America’s Pacific Northwest has a very unique ecosystem, vibe and attitude, where adventure and nature blend with cosmopolitan urban centers. Portland, in particular, has steadily transformed from an indie inside joke town into a progressive metropolis, with Oregon’s natural beauty within reach and several state and national forest parks just a few miles away. And now, the “Rose City” has added The Ritz-Carlton to its five-star accommodation options, bringing the brand’s signature luxury hospitality to this increasingly popular destination.
The Ritz-Carlton, Portland
The 35-story, 251-room hotel will be located in the heart of downtown Portland, within the 460-foot-tall Crystal Tower, designed by GBD Architects. The building has a white base that mimics the region’s columnar basalt formations and features a series of stormwater planters at street level. “At night, the top of the building will shine like a shimmering jewel, adding a unique and elegant accent to the Portland skyline,” the hotel team adds.
Inside, ROAM Interior Design designed a grand lobby called Forest Hall that mimics the lush landscape of the Pacific Northwest, from its rustic copper-bound logs to a map that pays homage to the historic 1845 coin toss for which the city is named. A striking staircase, constructed of thick, horizontal timber planes with beveled edges, curves above an inviting lounge space, where a fritted glass balustrade dapples the room’s soft lighting.
Meadowrue’s cascading greenery and copper rods incorporating teardrop-shaped glass pendants hang from the lobby bar’s high ceiling. Bark-like tiles cover the bar’s front and appear to spill onto the floor as a moss-like mosaic. “A combination of earthy design elements, including indigenous wood, mossy green plants and twinkling light installations floating overhead, bring the beauty of mother nature indoors,” the designers explain.
The intimate Library Lounge, where guests gather around a dramatic marble fireplace, is surrounded by panels of Vert Eglomisé (gilt glass). Light fixtures throughout the hotel reflect the shapes of tree branches, petals and mushrooms. Raw wood tables, shades of brown and green and local timbers have all been used to further connect the interiors with the surrounding environment.
Meanwhile, guest rooms reflect the soothing hues of Oregon’s forests and misty rivers. Some feature dark hues with black-painted wood paneling and leather accents, while others have light-colored upholstered walls and textured wallpaper. All feature soft carpeting and a bar that’s a modern take on historic travel trunks. Rooms on the upper floors face east with views of the city and snow-capped Mount Hood.
Elevators adorned with a waterfall motif lead to the 19th floor amenities, including a fitness center, a full-service spa with a design inspired by the petals of the Portland Rose, the city’s official flower, and an infinity-edge pool that opens up to panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains.
One floor above, Executive Chef Pedro Almeida’s signature restaurant serves a menu featuring ingredients native to the Willamette Valley and the Pacific Northwest. Named Bell Pine, the space is surrounded by blue velvet banquettes wrapped in copper mesh. Vertical wooden fins run from the walls to the ceiling, evoking both tree branches and the folds of a mushroom, another natural visual reference that makes a stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Portland feel like a hike through the Oregon landscape.
The Ritz-Carlton Portland is located at 900 SW Washington Street. The Ritz-Carlton