ACE HOTEL PORTLAND

They just do stark grunge chic like nobody can. It’s the hipster’s god given right to stay at a Ace Hotel, and although out of the two I’ve stayed at (thus far), the Ace in NYC is my favorite. The Ace Portland had everything you could want. Bloggers with deep red lips and perfectly haphazardly tucked chambray shirts, Stumptown Coffee (which I’m proud to say I can spot by smell alone now), dog friendly rooms, and gorgeous interior design which keeps with the chic starkness mixed with bouts of comfort. The hotel is situated in the old Clyde Hotel building in downtown Portland, making it only a block away from Powell’s Books and a few blocks away from Voodoo Doughnut.

I need to take a moment to get real with you. If you make it to the Pacific Northwest and don’t get a book (or five – I feel very lucky to have gotten Margaret Atwood’s latest – a signed copy, for a ridiculously inexpensive price) or eat more than one donut at Voodoo’s, you’ll probably wake up with cold sweats wondering, what was it – I mean really what was it you forgot and subsequently failed at? Only to realize (after reading this post) it’s that you didn’t go to either establishments. You didn’t walk into one of the best bookstores in the USA and you never had a donut with Fruit Loops on it. I feel sad for you, but don’t worry, you still have time.

Back to the Ace.

The Parking – It isn’t great, but not terrible. You park about a block or two away in a lot without coverage. Added bonus though, it’s a great way to get a walk in with the pups.

Grass – Aka the outdoor loo for the dogs. It’s a little more industrial, but not as tricky as some major cities, think more Fort Worth than Dallas. Expect to walk a few blocks, but grab a latte from Stumptown first.