Hotel Rose – A Staypineapple Hotel

Formerly called Hotel Fifty, this sassy property has been renamed Hotel Rose (to reflect Portland's nickname, Rose City) and is part of the Pineapple Hospitality Brand, which unites a collection of mostly West Coast boutique hotels. The mid-rise building looks vaguely midcentury, with blocks of yellow, blue, and purple that make the property stand out amongst a mostly brick and gray waterfront. The lobby and restaurant were renovated in 2014, revealing a retro-modern style that pairs deep purple and gold accents with rose and pineapple motifs. The restaurant is particularly spunky -- there's reclaimed wood ceilings, button-tufted bench seating, and a beer-bottle chandelier. While it has more of a chain-hotel feel beyond the lobby and restaurant, the mix of business and leisure travelers who come here appreciate the boutique vibe and central location.

One of the few waterfront hotels in Portland, Hotel Rose faces the Willamette River over a busy road near an I-5 on-ramp. The Tom McCall Waterfront Park and walking paths that run along the river are directly across the street, and the hotel is just a few blocks from Pioneer Square, which sits at the heart of Downtown Portland and features a massive waterfall fountain, art sculptures, and good shopping. Some of the best restaurants in the city are within easy walking distance of the hotel, and public transit is a cinch with several bus and MAX stations right outside the hotel, the latter of which offer straight-shot service to the airport. 

• Two-minute walk to Yamhill District MAX Station
• Five-minute walk to Pioneer Courthouse Square
• 10-minute walk (along river) to Portland Saturday Market
• 13-minute walk to Old Town Chinatown
• 14-minute walk to Powell's City of Books
• 15-minute walk to Portland Art Museum
• 14 minutes to Portland State University via public transit
• 50 minutes to Portland International Airport via public transit

Guest rooms feel more like standard chain hotel fare than the common spaces, though they're clean, comfortable, roomy, and nicely equipped with amenities. Patterned beige wall-to-wall carpeting pairs well with wood laminate furnishings and cream and taupe walls. Large windows let in natural light, but guest should be aware that river-facing rooms can get some traffic noise, while "courtyard" rooms sometimes have parking lot views. Spunky details include pineapple throw pillows and Dash, a small stuffed dog that guests can purchase, with proceeds going to local animal shelters. Beds feature memory foam mattresses and European-style bedding with individual duvets (so partners don't have to share covers), plus work desks with ergonomic chairs.

Rooms are equipped with Samsung flat-screen TVs with more than 50 channels, and high-speed Wi-Fi is free. They also feature mini-fridges, Keurig coffeemakers with unlimited free tea and coffee, free in-room bottled water, safes, irons and ironing boards, and umbrellas. Bathrooms are a little bland with dull beige-and-cream stripes, but they're roomy and contain walk-in rainfall showers with glass half-walls. Instead of individual toiletries, there are dispensers filled with body wash, conditioner, and shampoo. Guests also get bathrobes, plus slippers to take home. 

Most rooms are a nice 330 square feet, and Double Rooms are offered for up to four guests (though adding more than two will cost a per-person extra fee). Upgraded rooms feature better views and extras like iPod-connectable alarm clocks, while the suite adds seating and dining areas.

Standard amenities here include a restaurant and bar and a small gym, along with some of the brand's signature extras. The Bottle + Kitchen restaurant has a modern West Coast vibe, and features creative, locally inspired dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner — though breakfast isn't included in the room rate. The bar features regular live music, especially jazz, and hosts occasional trivia nights. There’s a rotating beer and wine list plus an impressive cocktail menu, a kids' menu, and happy hour specials. Room service is available into the evening.

Hotel Rose offers some of the brand's signature features: free afternoon coffee with pineapple cupcakes, free bright yellow cruiser bikes to borrow (with helmets and locks), and dog-friendly amenities. There's a fee for guests traveling with furry friends, but they get dog beds, water bowls, treats, and dog waste dispensers. Up to two dogs are allowed per room, and there's no weight restriction. 

There's also free Wi-Fi throughout, a small and windowless but adequately equipped gym, and two meeting rooms. The hotel provides free shuttle service that can be booked for destinations within a three-mile radius, but it runs during limited hours on a first-come, first-serve basis. The multi-level parking deck has ample parking, however it comes with a daily fee.

The front desk is open 24 hours, free newspapers are available in the lobby, and staff offer some concierge service, as well as laundry/dry cleaning service. Check-in is on the late side, but so is check-out. Note that the while the above freebies are ostensibly free, a daily amenities fee is charged to cover them.