Note: this also appears with my reviews over on Yelp.
Overall Impression:
The Lucia is stylish without being over the top. It has the cosmopolitan, boutique feel of a San Francisco or Manhattan hotel right in the middle of Portland.
Highlights / Lowlights:
What was great -
- The small touches
Someone running the Lucia realizes that the cumulative impact of little things can deliver a strong brand experience. For example, room service coffee is served French press style - nice (once you figure out how to use it, if you're an ignoramus like me and don't get it right away). Even better was discovering an umbrella in my closet before heading out to get some xmas shopping done in the rain. Looking out the window and seeing it pour outside I was hoping I could borrow one from the front desk or the doorman, but no need - right there, in my closet. Nice.
- The location
If you are going to get a surprise 3 day trip to Portland the week before xmas, at least stay in a place that is close to some shopping so you can still cover off last minute gifts. There are a number of shops within walking distance and it's only a short cab ride to some of the hipper neighborhoods (e.g. Pearl district)
What wasn't so great -
(Be advised: you will likely hear your neighbors' in-room activities sometime during your stay)
- Thin walls (and all that implies). I personally heard some animated conversation from my neighbors between 10:30 and 11:30 pm one night. But I had it good. A colleague of mine reported hearing his neighbor enjoying the adult entertainment. To each his own, of course, but damn, that's kind of nasty if I have to hear it.
Scorecard:
The two critical questions
Would I stay here again?
Certainly. It is conveniently located and pleasantly appointed. But I have only been to Portland once, so I can't speak to what superior options might exist.
Did it seem like good value?
Yes, but I got a good deal (less than $200/night) via a corporate rate.
Essentials
Room - Small, but stylish and functional. Nice flat screen directly facing the bed.
Bed - Comfortable
Bathroom - Small, but modern and well done.
The Internets - Very good. Wireless connection that is strong, consistent and available throughout the hotel (i.e., in the lobbies as well as the rooms, and the lobbies are definitely worth hanging out in)
Amenities
Room Service - Pretty good. Prompt and decent value as far as boutique hotels go ($18 including tip for large pot of coffee, bagel w/ cream cheese and cereal). Also, the Typhoon fried rice from the in-house restaurant was pretty tasty.
Lobbies - Unlike some other boutique hotels, these are actually worth spending some time in. There is a nice range of art on display, the furniture is cool and comfortable. Plus, with the persistent wireless connection available, you can be productive whilst you lounge.
Meeting rooms - I can't speak to what the cost is, but there are some conveniently accessible meeting rooms just downstairs from the main lobby that feel more like a very cool conference room in a very cool office than the meeting room of a hotel. If you must be cooped up working on the road, this isn't a bad way to go.
No comments:
Post a Comment