In June this year, my colleague Jasmin and I suddenly found ourselves headed to Portland in a matter of weeks (to attend World Domination Summit… still haven’t taken over the Earth yet. Too many lunches to pack) and we were scrambling for accommodation.
Then this skype chat from Jasmin came through on a Monday afternoon:
And after checking out the link… I was sold.
The Ace is unlike any hotel I’ve ever stayed at – warm, artsy, homely, and eminently a feast for the eyes. Each room is different, each wall mural is different, record players are made available (and in some cases, even guitars!), good food to be had day and night, and within walking distance to just about everywhere in downtown Portland.
The Ace occupies the old Clyde Hotel, an historic landmark on Southwest Stark st.
(image via PDX History)
And the rooms will slay you.
They also do food – both at Stumptown Coffee Roasters and Clyde Common on either side, Kenny and Zukes deli nearby, breakfast in Room 215, and room service.
The lobby is actually somewhere you want to hang out. This instagram is still one of my favourite shots. It singlehandedly made me want to redecorate my entire house.
Big, comfy couches, plants, wood everywhere – it just had such a great vibe.
There was a little hiccup with our booking, and we were told there might not be much anyone could do as the hotel was entirely sold out. Jasmin and I almost had to share a bed, and as much as I like her, nobody needs my grill all up in their business while they’re trying to sleep.
We headed to Clyde Common next door for a much needed bloody mary and fries, and were told our bill would be on The Ace, to make amends. While I despaired of the situation at the time, they handled it like total pros in the end – really impressed with the level of service we received.
You can find the Ace Hotel at 1022 SW Stark St, Portland Oregon, find out more information here, and you can make a booking here. I thoroughly recommend it.
You can also drool/make a booking at their sites in New York, Pittsburgh, Panama, London, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, and Seattle. I’ll see you there!
*I received a discounted media rate when staying.
That is way cool! I love staying at a hotel that’s a bit out of the ordinary, because that way the accommodation becomes an integral part of the holiday experience. The Ace looks… well, ace (for want of a better word.) I’m not sure when I’ll next be in Oregon but we were thinking about Seattle for next year, and if we make it there, will definitely think about a place at Ace!
Oh Seattle would be fun!
Nice! I love things a little different. Hotels can be so boring! Ace certainly looks not to be.
yeah they definitely were original! Love it.
That orange chair looks so comfy
It was! Although I was out all the time and barely sat in it haha
What a cool place. I grew up visiting cousins in Portland. And went back only a couple times in my late teens. It would be great to go back as an adult and do something like this. I love the block out boards on the windows. Absolutely love total darkness when I sleeping.
oh me too – best way to sleep! You should totally go back, I did not spend anywhere near enough time there.
OK, seriously, this is the best! I want to live here and have my own sitcom or some shit. Alternatively, that leather armchair needs to come and live at my house.
Let’s do the modern day Seinfeld only it’s you and me and that chair and Portland and MORE NOTHING!
Looks very cool!! I think staying in a cool hotel makes the stay better.
I totally agree!