Portland, Oregon, consistently ranks among America's most dog-friendly cities. In honor of our four-legged friends, here's our roundup of three Portland hotels where Fido is more than welcome.
Vintage Plaza
We know your furry friend is just itching -- no, it's not fleas -- for some attention. You can rest assured he'll get it here, since all dogs that stay at Hotel Vintage Plaza are VIPs (Very Important Pets). The hotel snaps a photo of your dog at check-in and e-mails it to you for a keepsake. It also offers dog walking, top-notch grooming services and even a pet masseuse.
Wine lovers can indulge at Hotel Vintage Plaza's wine hour, hosted every evening from 5 to 6 p.m. Salon615 -- a specialty hair-care salon -- is available to guests in need of a fresh cut or dye. In-room spa treatments include aroma massages, hot-stone massages, body wraps and facials. The hotel's fitness center offers guests access to treadmills, ellipticals, cycling machines, free weights, medicine balls and a view of two wall-mounted TVs.
Hotel Vintage Plaza guest rooms have Tuscan-style decor; some showcase floor-to-ceiling windows. The Pacific Northwest-themed lobby features a dramatic atrium "decorated in earth tones, with a fireplace and comfortable living room and library seating areas," according to Expedia.
You and your pup can go for a nice stroll on your way to Powell's Books, the largest independent used and new bookstore in the world, located right around the block. Cindi Marconi, the hotel's concierge and resident "wine goddess," recommends hopping aboard the Portland Brew Bus to find out what the microbrew capital has to offer in terms of fresh, hoppy, delicious beer. The bus will take you on a four-hour tour to various breweries, which offer samples of their beer. Front desk agent Michael Armstrong suggests paying a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Craft, where 4,500 square feet of gallery space features some of the country's and world's leading contemporary art.
Hotel Monaco
This Kimpton hotel has a resident dog, Timmy, who serves as its "Director of Pet Relations." Your dog will get treated right with a bowl, mat, dog bed and an endless supply of treats. The hotel also offers walking services and access to both a pet masseuse and a pet psychic, for all the pet pampering a dog could desire.
Take part in the hosted wine reception in the hotel lobby from 5 to 6 p.m. daily. Start your day off right by reading through a complimentary newspaper as you enjoy a free cup of coffee or tea in the lobby. You can also order a "companion goldfish" to be delivered to your room for the duration of your stay. An entire floor is even devoted to hypoallergenic guestrooms and suites, with gluten-free food options available.
The hotel features French art-deco-inspired guest rooms and offers "spacious, well-appointed suites with French doors" for those seeking some added privacy. Local art is showcased on each floor, according to Oyster.com. One TripAdvisor.com reviewer praised the hotel for its "stylish and playful" design.
Hotel Monaco is "in the heart of downtown Portland, just blocks from Pioneer Courthouse Square, Pioneer Place Mall, Powell's Books and Tom McCall Waterfront Park." Pioneer Square, within walking distance of the hotel, is a popular spot among locals, especially chess players. Explore the city's vibrant arts scene, starting with the Portland Opera and the Oregon Symphony before making your way to the Portland Art Museum.
Benson Hotel
For just an extra $25 per night, Fluffy will have his own bed in your room at this hotel. The package includes a Benson Buddy Bed and a take-home gift. Staff will also provide you with an area guide geared toward canines, so you can plan out dog days for some one-on-one time. A maximum of two dogs per room is allowed, and dogs must weigh less than 75 pounds.
All 287 guest rooms and suites include a 37- to 42-inch flat-screen LCD television with high definition, complimentary high-speed Internet access and a clock radio with MP3 iPod dock. Complimentary weekday newspapers are available as well. Guests can don one of the organic bamboo robes and comfy slippers. The fitness room, open 24 hours, features a full range of workout equipment, including free weights, treadmills, stationary bikes, stair steppers and elliptical machines.
The hotel features Italian marble floors, Austrian crystal chandeliers and Circassian walnut from the imperial forests of Russia -- clearly fit for the finest breeds of man and dog. The decor is traditional, with "muted colors, wood furniture and somewhat gaudy window treatments reminiscent of eras long gone," according to Jetsetter.com. "But that's The Benson: charmingly stuck in the past."
Neighboring Washington County produces award-winning wines, especially pinot noirs, and a number of the 22 wineries (and one saké maker) invite visitors to come in for free tastings. The lively Pearl District is within easy walking distance of the Benson and boasts more than 50 restaurants, as well as coffeehouses, bakeries, martini lounges and specialty retail and furnishings shops. Treat your senses to some 10,000 fragrant roses adorning the 4.5-acre Rose Test Garden, which overlooks downtown Portland and is located next to the Oregon Zoo.