Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel

"Participating in the 'Forgot It? We've Got It!' program offering accessories like belts, purses, and sunglasses." - Bailey Berg

"The cool thing about the Riverplace (and what sets it apart from other Portland hotels) is that it’s right along the water, so many of the rooms have great views of the river. The décor is modern, but warm and comfortable, with details like leather headboards, flannel throws, and a stone fireplace in the lobby. It’s also good for families, with a decidedly un-stuffy, kid-friendly vibe and ample suite options for those traveling with a brood."

"Looking something like your rich great aunt’s Rhode Island manor house, Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel is a regal riverfront luxury hotel just a throw pillow’s toss from the Willamette River. It’s still technically downtown, and you’re only a 10-minute walk from the usual sightseeing and shopping, including Pioneer Courthouse Square, Pioneer Square Mall, Pine Street Market food hall, the Portland Farmers Market, the MAX light rail line, and the Portland Streetcar. But you also have the added bonus of being able to take a peaceful walk along the waterfront at a moment's notice. You’re right on the river, so a room with a view is a must—the regular Riverfront Deluxe rooms are spacious and bright, with cozy-chic mountain-lodge-inspired accents, perfect for hiding out with a Brian Doyle novel on a rainy day. But we recommend booking the Columbia River Room—it’s bigger than a regular room, plus it’s on a corner so you get double the views, even from the luxurious freestanding soaking tub. For a city built around two major rivers, Portland has vexingly few riverfront dining options, and you’re in luck because one of the best is at the RiverPlace at the hotel." - Jen Stevenson

"Start us off with an overview.Looking something like your rich great aunt’s Rhode Island manor house, Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel is a regal riverfront luxury hotel just a throw pillow’s toss from the Willamette River. It’s still technically downtown, and you’re only a 10-minute walk from the usual sightseeing and shopping, including Pioneer Courthouse Square, Pioneer Square Mall, Pine Street Market food hall, the Portland Farmers Market, the MAX light rail line, and the Portland Streetcar. But you also have the added bonus of being able to take a peaceful walk along the waterfront at a moment's notice. Who's checking in here?Families with Fido in tow, moneyed middle-aged couples, and businesspeople who want a little peace and quiet after a long day of meetings. The good stuff: Tell us about the rooms.You’re right on the river, so a room with a view is a must—the regular Riverfront Deluxe rooms are spacious and bright, with cozy-chic mountain-lodge-inspired accents, perfect for hiding out with a Brian Doyle novel on a rainy day. But we recommend booking the Columbia River Room—it’s bigger than a regular room, plus it’s on a corner so you get double the views, even from the luxurious freestanding soaking tub. The color scheme is light and playful, with pale gray walls, a gently undulating teal suede headboard, and Pendleton Woolen Mills throw pillows that you’ll want to take home (the concierge will gently point you toward the flagship downtown). How about the little things—any details we should know? Make sure you’re signed up for the IHG Rewards Club (it’s free), and you’ll get free, fast Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Also, the hotel hosts a nightly social hour spotlighting Pacific Northwest wines; on Hoppy Mondays, they sample local craft beers, and on Thursday nights, there’s live music. The friendly staff will also point the way to the farmers’ market, held every Saturday morning on the beautiful Portland State University campus, or recommend a good coffee shop within walking distance. What's the dining scene like?For a city built around two major rivers, Portland has vexingly few riverfront dining options, but you’re in luck here because one of the best is at the RiverPlace. Chef Lauro Romero’s King Tide Fish & Shell is decidedly seafood-centric, so while you aren’t technically on the sea, you’ll eat like you are. Start with a dozen Netart or Willapa Bay oysters on the half shell, move on to smoked mussels with chorizo aioli and rockfish ceviche with avocado and aguachile (a nod to Romero’s Mexican roots), and finish with the halibut a la plancha with silky shellfish beurre blanc, or, if you’re feeling particularly decadent, the lobster tortellini in fennel-tomato sauce. If sulky weather barred you from the patio (easily the best vantage point), grab an in-house umbrella, put on your puddlestompers, and take a walk along the marina after dinner. Come morning, get to breakfast early—all the better to snag that patio table—fortify with a fresh-pressed Bull’s Blood juice blend of beets, orange, carrot, ginger, and turmeric,​ and start your day with a Dungeness crab omelette or house-smoked salmon toast. What activities can you do here?The popular 1.5-mile bike and footpath that traces Tom McCall Waterfront Park, crosses the Hawthorne and Steele bridges, and merges into the Eastbank Esplanade is just a quick pedal from the hotel’s front door, and the staff is more than happy to hook you up with one of the complimentary PUBLIC bikes. To travel by water, rent a kayak or reserve a three-hour Ross Island kayak tour from the Portland Kayak Company, which keeps a fleet at the adjacent RiverPlace Marina. And if you’d rather not leave the room, unfurl in the in-room yoga mat then book an in-room hot-stone massage and spirulina body wrap. Or, turn on the fireplace and raid the hotel’s DVD library in search of that well-worn copy of The Goonies. Any other tips we should know? Pay careful attention to your GPS on the approach to the hotel; it can be tricky to find since it’s down a quiet side street off an interstate onramp. Unless you’re road tripping to the Gorge or Coast, leave your car at the hotel all weekend—you can walk, bike, or even kayak from here. What's the bottom line?Effortless luxury, a super-friendly staff, free beers and bikes, and the ability to hear the Willamette River from your room: sign us up." - Jen Stevenson

"The new seafood spot at Kimpton RiverPlace, featuring touches of chef Lauro Romero’s Mexican heritage and Japanese cooking background, opened on April 26." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden