The Heathman Hotel, Portland

I come to Portland rather frequently, enough that I'll usually opt for an Airbnb or motel for solo stays, but I've been to the Heathman twice with family, and each time was wonderful with them. Multiple staff immediately greeting you, offering you a complementary beverage, and they have a wonderful library room adjacent to the lobby. The rooms are quaint and quiet. I slept on the fold-out bed (the people who actually paid for the stay got the proper bed), and I still slept well, which I can't always say about a fold-out. About a 5-minute walk from the light rail, with plenty of nearby dining options.

We actually booked the Heathman by accident. We'd stayed at the Benson recently, and I mixed them up, since they're both famous old Portland hotels. My husband said he was very happy we stayed here. He enjoyed the breakfast. I rank the fitness center among the best I've been to, other than those that are health clubs open to outside the hotel. It's relatively large, airy, well-lit, exceptionally well-maintained, has a Peloton, the windows were open, and the fridge is stocked with bottled water and cold towels. The location is excellent, with a MAX station very close, a farmer's market on Wednesdays behind the building, and it's right next to the Schnitzer. The prices are reasonable. The valet parking works very well. The bedding is very comfy, especially the down pillows, and the bathroom is tight but works. There was one thing needing fixing in the shower - the soap holder. Otherwise no issues.

Four of us from different parts of the country met in Portland Oregon. The hotel is fabulously located for walking to restaurants, getting to the Portland Spirit, the Saturday market, the Oregon Historical Society (awesome museum), Portland Art Museum (David Hockney exhibit!!). It is also easy to get an Uber up to the Japanese and Rose Gardens (definitely worth the trip if in bloom). The rooms were nice and clean. The staff was extremely helpful. Breakfast was easy and they were giving a credit for eating there. Cocktails in the bar were relaxing. We would all stay there again.

Unfortunately, everything that made The Heathman a boutique hotel has been removed. There is no reception desk; replaced by two computer screens. There is limited Valet service; expect to wait twenty minutes. There is no official greeters; young untrained personnel are not ready to embrace this historic property once deemed for its charm and quality service. Nespresso has been removed from rooms; go down to lobby. Library has been torn out and reduced to a hallway two floors up. Food is minimal and very sad; no cream at the bar. Bartender had to whip it himself. Horrid.

Heathman DO BETTER. This hurts me to write, but it's all true. In my 63 years, this is only the second time I have given a bad review. I have written many kind good reviews. I grew up in the Portland area, and this was THE hotel and bar. I just spent 3 nights there, and here is what happened. There is only 1 person to check you in. One computer and 1 person. It TOOK FOREVER. They don't tell you until you arrive (and if it is shown anywhere when booking, nobody in my group saw it) that there is a "guest amenity fee" of $30/night. It lists the library, bike rental, Wi-Fi, free coffee 6 am-9 am, fitness center, and a $15 daily credit at the Tavern. The TAVERN...there are signs everywhere that it is open Friday and Saturday until 11pm. NOPE, closed at 9 pm. Saturday night we were all looking forward to an after-dinner drink and NOPE ...it was CLOSED. When a staff person was asked why, her reply was "its closed; you can just go to another bar" ON A SATURDAY NIGHT 9pm ! It took 3 calls and 36 hours to get clean towels. In the room, the cord to use the water kettle to make the hot water for "french press" doesn't reach the outlet so you have to rearrange the entire setup. Heathman, JUST GET A KERUIG! We never saw a security person outside, and homeless people are standing in front of the hotel. Even the Goodwill store down the street has security. The highlight....THE VALET parking staff was GREAT. Nic and Rachel were AMAZING with directions, suggestions on places to go, and HELP with luggage etc. On the last morning, another valet staff person brought our car, parked it around the corner and NEVER asked to help with luggage or even said a word. NIC and RACHEL were GREAT. I mentioned the towel issue to Nic, and I don't know for sure, but soon after telling him the towel issue ...we had towels. I am going back in Aug, and I am sad to say I will not be staying at the Heathman. I have such great memories there. HEATHMAN DO BETTER PLEASE I want to visit again ....