Charm your Valentine at these downtown Portland spots: Gerry Frank’s picks

Woodlark Hotel

Woodlark, at 813 S.W. Alder St. in Portland, comprises two renovated buildings, both individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (Elliot Njus/Staff)

Portland offers many choices in luxury lodging that are worth consideration when making your Valentine’s Day plans. Here are a couple to consider with historical charm, tastefully appointed guest rooms and impeccable service to match.

The recently opened Woodlark (813 S.W. Alder St., Portland; 503-548-2559), a Provenance hotel, took the place of two iconic locations in the heart of the city – the Cornelius Hotel and the Woodlark building. Together the buildings have branded themselves as “Woodlark House of Welcome.”

Following the recent trend of lifestyle lodging, this 150-room hotel looks much like other luxury boutique hotels, with modern and sophisticated decor and high-end linens and toiletries. But what appeals most about a lifestyle hotel is the experience created, the homey touches and a fully engaged staff who welcome their guests “home” rather than make them feel like tourists.

That’s the feeling you get at Woodlark. Everything from the lush greenery around the hotel (as well as the fresh flower bouquets available for purchase in the lobby) to the local touches and offerings make you feel that much more at home and bring the Woodlark to life. Rooms are on the smaller side, but are well-appointed and aesthetically pleasing. For added space, opt for the loft-style king suite, which is reminiscent of a two-story New York-style townhouse, featuring a beautiful spiral staircase and city views. Rooms that comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act also are available.

"Top Chef: Boston” finalist Doug Adams leads the on-site restaurant Bullard, serving Texas-style fare with his own Northwest twist. Popular dishes from the meat-centric menu includes the San Antonio chicken (half or full bird), grilled prawns and polenta and a tasty signature dry-aged beef burger. The homemade tortillas and margarita pitchers seem to be quite a hit as well.

Sentinel Hotel

The executive terrace suite at the Sentinel Hotel. (Courtesy of Sentinel Hotel)LC- Sentinel Hotel

Another historic charmer to consider is the Sentinel (614 S.W. 11th Ave., Portland; 503-224-3400), housed inside two historic structures formerly known as the Governor Hotel. As is so with Woodlark and other Provenance hotels in the area, the hospitality, class and location are unbeatable. In fact, Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards ranked Sentinel the No. 1 hotel in the Pacific Northwest in 2017 and No. 3 in 2018.

The Sentinel further awes guests with customizable features and conveniences like pillow and spiritual menus, luxury bath products, local delicacies in the in-room honor bar and pet welcoming amenities for those traveling with a furry companion. On-site dining options include Jackknife, a beautiful cocktail lobby lounge, and Jake’s Grill, which serves up American fare and seafood. Make sure you visit the stunning Governor Ballroom before you conclude your next stay.

The all-new fourth edition of “Gerry Frank’s Oregon” guidebook is available through oregonguidebook.com; 503-585-8411; gerry@teleport.com; amazon.com; Macy’s; and P.O. Box 2225, Salem, OR 97308.

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