The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Portland

The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Portland: A Comprehensive Review of Portland's Michelin Key Selected Property

The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Portland, stands as a beacon of chic luxury in the heart of downtown Portland, earning its distinction as a Michelin Key Selected property. Housed within the historic Meier & Frank building, this hotel masterfully blends its architectural heritage with a vibrant, contemporary aesthetic. Guests consistently praise its exceptional service, prime location, and sophisticated design, making it a highly regarded destination for both leisure and business travelers seeking an upscale experience.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The Nines generally garners an "Excellent" sentiment among guests, with an impressive average rating of 8.6 to 8.9 across various platforms. Marriott's own average customer rating is 4.2 out of 5 stars. Many consider it a top choice for a luxurious stay in Portland, often highlighted for its elegance and attentive staff. While largely positive, some reviews indicate that certain aspects, such as additional fees, can impact the perceived value for money.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud The Nines for several standout features:

• Exceptional Service: The staff is frequently described as welcoming, informed, exceptionally courteous, and attentive, providing personalized and prompt service.
• Prime Location: Situated directly across from Pioneer Courthouse Square, the hotel offers unparalleled access to downtown Portland's cultural attractions, shopping, restaurants, and public transport.
• Sophisticated Design: The hotel's interior, dramatically redone within the historic Meier & Frank building, showcases modern elegance with thoughtful, colorful accents, unique art, and a striking central atrium extending from the 8th to the 16th floor.
• Top-tier Amenities: The Nines boasts a state-of-the-art 24-hour fitness center, a library with thousands of books from Powell's, a billiards room, and diverse event spaces. A professional concierge service is also available to assist with guest needs.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at The Nines are consistently described as luxurious, well-appointed, and comfortable, with a modern and chic design. They feature plush furnishings, rich textures, and often floor-to-ceiling windows. Many rooms offer excellent views of the city skyline or surrounding park. Even after more than fifteen years since its opening, the design remains modern and forward-thinking.

Key aspects include:

• Comfort: Beds are frequently highlighted as "incredibly comfortable" and "extremely comfy," with silky soft sheets.
• Design: Rooms often feature a hip blue or colorful theme, accented with patterned wallpaper and elegant touches like chandeliers.
• Bathrooms: Bathrooms are generally beautiful and spacious, equipped with Byredo luxury toiletries and rain showers. Accessible rooms are also available with roll-in showers and grab bars.
• Space: While some standard rooms can be compact (around 230 sq ft or 21 sq meters), the design makes efficient use of the space. Corner rooms and suites are noted for offering larger living areas and more expansive bathrooms. Noise from hallways can occasionally be an issue for light sleepers in some rooms.

4. Dining Experience

The Nines offers two distinct and highly-regarded dining options:

• Urban Farmer: Located in the atrium on the 8th floor, Urban Farmer is a modern steakhouse known for its emphasis on Northwest, sustainable ingredients and farm-to-table preparations. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with an à la carte brunch available on weekends. Guests praise the breakfast for its upscale choices like Dungeness crab omelettes and the overall quality of the food.
• Departure Restaurant + Lounge: Situated on the 15th floor, Departure offers innovative modern Asian cuisine in a sleek, cosmopolitan setting. It features two stunning rooftop patios with breathtaking views of the city, mountains, and the Willamette River, making reservations highly recommended.
• The Living Room: Located behind the front desk on the 8th floor, this stylish lounge offers cocktails and a small bite menu from Urban Farmer, with entertainment six days a week.

5. Service & Staff

The service at The Nines consistently receives high marks, with a staff performance rating of 9.4. Guests frequently describe the staff as exceptional, welcoming, informed, and courteous. Reviewers highlight their attentiveness, quick responses to requests, and personalized assistance, from the front desk to the concierge and valet teams. Even the valet crew is often noted for being exceptional. There are some isolated instances of complaints regarding cleanliness and slow room service, which the hotel management has publicly addressed.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Nines boasts an "unbeatable" and "superb" location in the bustling City Center of downtown Portland.

• Attractions: It's just steps away from Pioneer Courthouse Square and offers easy access to major attractions like the Portland Art Museum, Powell's City of Books, and a diverse array of shops and restaurants.
• Transportation: The hotel is conveniently located near the MAX Light Rail, providing an economical and efficient route from Portland International Airport (PDX) in about 40 minutes. The Portland Streetcar is also easily accessible, connecting to various neighborhoods. Valet parking is available, though some guests find it expensive.
• Accessibility: The Nines is fully accessible for guests with disabilities, offering accessible rooms with roll-in showers and wheelchair access throughout the property.

7. Value & Pricing

Staying at The Nines is considered an upscale experience, with room prices typically ranging from $251 to $300 per night, though they can vary significantly depending on the season and day of the week, with rates sometimes found from $161 to over $700. While the price point is higher than the average Portland hotel, guests generally find the superior comfort, elegant decor, and access to top-tier facilities to justify the premium, giving it a value score of 8.8. However, additional charges like a mandatory Destination Amenity Fee of $30 plus tax per night (which includes a $30 on-property dining credit) and high valet parking fees ($67 per night, or $85 for oversized vehicles) can add significantly to the overall cost and are sometimes a point of contention. Marriott Bonvoy members can sometimes find rooms for 40,000 to 63,000 points.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring criticisms include:

• High Parking Fees: The cost of valet parking ($67-$85 per night) is a frequent complaint, with some guests opting for cheaper, nearby public parking garages.
• Destination Amenity Fee: The mandatory nightly Destination Amenity Fee, even with the dining credit, is occasionally viewed negatively, especially for shorter stays where the full credit might not be utilized per night.
• Room Size: While well-designed, some standard rooms are described as compact, which might feel tight for couples.
• Noise: A few guests have reported hallway noise from other guests, impacting sleep quality in some rooms.
• Inconsistent Cleanliness/Service (Isolated Incidents): While not widespread, there have been isolated reports of issues with room cleanliness or slow room service, which the hotel management has acknowledged and aimed to address.
• Restaurant Reservations: The rooftop restaurant, Departure, can be fully booked, and some guests wish hotel guests had priority or exclusive access.

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