Exclusive | Women's Travel: U.S. West Part Three

PORTLAND

STAY
The Governor (611 S.W. Tenth Ave; 503-224-3400 or 800-554-3456; $195+)
You might not recognize the Governor from the gay grunge classic, My Own Private Idaho. It?s a 1909 hotel on the National Register of Historic Places that evokes the city's past as no other can. Fireplaces, wood paneling, and a huge mural depicting Lewis and Clark's expedition greet visitors in the lobby. With only 100 rooms, the hotel is small enough to feel cozy and rustic, yet elegant and exclusive at the same time.

Hotel Monaco (506 SW Washington St; 888/207-2201;; $199+) Sip Oregon wine in this 1912 boutique hotel (one of the Top 500 hotels in the world, according to Travel and Leisure magazine). The hotel is filled with local art and ornate touches. A lovely, helpful staff is on hand. The Red Star restaurant offers diverse pan-American flavors.

Hotel Deluxe (729 SW 15th Ave; 503-219-2094; $149+) ups the glam factor. Classic Hollywood style prevails, rooms are generous and luxurious, and downstairs? dimly lit Driftwood Room is on hand for hip sips, tasty treats, and all sorts of intrigue.

The Jupiter (800 East Burnside Street; 503-230-9200; $59+)
Adjacent to Hawthorne, the Jupiter is a sleekly renovated 80-room motel, home to post modern style temple, the Doug Fir Lounge. The downstairs venue features excellent cutting-edge bands and frequent lesbian club events. Any night of the week, cruisey women eye each other in line for the bar. There's even a sex toy and porn store in one of the motel rooms.

EAT
Typhoon (2310 N.W. Everett Street; 503-243-7557; and 410 S.W. Broadway; 503-224-8285; $8-18)
The addictive Typhoon delivers sumptuous Thai food, from peasant plates to food fit for kings.

With to-die-for city views, succulent dishes, and herbs and chickens living on its roof, Rocket (1111 E. Burnside St.; 503-236-1110; $16-29) is the talk of the town.

Lesbian-owned Mint (816 N. Russell St.; 503-460-0820; $11-18) is stirring things up in the Eliot neighborhood. Cosmopolitan Mint's Nuevo Latino food is a perfect complement to the luscious libations created by owner, nationally acclaimed mixtress, Lucy Brennan.

The Oregonian's Restaurant of the Year in 2005, Andina (1314 N.W. Glisan St.; 503-228-9535; $18-29) is quite the restaurant name to drop. Peruvian cuisine reigns at this sophisticated, family-owned Pearl District spot.

Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five | Part Six

Related Articles:
Women's Travel: Introduction
Women's Travel: U.S. South
Women's Travel: U.S. East
Women's Travel: Canada/Mexico
Women's Travel: Europe
Women's Travel: Tours & Events
Women's Travel: Travel Safety