RiverPlace Hotel occupies a stellar piece of real estate along the Willamette River in downtown Portland. The hotel sits next to the open, grassy Tom McCall Waterfront Park and just a few steps away from RiverPlace Marina, while views within the hotel look out on the river, downtown Portland, and the Hawthorne Bridge. The boutique hotel of 84 rooms is run by Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants.
It’s a great, central location if you’re hoping for proximity to downtown Portland but still manages to feel removed, bordered on two sides by park and river. A large, inviting lobby holds a fireplace and cruiser bikes that can be used, free of charge, for a ride along the paved riverfront path or through downtown.
The stately, slightly austere exterior belies an interior that skews modern and hip, where guestrooms and suites play with multiple bold patterns and vintage touches. And the waterfront setting, separated from the bustle of downtown and surrounded by wide lawns and gardens and patios, sets the stage for a relaxing stay but with all the convenience of being close to entertainment and restaurants. Unwaveringly friendly service sets a high standard, making the hotel feel much smaller and more intimate than its spaciousness would indicate.
Though there’s no spa in the hotel, guests can schedule in-room spa services using organic products. Available are a range of massages and body and facial treatments; there are also yoga mats in every room for self-guided practice.
Just off the lobby, the Three Degrees Restaurant serves three meals a day, a weekend brunch, and a happy hour, all with the river as the backdrop. When the weather is nice, there’s also ample outdoor seating. Each evening there’s a hosted wine hour from 5 to 6 p.m., with wines selected by the hotel’s Master Sommelier.
Wine is an important focus for RiverPlace; the hotel works with Patton Valley Vineyard to produce 40 cases annually of a proprietary RiverPlace Red, this year a pinot noir. The grapes are selected by the hotel’s general manager and the winemaker, who look for bright fruit and approachable flavors for the label.
The hotel also has a growler check-out program that allows guests to buy a growler of wine to enjoy over the course of the stay. RiverPlace uses insulated MiiR growlers that are free to use and return at check out, or for purchase should you become attached.
