The 7: The Nines Hotel, Portland

1. Nine is the lucky number.  It’s like walking in from downtown Portland and into another world. This exquisite take on nouveau Portland is perched atop the old Meier and Frank department store (now Macy’s), kitty corner from Portland’s living room, Pioneer Square. The location is the best in town. The MAX light rail from the airport stops right outside, the new MAX line (opening in September 2009) will run from Amtrak's Union Station to the hotel, and the light rail zips off to a host of destinations in the city, from the zoo to the Convention Center. Every downtown delight of Portland is within easy sashaying distance, including restaurants, bars, the waterfront, Portland Art Museum, an legendary bookstore, Powell’s.

2. Startlobbying. The Nines’ lobby is a thing of beauty. As I sat here writing this, a tour group came through and did a collective “ooh” on seeing the striking seven-story atrium soar up to the vast skylight above, the elegant mannequins posed by check in, the stately sitting areas with their white leather armchairs and couches, brown leather and marble benches, and rich, dark wooden floors. Imposing, glass, cabana-esque structures loom to the right and left as you sashay into the space, adding to the impression there are open skies above. Restaurant Urban Farmer sits ahead behind marble, wood, and glass walls and there’s a billiards room with a fabulous antler light tucked snugly off to the left as you come in to the lobby.

3. Work of art. Starwood Hotels spent $148 million on this gracious hotel and it shows. Every detail is perfect, from the slate and silver vintage patterned wallpaper to the assuredly patterned room and hallway carpets to the pink and powder blue gauzy, gossamer drapes that soften window frames at each elevator bank.

4. The rooms are perfect. There’s just something about a room with an eight-foot, turquoise velvet chaise longue and a 42-inch plasma TV that makes me stay in. Whether during the day with the sun streaming in and views of the action in Pioneer Square below, or at night once turndown had pulled the heavy drapes, turned on the teardrop chandelier, and the room was lit by dancing motes of light, I would quite happily have stayed in.

5. It has enticing eateries. Two of Portland’s most decadent dining destinations nestle within the Nines. On the eighth floor lobby level, Urban Farmer is a thrilling place to brunch, sample hip, local, organic steakhouse fare, or sip a moonshine punch cocktail alongside a boisterous set of pretty but unpretentious Portlanders. Pop in for happy hours between 3 and 6 p.m. for a $5 glass of wine and some sumptuous Kobe sliders. Departures roosts on the top floor, offering Asian fare and spectacular views of the city – and of its most decorative socialites.

6. The Nines is 24/7. The fitness center, business center, valet parking, and room service are all available 24 hours a day. Other pluses you’ll find are that canine companions are welcome at this pet-friendly address, there’s wifi in the rooms, and staff deliver great service.

7. The Nines gets 10 out of 10. With rooms at this magnificent address from just $126, the Nines gets top marks.

The Nines, 525 S.W. Morrison Street; 877-229-9995; www.StarwoodHotels.com