Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Hotel deLuxe, Portland, Oregon
Nominated By: Shelley Seale, Austin, Texas, November '09

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Price Range: US$125-$309 # of Rooms: 130 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes the Hotel deLuxe so Darn Good? I felt as if I’d just stepped into a David O. Selznick set when I entered the doors of the Hotel deLuxe in Portland, Oregon. I have stayed in many boutique or theme hotels, and many luxurious hotels, and while the Hotel deLuxe is certainly all of these things, it exudes a certain joie d vivre all its own, and is sure to whisk any guest back in time to the glam of mid-century movie royalty.

Location: The location is just blocks from the Pearl District, trolley and light-rail stations, and within easy walking distance to numerous Portland attractions, shops, and restaurants.

Rooms: Although the era lends a certain old-fashioned glitz to the vibe of the hotel, it is anything but stuffy, and rooms have clean contemporary lines and the latest in amenities. With buttery yellow walls, high ceilings, and an abundance of windows, the rooms are modern and airy. Choose from king or queen deLuxe rooms, premier suites, or go all out for the Marlene Dietrich Suite, with the only circular bed in Portland, spanning eight feet across. The attentive but unobtrusive guest services include a “Make It So” button on the phone, from which guests can request anything from their choice of a dozen styles of pillows to their religious book of preference.

Food: Facilities at the deLuxe are no less stunning than the rest of the hotel. In the swanky Driftwood Room bar, it seems entirely plausible that Frank Sinatra or Marilyn Monroe might saunter in while you sip your classic cocktail. I had the “Elizabeth Taylor”, the hotel's signature drink of champagne and crème de violette. The place is almost unbearably hip, and popular among Portland locals. Gracie’s Restaurant serves stylishly presented comfort food in a chic setting of white and gold walls, black upholstered seating, and crystal chandeliers.

Vibe: Hotel deLuxe is a contemporary tribute to Old Hollywood that tastefully balances art deco and art moderne styles, for a mix of timeless sophistication and serene comfort. The lobby is understated and elegant, with 1930’s modern décor, original gilt moldings, and crystal chandeliers. The focal point of the room is a large projected vintage film still that changes daily. All the design and detailing is based on the architectural and decorative arts of the 1920’s through the 1940’s. The hotel also gives a respectful nod to the filmmakers of the day and a historic stroll for guests: along the corridors of each of the eight floors are about 350 black-and-white photos of film stars, grouped by their legendary directors such as William Wyler, Ingmar Bergman, and Frank Capra.

Keep in Mind: While the hotel is only a six minute walk from downtown, it is on the other side of the submerged highway and not right in the heart of the city.