While visiting Portland last month (for my sister Lisa's baby shower) I spent some alone time wandering downtown. I frequent the parking lot below Whole Foods for validated parking. Whole Foods is located in the Pearl District. The Pearl is a ritzy district with high-end real estate, doctors, lawyers, the MAX line, the local street car, and many breweries, cafes and hotels. My last visit to the Pearl proved an interesting one since I stumbled upon a new (to me) bike shop as well as a new hotel.
The hotel was the Ace Hotel, a hip little boutique hotel on Stark St. between 10th and 11th. The Ace Hotel is a refreshing change compared with big corporate hotels and even its lobby (the only part I got to experience) was well designed and made me want to come again.
I sat for awhile and had a mocha from Stumptown while reading the New York Times, which is in the lobby as well, separated by just a wall with a large walkway through it. It was a thoroughly perfect day in the Pearl and I would recommend anyone trying out the Ace Hotel and enjoying a nice espresso from Stumptown.
