A couple of weeks ago ROAR events traveled to Portland for some sales calls and to check out a few properties.  Typically when we travel for an event – we don’t have time to see other hotels because we are so engrossed with the client’s event and making sure they have an fabulous experience.  This was a nice change of pace (and the weather cooperated with us as well)!

We met with 4 prospective clients (YAH!), 1 registration company (their system so rocked – I wanted to buy it), and 3 hotels (the 4th doesn’t count because we were just in their lobby and bar).

First stop – The Vintage Plaza (a Kimpton property).  They have completely renovated their lobby and I just loved it!  It was so inviting.  Contemporary with a hint of traditional.  Would love this for my living room.  The boutique property has 117 sleeping rooms and 4800 square feet of meeting space.  It was also rated in the “Top 500 Hotels in the World” by Travel & Leisure.

Lobby @ Vintage Plaza

I wish they would have continued the decor to the 2nd floor meeting space.  This isn’t a hotel for large groups – its really ideal for 30-50 people for a meeting and 150 for special event functions.  They have an awesome little space – their wine cellar, which is on the lower floor.  Very unique and doesn’t look like any other space in the hotel.

The rooms were very nice.  All a bit different.  I had the pleasure of staying in a room that had a balcony and a hot tub.  Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to chill in the hot tub, but I took a picture of it.

Hot Tub Room @ Vintage Plaza

The restaurant is the hotel is ohhh so yummy – Pazzo.  We had lunch there with the sales team and just couldn’t get enough.  We had to have the waiter just take it away.

The staff at the Vintage Plaza was top notch – so friendly and helpful.  We needed an idea for dinner and they were right there to steer us in the right direction.  Thanks Vintage Plaza for your hospitality!!

Next stop – Hotel Lucia.  We didn’t stay there, but wow – this place is so cute, I can see why it made the Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Top 100!  It’s right next door to Vintage Plaza.  As you walk up – I love the sign they have outside their door…”Stay Here, Be Calm.”  You definitely get that feeling walking in and it continues throughout the hotel.  This boutique property has 135 sleeping rooms and 2000 square feet of meeting space.

Lobby of Hotel Lucia

Meeting Room @ Hotel Lucia

This hotel would be great for small executive meetings, seminars as the meeting space is right off the lobby.  The decor is contemporary/minimalism.  Love it.  I always thought I was a traditional girl – but I’m really digging the decor lots of hotels are doing now.

Sleeping Room @ Hotel Lucia

The sleeping rooms @ Hotel Lucia are great and fresh.  I was surprised when the sales person showing us around said they were going to renovate in 2010.  It doesn’t look like it needs it at all.  They try and cater to every guest’s needs.  They have a pillow menu in each guest room so you can be guaranteed to have the most peaceful sleep.  Food is just great in Portland – the restaurant at the Hotel Lucia is no different – Typhoon and Bo Restobar.  You can’t go wrong.

Stop #3 was to the Hotel Monaco (another Kimpton property).  This hotel is what you would call Anglo-Chinois style…how I would describe it is funky, morrocan, chic.  We didn’t get the chance to experience their evening reception – we seemed to miss that with all the hotels.  What I love about Hotel Monaco properties is that each one does their own twist on the evening reception.  Portland is famous for their microbrews – so they invite the different microbrews to come to the receptions and let the guest taste their beers.  Brilliant!  It’s been so successful – that they now have a calendar of when a particular microbrew is going to be there.  The restaurant in the hotel is the Red Star Tavern & Roast House.  We had breakfast there and it was sooo good.  Great spot for Happy Hour too!

Lobby @ Hotel Monaco

This particular property use to be an old department store – so all 221 sleeping rooms surround the perimeter of the property and the meeting space is in the center.  They have 8,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.  They like to keep each group on their own floor – so they really feel like they own the place.  Their space is great for small-mid size sales meetings, user conferences and seminars.  The sleeping rooms we’re very comfortable.  All boasting high ceilings.  Lots of groups automatically get upgraded to deluxe accommodations because they have so many deluxe rooms.

Typical Meeting Room @ Hotel Monaco

Sleeping Room @ Hotel Monaco

What’s unusual and great about this property…the valet entrance is underground.  Everyone says it can rain cats and dogs in Portland – every time I’ve been there, it just sprinkles.  I think I bring the weather with me.  With the valet underground – no  one gets wet!

Hope you enjoyed the mini hotel tour of Portland.  Special thanks to all the hotels for their hospitality.  Can’t wait to send groups there!

~caryl