone gloriously, spectacularly wrong (or right, who knows?). Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and enough caffeine to power a small city. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Portland, I Think I Love You Already (Maybe?)
- 1:00 PM - ARRIVAL! (and Instant Regret)
- Okay, so the flight was a disaster. Toddler kicking my seat the whole way, pretzels that tasted like sadness, and a screaming baby in the back. I arrived at Portland International Airport (PDX) looking like I wrestled a bear. Then there was the Oregon rain, which I'd forgotten.
- I cabbed it to The Hotel Deluxe. The drive? Beautiful. Then the lobby, well. I feel like I have walked into a Hollywood set for a film about Hollywood. This reminds me of a trip. A bad trip.
- Emotion: Exhausted. Questioning everything.
- 2:00 PM - Checking in and immediately plotting my escape.
- The Hotel Deluxe itself is, well, deluxe. It's like stepping into a vintage movie set. So much art deco. I did a quick scan of the room…the bed looks too comfortable.
- Imperfection: Forgot my phone charger. Classic.
- Anecdote: The front desk gal was glowing. Said she loved Portland "because it's weird." SOLD. I'm in.
- 3:00 PM - Coffee Break (and Existential Crisis)
- Right, so Portland is all about the coffee. I headed down to the hotel's in-house cafe, and the barista (beard, flannel, you know the drill) made me a damn fine latte. But sitting alone with my latte in an overly pretty, vintage-y room (which is an oxymoron, I know), I had a brief existential crisis. What am I even doing with my life? Why did I pick the film? What am I even doing here?
- Quirky Observation: I think I just saw a woman use a vintage rotary phone to order a mimosa. Only in Portland.
- Emotion: Mildly panicky. Hopeful that the coffee kicks in.
- 4:00 PM - Exploration (and Mild Panic)
- So, I figured: gotta walk it off. I started strolling around downtown, got myself lost in the maze of one way streets (GPS is your friend, people!).
- Opinion: The people-watching is phenomenal. Seriously, I think I spotted more people doing yoga in parks, people running, reading, playing music in a single hour. The food carts! They are a sight to see.
- 6:00 PM Dinner (and Immediate Bloat)
- I booked a table in a fancy restaurant, or a restaurant that pretends it's fancy ("Portland, baby!"). The meal was, and I'm using the word "okay" loosely, a culinary experience. I ordered way too much food (damn my weak willpower!).
- Emotion: Extremely full. Contemplating a nap instead of exploring.
- 8:00 PM - Nightcap (and Rambling Thoughts)
- Back at the hotel bar. The cocktails are dangerously good. The music is live. I chat with a guy who works for a brewery. Portland is clearly a land of hipsters, artists, and foodies.
- Messy Structure: Okay, so I just realized I haven't actually done anything particularly Portland-y. I just had a fancy meal and coffee. Tomorrow: Voodoo Doughnuts. This is a promise. I will eat a doughnut.
- Emotion: Tipsy. Starting to genuinely like Portland.
Day 2: Doughnuts, Books, and Overwhelming Awe (Plus a Little Bit of Shame)
- 9:00 AM - Voodoo Doughnut (and a Sugar Rush Apocalypse)
- So, I woke up with a mission: Voodoo Doughnut. The line was insane. I waited. And waited. Two dozen doughnuts later – I am not kidding, I ate two dozen doughnuts.
- Emotion: Sugar rush. Regret. Mild nausea. Pure, unadulterated happiness.
- Anecdote: The doughnut with the bacon on top? Game changer. I think my dentist is going to hate me.
- 11:00 AM - Powell's City of Books (and Losing Myself)
- This is it. The real deal. Powell's is a goddamn city of books. I got lost for hours. Found a vintage copy of a book I'd been searching for.
- Quirky Observation: There are nooks and crannies in this place where I swear I saw a unicorn. Or it could have been the doughnuts…
- Emotional Reaction: Overwhelmed in the best possible way.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch (and an Unexpected Encounter)
- I found a tiny sandwich shop near Powell's. Best sandwich of my life. And! I met two people who look like me! Portland is such a diverse cultural melting pot!
- Opinionated Language: This sandwich was a religious experience. A true masterpiece. I'm never eating bread anywhere else.
- 3:00 PM - Exploring the Pearl District
- Art galleries, high-end boutiques… I suddenly felt out of my depth. And poor. So, I did what any self-respecting tourist would do: window-shopped and judged everyone's outfits.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner (and Slightly Less Bloat)
- Some of the local food is the best, however, the food in Portland is amazing, I repeat, amazing. I will not repeat my bloated mistake from the previous day.
- 8:00 PM - Drinks, Jazz and Reflective Moments
- A local jazz bar. The music was outstanding. I watched the sunset and felt like I was learning something about myself.
- Messy Structure: I should call my therapist.
Day 3: "Oh, Portland, You're Kinda Great" (And Maybe a Little Bit Sad)
- 9:00 AM - Last Breakfast (and a Bitter Goodbye)
- Breakfast at the Hotel Deluxe. I didn't want to check out.
- Stronger emotional Reaction: Sigh. Departure. I didn't want to leave, but I must. I love Portland.
- 10:00 AM - Check-Out and Last Impressions
- Say goodbye, I'm going to miss the Hotel Deluxe. It was a perfect place to stay.
- Emotion: Melancholy. Already planning my return.
- 11:00 AM - Heading to the airport. Portland, you stole my heart!
- Goodbye, Portland. It was weird. It was wonderful. And I'll see you again soon.
Disclaimer: This itinerary is a work in progress. It's messy, and probably completely useless. Because real life travel is. But hey, at least it's honest! And maybe that's the best kind of travel guide of all.
Unbelievable Views Await: Conquer Utah's Mount Nebo!
Okay, spill. Is Hotel Deluxe actually *deluxe*, or is it just another hipster trap charging a fortune for a tiny room? BE HONEST.
Alright, alright, lemme tell you. I was skeptical, *very* skeptical. Especially when I saw the price tag. But... it's surprisingly good. Not "sleeps-on-a-bed-of-cash" levels of deluxe, but genuinely well done. The rooms aren't shoe boxes. Seriously, you can actually *move*. And the decor? Think Old Hollywood, but like, *cool* Old Hollywood. Not the dusty, grandma's-attic kind. Think Audrey Hepburn sippin' a martini, not…well, someone's grandma. My first impression? Pure awe. I walked in and I kinda mumbled a "Wow!" I swear everyone could hear it. I was *that* obvious tourist.
What's the deal with the "Hollywood" vibe? Does it feel gimmicky?
Okay, this is where things get… interesting. It *could* be gimmicky. But it's executed with a level of self-awareness that works. They lean into it. Think, you know, the old photos of stars lining the halls? Yeah. BUT! They also do it with a sense of humor. I saw a framed picture of... well, let's just say a *very* well-known actor looking slightly... less than glamorous at a premiere. It made me chuckle. It's not trying to be ultra-serious about its Hollywood theme. It's like, "Hey, remember when? We love it!" And you kinda do too.
One HUGE caveat though: If you're allergic to things that might *remind* you of the golden era of Hollywood (like, people who are easily triggered by the word "Oscar" or vintage hairstyles), *maybe* give it a pass. But it really wasn't that overbearing.
Is the location good? I hate spending all day trying to navigate a city.
YES. Finally, a serious win! Hotel Deluxe is PERFECTLY positioned. Right downtown, close to everything. You're steps away from awesome restaurants, quirky shops (that are actually *good*... not those tourist traps), and, importantly, public transportation. I seriously walked everywhere. I’m a notorious map-hater, and even *I* managed. It's right in the heart of the city. You can ditch the rental car and just walk, or take the MAX (Portland's light rail system). Honestly, I feel like I saved money on gas alone by staying there… and headaches.
However, a word of caution: Downtown Portland, like any downtown, can have its...quirks. You'll see some homeless people and some rough neighborhoods, and, look, it exists. But it's also a city full of life and great people. Just… be aware. But for location, this hotel cannot be beat.
Let's talk about the amenities! What's actually worth the hype?
Alright, here’s the lowdown. The hotel bar, Gracie's? Yeah, worth the hype. Great cocktails, a cool atmosphere, and it feels... *right*. Not pretentious. And I swear I thought I saw someone I *knew* out of all places. The in-room coffee? Decent, but nothing to write home about (I'm a coffee snob, forgive me). The gym? Honestly, I didn’t go. I was too busy eating all the excellent food nearby. And the free WiFi? Absolutely essential and it worked perfectly.
But, okay, here's the *real* showstopper: the turndown service. I know, sounds fancy, right? But there were cookies! Freshly baked cookies left by my bed every night. Like, actual, real cookies. That… oh my god. I'm not even a sweets person, but I devoured those things. It was the simple touch that sold me. It's the little things, right? The cookies and the super comfy bed.
The reviews all talk about "exceptional service." Is it really that great, or is it just a bunch of paid-for praise?
Okay, the staff. These people are *good*. Not "fake smile and robotic greeting" good. They're actually nice. They seem to *care*. I had a minor issue with my room, and they fixed it immediately. I asked the concierge for a restaurant recommendation, and they gave me what I thought was *the* best meal in my life, and I was in Portland for just 2 days!
But, and this is a big but, things weren't *perfect*. On one specific evening, the check-in line took forever. Okay, it had a little bit of a line, but a friendly concierge apologized and even comped a drink card. It was just a small hiccup, but it showed. Everyone was kind. And real. They felt genuine. Honestly, it's the service that elevates the hotel into something special.
Okay, let's get down to brass tacks: is it worth the price?
This is the million-dollar question, isn't it? Look, it's not cheap. It's definitely a splurge. BUT. I'd say, yes, *mostly* yes. If you're looking for an affordable, budget-friendly stay? Probably not the best option. But if you're looking for a special getaway, a place where you feel pampered, and if you want to experience Portland like you're in a vintage movie? Hotel Deluxe is it. You've got the perfect location, good service, great atmosphere. It's not flawless, but it makes up for its missteps in charm.
I actually debated if it was worth it, and at the end of the day, I'd stay there again. But that's just me.
Any hidden gems or things you wish you'd known *before* staying there?
Okay, pay attention, because this is gold. First, the "movies in the room" are actually a *thing*. They're not just some half-assed selection. They're curated, interesting, and they fit the vibe perfectly. Use them. Also, call ahead and book your table at Gracie's! Seriously, those cocktails are worth it, but the place can fill up quickly. Seriously, I even went to one show with a lot of people in line, but I'm not saying anything else about that.
AND! And this is crucial. If you're a light sleeper, ask for a room away from the street. I'm a heavy sleeper, but even *I* noticed a little bit of city noise, it wasn't that bad though. Also, the lobby is gorgeous. Just take a moment to sit and admire it. Even if you didn't stay there, just the lobby may be very worth a visit!
Final verdict? Would you recommend it to a friend?
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