Putting on the Ritz at the Nines Hotel

Written by Karla Erovick Monday, 30 August 2010 15:14

On a recent visit to Portland, Oregon I was pleasantly surprised to visit the Nines, Portland's swankiest hotel! This isn't just any hotel, it is a masterpiece of modern chic within a treasured landmark. Located in downtown Portland's top nine floors of the historic Meier & Frank department store, it transforms a historic building into an ultra modern hotel.

From the moment you enter the building you can tell this isn't an ordinary hotel. Art and chandeliers decorate the ground floor lobby. Take the elevator up to the 8th floor and the building's transformation is unbelievable. This renovation lovingly preserved the building's character while creating a modern hotel. And if you're wondering where the hotel got it's name, it comes from the expression "Dressed to the Nines," an acknowledgment of  high-style and fashion and because the hotel occupies the top 9 floors of the iconic department store that was once Portland's fashion arbiter.

There are over 400 pieces of art commissioned especially for the hotel, created by local artists. Looking over the lobby you might think you are in an art gallery and not a hotel. The expansive hotel lobby has distinct seating areas, each with a different decor. There is an abundance of natural light courtesy of the atrium with soaring ceilings set above a central courtyard.

Urban Farmer is located in the atrium, boasting fresh regional cuisine in a casual yet chic environment. They specialize in meats and produce from local ranches.  I especially love the booths swathed in a cow-hide motif. The bar is located adjacent to the restaurant and is a great place for a cocktail.  Also located on the lobby level is the Library with a collection of over 3,000 books courtesy of Powell's Books. Comfortable leather sofa's and a billiards table are just a few reasons to visit this room.

Guest rooms incorporate an espresso color scheme accented by iconic Tiffany turquoise, evoking the glamour of a bygone era with a modern sensibility. As you would expect from a luxury boutique hotel, beds are heavenly, linens are a very high thread-count and pillows are soft. If you love architectural details, you will want to stay on the 14th floor, in a corner room. The building originally had only 14 floors so the decorative building details are viewable from these rooms. The chandeliers located throughout the hotel provide elegance and grace.

For an truly decadent experience, upgrade for privileges to the private Club Lounge. They offer comfortable lounge seating, a place to meet, discuss business, or to get some work done, with complimentary internet connections, as well as providing four complimentary food presentations per day along with cocktails, and a dedicated concierge. The fitness center is one of the largest and most comprehensive in a hotel and  designed for people who want a serious work-out.  For more pampering, the hotel is happy to make arrangements for an in-room massage or to make reservations at a nearby spa.

Next to the guest-rooms, my favorite part of the hotel is the roof-top restaurant and bar, appropriately named, Departure. This was an addition to the building, adding one full floor. From the comfortable outdoor seating areas there are views of downtown and the river. Enjoy a cocktail and a snack as you celebrate the days-end while watching the sun setting over the hills. The restaurant serves Pan Asian cuisine.

This beautiful hotel is LEED Silver Certified, doing its part to create a more sustainable environment. The Nines was included on Condé Nast Traveler "2009 Hot List," but don't take their word for it, come experience the luxury of The Nines for yourself.

Planning a trip to Portland, click here for a list of fun things to discover downtown.

Details:
Nines Hotel located at:
525 SW Morrison
Portland, Oregon
97204
(877) 229-9995

Special offers and packages can be found here.