A Weekend at River’s Edge Hotel & Spa in Portland, OR

By Carol Doyel –

I arrived in Portland via PDX International Airport just minutes from downtown Portland, traffic permitting, for a weekend getaway and a one-day conference that I planned to attend as a participant of the Oregon Entrepreneur Network (OEN). I was looking forward to quiet time to prepare for my presentation for the conference and spa time for renewal at the hotel!

After landing in Portland I could see the skies were somewhat grayish, not unusual for the Northwest but during my three day stay there were sun breaks and I rediscovered the beauty that I remember from my many years of living in the Pacific Northwest.

There’s something serene and calming about the cooler northwest weather, and even the grey days can be a nice break from hotter and dry climates. It sprinkled, well rained a bit, but I appreciate the lushness of the terrain from drinking regularly from heaven’s rains. There’s nothing quite as refreshing than an early morning walk in the crisp-clean air after a night of rain – especially with the sun breaking forth as it did on my second day.

It was a perfect location in proximity to downtown Portland. Off the beaten path, yet just minutes and a short taxi ride to downtown shops, restaurants, and the heart of Portland. There were also a number of local pubs, restaurants and shops within walking distance of the hotel. You will also find a great restaurant, the Aquariva, adjacent to the hotel – a contemporary award-winning Portland restaurant that serves cuisine that is both seasonally inspired and beautifully presented. I stopped in for a late afternoon lunch and discovered they were not serving lunch at the time in the dining room so I enjoyed some of their appetizers in the bar area.

One of my favorite features of staying at River’s Edge Hotel & Spa are the views from the rooms of the Willamette River and the Willamette Greenway Trail, just steps from the hotel. One direction takes you south along the river’s edge, meandering past nice residential properties, offices, boats and a marina. There are a number of spots where you can cut-up to an area that I would describe as a neighborhood with great restaurants and shops, only a few blocks from the hotel. A bit further and you’ll find a local grocer with everything you could possibly need, including snacks, delicious prepared foods, a nice selection of wines and groceries. I enjoyed going up and down the aisles just checking out all the unique items that you don’t find at your typical grocery store.

For those looking for a horticultural experience, beside natures garden surrounding the hotel, there are many options and gardens to visit including, Portland Classical Chinese Garden, Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, International Rose Test Garden, The Japanese Garden, Leach Botanical Garden, The Oregon Garden, and Washington Park.

As for the accommodations – The room was probably one of the quietest rooms I’ve stayed in for the size of the hotel, and the patio offered the perfect place to sit and enjoy the beautiful view and a robust cup of coffee in the morning – available at the fabulous continental breakfast offered on each floor just off of the elevator. Complete with a hardy homemade granola to go with the yogurt and fruit. The bed was comfy and the bathroom luxurious with an oversized tub and shower. All- in-all, the accommodations were wonderful with valet parking, friendly staff, fruit infused water, fruit and cookies in the evening.

However, the highlight of my stay were my daily visits to the spa! Access to the spa and fitness center are included with your room stay. As described on their website, “the 13,000-square-foot, full-service Spa at River’s Edge is a relaxing escape – a magical, nurturing environment staffed by highly trained estheticians and therapists who are experts in healing dedicated to delivering an exceptional spa experience”.

You can learn more about their full service spa and amenities on their website at: http://www.riversedgehotel.com/portland_spa/. I tried a couple of their products that you can find in their spa, one that I found to be amazing was a face restoring oil called, “Herbal Recovery Oil” by Eminence. The samples I tried we’re all very good, so be sure to take time to check out their skin and hair care products.

My stay was reminiscent of the cool northwest days and the lifestyle of one of the most livable cities – Portland Oregon. The fall and holiday season are perfect times to visit the Northwest, so book your stay at River’s Edge Hotel & Spa for a leisure weekend along the Willamette River!

Carol Doyel is Editor-in-Chief and Founder of LivingBetter50.com. She is a graduate of The Full Gospel Bible Institute and has a passion for women’s ministries, issues and lives. She and her husband of 25 years have three grown kids and three grandchildren. They currently reside in southern CA. Her desire is to inspire women to live better physically, emotionally, financially, and spiritually.