Review: Ritz-Carlton, Portland: First In

Why book?

A new luxury outpost has made its way to the Pacific Northwest. As the first Ritz-Carlton in the region, this hotel pays homage to the City of Roses and its surroundings with views of Portland and the Cascades reaching as high as the 20th floor. There is no bad angle here, especially when enjoying the sunrise or sunset from the infinity pool on the 19th floor.

Set the scene

Standing high as Portland’s third-tallest building, the new luxury Ritz-Carlton stuns with multiple homages to the Pacific Northwest—from the floral and fauna of the hotel’s entrance to the lobby “makers,” table which will feature local artisans, and the elevator art inspired by world-famous Multnomah Falls. The design is full of easter eggs to acknowledge its surroundings; even more local touches include the partnership with local coffee house, Coava Coffee. Located in downtown Portland, it manages to feel a world away as you look down from the chic hotel restaurant, calm pool, or spacious suites. Guests are mostly older professionals, or casually-dressed locals looking for a bite to eat and cocktails—but you’ll see the occasional suit or two, as well as some professional athletes if you’re lucky.

The backstory

Developed by BPM Real Estate Group, CEO and founder Walter Bowen wanted to bring a new area of luxury to the city. Having attended the University of Oregon and Portland State University, Bowen is no stranger to Oregon’s spirit. In 2018, BPM opened the Broadway Tower, a mixed-use 19-story building featuring a Radisson RED hotel right in downtown Portland. In 2019, the group broke ground for the Ritz-Carlton, which occupies an entire block—also known as Block 216. Back in 2019, the space was home to local food carts offering a variety of food to people in the downtown area before being converted into the hotel.

The rooms

Dripping in neutral tones of gray, beige, and cream, the suites bring the outdoors inside. Sleek and modern design, each suite comes with a seating area and dining table. Little touches adding to the luxurious feeling include leather-strapped wardrobes; a modern take on a steamer trunk. Suites range from 8th- to 18th-floor, and feature separate bathtubs and showers. Hallways are filled with prints that were created for the hotel by local artists, and blue-gray carpet throughout the hotel is an interpretation of the Willamette River. The lighting in the bathroom is perfect for getting ready or an Instagram-worthy shot, and the deep soaking tub beckons relaxation. During turndown service, slippers and the hotel’s signature tea—rose-flavored black—is laid out for you to enjoy before a comfortable sleep. Rates from $575 per night.

Food and drink

With sweeping views across Portland, onsite restaurant Bellpine is the flagship dining spot. The hotel brought on executive chef Pedro Almeida, who headed Portugal’s only Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant, Midori, and local República chef Lauro Romero into Portland’s culinary fold. Located on the 20th floor, Bellpine’s food focuses on PNW ingredients, and you’ll feel like you’re under the sea—tidepools and rock formations of the Oregon Coast inspire the dining room. Primarily a shared-plates menu, it has an eclectic style mixing different textures and flavors like the salmon crudo with citrus cured lemon gel and truffle or the beetroot tartar with potatoes goat cheese. Don’t miss the My Man Dan cocktail’s foie-gras-washed Michters and cherries. For a more refreshing drink, try the Spring Dream, a gin-based drink mixed with cucumber, aloe vera, and ginger beer. Between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m, the dining room is quite full of couples and groups of friends enjoying their meal, but the bar is typically less-crowded; if you want to come between those times make sure to make a reservation (unless you’re ok with sitting at the bar).

The hotel’s lobby bar and all-day café, Meadowrue, is named after a native plant to the Pacific Northwest. It’s a small bar with dim lighting, but becomes packed in the evening. The bar has also partnered with Coava Coffee to create a unique blend for your morning cup of joe. Start your morning at Bellpine for pancakes, house-made granola or create your own omelet. If you’re not much of a breakfast person you can also go to Meadowrue for a more grab-and-go style breakfast.

The spa

It’s the perfect place to unwind on the 19th floor, where the unobstructed views of the Cascade mountains are breathtaking as you sink into the heated infinity plunge pool and hot tub. Non-guests will be able to enjoy the pool after booking a spa treatment at the five-treatment-room spa, which is set to open in December 2023.

The neighborhood/area

You’re connected to many restaurants, hotel bars, and local businesses. Walk four minutes to Powell’s, the largest independent bookstore in the world, or head 10 minutes to the Portland Art Museum, one of the oldest art museums in the United States, and the oldest in the Pacific Northwest. If you don’t want to walk, you’re also right next to Portland’s streetcar. A handful of other staple hotels surround the 35-story tower; the Moxy, Woodlark, and Hyatt. The Ritz-Carlton also sits along the city’s Green Loop, a six-mile park connecting businesses, restaurants, and walking and biking paths.

The service

The best part of the experience, hands down. Upscale yet personable, the concierge team is attentive and waiting to assist you as soon as you walk through the doors. From providing turndown service to small touches such as an eye mask laid on the bed and small chocolates on the bedside table. Staff are one step ahead of your needs and offer friendly smiles, and can even arrange for an escort to take you around the hotel so you won’t get lost along the way.

Accessibility

ADA rooms are available and their accessible amenities can be viewed online before booking. If you’re heading to the hotel for a drink, there’s an accessible bartop at the lobby bar, and elevators and ramps throughout the hotel. There’s also a lift for pool access.

Anything left to mention?

There will soon be QR codes in the suites for guests to take a self-guided tour of the local artworks sprinkled throughout the hotel. The mixed-use development will also have a first-floor food hall, Flock, which is set to open in spring 2024 with a bar, coffee shop, and 10 local restaurants.