Kimpton Strikes Again: RiverPlace Hotel in Portland

The Kimpton brand offers a consistently reliable, value-oriented accommodations for families seeking kid-friendly hotels in cities across the United States. I recently stayed at one of their Portland properties, RiverPlace Hotel, and recommend the experience. The prime location, warm service, and Kimpton’s special perks make RiverPlace the perfect base for exploring Portland with kids.

RiverPlace highlights for a vacation in Portland with kids:

Amazing location for excursions and day trips

Located on the shore of the Willamette River and just a 10-minute walk from the heart of downtown shopping, eating, and entertainment, RiverPlace is extremely convenient. One side of the property opens out to the riverfront multi-purpose walking path. Families are steps away – literally – from a wonderful area to stroll and play together. Given the river and city views, RiverPlace offers guests a distinctive Portland sense of place.

Although the property is not right in the downtown area, the city center is easy to access on foot with kids for meals and excursions. From the zoo to the Mt. Hood National Forest, there’s a long list of things for families to do in and around Portland from this location.

Exceptional Service

For a boutique chain hotel with value-oriented pricing, the service at RiverPlace is truly exceptional and equals that of a hotel with a much higher price point. The front desk, concierge, and bell desk are wonderfully personable and accommodating and go out of their way to ensure every guest feels like their needs are met.

I’ve never had a more touching welcome gift from any hotel anywhere in the world. The housekeeping staff hand-drew a picture of my family from the Ciao Bambino website. I have no idea if they do this for every guest but it is representative of the attitude at RiverPlace; guests feel special and welcome at RiverPlace every time they interact with the staff, it’s not just a place with a bed for the night.

Variety of Guest Rooms for Families

Our double room with a city view had updated classic décor. The style felt somewhat business versus leisure oriented, but my understanding is that rooms are undergoing a design-focused renovation and will be more consistent with the fun and electic décor Kimpton is known for over time. Irrespective of style, the rooms are clean and well-appointed.

The best part of RiverPlace for families is that there are many suitable categories that accommodate families of four or more people including rooms with two double beds, suites with sofabeds in separate living areas, and riverfront suites with full kitchens and wood-burning fireplaces.

It’s important to note that all these room options have a slightly different standard and design look. Be sure and look closely at the RiverPlace room descriptions and photos before booking.

Love Kimpton Perks

I love Kimpton perks and RiverPlace offers them in spades. There’s a hosted wine hour every night from 5 -6p and a free coffee and hot chocolate bar (with marshmellows!) in the morning. They also offer passes to the adjacent Oregon Athletic Club. And I never stay at Kimpton without asking for a goldfish.

Home-like Lounge and Waterfront Dining

The home-like setting of RiverPlace extends to the reception lounge with a gas fireplace, as well as the adjacent bar with more cozy seating. Three Degrees Bar and Grill is their in-house restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. We didn’t give it a go but the atmosphere is convivial and inviting with front-and-center waterfront views.

Editorial Note: Kimpton provided a media rate for our stay. As always, our opinions are our own. Photos by Amie O’Shaughnessy

Kimpton Hotels on Ciao Bambino:

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