To the Nines

Portland has to be the most underrated city! I've been here a couple times before but I have been loving this little mini-retreat more than I expected. (Of course I'm still homesick but making the best of it as I promised myself I would.)

The sites around Portland:

One of the many warehouse lofts/storefronts I admired on my walk to the office in the awesome Pearl district.

An adorable Asian-inspired storefront with really cool wooden fencing. 

The Pioneer Courthouse facing Pioneer Square, with this really cool chaotic street sign.

The square across the street.

A food truck foodie's haven with blocks full of all different types of food stands.

Window shopping: Did you know that Portland is the greatest place to shop? I didn't, but now I do. Here's why:

• No sales tax.
• Crazy sales going on right now (and I was just in the same shops at home where half the store was not marked 60% off already reduced prices).
• Amazing cute boutiques and vintage/thrift shops where you can find stuff you can't at home.

I just have one little piece of advice if you would like to take advantage of these attributes of Portland on your next visit and you have only one evening to fit in all of your tax-free purchases: Go to the small boutique shops first (they close at 6pm), then the larger chain stores at the Pioneer Place mall (which close at 8). Do not make the same fatal mistake I did and go to what's closest first. (Then, like me, you may be reduced to peering longingly through the windows of the smaller boutique shops and make the homeless man, who is so clean cut and high class for a homeless man he looks like a regular guy eating a sandwich on the sidewalk, move out of the way so you can take a picture of all the treasures that will not be yours.) Portland is wonderfully condensed and walkable as it is so if you have to make a few loops and then circle back to get to the shops you like best in the order they close, so be it.

Checking into the Nines... I had the choice between two hotels the company I'm traveling for has a corporate rate with, and I am SO happy this one was listed first even though the other is closer to the office because it is fantastic! I am loving every single detail of the decor; it is so my style, and perfect for my self-indulgent little overnight away from home. (Oh yeah, did I mention I'm actually here for work? So I guess it's not that self-indulgent, but again, making the most of it after hours.)

The hotel is in an old department store building so it's right downtown, close to everything.

Outside the elevators on the 12th floor.

The Club Lounge with a balcony overlooking the center of the building with skylight.

Pretty chandelier and rounded corner just outside the suites.

The hallway just outside my room. Beautiful shimmery "dressing room" wallpaper and coordinating carpet.

Full-length mirror in the hallway in my room.

My mini bar.

My beautiful bathroom and vanity.

My upgraded king size bed!

My view to the left.

My view to the right.

Of course I had to finish off the evening with room service... Who wants to eat out alone?

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