That's good to know about Kennedy School. I've been there in the winter,and it was quiet but it was off season. I've stayed at Crystal Hotel- fantastic location (for me) and lots of fun, but definitely the noisiest place I've stayed in Portland. I LOVE the Monaco (so dog friendly), but the Benson bar is my "happy place" lol.

OMG, so true about Crystal Hotel! Our DS and many of his fraternity brothers stayed there after an event at their ballroom. Yeah, I wouldn't want to stay there with that group, lol!

Re: Columbia Gorge/Hood River

make a point of going to Stonehenge @ Maryhill, WA

Just... the views of the Gorge from there are worth it on their own, even if you're not a <I>Stonehenge</i> fancier.

Northwestmale, thanks for the tip.

Honestly, that is something I thought we might miss because somehow the idea of seeing a "replica" of Stonehenge seemed a little like going to visit Las Vegas to get a glimpse of Paris :). But I do understand that the view out there is supposed to be fabulous, so maybe I'll rethink ;).

mms and marvelous mouse, thanks for the inout re: Portland. I'm still not sure exactly how the itinerary is going to play out. If we plan to spend most of the time in Portland, then it makes sense to stay there, but if we think we are going to spend most of the time elsewhere, like in Cannon Beach and/or Mt St Helens, then somewhere outside of Portland may make more sense.

msrva, thanks for the information about your trip!

You could stop at Maryhill winery instead of Stonehenge. Similar views and a glass of wine too !