Travelling in Style: Portland, Oregon

First, I have to get this off my chest: I have an Ace Hotel fetish. There are 4 locations in the U.S., each one arranged and outfitted by a different design team, giving them all a totally unique character that jives with local trends and tastes. On top of this Ace Hotel fetish, I also have a serious penchant for Portland. Its cool, its low-key, it has great bookstores and great coffee (keep reading), and the restaurants are amazing. So, of course, I had to do a "Travelling in Style" post on the Ace Hotel in Portland. And this is one of my featured hotels that I've actually stayed in, so it gets my personal stamp of approval! The Ace Portland is in a perfect location--it literally shares a lobby with Portland's own Stumptown Coffee (not to be missed--my best friend's Italian fiance said it was the best espresso he's ever had in America) and is 1 block away from Powell's Books, an entire city block full of new and used literature of every flavor and color. The rooms have a minimalist and off-beat feel and are very budget friendly, with bunk and/or shared bathroom options to help you keep a little more money in your wallet (the more to spend at Powell's later). Plus, there are some serious perks: they rent bikes, allow dogs, and every room is stocked with miniature Malin + Goetz toiletries (the rum soap is heavenly).

P.S. Last weekend Emma of Emma's Design Blogg reblogged my Travelling in Style post on Hotel Aire de Bardenas in Navarra, Spain. It sent my pageviews through the roof, and I'm so happy that Emma and my other visitors enjoyed the post!! Hopefully some of you have come back....and I 'd love to hear your thoughts about what you like and don't like. Thanks!!