Kimpton’s Vintage Plaza Hotel in Portland, Oregon is one of the few hotels I hate to leave.  In fact, I’d venture to say that my experience there was flawless and I’m looking for another excuse to head back to Portland just to stay at Vintage Plaza Hotel.  That says a lot because I’m very picky!

This fabulous luxury boutique hotel is bursting with personality from the newly-renovated rooms to the warm, cozy public spaces to the charming, attractive staff.  Oh, and let’s not forget one of the main reasons we chose Vintage Plaza:  it’s pet-friendly.  We’re talking VERY pet friendly!

Fergie is welcomed at Portland's Kimpton Vintage Plaza Hotel.

Carole with Kimpton Vintage Plaza's Kevin Lum.

Charming & Hip

One of my favorite Vintage Plaza features is the HOSTED evening wine hour.  Held every evening and hosted by Vintage Plaza’s very own Kevin Lum (who, by the way, is adorable in every sense of the word), this cozy event is a great way to start your evening or unwind from a very long day of travel with The Sky Steward work.  And, might I add that the wine was decent.  No whore wine served here.  And, no relation whatsoever to the nightly cocktail hours at Embassy Suites (eeew).

Another thing I loved about this hotel was the staff.  Extremely friendly, smartly dressed, very classy.  If Kimpton makes it their priority to hire staff like those at Vintage Plaza, then they’ve got something very good going on.  Other hotel chains need to take note and follow Kimpton’s lead.

And did I mention Pet-Friendly?

The Sky Steward never travels without Fergie, his two pound Yorkie, and this can sometimes pose a bit of a challenge. As you know, many hotels do not welcome pets and there are situations when these properties cannot be avoided.  In this case, we usually have to put our “Fergie Smuggling Operation” into effect which was fun only the first time.

Prior to landing in Portland, Gailen decided to use the in-flight WiFi to check out a cool place in downtown Portland for a cocktail prior to heading to our previously booked hotel (which does not allow animals). Using the search term “hip hotels” he came across Kimpton’s Vintage Plaza! Knowing Kimpton’s reputation for making furry guests comfortable, he ditched the non-refundable room night at the other hotel and booked Vintage Plaza in one swift click of the “reserve” button. Fergie’s life was forever changed that night.

From having her name up on the poodle-shaped chalkboard in the lobby, to receiving her own dining bowls and welcome-gifts in the room; there has never been a happier hotel guest. Fergie can’t say enough about her Kimpton experience!

Modern luxuries in a historic setting

Attention to detail is paramount at Vintage Plaza, and as a guest you’ll not only notice it – you’ll truly enjoy it and appreciate it.

Deluxe double-queen guestroom #612.

Our deluxe double queen guestroom was truly gorgeous.    Warm shades of persimmon, cream and soft brown produced an atmosphere of sophistication and relaxation. Two comfy pillow-top queen-size beds (yay for queen-size beds in a double room!), a 37-inch flat panel LCD television, modern work desk and ergonomic chair made for a room that was not only well-designed, but also pleasant and easy to work in.  Internet was reliable, too.

Great little touches in the room, like the bolster pillows displayed at an angle made the room flow in a feng-shui manner.  Look at that cute little dragonfly motif and the adorable black-bear stuffed animal!

Room booked online via hotel’s website on day of arrival.  Date of stay:  March 23, 2011.  Room #612.

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