We know there are a million travel guidebooks out there, but we’ve created a handful of destination mini-guides designed specifically for working girls on the go. So, whether it’s a quick stopover for a meeting, or a weeklong conference, here’s everything you need to know about…
Portland, Oregon
Where to Stay
Expense Account: The Heathman Hotel
The Heathman is luxury personified. They’ve got a bed menu—choose from a feather, pillow-top, or Tempur-Pedic mattress. If that isn’t enough, they also have a library, an elegant restaurant, and a concierge service that will help you with laundry, copies, faxes, car service, and theatre tickets.
Standard rooms start at $199, Executive rooms (with adjoining study) from $229
1001 SW Broadway; 503.241.4100; www.heathmanhotel.com
Romantic Weekend: Hotel deLuxe
If your love life needs a lift, the Hotel deLuxe can help. Their “Twisted Love” package includes champagne, a fun intimacy kit filled with scented massage oils and lotions, and—believe it or not—a game of Twister for only $199. And with a 2 p.m. checkout time, there’ll be plenty of time to play.
729 SW 15th Avenue; 866.895.2094; www.hoteldeluxeportland.com
On the Cheap: The Jupiter Hotel
This budget-friendly boîte is the darling of Portland’s hotel scene. The rooms are modern and minimalist, and adjacent to the inn is the uberhip Doug Fir Lounge, the perfect way to end (or start) the evening.
Standard rooms from $87 (late-night check-ins often go as low as $59/night), Dream Suites from $122
800 East Burnside; 877.800.0004; www.jupiterhotel.com
Where to Eat
Business Dinner: Paley’s Place
Vitaly Paley is known for his fresh, local, amazingly executed food. The meals are beautiful, the dining room is elegant, and the service is exceptional. Start with the steamed mussels, hand-cut fries, and mustard aioli. Feeling daring? Move on to the American Kobe beef steak tartare. Don’t miss the organic veggies and local cheeses. They’re all sourced from nearby farms.
1204 NW 21st Avenue; 503.243.2403; www.paleysplace.net
Hot Spot: Bluehour
The line at Bluehour often extends past its huge doors and long dramatic curtains. It’s a sophisticated spot, one of the few in this city that can really claim to be a part of a “scene.” The food and drink measure up too: Begin with a Casa Rita in the bar (tequila, peach, and fresh lime) and move on to the dining room for Dungeness crab and green apple salad, Pacific oysters, and the signature dessert—Tahitian vanilla bean panna cotta with pineapple and coconut shortbread. This is the perfect spot for a credit-card-busting meal or a sultry people-watching session.
250 NW 13th Avenue; 503.226.3394; www.bluehouronline.com
Eating Alone: Park Kitchen
If you want intimate, then Park Kitchen’s your place. The space is small and the bartenders and waitstaff are eager to give recommendations on food, drink, or must-see Portland attractions. The cuisine is distinctly local as well: farm fare served fresh with innovative twists. Portlanders go crazy for the salt cod fritters and the chickpea fries with pumpkin puree. The servings are small enough to try several things, even if you don’t have anyone to share them with.
422 NW 8th Avenue; 503.223.PARK; www.parkkitchen.com
Coffee and Internet: Stumptown
Coffee + Portland= True Love. These folks source and roast their own beans. They’re rich, strong, and completely addictive. Globe-trot around the world with beans from Latin America, Africa, and Indonesia. 128 SW 3rd Avenue (phone for east-side locations); 503.295.6144; www.stumptowncoffee.com
Where to Shop
Business Critical: Saks 5th Avenue
This is the only Saks in the Pacific Northwest, meaning it’s the source for all your suiting must-haves. Plus, did you know shopping in Portland is tax-free? Two words: Stock. Up.
850 SW 5th Avenue; 503.226.3200
Date Night: Lena Medoyeff Studio
Designer Lynn Medoff makes flirty tops, skirts, and beautiful dresses in her Portland shop named in honor of her Russian heritage. She uses silk she imports from India, and much of what she chooses has been beautifully hand-painted and embroidered. Her clothing fits well, feels amazing, and is super-sexy.
710 NW 23rd Avenue; 503.227.0011
Denim Therapy: Blake’s
For hot jeans, head just down the street to Blake’s, a veritable denim bar filled with row after row of gorgeous blues.
2285 NW Johnson Street; 503.222.4848; www.loveblake.com
Techie: Mac Force
These dudes speak the Mac language. They have a store stocked with all the latest tricks and accessories, they troubleshoot and repair, and they do it all with a smile. Oh yeah, and their showroom is so cool, you might not even mind the wait.
100 SE Salmon; 503.231.7707; www.macforce.com
Where to Play and Primp
Bookworms: Powell’s City of Books
Powell’s is a Portland institution. Inside this city block-size bookstore, you’ll find new releases on the same shelf as gently used copies. Make sure to check out their great cooking section, kids’ books, and coffee. You might just stay all day.
1005 West Burnside; 800.291.9676; www.powells.com
Yogi’s Paradise: Yoga in the Pearl
One of the city’s hippest and most well-respected yoga studios, Yoga in the Pearl has a dozen vinyasa classes a day. Plus they have a small boutique (in case you left your duds at home) and a café next door that serves up healthy snacks.
925 NW Davis; 503.525.9642; www.yogapearl.com
Spa Lover: Aequis
This spa is an Asian-influenced sanctuary that aims to connect the body, mind, and soul. Spring for the 90-minute massage—you’ll walk out a brand-new (and very balanced) woman.
419 SW 11th Avenue; 503.223.7847; www.aequisspa.com
Best Blow-Dry: Magnum Opus
This salon boasts a fabulously trained staff that is fervently devoted to all aspects of hair: cut, color, treatment, and products. Trust us, you’ve never felt so in touch with your tresses.
805 NW Glisan; 503.228.1918; www.magnumo.com
How to Get Around
Preferred Airport: Portland International
This airport is beautiful, close to downtown, easy to navigate, and well stocked with a Powell’s Books (phone ahead and they’ll have your flight reading wrapped up and ready to go), Starbucks, and mini Nike Town.
7000 NE Airport Way; 503.460.4040; www.flypdx.com
Public Transportation: Portlanders love Max, the trusty light-rail public transit system. For two bucks take the Max’s Red Line to Pioneer Courthouse Square, smack in the heart of downtown. Then connect by foot, cab, bus, or streetcar to other parts of the city.
www.trimet.org
Taxi or Car Service Numbers: The line at PDX Airport moves fast and is well staffed. For cabs on the go, call Broadway Cab at 503.227.1234.
Business Critical
Host a Meeting: The World Forestry Center
The World Forestry Center is a nonprofit devoted to preserving the world’s forests and trees. But this place ain’t crunchy. They have three meeting spaces filled with natural wood-beamed ceilings and floors, and beautiful furniture that emanates light and warmth. Plus, it’s only 10 minutes from downtown and it’s on the Max Line.
4033 SW Canyon Road; 503.228.1367; www.worldforestrycenter.org
Make Copies: Kinko’s has two convenient downtown locations. The location at 221 SW Alder (503.224.6550) is open 24 hours a day. The location at 950 NW 23rd Avenue has more limited hours. Give them a call at 503.222.4133 before dropping by.
