The Best Of Portland : Best Hotels and Lodging

Feel like taking a drive to a romantic destination with your loved one? Be sure to consider:

Timberline's Silcox Hut takes the ultimate winter experience to new heights!

Located one mile above Timberline Lodge, you can have the whole place to yourself. It’s perfect for groups of 15-40 people. It’s rustic beauty and craftsmanship can’t be beat. For winter weddings and events Timberline transport you, your friends and family by Snow Cat! Overnight accommodations for up to 24 close friends are available at Silcox Hut.

Click Here for more details.

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The Lodge at Suttle Lake makes Sunset Magazine's "Top 10 Lakes", in addition to topping the list for "Best Romantic Splurge".

The ideal romantic lake outing requires three things. 1. Natural beauty, because soaring hearts demand scenery to match. 2. Not too many people, because romance shuns crowds. 3. Some luxury, because love likes it a little cushy. Suttle Lake, in central Oregon, earns top marks in all three categories. The glacier-formed lake is undeniably a stunner. But oddly, even at the height of summer, Suttle never feels mobbed—despite being one of Oregon’s more accessible mountain lakes (U.S. 20 skirts its northern shore).

But luxury is where Suttle really scores. Its seven-year-old resort is a modern take on Mt. Hood’s Timberline Lodge, big on rough-hewn beams and wrought-iron chandeliers. The spa offers couples’ massages; the Boathouse Restaurant serves surprisingly-ambitious-for-being-out-in-the wilds Northwest cuisine, like grilled salmon with charmoula cumin sauce and buttermilk-soaked trout and chips. There’s a long list of activities you can participate in—kayaking, canoeing, fly-fishing, hiking. But if you just want to sit on the lodge lawn gazing off at the lake and thinking only about each other, that’s fine too.

Stay: Eagle Feather, the most desirable of the 11 lodge suites, features a sitting room with a stone fireplace and a sleeping loft overlooking the lake. The older lodge cabins are pretty simple, but four contemporary versions fronting Cinder Beach feature all the modern luxuries of the lodge rooms. Lodge suites from $199, waterfront cabins from $299; 2-night min.; thelodgeatsuttlelake.com

Click Here to read the full article.

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TheBestofPortland's Summer Bucket List

Beyond Bizarre Ghost Tour - If you've seen the "Ghost Hunters", "Ghost Adventures", or "Paranormal State" TV shows and liked it, then this is the right adventure for you! Unexplained mysteries, ghostly adventures, and spooky stories abound on the “Beyond Bizarre” tour. If you like the paranormal, weird, or wacky, let these tour guides guide you through an evening of adventure. All people of all faiths and backgrounds, including skeptics, are welcomed.

At the start of the tour, you are handed real ghost hunting equipment just like that used by professionals and on TV. You then set out visiting known ghostly places and getting behind the scenes into what hauntings are all about. Unlike other ghost tours, this is not a theatrical performance where lanterns are carried and your guides are dressed up in period costumes. It's a true view into the reality of paranormal investigations, the equipment and techniques are used by professonals, and how they separate the truth from the hoaxes.

Click Here for more details.

Butte Creek Falls for a picnic and and a dip in the swimming hole. This is the first of three significant waterfalls on Butte Creek accessible along the Butte Creek Falls trail system. The Upper falls drop over a wide, uniform and extremely undercut ledge into a large pool below. Paths lead behind the falls into the deep grotto from the trail near the falls. The undercut is so deep that boaters who run this waterfall can even paddle THROUGH the falls. The falls are accessed via an excellent trail system, built by the Oregon State Department of Forestry, which has set aside a chunk of land surrounding the falls for protection, which is nice to see, after driving through the massive clear-cuts en route to the falls.

Click Here for more details.

Enchanted Forest - Children find a world of fantasy in the beautiful lush forest of this land of enchantment, also home of the Big Timber Log Ride, the biggest log ride in the NW. Enjoy Western Town, Summer Comedy Theater, English Village, Fasntasy Fountains water-light show and kiddy and adult rides for the entire family's enjoyment. Gift shops, food, charming picnic areas and more. Click Here for more details.

Festival of Balloons in Tigard - weekend events include a carnival, good food, 5K run, car show and of course morning hot air ballooon launches and NW Natural Night Glow. Click Here for more details.

Forest Grove's Concours d'Elegance features over 300 classic cars, trucks, motorcycles and other autos from the Pacific Northwest and beyond, as well as musical stage acts and tasty summer treats that make it fun for the whole family. Proceeds from the Concours d'Elegance help fund scholarships and local charity projects. Click Here for more detailed information.

4th of July Astoria

The area of Astoria and Warrenton is a nationally significant historic region at the western end of the Lewis & Clark Trail. Astoria is the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies; a place that takes visitors back to simpler times, its architecture dominated by hundreds of Victorian homes clinging to steep wooded hillsides and with a revitalized 1920s era downtown; all set against a backdrop of tremendous natural beauty in the temperate rain forest at the mouth of the Columbia River. Visitors have an opportunity to escape into an appealing, intriguing past. Unspoiled and generally uncrowded, Astoria and Warrenton nonetheless have several first-class interpretive attractions including Fort Clatsop, the Columbia River Maritime Museum, the Flavel House, Fort Stevens State Park, the Astoria Riverfront Trolley and the Astoria Column. The area has an extraordinary sense of place and feeling of history.

Click Here for more details.

Gearhart - Everyone's got a favorite beach in Oregon for one reason or another. This summer our focus is on the charming and secluded coastal community of Geahart. Envision Angela Landsbury riding through town on a beach bike with a basket full of flowers. There's an old fashioned ice cream shop, a gourmet restaurant, general store, gift shops and plenty of motels, hotels and vacation rentals set on a backdrop of pristine beaches that rival the expanse and ambiance of those one finds in the The Hamptons. Click Here for more details.

Glider Plane Rides

Click Here for more detailed information.

Glowing Green Minature Golf - A Pirate Island Adventure Themed minature golf course packed with a ton of animated sets with adventure sounds, but the wildest thing is the cool 3-D Ultraviolet blacklight art. Click Here for more details.

Hellgate Jet Boat Excursions

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Kah-Nee-Ta Resort, Casino and Spa offers a variety of accommodations from suites and private view balcony rooms in the Lodge to Village suites and teepees and even a full-service RV Park. Every option is close to all the fun and diverse activities available at Kah-Nee-Ta. Click Here for more details.

Malibu Raceway is a state of the art facility dedicated to racing and competition. Enjoy one of three different styles of race cars. High powered indy style cars for adults, two-seater cars and even cars for the kids. They also have batting cages for all skill levels, a game room, the Pit Stop Snack Bar and great package deals. Check 'em out! Click Here

Maryhill Winery Concerts at the Ampitheater - what a spectacular line-up this year; Earth Wind and Fire, Chris Isaak, Allison Krauss & Union Station and Huey Lews & The News.

Click Here to get your tickets now!

Movies In The Park - Presented by KeyBank and The City of Portland

Click Here for 2012's line-up of movies and a schedule (June 29-Sept. 8, 2012)

Newberg Drive-In

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Oregon State Fair - August 24 - September 3, 2012

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PDX Adult Soapbox Derby - Once a year a brave group of racers convene on the daunting slopes of Mt. Tabor to test their metal to their mettle, spill their blood, or even worse, spill their BEER. This unique community of thrill seekers pays homage to the city's volcano that allows these rebels to tickle her spine annually. Click Here for more details.

Port of Toledo Annual Wooden Boat Show

The Wooden Boat Show showcases vintage and new wooden boats at Port Dock One. The finest boat builders in the Pacific Northwest come to display their work and demonstrate their craft. Live music, food from various vendors and events for the whole family. Local artisans line the walk to display and sell their work. Click Here for more detailed information.

Sand Rail Tours - Some of the worlds largest and most beautiful dunes are located on the Central Oregon Coast. Glistening valleys, vast hills of shifting sand, and desert atmosphere make the dunes truly a must see!

When it comes to fun and excitement, Sand Rail Tours can accommodate just about everyone’s needs. From an exciting guided Sand Rail Tour or a Professionally guided Interpretive Scenic Tour on one of our Famous Big Purple Buggies driven by our skilled drivers. Click Here for more detailed information.

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Most Romantic Experiences In and Around Portland, Oregon.

Every great relationship deserves to have it's fires stoked on a regular basis. Lucky for Oregonians, some of the finest romantic experiences to be had can be found right in their own backyard. Whether it's picking up a picnic basket from Elephant's Delicatessen and taking a two-hour car ride to a rustic desert lodge and spa, or as close as downtown, we believe we've assembled a line-up of romantic respites guaranteed to exceed the pickiest of lovers expectations.

The Allison

This luxury destination resort is an ideal place to spend the night after a blissful wine-tasting sojourn thru the Willamette Valley’s acclaimed wineries. 85 deluxe accommodations, inclusive of 8 suites, are located in the east wing of the resort and located on four levels; terrace, spa, main and penthouse. The Allison offers lodging that is both sophisticated and inviting, while being conducive to enjoying the comfort of the rooms at any time of day or night.

Click Here to book your reservations now.

Ashland Springs Hotel

The beautifully restored landmark hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. It is just steps from the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Other nearby attractions and activities include: Oregon cabaret theater, lithia park, winery and gallery tours, skiing and snow boarding, golf, fishing, tax-free shopping, dining, and pampering at the nearby Waterstone Spa.

Click Here to make your hotel reservations.

The Cannery Pier Hotel

This Astoria Hotel offers guests unparalleled views of a real working river, as well as views out to Cape Disappointment Lighthouse and nearby Washington. Each room has a private balcony and is lavishly well-appointed with a fireplace, hardwood floors, and luxurious amenities.

Cave B Inn

Located in the heart of Washington State and the Columbia River Wine Country, with the Gorge Amphitheater as its neighbor and panoramic cliff views highlighting the landscape, Cave B Inn & Spa is a working farm anchored by its estate winery and surrounding vineyards, creating a one-of-a-kind destination that celebrates wine, food and sense of place.

With four accommodation options to choose from: private Cliffehouses, Cavern Rooms built into the cliff face, gorgeously-appointed Inn Suites or rugged Desert Yurts among the vineyards - Cave B Inn offers a variety of experiences for the traveler looking for relaxation and some much-needed pampering, or a bit more of an adventure.

Click Here to book your reservations now.

Columbia Cliff Villas

Each spacious villa combines old-world boutique hotel charm and craftsmanship with exquisite furnishings and gourmet kitchens. From this inspirational cliff-edge perch you can take in the splendor of the National Scenic Area and enjoy dining or pamper yourself at the new spa facility located in the adjacent historic Columbia Gorge Hotel.

Click Here to book your reservation now at Columbia Cliff Villas.

The Columbia River Gorge Hotel

The hotel had barely opened before it had an international reputation. Presidents Roosevelt and Coolidge, actresses Myrna Loy, Jane Powell, and rumor has it, Rudolph Valentino are some of the notables to have graced the hotel.

During the depression, the Hotel fell on hard times and was purchased by the Neighbors of Woodcraft as a retirement home. Such it remained for a quarter of a century, until the ongoing restoration began in 1977. Now corporately owned and operated, The Columbia Gorge Hotel has been brilliantly restored to a new opulence. The Hotel stands proudly atop a bluff overlooking the mighty Columbia River greeting its visitors with warmth and elegance continuing to be an elegant oasis in the heart of the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area.

Click Here to place a hotel reservation.

Click Here to book spa reservations.

Crater Lake Lodge

Truly a grand mother of northwest lodges, this historic 71-room Crater Lake Lodge originally opened in 1915 and is located on the edge of the caldera overlooking Crater Lake.

The lodge was reopened after extensive renovation in 1995 and offers an atmosphere reminiscent of the 1920s and immerses visitors in its rustic charm. The ammenities are in-line with what one would expect from hotel operated in the 20s...but that's exactly what makes-up a large part of it's charm.

Click Here to book your reservation.

The Elliott Hotel

Astoria's premier boutique hotel. Featuring 32 uniquely restored rooms and suites, this historic five-story hotel weds early 20th Century elegance and contemporary amenities. Rediscover the pleasures of classic lodging and leisure in the heart of historic downtown Astoria.

Click Here to book your hotel reservation now.

The Skamania Lodge

Located in the spectacular Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, this rustic yet elegant, grand mountain Lodge is located just 45 miles east of Portland, Oregon, on the Washington side of the Columbia River.

Click Here to book your hotel reservation now.

Click Here to book your spa reservations.

The Stephanie Inn

The Stephanie Inn in Cannon Beach, Oregon, is Oregon's premier oceanfront destination. With wonderful views of majestic Haystack Rock, the vast Pacific Ocean and the awesome Oregon Coastal Range, the oceanfront Stephanie Inn combines the charm and casual elegance of a New England country inn with the sophistication of a boutique resort hotel.

Click Here to book your reservation now.

Sunriver Resort

The resort boasts 63 holes of world-class golf, so magnificent that Golf Magazine awarded Sunriver the coveted Gold Medal, identifying this as one of America's best golf resorts. Carefully designed to preserve the natural beauty of the area, each golf course at this Oregon hotel has a character all its own.

Guests looking to relax can take refuge in our renowned Sage Springs Club and Spa. Offering a full range of massages, facials, body treatments, and salon services, our Pacific Northwest spa is the refuge of choice for relaxation seekers.

Click Here to book your hotel reservation now.

The SurfSand Resort

This full-service resort features stylish, contemporary guest rooms and suites with a serene, tranquil vibe and a lot of fun extras that will make your stay memorable and your return visit a good bet. iPod docs, wi-fi, lux bath amenities, deep soaking tubs and beachfront Cabana service are just a few of the modern touches that will make your stay laid back and fun.

Click Here to book your hotel room and private bonfire right now!

Timberline Lodge

No wonder Jack Nicholson's character in the movie "The Shining" kept coming back...Timberline Lodge gets under a person's skin by offering a truly amazing experience...whether it's catching your lover's eye from across the room just before a exhilarating night skiing run on New Year's Eve, or laying by the pool holding hands and a good book under the summer sun. We can't get enough of this Oregon classic.

Click Here to book your hotel reservation now.

Looking for instant gratification? Consider a few of the city's upscale boutique hoteliers:

Hotel deLuxe

As savvy and chic as a 1940s starlet. The ambiance is lavish down to the smallest detail, combined with glamour and oppulence....a fitting backdrop for any love story.

Click Here to book your reservation now.

Hotel Lucia

Inside, experience cutting-edge design and unsurpassed comfort. Guests enjoy the personalized service and lavish hotel amenities that have earned the Hotel Lucia Portland a spot among the world's best hotels. Venture outside and be at the epicenter of all Portland has to offer, including Portland attractions, Portland restaurants, tax free Portland shopping, art galleries and theatre.

Click Here to book your reservation now.

The Heathman Hotel

This sophisticated boutique hotel offers luxurious accommodations and award-winning service - a refreshing blend of Portland history and modern hospitality. From its renowned Heathman Restaurant and Bar with Culinary Director Philippe Boulot, a James Beard Award for Excellence winner, to its remarkable art collection, The Heathman Hotel is a Portland Oregon landmark, a place “Where Service is Still an Art.”

Click Here to book your reservation now.

The Jupiter

This edgy hotel offers all the bells and whistles...but always with a unique twist. Start by making reservations for lunch and if that goes well....get a room!

Click Here to book your lunch and room reservations now.

Hotel Modera

Elegance balanced with a modern milieu inspired by over 500 pieces of local art, Italian Carrara marble, luscious black walnut floors, and sharp, sophisticated architecture steps from Portland's waterfront and theater district.

Click Here to book your reservation now.

The Nines

The Nines Hotel embodies striking decor and impeccable service. Individualistic design traits celebrate the LEED Silver-certified hotel's surroundings, providing the opportunity to truly experience Portland's unique character.

Click Here to book your reservation now.

Need a suggestion for a great dining experience?

When making plans be sure to check-out Portland Monthly's line-up of 35 divine dining experiences in Portland, Oregon. Click Here to be redirected to the feature article.

Photo: David Lanthan Reamer

Cocktails and Ramen at Wafu

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10+ Oregon Beach Destinations You'll Be Swept Away By~

One of the reasons Oregon is such a desirable state to live, is well...because of it's unlimited options of vibrant culture with an equal measure of undeniably raw, natural beauty. And if you're in the mood for sand between your toes, Oregon's beaches are nothing short of spectacular.

From romantic secluded stretches of beaches for the most intimate of get-togethers, to a Coney Island style boardwalk. Oregon beaches offer all that AND MORE! Check-out The Best of Portland's choices for the most desirable stretches of sand for your EVERY mood.

Here are just a few of our favorite Oregon beaches:

Beautiful

Bandon Dunes - just one visit and you'll come away a Bandonista! And for avid golfers, Bandon Dunes has all the hallmarks and spirit of Scotland’s ancient links. Players from around the world come here to immerse themselves in the traditions of a timeless game along the grandeur of Oregon’s rugged coast.

Sweeping, untamed shores stretch for miles. Primeval grassy dunes that roll to the edge of the sea. Four distinctly different courses that were conceived in harmony with nature. They combine with all the essential elements to reveal a new golf experience every time you play. The soul of the game resides in Bandon Dunes. Players walk. And at the end of the day, gracious hospitality comforts each guest like a warm, friendly embrace. Click Here to check-out stellar lodging options.

That's Bandon Dunes. Golf, the way it's meant to be.

Florence located on the northern edge of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (ODNRA) with it's 17 surrounding rivers, is best known for dune buggy and horse back riding, crabbing, clamming, ocean and river fishing, swimming and boating, summer jet boat trips on the Siuslaw River, excursion and dinner cruises on the old fashioned Westward Ho! Sternwheeler, bird watching and hiking. The ODNRA contains some of the largest oceanfront dunes in the world, ranging up to 500 feet high and forming banks up to three miles deep. The Oregon dunes are the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in the U.S., and stretch for 50 miles between Florence and Coos Bay.

Old Town Florence has a interesting selection of shops and boutiques, coffee houses and nice restaurants to choose from.

Ten miles north of Florence, the enormous sea grotto of the Sea Lion Caves contains the only mainland rookery of Stellar's sea lion in the lower 48 states. After paying an admission fee, visitors descend through a 208 foot elevator shaft cut into the natural basalt and enter the grotto. The sea lions occupy the cave in fall and winter, with up to 200 sea lions living there. Views of the coastline include Heceta Head Lighthouse and nearby cliffs that are home to guillemots, cormorants and other sea birds.

Golfers enjoy the 18 hole Ocean Dunes Golf Links public course, which is surrounded by sixty foot high sand dunes. The course has a driving range, cart and equipment rentals and a pro shop. Open all year, weekend reservations are recommended on this popular course (1-800-468-4833). The Sandpines Golf Resort (public) is a Rees Jones course, including 6 treed holes, 6 water holes and 6 dune holes. It was voted best new public course in America (1993) by Golf Digest. Reservations are recommended (1-800-917-4653). Check-out the River House Inn for lodging.

Gearhart is a destination unto itself. Names by Travel & Leisure Magazine as “One of America’s Best Little Beach Towns” for the past two years in a row is no surprise. With just the right mix of town, lodging, grand residential beachfront estates, golf and one of the only beaches in Oregon you can actually drive and have a tailgate party on, it's hard for this coastal destination not to become a family favorite. For lodging be sure to check-out: Fitzgeralds Cottages, Gearhart Ocean Inn and Gearhart Cottages.

Fun

Astoria is a intimate city steeped in history on the Columbia River, just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. Because of the city's steep hills and beautiful Victorian homes, Astoria has been Called the “Little San Francisco of the Pacific Northwest.” Astoria's old world charm and scenic coastal beauty is rumored to have been one of the reasons why it was chosen as the backdrop for the movie "Goonies".

There are a number of B&Bs. If you're looking for a easy and convenient hotel stay consider Astoria's Holiday Inn Express & Suites.

Just across Youngs Bay is Warrenton, a city of 4,500, that encompasses Fort Stevens State Park and its broad, clean ocean beaches.

Florence - see information provided above.

Lincoln City is one of Oregon's most talked about coastal destinations because of the wide variety of activities available. Clamming, crabbing, fishing, horseback riding, hunting for glass boat floats, water skiiing on Devil's Lake, Golfing, shopping at the factory outlet mall and more. Lincoln City literally offers something for everyone. Click Here for a direct link to the Lincoln City's Chamber of Commerce.

Newport has been a playground for visitors since the late 1800's and is host to one of the state's largest annual seafood and wine festivals. Nestled between the Coastal Mountains, Pacific Ocean and Yaquina Bay, the natural beauty of the area draws those seeking a unique and exciting coastal experience.

Whether you bring the whole family to visit the aquarium, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, The Wax Museum, to go deep sea fishing or to just escape by yourselves, you are sure to have a great time in Newport. Click Here for a direct link to Newport, Oregon's Chamber of Commerce.

Seaside offers the definitive "Boardwalk" experience for the young at heart. The hustle and bustle of arcades, cotton candy, taffy and fudge shops and virtually every seaside ammenity imaginable, including a factory outlet mall and theater makes this small seaside town a magnate for the masses. Click Here to visit the Sea Side Chamber of Commerce.

Romantic

Cannon Beach is a sophisticated yet quaint haven for connoisseurs of northwest coastal art, wine and dining experiences. Haystack Rock serves as a backdrop for miles of sandy coastline. Click Here to find a nice assortment of lodging accomodations.

Manzanita is a intimate and idealic beachside community with a 7-mile stretch of sandy beach. The Inn at Manzanita offers a fabulous experience and the hotel's website will tell you everything you need to know regarding why your next beach visit should be to Manzanita!

Pacific City is the beach you head to when you want to really get away from it all. It's a one Stop Light town with unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean and miles of pristine beach to surf along side, to hike and ride horses on or to enjoy just layback and do absolutely nothing on. The Inn at Cape Kiwanda offers a view from virtually every room.

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Kids are climbing new heights at Cave Junction's "Out n' About Treesort", one of Bing's featured "12 Resorts Where Kids Rule".

The name gives it away: Stay here and you’ll be sleeping in a tree house. The Oregon resort 18 of them, plus a host of platforms. Not only do guests get to sleep among the birds, Out 'n' About keeps the family fun high-flying with seven swinging bridges, five tall swings, a "Tarzan swing" and a zipline course. Click Here to review the full article compliments of Bing.