For all the right reasons: so as not to waste paper. More spas should be so thoughtful.
Now onto the hotel business. Which is ample and priced right, even in today's crazy economic state. You can find basic hotels in the under $100/night range.
Speaking of hotels that recall European heydays, the Hotel deLuxe will tickle you especially if you're an old movie buff. The card keys offer different pictures of famous stars in famous movies, including Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn. Yes, this glamorous place pays homage to Hollywood's golden days, as evidenced by the vintage photos and artwork displayed throughout the hotel.
You may sense an aura of European class that is lacking in so many contemporary boutique hotels that simply try too hard. But the Hotel deLuxe (www.hoteldeluxeportland.com) showcases (without being ostentatious) elegant chandeliers, stylish details in the rooms and lobby and the entrance is flanked by palm trees and guests are protected by a buffering European awning, recalling the French Riviera's regal hotels. Well, we can dream, can't we?
Now, I need to inform you of one of the most unique and wonderful experiences I had at a bed and breakfast in St. Helens. Before I continue, I must confess that I am not a fan of morning chit-chat and I must have one cup of coffee before I can even face the mirror, let alone other people. So, when Lila told me about the Seawright House being a bed and breakfast, I was ready to say, 'Thanks, but no thanks.' (Hey, a Sarah Palin joke!)
But, boy was I wrong. This 'estate' is in view of Mt. St. Helens, the active volcano that spewed nasty lava and threatened townsfolk more than 20 years ago (not that I remember, I was only 10 at the time, cough, cough). Now it's a cool distant mountain visible in the town.
So what's so special about this bed and breakfast? Forget about any preconceptions you may have about a B&B. I know it totally spoiled me for any future visits to B&B's (not that I would purposefully plan one, unless it was just like this one).
Melinda Beville, owner of this gorgeous home (www.seawrighthouse.com) takes great pains to leave her guests alone, if they so desire. And each guest has the run of the first floor of the house! Which was so amazing, since every place you looked, there was another cozy couch on which to cuddle up with a book or glass of wine.
Established in 1910 (not by Melinda!) and beautifully restored (by Melinda!), you have your own private 1,700 sq. ft. 'suite' to play in. The guest suite includes a full kitchen with a little nook that faces Melinda's calming koi pond and a view of the Willamette River along with the docked boats. Heaven.
If that wasn't enough to win you over on B&B's, you also have a living room with fireplace, a formal dining room, master bedroom, Jacuzzi, a spa treatment room and a sun room. Did I mention her cool deck with privacy drapes? What a great place for a girls'-only party or a couples' night away or whatever! It's just wonderful.
All her food is catered by local chefs who use the freshest, regional fare and the result is mahvelous. A breakfast will await you upon arising and you will not see a soul, because the sneaky chefs quietly use access from the kitchen to prepare your food choice, and then'disappear! Poof! You don't have to show your morning face until you want to'perfect!
And thoughtful Melinda prepares her coffee maker, so all you need to do is turn it on when you arise. No specific time ' you're on 'your' time and it is respected. And if you fall asleep after a healing massage and happen to sleep through a scheduled pedicure, you are not even punished! The king bed is so inviting, and that massage was so perfect, that I think the day just caught up with me and'.zzzzzzz.
If you are lucky enough to spend time with Melinda, you will be in good company and definitely in good hands. As mentioned, spa treatments can be arranged and her specialty facials are fun and refreshing.
Plus, she has her own holistic beauty line, Skin Holistic, which incorporates only pure ingredients. It doesn't hurt to have a research scientist in her family, to make sure she's always doing the best scientific research on her products. And she does--her dad!
Definitely check out her products, just for the ingredients alone'your skin deserves it. And make a reservation fast. She doesn't open her house all the time and it is very popular during holiday seasons.
Think Portland doesn't have a decent theater company? Think again. Portland Center Stage (www.pcs.org) offered one of my fave plays while I was in town. 'Guys and Dolls' at the Gerding Theater at the Armory was a fun night out. Maybe not Broadway caliber (I used to write about Broadway, so I'm a tad spoiled, I admit) but good fun for the family.
Speaking of good fun for the family, you're bound to run into this name: McMenamins. These brothers opened the Kennedy School, a hotel that used to be a public school. Very Portland-esque and quaint. It's also a pub. And a restaurant. Actually, a bunch of restaurants. There's too much to learn about this quirky and fun neighborhood 'star' so I suggest going to their site for full information: www.mcmenamins.com . It's worth it, trust me.
Now, to sum up: Portland is a very way cool city, tres French-like and family friendly. Unlike many crowded urban sites, you'd never guess that Portland has so much to offer. Yes, it gets traffic and it rains a lot in the winter, but it's sure close to being a top spot for me. Check it out for yourself. C'est bonne.
Au revoir!
Naomi Serviss is a freelance travel writer who prefers writing in a conversational style. Couldn’t you tell?