the Nines - Portland

the Nines is part of The Luxury Collection of hotels in the Starwood portfolio.  Located in the Meier & Frank Building in the Pioneer Square area of Portland makes the Nines centrally located close to many restaurants and shops.  The MAX light rail station is located across the street, so it is very easy to get to via public transportation.

Upon entering the hotel, there are bellman and front desk staff however you will be directed to the 8^th floor to check-in.

8th Floor Hallway

After exiting the elevator on the 8^th floor, you will be greeted by a stream of flowing purple curtains.  The front desk is located behind the bank of elevators.  The rest of the hotel is decorated in Tiffany blue.

The front desk agent was courteous and professional, but not on the friendly side.  He acknowledged my SPG Gold status, and presented me an envelope upon check-in.  I had booked the room through a Virtuoso agent, and the letter outlined all of the Virtuoso benefits, which was not explained by the agent.  Perhaps he did not know too much about the benefits other than asking me if I would like the 4 PM check-out.

I inquired about a possible upgrade to the Club Level as the SPG site and app showed many rooms available, but the front desk agent told me that I hadn’t booked that room and that the upgrade would cost $50.  He was strictly by the book; perhaps he was a new employee or on some sort of disciplinary punishment for being too generous about upgrades;o)

14th Floor Hallway

Room 1450

Upon entering the King Deluxe room, there is a small foyer with a spacious closet and wet bar.

Wet Bar

To the right is a very spacious bathroom with ample counter space.  It is neatly decorated with marble tile.  There is only a single sink which is on the smaller side.  Oddly there is only one bathrobe in the room.  There is a shower/tub combo.  Water temperature is excellent, but water pressure could be improved.  Given that the Nines is a LEED certified hotel, shampoo, conditioner and shower gel comes in a pump dispenser rather than individual bottles.  The Bee Kind brand is high quality, as it is made by Gilchrist & Soames from London.

Bathroom

Shower/Tub Combo

Shampoo, Conditioner, Shower Gel

The desk is on the smaller side, but there is sufficient space to get work done.  

TV

Desk

The King bed is super comfortable with quality linens.  The pillows are so soft that it feels like you are resting your head on clouds.  There is a small nightstand on each side of the bed with an outlet, which is greatly appreciated.

Bed

Bed

I was given a room overlooking the outside of the hotel.  There are pillars in front of the window, so getting a good view is like playing a game of hide and seek.

View from Room

About 30 minutes after check-in, a fruit plate and bottle of water was delivered to the room.  Since I did not ask for the amenity upon check-in, I suppose this was more of a Virtuoso benefit.

Virtuoso Letter

Fruit Plate

Water

Several minutes later, the front desk agent called to ensure that everything in the room was okay.  A very small gesture, but one that makes guests feel like the hotel is doing everything to enjoy their stay.

the Nines does pay homage to Meier & Frank history, which is proudly displayed throughout the hotel.

Front Desk Area

Hallway

Courtyard

Courtyard

View of Urban Farmer Restaurant

I would definitely stay here again when in Portland.

Hyatt Regency Long Beach

The Hyatt Regency Long Beach is located adjacent to the Long Beach Convention Center, and I would classify it for as a business/conventioneer hotel.

As you enter the hotel, the lobby opens up into a large airy space.  The lobby is rather large, with a bar, and coffee/pastry shop.

The front desk is straight ahead, and is a long desk rather than kiosks which are prevalent in many hotels now.

Check-in was quick and proficient.  Hyatt Diamond amenities were clearly explained.  The Regency Club closes somewhat early at 9:00 PM.  Since I arrived after the Regency Club had closed, I inquired about getting a couple of bottles of water, and was told to just have the bottles in the room and those would be taken off the bill.  Surely enough, no extra charge for the in-room bottles of water did not show up.  Big points!

I was given a room on the Regency Club floor.  The Regency Club has a large glass window and door, and appeared fairly spacious when walking by.

Key Holder

Upon entering the room, there is an interesting sculpture to hold your keys.  There is an acrylic hand coming out of the wall.  Creepy or cool, you decide?

Bathroom

The bathroom is to the right.  There is a large sink with ample counter space.  The bathroom is somewhat cramped.  There is a shower/tub combo.  The tub is actually very wide compared to most hotels.  Water temperature was excellent however water pressure was sort of low.

There is a small dividing wall between the bathroom and the rest of the room.

The room isn’t huge, but doesn’t feel cramped either.

Desk

There is a small desk that is somewhat small.  Although functional, if you needed a lot of desk space this would be a challenge.  There are many outlets which are easily accessible and appreciated.

There is a small sitting area.

Bed

The bed is comfortable, and plenty pillows are provided.

Outlets on Nightstand

The night stand has two great features.  The first is that outlets are right next to the bed, which many hotels do not have.  Second, there is a motion sensor night light at the bottom of the dresser which is an ingenious idea.  Although most people could navigate their own house in the dark, in a hotel room that poses a bigger challenge.

The Regency Club has two computers for use.  The club isn’t all that big but there is ample seating, with views of the bay.

There are no hot options for breakfast, with the exception of instant oatmeal.  This is a try continental breakfast, which includes fruit, cereal, bread, bagels, muffins, hard boiled eggs and smoked salmon.  The club attendant is very friendly and helpful, making conversation with every guest and clearing dishes quickly.

Overall, this was a very good stay and would consider this property again if in the area.

Hyatt Regency Orange County

The Hyatt Regency Orange County is situated close to Disneyland, and offers shuttle service to and from Disneyland for a nominal fee.  Fortunately, it is away from the Harbor Boulevard and Katella Avenue intersection so foot traffic is not too bad.

Upon entering the hotel, the registration desk is to the left.  Check-in was quick and efficient.  My Hyatt Diamond Status was recognized, and all amenities of the hotel and Diamond amenities were clearly explained.

I was upgraded to an Executive Suite, which is not surprising from what I have heard since over one-third of the rooms are suites.

Bathroom

Shower/Tub Combo

Upon entering the room, the bathroom is located to the right.  There is ample counter space with a shower/tub combination.  The tub is actually on the larger side.  Water pressure and temperature were excellent.

Conference/Dining Table

The room is very open and spacious as there is a large dining/conference table with seating for six.

Wet Bar

There is a small wet bar area with coffee maker and refrigerator.

Desk

The desk is on the smaller side, but with the large dining/conference table that could easily add more work space, it is not a big deal.

Living Room

There is a large seating area with a sectional sofa with a large screen TV.

The TV cabinet acts as a room divider between the bed and the rest of the room.

Bed

The bed is on the softer side, and could use replacing in the near future.  The “bedroom” also has its own flat screen TV.

The room has two thermostats, one for the bedroom and living room area, the other for the dining room/conference table area.

The hotel does not have a Regency Club, so breakfast for Diamond members is in the restaurant.  The menu is on the smaller side, but the buffet does have a wide variety of selections including an omelet station.

Hot options included scrambled eggs, bacon, chicken sausage, pork sausage, potatoes, Monte Cristo sandwiches, waffles, whole grain pancakes and oatmeal.  Other selections include fruit, yogurt, muffins, bread, bagels and cereal.

I stayed in the off season so the hotel was not that crowded, but I can imagine it being a little rowdy once summer rolls around with lots of kids.  There is a small arcade to entertain the little ones as well.  I did not have time to check out the pool or gym.

The stay was very pleasant, and I would definitely stay here again if I needed to be in the area.