RiverPlace Hotel

Exterior from Waterfront Park
written by Julie Lee

Let’s start with the scenic view: a panoramic canvas that spans from one end of the Willamette promenade to Tom McCall Waterfront Park in its entirety, painting a collage of what makes Portland special—an eclectic city with something for everyone, from the outdoor enthusiast to the foodie aficionado to the concert groupie. Inside, Kimpton’s RiverPlace Hotel is a refined retreat, with an inviting fireside, a happening buzz of activity, an artistic ambience. Whether staying for business or pleasure, the world seems to slow down a bit upon entering the hotel. Outside is a promenade for running, walking or skating, a boutique collection of stores and restaurants and a breathtaking view of the Willamette River.

The hotel offers close proximity to the Tilikum Crossing, Bridge of the People, where hikers can safely cross to the other side of the river on foot. Summer concerts take place a stone’s throw from the hotel’s immense patio, as does Portland’s largest fireworks display for Independence Day. The hotel’s restaurant, Three Degrees, is destination dining for locals as well as hotel guests, with an inviting river view bar. Service is top notch, from check-in to checkout. RiverPlace offers a tranquil, unhurried getaway.

1510 SW Harbor Way

Portland

riverplacehotel.com

Rooms

There are ample choices in guest rooms, from riverfront-view deluxe rooms to lavish suites with wood-burning fireplaces and jetted tubs. The grand suite, a multi-room extravaganza, boasts an all-encompassing view and dining area. Executive suites offer a perfect area to get some work done before a jog on the promenade. RiverPlace is poised for work or special occasion gatherings, with expansive event spaces, meeting room and catering menus.

Dining

Three Degrees hosts a huge veranda and chef-perfected seasonal dishes from sun-up to sundown. Executive chef Lauro Romero uses his upbringing in a small Mexican farming community as a launching influence for some inventive dishes. Seafood is a specialty, with oyster and Dungeness crab toasts and charred octopus offered for lunch, terrific small plates like chipotle BBQ shrimp, Dungeness crab deviled eggs and cod fritters available in the evenings, along with a smoked salmon rillette board. When available, the fried rockfish tacos are a must.

Amenities

RiverPlace Hotel has partnered with Poler to provide guests backpacks and “napsacks,” sleep sacks for cozying up in the rooms in front of the fire or for use at the courtyard s‘mores roast. For those seeking a more adventurous stay, RiverPlace offers “fly-fish Fridays,” weather permitting, where guests can learn how to cast, drift and tie flies on the river. For those wanting to get a little more flexible, the property hosts yoga at 9 a.m. every Sunday in the summer, and “full moon” yoga in the courtyard overlooking the river on those special full-moon nights. Most hotels are now pet-friendly but very few welcome dogs at no fee, like RiverPlace Hotel does.

Special Features

A “bedtime butler” delivers a cart of traditional nightcaps and treats to rooms, including but not limited to local bourbons, hot teas, fresh towels and slippers, cookies, cocoa and books for kids. The butler visits are a surprise, so guests are encouraged to listen for a knock at the door. The evening wine hour brings complimentary glasses of wine or local beers and some fresh-baked cookies. “What’s Poppin Wednesdays” offers complimentary bubbly with some fresh-popped popcorn.

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