1.09.2015

the ace hotel - portland

when i was planning my pacific northwest road trip i knew that i had to stay at the ace hotel while in portland. ever since it opened in the old clyde hotel i have been dying to stay there and own one of their signature pendleton throws. unfortunately they no longer sell the throws, only the queen and king blankets they use on all their beds, which were a little too pricey, boo. the hotel on the other hand did not disappoint. the rooms were perfectly designed, cozy and yet minimal. all the little details down to the art, malin and goetz products, and very friendly staff, especially the door man!, were wonderful. this hotel is a bit pricier than it's seattle location, which i also stayed in, but i would stay there again and again and the location is incredible.
the gorgeous lobby complete with vintage photo booth, record player and comfy couches to enjoy your stumpton coffee, brewed just next door.
the hallways had a very utilitarian, military vibe,
but the main staircase was more whimsical with it's numbered flights and owl mural on the top floor.
the antique elevator wasn't exactly fast, this embroidered piece reminded you that unless you had luggage it was probably faster to take the stairs.
the numbered flights kept you motivated! (seriously the hotel is only 4 storeys so it's not so bad).
stumpton coffee roasters. oh my i miss you.
you can get stumpton coffee at any ace, but this location has a full shop attached to the lobby.
all day - everyday.
the lower priced rooms at the ace portland have shared bathroom facilities on every floor, some had showers and some were just toilets. there was always at least one available and the space was always clean and filled with lovely malin and goetz hand soap, shampoo and body wash.
you also got a gorgeous robe to use in each room so you looked stylish when headed to and from the shower room.
our room #417.
 i adored the wooden door/window covering, the pendleton blanket and
the magazines/ace stationary/earplugs!/and other little details that made the room feel like home.
each room had a sink/tv/iron/desk area/full length mirror and the cutest locally sourced mini bar.
the ace hotel portland -1022 sw stark st.
rooms starting at around 125$ a night. 
go there!

1.07.2015

pacfic northwest roadtrip 2014 - day 2 - spokane, washington to portland, oregon


this was a jam packed day.
we left spokane after breakfast at hotel ruby and headed southwest on a side trip
to visit the famous pendleton mill/outlet, where some of my favorite blankets are made.
on the way, we passed through the tri-cities and all i could think was, where's mercy? (a note to all you patricia briggs fans!)
 the scenery was gorgeous and very dry, reminding me a bit of southern utah.
once we got our shop on at the mill ( i bought a gorgeous patterned backpack seen in this video at the 4min mark)...
...we headed west for mt.hood.
our plan was to make it to lost lake, near hood river, to see one of the best views of the volcano.
it was a very long drive on a deserted logging road, but when we arrived the view was worth it!
so tranquil, beautiful and there were salamanders swimming all along the shore.
i even saw a sasquatch! he selfied with me, lol.
i wish we could have stayed longer, but we had a lot more to see...
 
on the road we went.
the stretch of highway between hood river and portland is one of the most beautiful in the usa, it runs all along the columbia river gorge.
so many photo opportunities!
our main destination was multnomah falls.
it was packed with tourists, but the beauty of the 620ft waterfall made it worth it!
after a bit of hiking and an obligatory trip to the gift shop (multnomah falls socks anyone?) we drove on to portland.
after settling into our room at the ace hotel, which is incredible and will be featured in my next post, we went for dinner at jakes famous crawfish.
this seafood restaurant was suggested by the doorman at the ace and it was delicious and so old school. i felt like a senator having a secret rendezvous, dining in their darkened booths, lol.
 a crazy, amazing, beautiful day.
i'm wearing a topshop plaid shirt, brandy melville alien embroidered tee, aritzia leggings, birkenstock arizonas, spy alcatraz sunglasses and a vintage roots mini backpack.
travel time 8+hrs/467mls/751km