Tuesday, March 29, 2011

The inn @ the Northrup Station.. review.



My first trip to Portland was 10 years ago with my now Husband, we had stayed at the Inn at Northrup not only falling in love with each other but falling in love with the city of Portland & this hotel. Now at the time that we stayed there it was only the one story adjacent to the small lobby the front desk. Still it was like a small budded flower, you saw its beauty already but you knew that as it still had to bloom it was going to be even more amazing as they added on the other two stories & sun deck.


The hotel is located in the "Nob Hill" area. The shopping is always amazing on the 23rd street, The Inn is conveniently located along Portland’s celebrated streetcar line giving you easy access, ask the front desk  for your free Portland Streetcar tickets when you check in. Just pull into the hotels free parking spots and go a little green never having to drive your car the entire time you are a guest here. 


There are art gallery's on Nob Hill and the nearby Pearl District you will find that of Portland’s  art and culture await. Boutiques and unique places to shop at, you can always find that special gift & explore "restaurant row", where you will find some restaurants that satisfy every craving!  More than 100 restaurants to be sampled, all within a 10-minute stroll from the Inn.


We went back to "our place" the yummy & wonderful place to eat at called  Bastas where we had their Calamari Fritti and almost the entire happy hour menu between the two of us, we tried just about one of everything, they have weekly specials so make sure that you follow them on Facebook and Twitter. 

Breweries are my husbands true love like most husbands, Portland is the brew pub capital of the world, with being home to dozens of nationally recognized award-winning craft brewers and the Inn places you within walking distance of some of these world famous Brews!!

Theater lovers, while here take advantage of Portland's theater groups and talented Actors, mention that you are coming to one of these and upon making reservations to stay at the Northrup just mention the Portland Center Stage event you will be attending you might just be able to enjoy a complimentary room upgrade!  Also just a hop on to the street car and you can explore and enjoy the Portland Art Museum that is always a popular destination.

The Northrup's history originally started when it was built in the mid 70s, the Inn was rediscovered and transformed by Portland architect Steve Routon.  The decor breathes life to the inn with the original artwork by some very talented local Portland artists. The retro inspired furnishings with the vivd color palate contribute to the eclectic ambiance. Making this one of the funniest hotels I have 
ever stayed in my entire life. This is a bright and bold hotel just like this city!


The vibrant lobby presents an arresting combination of color and artistry, not to mention the outrageously huge jars of mouthwatering candy that never seem to go empty. Satisfy your sweet tooth as you gaze up at the striking display of fused glass. Then belly up to the sleek street-side breakfast bar and watch the Portland Streetcar buzz on by! If you can close your eyes and imagine if Johnny Depp's take on Willy Wonka's character was to have designed a hotel in my mind this is just what it would look like! Wild, crazy and vibrant colors and the fun and wacky designs of shapes and sizes......



The Inn also has beautiful patios, balconies, & the rooftop terrace. An artistically landscaped rooftop terrace presents a wonderful setting for outdoor gatherings, with fun terrace tables and chairs, a BBQ that you can use after a trip down to  the neighborhood Trader Joe's. This makes it that more special for a family trip, cutting costs by using the BBQ & in room kitchenette. Another great idea would be a co-ed wedding party! This would make a perfect place to do a girls getaway or a guys trip. 


When we got to our lovely room, we were so overjoyed by the fact that we had a room that was so big, with a full kitchen, *even a dishwasher* The bed was so comfortable and the extra pillows and the couch.  "Hub's" started our trip by feeling a little off, by the time we got to the exit known by us as the "Great Wolf Lodge" exit he had to pull over and have me drive we got to the hotel and our room wasn't ready yet so we walked around alittle, went to the food truck alley and he got a few bites into his lunch and we had to go back to the hotel.  


We went back to the room, and I got chris into the bed and because of the way the room is set up it is comfortable enough to let him rest and for me to still enjoy the time away.... 


Feel safe in a city that I have no one I know in, I still felt safe enough to walk around. As he got the time to feel better I was able to really enjoy our room, the wifi and two TV's to watch, one in the bed area and one in the living/kitchen area as well. I took a long enjoyable bath, able to make tea in the kitchen area and the staff was so sweet to bring up cold medicine and lemon. They even told us where to get some great soup for "Hub's" to enjoy. 





Lot's of fun & Free extra's like their continental breakfast, Complimentary continental breakfast is served daily in the lobby from 6:30 to 9:30 am during the week and 6:30 to 10:00 am on weekends. The breakfast was great..yogurt, cereal, waffles, cereal, fruit, juices, teas, coffee, bagels OJ & Coffee! 


Free parking: Self-parking on the property is available for Inn guests on a first-come, first-served basis.
Free help from a bell attendant, Simply contact the front desk for assistance with your luggage.


Free turndown service will be provided upon request. Additionally, housekeeping is able to provide items you may have forgotten such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, shower cap and mending kits.
   
Free business center: Our friendly front desk staff is available 24-hours a day to offer facsimile and photocopy services at a nominal fee. An internet connected PC with printer is available for guest to use at a nominal fee.


Free safe deposit boxes: Safe deposit boxes are available at no charge through the Front Desk.

Free wireless internet: Complimentary high speed wireless internet access is included with your stay


Step out the door and transport anywhere you need to go in Portland aboard the portland streetcar. The Inn @ Northrup Station has been a proud sponsor of the Portland Streetcar stop at NW 21st and Northrup. The Portland Streetcar is a convenient and eco-friendly form of transportation taking guests through Northwest Portland, the Pearl District, Downtown Portland, and the South Waterfront. Guests of the Inn @ Northrup Station receive complimentary (FREE) tickets with their stay.


The Inn @ Northrup Station has become known as a unique boutique hotel with a very distinctive Northwest Portland flair! & As Alice in wonderland fell down the rabbit hole when she got to wonderland she felt right at home, that is just how I felt at the Northrup Inn!