I’m a huge fan of hotel lobbies. Some are expansive and glamorous, others are intimate and cozy, and many more are necessarily practical, but hotel lobbies often set the tone for a stay. The lobby at The Ritz-Carlton, Portland, plays tribute to its backyard in beautifully subtle ways, and I found something new to appreciate every time I walked through the space.
Known as Forest Hall, the designer reportedly wanted guests to feel as if they were walking through Portland’s 5-thousand-plus Forest Park. At check in, it was the colorful collection of three-dimensional birds on a wall that struck me. As I waited for a cup of chai tea at the luxury hotel’s casual Meadowrue coffee lounge and lobby bar, it was a table crafted from a salvaged tree stump that I felt compelled to snap a photo of. Being familiar with Forest Park is a plus, but certainly not a necessity to appreciate and enjoy the whimsical, woodsy setting in the heart of downtown Portland.
Luxury Urban Resort
Opened in October 2023, The Ritz-Carlton, Portland, features 207 guestrooms and 44 suites. I stayed in a Grand Deluxe room on the 14th floor. Even with a California King bed the room still felt quite large; the gray, blue color palette gave the space a calming almost misty feel.
Nods to Oregon are sprinkled throughout the room, but you have to know where to look. Shimmery, glass lamps pay tribute to the legend of Oregon’s elusive, crystal filled cave, and a journal page from the Lewis and Clark expedition, pressed onto a circular wood slab, could be found on the wall in a corner sitting area.
The room’s spa-like bathroom makes it easy to linger a little longer, especially on rainy mornings. Along with a double sink vanity and spacious walk-in shower, there’s a free standing soaking tub that boasts views of the city skyline.
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The room features expected amenities such as bathrobes, slippers, an in-room safe, small refrigerator, and an original Nespresso coffee machine. (Electric tea kettles can be requested.) I was however disappointed to see water is still provided in single-use plastic bottles.
Perks with Views
The 19th floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Portland, is named Cloudbreak on Nineteen. It’s home to an indoor, zero-edge infinity pool with panoramic city and mountain views, as well as a spa with five treatment rooms.
Hard-core fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the state-of-the-art fitness facility and yoga studio. Designed to attract interest from professional sporting teams visiting the Portland area, alongside Peloton spin bikes you’ll find free weights up to 100 pounds. In fact, the property 10th floor was designed with professional athletes in mind; all rooms offered higher shower heads and taller bathroom vanities.
Located on the 20th floor, the hotel’s signature restaurant Bellpine, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Menu selections highlight ingredients from the Pacific Northwest in inventive ways; one of my favorite offerings is the Crab Berliner with Dungeness crab, yuzu kosho, and scallion curtido.
Around Portland
The Ritz-Carlton, Portland, is a bit more than 10 miles from Portland International Airport. There’s a fun selection of shopping options including home store Woonwinkel and Japanese kitchenware store, Kokoro, within easy walking distance of the hotel.
It’s just a tad more than 2 miles to the Portland Japanese Garden; if the lobby inspires you to explore Forest Park, a rideshare can drop you at one of the park’s several access points in Northwest Portland, or you can book a walking tour with Around Portland Tours.
Rates for a Grand Deluxe room start at $625. There is refreshingly no daily resort fee. Valet parking is available for a fee. Compare rates at Booking.com.
Pets are welcome at The Ritz-Carlton Portland. There is a $200 non-refundable pet fee per stay. Maximum pet weight is 40 pounds.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by Travel Portland, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.
