The Nines Wows Us to the Nines

We spent the weekend in luxury at Starwood's Luxury Collection's latest opening, Portland's the Nines. Yesterday we gave you a video tour of the room, now we break down our stay.

Location, Location, Location We were literally in the center of the city. The building itself--the old Meier & Frank Building--has so much history it has it's own Wikipedia entry and it shares the building with Macy's. You can't take the elevator to the shoe floor, though, you have to go down to the street level and walk around the corner. We were walking distance from all the Portland hotspots and could jump on the MAX free city rail from the corner. City views were great--we could see the bridge and the renovations on the historic Pioneer Courthouse.

Atrium view rooms overlook the 8th floor lobby and restaurant. Commenter Delane questions the natural light in the atrium, but we're pretty sure it's natural. If not, it's simulated real well, which might be necessary is inclement climates.

Service With A Smile Not only did the staff memorize our names and greet us and open doors and ask if they can help, but the maid service left personal notes! Also, the concierge emailed us a few days before our stay to see if we needed anything prepared pre-arrival. And in rainy day Portland, it's nice to have someone hand you an umbrella on your way out.

So Many Amenities Where to begin? There were dual-flush toilets and Gilchrest and Soames toiletries. There were plush robes and stacks of towels. There was a mini-fridge stocked with nothing but alcohol, and a tray of snacks from local vendors. There were wine glasses, champagne glasses, and bottle openers. There was FREE! bottled water. There was a "intimacy kit" with vibrator and "safe is sexy" condoms. (Although, knowing the maids are so friendly, we'd be hesitant to use the condoms. What personal note would come from that?)

Hip Design Beds were clouds and walls were Tiffany blue. Everything was designed to make us never leave. I mean, we even cooed over the carpet (which, of course we did). Beneath the really awesome original building windows is a really awesome color-coordinated couch, which we started calling The Danger Couch because, well, the entire middle section of it is backless. Is this a new trend?

On Top of Technology WiFi: Free! In a fancy hotel! Who knew it was possible?? (Stubborn hoteliers, we're looking at you.) It was running super slow, though. We're inclined to think it's an opening kink. When we used it in the Library, it was perf.

Jack Box: This is what they're calling their version of the emerging connectivity panels. It featured outlets, USB, and firewire.

TV: A brand new, huge, flat screen with HD with a DVD player.

iPod Docking Station: We love how standard these are becoming!

Dining We were a little too busy scouting all of Portland to eat at the Urban Farmer, but it's already getting a buzz. When Portlanders heard where we were staying, they mentioned the restaurant. There is also a rooftop restaurant, Departure, that isn't open yet. They're hoping for a Spring 09 opening.

The Library We saved the best for last. The 8th floor is home to the concierge, the front desk, Urban Farmer, and a library tucked behind it all. The Library is stocked with books on loan from Portland's famous Powell's Books, a billiards table, leather couches, and hipster music. We think the Library is kind of genius: we kept finding ourselves gravitating towards it and thereby staying in rather than going out. Periodically, servers would come in to liquor us up or get us snacks. Now that is living the life.

The Bottom Line We signed up as part of the Starwood Better Tomorrows promotion and got a deluxe, city-view room with two queen beds for $187 a night. The room is currently listed for $259 which we still think is a steal for a Luxury Collection Hotel. They have a Weekend and Holiday Stay Promotion going on now through Nov. 17 for $199 a night, too.

In summary, um, stay there. You won't regret it.

For more photos from The Nines, visit Abigail's Flickr Set.

Related Stories:
· Inside the Nines Hotel in Portland [HotelChatter]

Comments (2)

Return to » The Nines Wows Us to the Nines

looks amazing. also the rooms remind me of the Emerald City and i like that! oh yeah!

Having stayed last week for a oouple of days, they are doing a great job for such a new hotel, enthusiasic staff and very personable.
The room was a really good fusion of modern fixtures and the original windows were a great feature.
I particularly enjoyed the bathrooms , spacious and not too edgy, well layed out and plenty of towels.
Nice toiletries from Gilchrist & Soames, and a good size too,good quality robes made for an indulgent evening in my room getting to know the contents of the mini bar!
My new favorite home from home in Portland.

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