What it is

Tucked in a former department store, this glammed up getaway has glitzy rooms—many with river views—and a sceney rooftop cocktail bar.

What it isn't

Very “Portlandia.” Aficionados of the Keep Portland Weird aesthetic may want to book a less-classically inclined stay. (Though yes, each restaurant here is fiercely locavore).

What we think

Portland locals fretted a bit when The Nines took over the upper floors of their beloved glazed terra cotta Meier & Frank department store, a grande dame of downtown since 1909. But the second the hotel opened, it was the hottest reservation in town: and no wonder. Rooms have the aura of Old Hollywood, thanks to sculptural furniture in Tiffany blue, twinkling pendant lamps, champagne gold glimmery wallcoverings, and original art pieces from the Pacific Northwest College of Art. (Bonus: crisp white 350-thread-count Egyptian sateen bed linens and robes and slippers you’ll never want to slip out of). If you’re here to #treatyoself, book the 12th floor Meier & Frank Suite, which has its own dining and living space overlooking the rolling Willamette River, not to mention access to the insiders-only Club Lounge, where breakfast and afternoon tipples and treats are served by a doting concierge.

You're here because

You’re a bibliophile, and the hotel has an expertly curated library complete with a billiards table and cocktail menu.

The Moment

At the 15th floor, futuristic-feeling restaurant Departure, your jaw has dropped. Is it the artisanal sake? The space-ship-like interiors designed by local starchitects Skylab Architecture? No. It’s the fact that this king salmon, served with wild licorice, fennel and pickled fresno, is arguably the best piece of fish you’ve ever had.

Restaurants & Bars

Urban Farmer- A Modern Steakhouse, locally-sourced and sustainable

Departure- Asian Fusion quisine with fantastic rooftop deck views of Downtown Portland

Location

The heart of downtown Portland, directly across from Pioneer Square, a.k.a. Portland’s living room. While you’re here, be sure to stop in Powell’s City of Books—which claims to be the largest used and new bookstore in the world (take that, Jeff Bezos).