I just found out that this hotel is under going reovations and they are now a Larkspur Hotel. Does anyone know anything about this hotel company and are they a chain?

They say the renovations will be complete the middle of June. Has anyone been here recently to see what it looks like?

If they aren't complete by the time I need to stay in Portland, I'm considering trying the 5th Avenue Suites. TIA! ***kim***

Kim there was an article last month about this in our local paper, The Oregonian. Go to www.oregonlive.com and do a search for the article...I think it was around the middle of April. Sorry, since we live here I can't help you with hotels

Melissa

I couldn't seem to find the article, do you remember what it said about the renovations? ***kim***

Kim I will look and let you know

Larkspur is a great little chain with an excellent reputation and I'm sure the hotel will be great!

Kim, I couldnt get the whole article...something about how we have our cookies set. I could get the first part though. If you want the whole article, go to oregonlive.com and do a search for riverplace renovations and then click in the search for the last 6 months. The article is the 3rd one down and is from April 21st, and the title is The Third Man. I hope this helps and that you can get the full article.

I couldn't get the article either. I wonder what it said. (???) If the renovations aren't complete, we may stay at the Fifth Avenue Suites.

Any input on this place? Are some rooms larger than the others and is it walking distance to the Pioneer Place shopping center?

Our daughter will be with us so she would like to have her own space. A suite would be nice, something with a pullout sleeper sofa. The suites at the Ashland Plaza had a privacy curtain and she had her own TV/DVD which she loved.

One more question about the 5th Ave. Suites: is there a pool or jacuzzi on the property? ***kim***

Kim- I really loved this hotel..and we sampled 4 hotels in 2 months in Portland.

I was by myself in 5th Ave, so just had a standard room, so I don't know how the suites look, but I had the best bed I've EVER had in a hotel, and the room was really beautiful.

The location is perfect...short walk -1 block- to Pioneer square..Just around the corner from Nordstrom Rack. Super easy to get to I-5 or across the bridge.

They have wine tasting and art contest each evening, plus I think you'd like that they are a ***KIMton*** hotel!

A Kimpton Hotel!! LOL I noticed that. I think they have a good reputation for being a very nice boutique hotel. It does sound very tempting. Now what in the world is an art contest in the evening? That sounds interesting....... ***kim***

MMS-
Any info on Kim's question about a pool at 5th Avenue Suites? From the website, it doesn't look like there is one. Same for Riverplace/Larkspur. ?

You know, I don't think there was a pool...there is an exercise room and an Aveda spa, but I don't remember a pool. I know they have a health club thing nearby..probably that's where they send their swimming guests!
Lucy

MarshaL--I do not know about a pool, sorry!

Given building age and city core location, it's highly doubtful they have a pool.

I don't think the 5th Ave. Suites has a pool, but I know that the RiverPlace guests have access to a really cool health club just down the block and they do have a very nice nice indoor pool and jacuzzi and some great weight-lifting equipment.

Gee, it's a hard decision to make! ***kim*** I still am wondering what that article said. If anyone would like to e-mail it to me, feel free!

Kim, I was just reading in T&L about a special the Kimpton group is doing. You may be interested. The blurb says "Book a night, through July, at one of Kimpton's 38 boutique hotels in the United STates and Canada and get a gift certificate food for one free night on a future two-night minimum stay through March 2005. Cost varies by hotel. Ask for the T&L Special Offcer. Savings up to 50 percent."

Since you were interested in the 5th Ave. Suites and come to PDX occassionally this might be a way to go.

Thanks for the tip, that sounds great! I'll have to check this out! ***kim***

I just saw that the Portland Or Visitors Assn (POVA.com) site is offering 3 different specials again on Portland hotels... Cool Summer Deals offer free parking and breakfast. For a few dollars more, and a 3 night stay you get 2 Portland attractions passes, or you can opt for a museum package.

RiverPlace is participating ($169 room), also 5th Ave Suites ($179 for a suite).

The Riverplace site says it is completely renovated. hmmm... wishful thinking or truth?

I have to say the Portland Westin was really nice too. I liked the 5th Ave suites better only because of the view from my room and the parking, but the Westin rooms, bathrooms (the best!!) and the location (1 block up from the 5th AVe Suites) were all perfect. They
are offering a $149 room.

here is the link, I think...
http://pova.com/cool_deals/hotels.html#westin

Just checked POVA website - why are ALL these packages for 2? I need a travel companion

Faina-For the Heathmana and the Westin, they gave a $20 credit instead of breakfast for 2, so the double occupancy would only affect you if you took the museum or attractions packages!!