The Portland outpost of the Kimpton group's Monaco brand sits along a busy downtown stretch that, while lacking in curb appeal, provides easy access to the riverfront and the Portland Saturday Market, and is walking distance from the Pearl District and Old Town. A makeover in 2007 freshened up all 221 rooms and suites; all now sport striped wallpaper, beds with leather headboards and 32-inch plasma flat-screen TVs (suites have French doors off the bedrooms leading to expansive sitting areas). All the familiar Monaco amenities are here — like special packages for travelers with pets, complimentary evening wine socials, in-room spa treatments and loaner goldfish on request.

Room to Book: The four 850-sq.-ft. Grand Suites are ubercushy, with two-person jetted Fuji tubs, wet bars and dazzling skyline views.

Insider Tip: At the nightly lobby wine socials, the artistically inclined can request paints and an easel for doodling while sipping Oregon Pinot Noir (a little gimmicky, but still fun).

• 1. Hotel Monaco
  506 SW Washington St., Portland, OR 97204; 503-222-0001 45.5201637-122.676933 monaco-portland.com