For an urban summer getaway, take Amtrak Cascades from Seattle to Portland. I headed south several months ago, and spent a couple of fun days in the Rose City. A new discovery for me was Hotel Fifty. Although I'd stayed there years ago, it has since been totally rehabbed and renovated, and now sports a bold and contemporary design. Located on SW Morrison just steps from the Willamette River, it's a good choice for both business and pleasure, and is both pet and family-friendly. Hotel Fifty is a part of the Coastal Hotel Group, which includes Cedarbrook Lodge near Sea-Tac.
The spacious guestrooms and suites feature comfy beds, oversized walk-in showers and complimentary WiFi and newspapers. On site is h50 bistro and bar, where I enjoyed both lunch and breakfast. The hotel is easy walking distance from all the downtown hot spots (food carts!) and MAX Light Rail is just outside the door. Make sure you check out The Longer You Stay, The More You Save special: 20% off when you stay two nights, 30% for three nights (with rooms starting as low as $97.30 per night). This summer, Hotel Fifty has put together five Portland-inspired packages for travelers.
Wineries, Waterfalls and Wildflowers: Check in early at 11 AM. Then it's off to the Columbia Gorge wineries for a four-hour tour with picnic lunch. They even throw in a disposable camera. Rates start at $359; available through Aug. 31, 2011.
Girlfriend Getaway: Think 24 hours of urban fun. Each guest receives a $50 gift card for shopping at nearby Pioneer Place, topped off with $50 worth of room service and a Pay-Per-View Movie. Rates start at $269 for double occupancy; through Sept. 30, 2011.
Love is (Almost) All You Need: Your romantic evening begins with two Dagoba Organic Cholcate bars, a dozen long-stem red roses and a bottle of sparkling wine or cider. Enjoy a $50 credit at h50 bistro & bar and breakfast in bed the following morning. Rates start at $249; available through Dec. 30, 2011.
Urban Family Fun: Take the family to the Oregon Zoo with two adult and two child tickets. The zoo features 260 species of birds, mammals, reptile, amphibians and invertebrates. Rates start at $219 for a family of four (kids 17 and under); available through Sept. 30, 2011.
Bike City USA: Portland is "bike city," so see Stumptown on two wheels with this bike package. Includes two rental bicycles, snacks, a disposable camera and breakfast at h50 in the morning. Rates start at $229; available through Sept. 30, 2011.
JULY 1-4 - SAFEWAY WATERFRONT BLUES FESTIVAL: Hotel Fifty has a special Get Yer Blues On package. It includes early check-in (2 PM) plus two fetival tickets. Best of all, the festival venue is Tom McCall Waterfront Park, located right across the street from the hotel. Headliners include Buddy Guy, Maceo Parker, Robert Cray, Luncinda Williams and more.Visit the festival website for the complete line-up. At 10:05 PM on the Fourth of July, watch the largest fireworks display in Oregon from Tom McCall Waterfront Park.
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