Top 10 Downtown Portland Hotel Holiday Lobbies
One of my favorite things about Christmas is the holiday decorations and lights. When I was younger, one of my favorite things to do was drive through Downtown Seattle to see the Christmas tree, the big Bon Marche/Macy’s star in Westlake, and all of the lights strung up on the trees on 5th Avenue. It was always and still is a magical time of year that I love.
Fortunately, Downtown Portland also has festive decorations for the holiday season. Since we’ve been together, D and I have made it a point to walk around Downtown every year to enjoy all of the lights and decorations and then finish our evening in the iconic and holiday-enhanced Benson Hotel lobby.
This year, we started to think about all of the other lobbies that might be fun for our holiday outing. So, we decided to check them out and have come up with our top ten.
Scoring System
We rated on holiday aesthetic, scope (large or small) and uniqueness of the decorations, and how well the lobby could accommodate social gatherings. In essence, we were trying to find other places where people can enjoy the holiday spirit like we’ve done for so many years at The Benson.
Most of the lobbies were connected to a restaurant if they didn’t have their own bar. So, in any of them, you would be able to get a drink and probably some food. However, our ratings were based on if you could enjoy at least a drink in the lobby itself vs. the restaurant.
Geographical Focus
We stayed in the core of the downtown area, so between SW Ankeny and SW Main and SW 3rd to SW 11th. That left out new hotels like The Porter, classics like Hotel deLuxe, and the Marriott Downtown Waterfront. We tried to visit Hotel Rose but they were hosting a party that barred our entrance.
As a note for those who pay attention to political news, hotels with a * next to their name are Provenance Hotels, which are owned by Gordon Sondland. That fact did not play into our ratings although it may seem that way when you see the ratings.
10. Dossier*
The Dossier is where the old Westin Hotel used to be. The lobby is just a small waiting area with lovely woodwork throughout. They didn’t have a tree but instead decorated with lighted garland hanging from the ceiling and a large wreath behind the front desk. This didn’t create an overwhelming holiday look but the lobby did have a wonderful pine smell.
Connected to the Dossier lobby is Rosa Rosa, a nice restaurant with a large bar and happy hour. However, this establishment is entirely separate from the Dossier with very few holiday decorations of its own.
9. The Nines Hotel
The Nines does not fit in the standard mold of the other hotels we visited, as its front desk is on the 8th floor of its building. Plus, the space where people can congregate is hard to define. It could be described as the lobby of The Nines or as an extension of the Urban Farmer restaurant. For our purposes, we’ll say it’s the former.
The “lobby” itself is huge and open with separate areas for different groups to hang out. I believe the area can be split up and reserved for private events, so there’s a possibility that the area would not available to the general public on a given day. However, a positive is that you can order drinks from the bar to enjoy outside of the restaurant’s official boundaries. At times, there could even be table service.
The main holiday decoration was this very pretty tree that sat next to the Urban Farmer hostess station. There were small accessories here and there but it all felt pretty scarce. Though, it could just be the large space that makes most things feel tiny and insignificant.
In summary, it’s a great space for small and larges groups to gather but not one if you are looking to be surrounded by holiday tidings.
8. AC Hotel by Marriott
Relatively new to the area, the AC Hotel feels very functional. They’ve gotten into the spirit with a tree and few decorations here and there but nothing is over the top. It’s aesthetic is more modern; however, still warm. The main reason it made it into our top 10 is because of its “bar” space where people can socialize. On the day we visited, the bar was scheduled to open at 4 pm. While I wouldn’t plan a holiday outing here, it would be an easy place to go if I just wanted to grab a quick drink with a friend. Better yet, it would be a nice place to have a coffee and a quiet chat.
7. Hi-Lo Hotel
Similar to the AC, the Hi-Lo Hotel is a functional, bright, and modern space designed for hotel guests with a nice sized bar area. In the main part of the lobby, there are some nice and comfortable seating areas but it might be a bit weird if you went in to hang out without being a hotel guest. As a non-guest, you would probably be more comfortable on the bar side. Again, just like the Hi-Lo, if you’re in the area and looking for a simple space to grab a drink and a quiet conversation, this might be the spot for you. I think another reason this hotel lobby scored on the higher side was because of the unique Christmas tree they had on display.
6. Embassy Suites
Though it’s now owned by Hilton, the Embassy Suites still resides in one of the classic buildings of Downtown Portland. The lobby is quite grandiose and they do use the room to create a festive Christmas feel. It also provides many different seating areas for socializing. While connected to Mother’s Bistro & Bar’s new location, the two establishments are independent of each other and it doesn’t seem like you can enjoy any of your drinks purchased in the restaurant in the Embassy Suites lobby.
Similar to the Hi-Lo and the AC, the Embassy Suites’ lobby could be a great place to bring in your coffee and chat with a friend by the fireplace.
5. The Heathman Hotel**
The Heathman, another classic hotel in downtown, also doesn’t quite fit in our rating system because its actual lobby is tiny and doesn’t provide any real attempt at holiday decor. It’s also not designed for social gatherings, outside of being a waiting area. However, it ranks high because the lines between the hotel and connected Headwaters restaurant are blurred and the latter provides an ample amount of holiday spirit.
The space that is decorated with holiday flair is next to the lobby and is serviced by Headwaters. It feels rich and warm, even with its tall ceilings. The room is referred to as the Russian Tea Room where anyone can enjoy the Russian Tea service that is offered with a reservation. During the Holiday Season (November 29th-January 5th), the Russian Tea experience is available every day. Otherwise, the tea service runs during two time periods each Saturday.
**Managed by Provenance Hotels
4. Hilton
The Hilton has a nice balance of decor, size of space, and room for people to socialize. In the daytime, the lobby definitely feels like it’s designed for its guests but the large bar and restaurant directly connected to it makes it more welcoming to non-guests.
This time around, we were there in the day, so the lighting over the bar felt utilitarian. However, we’ve been in there in the evening when more hotel guests are socializing and holiday parties are happening on the banquet room floors. Both of those factors gave the space more energy and ambiance on those nights.
With all of those things combined, the Hilton holiday lobby makes for a nice place to meet friends for a coffee in the afternoon or for an adult beverage in the evening.
The Top Three!
While it could be argued that our scoring system wasn’t consistently applied to our picks so far, our top three rated Downtown Portland Hotel Holiday Lobbies overwhelmingly met our expectations when we set out to find great places to visit during the holiday season.
While they are listed in this 3…2…1 order, their total scores were all within a point of each other. So, their rankings are really interchangeable, especially if you base them on your personal tastes. Here they are:
3. The Duniway Hotel
This was our first visit to The Duniway and our first happy surprise. In short, it was gorgeous with a modern feel and tastefully adorned with holiday wonderment. The amber glow also added to the holiday ambiance. To top it off, there were numerous staff members who were delightful and made our experience all the better. It’s no wonder they were voted one of the top hotels in the Pacific Northwest by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
The space is perfect for a holiday gathering of friends in the day or evening. The bar has an espresso station so you don’t even have to schlep in your own java. There aren’t a ton of tables but if you’re in the mood for a meal, you can also slip down the stairs and see if there’s room for you in the Jackrabbit restaurant.
2. Kimpton Hotel Vintage
Santa’s coming 
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree… 
Should be a great bar when someone is tending it 
Why yes, I’d love to have a holiday beverage in one of these cups 
Because, Portland… 
On their way to the Land of Misfit Toys 
Movin’ on up…to the game room 
Comfy leather seats and pool 
Something for everyone
This was our 2nd happy surprise on our tour. The subtle entrance just sets you up for something you wouldn’t expect but as soon as you walk into the Hotel Vintage, you are smacked in the face with Christmas. It’s like they’ve been accumulating their Christmas decorations from Target over the last several years…but not in a bad way. The overall aesthetic is fun and happy. Who wouldn’t want to experience that during the holiday season?
In addition to the big, beautiful tree in the middle of the lobby, there are individual spaces ready to be enjoyed. There are multiple seating areas and a small bar. There is also a second level with a pool table and a novelty vending machine. The bar wasn’t open when we were there but it seems fair to say that this spot shouldn’t be missed during anyone’s holiday lobby tour.
This is another location that is good day or evening and because of its whimsey, it would also be a great place to bring your kids to marvel in the decor.
1. The Benson
Tried and true, the Benson still came out on top. I honestly thought that after visiting The Duniway, The Benson would be unseated as the top holiday hotel lobby in Downtown Portland. However, when you walk in, there’s no denying the Christmas magic that exudes from their space.
When you walk in, you are greeted by a table dripping in bright crimson poinsettias. The lobby itself is filled by a total of 300 poinsettias. Their magnificent 20-foot Douglas Fir Christmas tree is stunningly decorated with gigantic baubles and it is undoubtedly the lobby’s statement piece.
Gingerbread Masterpiece
However, the must-see item in The Benson lobby is their trademark gingerbread “house.” Presenting a gingerbread house has been their tradition for 45 years. The current caretaker of this tradition is Chef Diffendorfer, who has been The Benson’s official gingerbread creator for the past 27 years. It is always based on some real-life castle, building, or place, so every year it is something different. It is nothing short of baking mastery and fun.
Seriously, it’s tough to beat a place that has an official gingerbread chef. Plus, Chef Diffendorfer is a huge Portland Timbers fan and longstanding member of the Timbers Army. So, every year he includes little “Timbers Easter Eggs” throughout his gingerbread masterpiece that you can spend some time hunting for. This is an especially nice distraction when you’re waiting for a seat to come open either in the lobby or the restaurant. With the popularity of The Benson lobby during the holidays, this wait happens often. That is pretty much the main negative about this holiday lobby experience. Oh, and that it could feel a little stuffy if you’re not into its old-world aesthetic.
They Are All Winners
To reiterate, the scores between the top three picks were just a point apart. Honestly, anyone of them could have been ranked 1, 2, or 3. On my score sheet, I ended up giving The Benson a perfect score. This could have been affected by all the great memories I’ve had here over the years. Is it fair that this nostalgia affected my scoring when I don’t have this history with The Duniway or Hotel Vintage? Probably not, but sometimes you can’t fight the feelings of Christmas magic.
So, there you have it. Our top ten un-scientifically rated Holiday Hotel Lobbies in Downtown Portland. Whether you just run through to take a peek or plan a gathering with friends this holiday season, you have a number of choices downtown to enjoy the lights and the decorations.
Quick List
Here are the top 10, plus 6 more that didn’t make the cut.
- The Benson – 309 SW Broadway
- Kimpton Hotel Vintage – 422 SW Broadway
- The Duniway – 545 SW Taylor St.
- Hilton Portland Downtown – 921 SW 6th Ave.
- The Heathman Hotel** – 1001 SW Broadway
- Embassy Suites by Hilton – 319 SW Pine St.
- Hi-Lo Hotel – 320 SW Harvey Milk Street
- AC Hotel – 888 SW 3rd Ave.
- The Nines – 525 SW Morrison St.
- Dossier* – 750 SW Alder St.
- Kimpton Hotel Monaco – 506 SW Washington St.
- Nice space but it only has a Christmas tree for decorations and it does not feel intended for non-guests.
- Hotel Lucia* – 400 SW Broadway
- Small lobby with just a tree. Though it is right next door to Hotel Vintage, it feels like Vintage’s antisocial sister.
- Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center – 550 SW Oak St.
- Decent space with some holiday decor and smells great. However, it would be awkward to be a non-guest and try to use this space. A positive point is that it does have a doorway to The Original, which has an arcade of classic video games on its second floor that serves drinks.
- The Governor, now known as The Sentinal* – 614 SW 11th Ave.
- One of the classic Portland hotels that has a nice tree and a decent sized sitting area; though, it’s not one that feels like its for non-hotel guests to hang out in. It’s not a particularly warm setting but it does open up into the Jackknife Bar, which does have a nice feel. Based on Jackknife’s website, this location could be nicer than our ratings reflect; however, it was closed when we were there so we weren’t able to get a true read on it. Plus, all the ambiance comes from the Jackknife, not from The Sentinel lobby.
- The Paramount – 808 SW Taylor St.
- This is a nice big space with lots of seating areas and a nice tree. However, this lobby is also pretty much just for hotel guests or as a passthrough to the restrooms if you are dining in the Swank restaurant or the Swine Moonshine+Whiskey Bar. I would venture to say that you could get away with grabbing a seat here and enjoy your coffee for a moment.
- Woodlark* – 813 SW Alder St.
- The lobby is a bit confusing as it actually looks like the service counter for the coffee shop that’s attached. Don’t get me wrong, the coffee shop is lovely with great space and natural lighting. It would be a great place to meet friends for a coffee and snack on any other given day. However, it scored low on all of our other criteria and therefore placed completely last on this list.
