When I attended the launch of the first Curio Collection property, The Highland Dallas, in 2015, I knew the brand had something going for it. Curio is a collection of independent hotels inspired by local neighborhoods, backed by the distribution and loyalty program of Hilton.
IMAGE SOURCE: TRAVEL PULSE
Even with a lot going for it, the brand has expanded rapidly. The Porter Portland is the 50th property to join the brand, opening in April 2018. Just like the other hotels in the collection, The Porter is a mirror of the neighborhood it occupies, offering a hyper-local experience to travelers wanting to really experience the cities they visit, even if the visit is a short one; guests will leave feeling as though they’ve consumed the city during the briefest of visits.
Located on the south end of Portland in a neighborhood that grew on Italian and Jewish immigrant communities from the late 19th century, the eminently walkable neighborhood is—like with any Curio property—the hotel’s star attraction. It’s just blocks away from the Willamette River and the Keller Auditorium, where many of the city’s performing arts companies take residence.
IMAGE SOURCE: TRAVEL PULSE
Interior design is reflective of the city’s character: urban, independent, natural and free-thinking. There’s a fine library of books and periodicals in the lobby, which features a carpet with a rose-emblem manhole cover design from one of the city’s utilities. It’s equal parts steampunk, mid-century modern and contemporary.
Guest rooms have delightful local touches like Frette bath linens and robes to get lost in (I loved it so much I bought one). There are also Waldorf Astoria beds, clean-lined Stickley furnishings, flatscreen televisions and Bluetooth radios. The minibar is stocked with local items and in-room coffee comes from the Northwest roaster Caffe d’Arte. Even the turndown chocolates are local, from local chocolatier Ranger Chocolate, currently focused on single-origin cacao from Peru.
Bathrooms have separate W.C. and glass-walled showers with foot bars. Another touch of convenience is the black washcloth with “Makeup” coyly suggested in gold embroidery. Lights can be set to motion-sensor for midnight blackout wayfinding, and the local aesthetic shows up in the guest rooms with local guides written by local people, vintage street maps and other artistic touches.
IMAGE SOURCE: TRAVEL PULSE
In spite of the vibrant neighborhood, it’s almost difficult to leave the hotel. Mornings start in the bright butcher-tiled Portland Exchange, modeled on the ethnic groceries of the neighborhood’s immigrant origins. Local goods to be enjoyed on-site or taken home as gifts take up residence next to a gleaming espresso bar while tempting pastries pile high on tiered stands to rival any old world bakery (the coconut scone is habit-forming).
Also a nod to the neighborhood’s European roots is the cozy Italian comfort of Terrane Italian Kitchen + Bar. The smell of the wood-fired oven wafts throughout the entire first floor, almost as an added welcome to guest registration, proudly proclaiming that they’ve arrived in the Northwest.
The wood-fire also imparts a fluffy s’mores-like char to pizzas and breads, which are served alongside toothsome pasta with rich ragus or fresh seafood. Guests dropping in for a quick happy hour can register their room key with the bartenders and use it at a self-service station for Oregon wines; charges go directly to guest rooms.
Other happy hour-seekers can head upstairs to xport bar & lounge, on the top floor. There’s indoor-outdoor seating for any stripe of weather, an inventive cocktail list, and a menu of small bites. There’s even a special happy hour small bites menu (think two for $3 oysters and chickpea “fries” with tomato marmalade) and drink specials in the evenings during a luxuriously long happy hour period. Reservations are definitely recommended for the lounge, particularly on weekends.
When not busy dining or taking in the city, guests can unwind in the fitness center and pool. What’s more, there’s also a sauna, a steam room and an outdoor terrace.
The Takeaway
Curio is a brand built for neighborhoods, and The Porter Portland takes to this neighborhood so well it feels like a treasured old favorite rather than a new build.
The Math
I’ve seen low season rates from $137.
Instagrammable Moment
Head upstairs to the roof deck, even if only for the photo op—but the reward for lingering a while comes in the form of the exceptional food and drink.
Loyalty
Hilton Honors.
Good To Know
There is no self-parking, valet is available.
Room service is available from Terrane; room service appears to close around an hour before the dining room.
Accommodations were furnished by The Porter Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton, in preparation for this story.
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Originally posted by Taylor & Co. Travel, view original article HERE!
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