Ace Hotel Portland

The flagship Ace Hotel is as much a part of Portland culture as coffee and food trucks; the hipster watering hole is a gathering space for locals as well as a great hotel option for those willing to stay in a four-star property to soak up the real essence of the city.

• The minibar, which is stocked with goods from local Portland companies (Smith tea, Alma chocolates, salami from Olympia Provisions)
• The only-in-Portland atmosphere
• The central location that is just one block from Powell’s Books and near all the best boutiques

Headquartered in Portland, the hipster-cool Ace Hotel brand went the extra mile with its hometown property, imbuing it with all the quirky charm and whimsical minimalism that the hotel chain has come to be known for. The second hotel for the brand, the Ace Portland opened in 2006 and immediately became the “it” place to stay in the city for those willing to forgo some pampering and traditional hotel amenities. The hotel eschews luxurious extras (there is no spa or gym) in order to keep rates low, but thanks to its location smack dab in the city center and an only-in-Portland atmosphere, the Ace is uniquely charming.

The hotel’s welcoming lobby, featuring tiled floors, army green couches, and a black-and-white photo booth, is teeming throughout the day with local creative locals and spillover from the Stumptown Coffee (both of which are unaffiliated with the hotel but act as unofficial food and beverage outlets). A lofted area houses the hotel’s breakfast room, which serves homemade pastries, biscuits and coffee in the morning. The Ace is all about basics, but they do offer one amenity that is considered a necessity in Portland: bikes for rent.

Of the Ace’s 79 rooms, almost all are different. The most basic offer everything from bunk beds to shared bathrooms, but the majority of the rooms are comparable to those at a regular hotel, with the exception of having some quirks. The accommodations feature futon-style mattresses (comfortable, nonetheless) and walls that are painted white, wallpapered with newspaper or decorated with murals. Some rooms include touches like nightstands built from reclaimed suitcases, but beyond the hipster aesthetic, all have the usual amenities, including TVs, a mini bar, iPod dock and Malin + Goetz toiletries. Indagare Tip: The best rooms are the Superior Deluxe Corners, which are spacious and feature king beds, wraparound couches and record players.

Young travelers or those who typically prefer five-star hotels but are willing to stay at a less polished, more charming property that feels truly unique to Portland. All travelers should book one of the high category rooms for the best experience.