By Cody Bancroft
Seattle has it all most would say, a booming city with distinct and thriving neighborhoods that provide their own individual characteristics. Living in the city for years I’ve come to love every part of it, and when I feel the need to get away but not too far away there is only one choice, Portland. Portland has long been known as Seattle’s little sister city offering many of the same things that Seattle has but on what feels like a more personal scale. This feeling is exemplified when staying at the Hoxton hotel in downtown Portland, a hotel that provides all the quarks of Portland yet feels like any luxury hotel you would find in New York or London. From the moment you step into the Hoxton you are greeted with a lobby that feels like home. From the large burning fireplace surrounded by overstuffed couches and chairs to the smell of fresh coffee being brewed at their fabulous coffee bar you are immediately drawn in. As you walk through the lobby you see elements of what makes Portland Portland, whether it be the local art on the walls to the striking number of items, all made by locals, for sale in their little lobby shop. While The Hoxton may not be the biggest hotel in the city what it lacks in size it 100% makes up in experience. The receptionist while checking us in gave no impression of “I’m only here because I have to” but rather was extremely friendly and was happy to suggest local hot spots for a variety of fun things to do while in the city. Now me being one who often falls trap to the hotel minibars, I found that the front desk keeps a wide variety of snacks, drinks and of course wine which are sold at the same cost you would find at a grocery store. Being someone who has indulged on a $10 candy bar from the mini bar in the past this was a welcome fresh of breath air to the what has become the norm. Not to mention the breakfast option The Hoxton Provides, while many hotels offer breakfast room service The Hoxton takes it one step further; giving their guest the opportunity to have breakfast delivered to them on their own terms. Every room is given a small sheet that has a selection of breakfast items for their guest to check off what they would like and simply ask them to hang it on their door, where it will be picked up and the order left waiting outside your door at the desired time Being someone who doesn’t wake early while on vacation this was a welcome change to ordering and waiting; simply open your door and your breakfast awaits you all while in your bathrobe. While checking in our room the receptionist assured us that while the rooms may be small, they offer everything one would need and implored us to explore the hotel and city by offering unique suggestions that catered to our wants. While our room wasn’t ready at the time, we checked in the hotel lobby and lobby restaurant the Lovely Rita were more than enough to keep us entertained while we waited. The Lovely Rita being The Hoxton’s easy-going all-day bar and restaurant, provides breakfast, lunch and dinner with a killer bar whose bartender is more than capable of providing a good time. After a cocktail or two our room was ready and we were off, while the receptionist wasn’t joking about the size of the room it still providing a feeling of everything, you’d want in a hotel room. With a modern yet comfortable feel, the rooms provide everything one could want when having a weekend getaway. Once situated we took the receptionist advice in exploring their rooftop bar, and with a lack of words it was truly breathtaking. Tope is the rooftop taqueria that truly is a must for anyone visiting Portland, with sweeping views of the whole city and an almost greenhouse vibe this place was built for those Instagram pictures taken to make everyone jealous. A menu that is built of the simplicity of great tacos and other Mexican classics it feels more like a local spot in Mexico City. Not to mention the extensive selections of mezcal and mezcal focused cocktails one would be hard pressed to believe they were still in Portland. After guzzling down as many tacos one could consume it was back to the room for a very needed siesta, flopping down on the bed one could not be amazed of the comfort and warmth that rooms at The Hoxton provided. Once revitalized by a quick nap we were off on the town and after exploring the spots that had been recommended there was one last stop that could not be missed. While checking in the receptionist spoke of their little secret, a tiny little speak easy type bar in the basement. Walking around the backside of the building a single red light illuminates a door, with a knock the door opens, and you are beckoned inside asking if you have a reservation (highly advised getting one in advance). Once confirmed you are led down a dark stairway which once down you feel immediately taken back in time to the 1920’s a darkly light room with low tables and booths filled with laughter and the clanking of glasses brings the time of prohibition back to life. Enjoying an indulgent menu of bar snacks ranging from oysters to pork schnitzel while the bartender whips you up a fantastic night cap is the only way to finish off the night while staying at the Hoxton. Personal tip is to ask for the dealers’ choice when ordering a drink, these guys behind the counter surly know how to put a drink together and know better than you. After a quick walk around the block your hotel room awaits and the bed that felt so amazing for a nap only feels better after whole nights sleep. While Seattle may be Portland’s big sister, hotels like The Hoxton are able to still provide the whirlwind of the big cities but maintain their own persona and that is why any time I go to Portland there is only one place I’ll be staying, The Hoxton Hotel.
“Add a testimonial from someone who loves what you do.”
Jane Doe
Wandering the West 