Hotel Monaco Portland

The Portland outpost of the Kimpton group’s Monaco brand sits along a busy downtown stretch that, while lacking in curb appeal, provides easy access to the riverfront and Portland Saturday Market, and is walking distance from the Pearl District and Old Town. A makeover in 2007 freshened up all 221 rooms and suites; all now sport striped wallpaper, beds with leather headboards, and 32-inch plasma flat-screen TV’s (suites have French doors off the bedrooms leading to expansive sitting areas). All the familiar Monaco amenities are here—like special packages for travelers with pets, complimentary evening wine socials, in-room spa treatments, and loaner goldfish on request.

Tip: At the nightly lobby wine socials, the artistically inclined can request paints and an easel for doodling while sipping Oregon Pinot Noir (a little gimmicky, but still fun).

Room to Book: The four 850-square-foot Grand Suites are über-cushy, with two-person jetted Fuji tubs, wet bars, and dazzling skyline views.