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.

Hyatt Regency Century Plaza

Upon approaching the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, you almost don't feel worthy with the line of Rolls Royce's, Bentley's and Maybach's lining the driveway.

With 726 rooms, the hotel is the largest property in the Los Angeles area.  Upon entering the hotel, the space opens up into a very large and spacious lobby and bar area.

The front desk is located to the left.  Check-in was quick and friendly, with all Hyatt Diamond benefits clearly explained.

Since the hotel is so large, there are three banks of elevators which makes it very convenient depending on the location of your room.

Upon exiting the elevator, the hallways are dimly lit and full of dark wood.  It almost has a steakhouse feel.

Bathroom

Shower/Tub COmbo

When first entering the room, the bathroom is located to the left.  There is a single sink with ample counter space.  There is a shower/tub combo with excellent water pressure, and no variance in temperature.

Dresser

There is a dresser with a small flat screen TV on it.  There is also a snack tray on the dresser, as well as a mini bar with overly priced selections for purchase.

Desk

There is a small desk with not much working space.

Sitting Area

There is a sitting chair in the corner.

Bed

The bed is on the softer side, and although comfortable, I woke up a little sore since it did not feel like the bed gave enough support.

View

View

The best feature of the room is probably the balcony with great views of the city and nearby mall.

The room is starting to show signs of wear around the edges.  Wallpaper in the bathroom is starting to peel away from the wall.  The thermostat is aged and the air conditioner does not work all that well.

The Regency Club is oddly located on the first floor.  Selections for snacks and continental breakfast were rather limited.  Breakfast included cut fruit, bagels, muffins, boxes of cereal, oatmeal, hard boiled eggs and smoked salmon.  The club is on the larger side and the attendants were on the friendly side.

Valet parking is on the high side at $36 day.  You can park in the covered parking lot semi-attached to the hotel for $28 during the week, and $15 on the weekend with no in-and-out privileges.

Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina

The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina is located fairly close to Sea World, but is in an isolated location.  This is both good and bad.  There is much less traffic, and subsequently noise in the area, but the hotel is also not located in the heart of the city.

The hotel is divided into three area.  There is the main hotel in which the lobby and some rooms area located.  There is a bigger tower of rooms, along with several ballrooms.  Finally, the suites are located in another area which looks more like a motel from outward appearances.  I have not stayed in one of the suites, so I have no first hand account of what they actually look like inside.

Check-in was rather slow, as there was a wedding and apparently some type of baby beauty pageant in the area.  Why Hyatt has a "dedicated Hyatt Platinum & Diamond" line I will never know, as most Hyatt's will take any guest in this line.  Often times, this check-in area is often empty.

Refrigerator

Upon entering the room, there is counter area that holds an ice bucket and cups.  A small refrigerator is located in the cabinet.

Bathroom

Bathroom

The bathroom is to the left, which holds a shower/tub combo.  Water pressure and temperature were perfectly adequate.  The bathroom is fairly large and holds a large farmhouse sink.

Desk, TV

The bedroom contains a little bench for either sitting or holding your luggage.  The room is not overly large but spacious enough not to feel cramped.  There is a small desk with not much working space, along with a dresser and flat screen TV.  There is also a lounge chair with ottoman.

Bedroom

The bed was slightly firmer than most Hyatt's.  I had a hard time getting comfortable while trying to sleep, and woke up a little sore, however this dissipated as the day went on.  The hotel did provide a plethora of pillows though.

View

The view of the bay can't be beat, especially on a clear sunny day.

The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina is a great getaway for relaxing, but if you want to be in the middle of the action better choices are available.

Blue Duck Tavern - Washington, DC

The Blue Duck Tavern is the highly acclaimed restaurant located inside of the Park Hyatt Washington DC.  Highly acclaimed chef Sebastian Archambault mans the helm at the open kitchen.  Many tears were shed when Archambault left the Andaz West Hollywood to take his talents east to the Park Hyatt.

The restaurant’s open floor plan makes the restaurant appear bigger than it actually is.  Simply decorated yet elegant, another marvelous job by Tony Chi, brings the space to life.

Bread

The meal begins with thick cut country bread with sweet cream butter.  It would be nice if either the bread was warm, the butter softer or both.

Beet Salad

The Roasted Beet Salad ($11) is a take on a classic with goat cheese, but the addition of peanut oil and cherry vinegar gives the salad a sweet, acidic punch.  Although a well composed salad, the beets may not have been cooked long enough to bring out the natural sugars of the purple root vegetable.

Roasted Bone Marrow

The Wood Oven Roasted Bone Marrow ($14) is nature’s luscious fatty goodness.  Topped with granola, which is barely discernible, and red wine apple butter the combination adds a bright note to an otherwise super rich dish.  Served with thick country bread, this is the kind of toast to kick start your day.

Crab Cake

The Jumbo Lump Crab Cake ($16) is filled with huge chunks of briny crab.  There is no filler, and only held together with a little too much mayo sitting atop a mound of coral aoli and frisee. 

Rack of Boar

The Roasted Boar Rack ($28) is a gamier version of pork.  It is also super lean, but still moist and juicy.  Served with braised red cabbage and a bourbon jus, the sweetness of the cabbage uplifts the meatiness of the boar.

Braised Short Rib

The Braised Beef Rib ($25) remains tender and juicy.  Served with a house made steak sauce that was a little too salty, the dish could have been better if the sauce was a little thicker.  Although the beef rib was not “fall apart”, a solid dish nevertheless.

Grits

The Creamy Stone Ground Grits ($8) is paired with smoked gouda, a culinary curveball.  Somehow, the combination works.  The grits are a little loose but could have been a little more enjoyable if it was a little tighter as it would have been a better starch combination with the entrees.

Brussels Sprouts

The Brussels Sprouts ($8) was a dish that just did not work for me.  It contained cranberries, which did add some acid and sweetness.  I am not fond of sweet things in savory dishes, so this was a turn-off for me.  It also had preserved lemons, which added more bitterness than the probably intended bright citrus note to cut through the bacon.

Pumpkin Creme Brulee

The Pumpkin Crème Brulee ($9) wih pumpkin seed brittle, tasted like rich pumpkin pie filling.  It had the texture of soft custard, and not too sweet which let the taste of pumpkin shine through. 

Honey Vanilla Ice Cream

The Honey Vanilla ice cream ($8) is served in a hugely large serving dish with a large wooden spoon.  Underneath the gaudy exterior of the serving dish, is some top rate ice cream.  Flecks of vanilla bean run throughout the rich and creamy custard.

Apple Pie

The Apple Pie ($9) is the signature dish of the restaurant.  Unfortunately, this was the worst apple pie that I have ever had in my life.  The crust was dry and chewy, the filling was also dry and the apples seemed like they were almost dehydrated.  The streusel topping was salty and inedible.  I don’t if the pastry chef had an off day, but the dish was so bad that I had to send it back.

I like the farm to table concept of the Blue Duck Tavern, but it seems like the kitchen was having an off day on my visit.  Most dishes were okay, but not worthy of the accolades that have garnered the restaurant.  Although most of the dishes were solid, some of the dishes were a bit too salty.