Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel

While just south of bustling downtown Portland, the Kimpton’s scenic location along a meandering riverfront park gives it a lodge-like vibe inside and out. The rustic, casual chic decor reinforces the feeling, with lovely slate tile floors, a natural stone fireplace, and clusters of designer-quality furniture including slab-wood tables and studded suede benches. Excellent riverfront views and fine leather furniture are hallmarks of the hotel's Three Degrees bar -- rocking chairs sit outside giving a perch for relaxing with a drink. All in all, this is a quiet, adult-oriented hotel with a comfortable yet elegant ambiance. 

The Kimpton occupies a picturesque spot on the Willamette River just south of downtown Portland. It’s a relatively quiet spot near upscale residential complexes that overlooks the river and the RiverPlace Marina. A path winds along green space in Tom McCall Waterfront Park for pleasant riverfront walks. Several dining options are short walks away, and downtown highlights such as Pioneer Courthouse Square (bar and restaurants) and Pioneer Place (shopping) are within walking distance as well. 

• 12-minute walk to Portland State University
• 14-minute walk to Portland Art Museum
• 15-minute walk to Pioneer Courthouse Square and Pioneer Place
• Six-minute drive to Old Town/Chinatown (16 minutes via public transit)
• Seven-minute drive to Oregon Convention Center
• 25-minute drive to Portland International Airport

These clean, quiet, and spacious rooms exude a stylish designer touch that sets them apart from typical chain hotel fare. Shades of brown, gray, and tan give a smart and snappy backdrop in furnishings from tufted leather headboards to oval, glass-topped desks. Even the drapes, in a slip-knot rope pattern, and the mirrored consoles are distinctive. Large windows bring in plenty of natural light and keep the darker decor from being gloomy. Deluxe (standard) Rooms come in King or Double-Double bed options, with riverfront or city/courtyard views and handsome tan sofas. A variety of larger suites are available, including some with wood-burning fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, balconies, and full kitchens. Bathrooms are generously sized and nicely decorated, but they’re not as upscale as the bedroom areas. They feature roomy granite vanities and shower/tub combos framed by tan tile. Standard amenities include minibars, magnifying mirrors, coffeemakers with Starbucks coffee, robes, and safes.  

This riverfront hotel’s amenities reflect a boutique hotel approach with personal touches like a free wine and local beer reception each afternoon that includes free snacks. Other freebies include coffee and tea each evening and cookies all day. Arriving guests also receive a free drink from the Three Degrees restaurant and bar that features locally sourced food including Pacific seafood for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Alfresco dining is available on the large patio overlooking the RiverPlace marina. The Kimpton also has a convenience store that sells snacks, soft drinks, sundries, and souvenirs. Room service is available 24 hours, too.

Notably, the hotel lacks an on-site fitness center, but it does offer guests free passes to a nearby gym that has a lap pool. Guests can also break a sweat peddling around on the hotel's free loaner bicycles. Business travelers can make use of the inventory of meeting space that can accommodate up to 200 people for an event. But guests have to join the Kimpton's free loyalty program to avoid an extra charge for Wi-Fi.

Concierge services cover valet dry cleaning, laundry, and in-room spa treatments. The only on-site parking option is valet, and it’s rather expensive but includes in/out privileges. Pets are welcome in some rooms without a surcharge. Note that the hotel charges a daily “facility” or resort fee that covers many of its amenities.