Review: Canopy by Hilton Portland Pearl District

Set the scene for us. Maybe you came via the Portland Streetcar (there’s a stop a block away), perhaps you traveled old school glamour-style in an Amtrak sleeper car (historic Union Station is a five-minute walk); however you arrived in this neck of the Pearl District, you’ll be happy to rest your feet in the airy lobby or brick-walled Winter Garden atrium. Relax with with a glass of Elk Cove pinot noir or pFriem IPA, contemplate the walls of contemporary art, and perhaps pet a passing corgi (VIPs, i.e., Very Important Pups, are welcome). You'll also notice eco-friendly touches at this Gold LEED-certified hotel like filtered water dispensers, free bike rentals, full-size bathroom amenities, and rooftop beehives. This a comfortable home base for travelers who prefer to be near downtown but not in the thick of it.

Tell us all about the accommodations. Rooms are sufficiently spacious and brightened by floor-to-ceiling windows, the modern industrial vibe accented by polished concrete floors lined with soft striped rugs (bring warm socks if you’re prone to getting cold feet, or use the pair provided in the room), white walls hung with color-splashed regional artwork, plaid and blondewood headboards, cushioned chaise lounges (in the king rooms), and ergonomic leather desk chairs. Those who value a good night’s sleep will be big fans of the uber-comfortable signature Canopy memory foam beds. Train buffs, ask for a corner king room with a view of Union Station’s iconic “Go By Train” clocktower.

Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? Wi-Fi is speedy and free throughout the hotel and in your room.

Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? Named for the city’s beloved Vaux Swifts—which mesmerize the eager crowds that gather annually on the slopes of Northwest Portland’s Chapman Elementary School come September—the hotel’s handsome Vaux restaurant offers a nightly dinner menu and Sunday brunch in the dining room or on the patio. Expect an uncomplicated menu of well-prepared classics, like deviled eggs, a handful of pizzas, and a crispy pork cutlet sandwich on a homemade potato bun, alongside a solid selection of Oregon beer, wine, kombucha, and CBD-spiked sodas (this is Portland, after all), plus a dozen or so house cocktails.

If you're traveling on business and looking for healthy snacks to tide you over between meetings or easy meals to eat in your room while working on tomorrow’s presentation, the excellent family-owned World Foods market is two blocks away, and Whole Foods is a short walk south (stop at Powell’s City of Books en route). If in-room coffee won't cut it for you, try Barista or Nossa Familia, both highly respected neighborhood coffee bars, or walk down to darling Snow Bunny for a Coava cappuccino and apple jam waffle, best consumed across the street in The Fields Park. The ordinarily excellent hotel breakfast is on hold due to the pandemic, but breakfast bags are available upon request. If you must have your breakfast pastry though, you’re best off walking around the corner to chef Marius Pop’s Nuvrei bakery for an almond croissant (hopefully still warm) and box of jewel-toned macarons to go.

Anything to note about the service? Service is upbeat and efficient, the staff is happy to loan you a bike, point you towards a cool shop, and help you figure out where to park, walk the dog, or grab a really good cup of neighborhood coffee.

What type of travelers will you find here? Business travelers kicking back after a long day of downtown meetings chat into their phones in the lobby, solo travelers bonding over a game of foosball in the atrium, couples coming back from a bike ride around the waterfront just in time to make their dinner reservation at lively Mediterranean Exploration Company or longtime Peruvian favorite Andina. There's also a wriggly parade of happy four-legged guests giving everything a good sniff.

What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? The Peal District is one of Portland’s most charming neighborhoods, an abandoned warehouse district and railyard turned energetic inner city oasis crowded with diverse condominium buildings, stately brick townhomes, and thoughtfully designed parks. But while restaurants, craft cocktail bars, coffee houses, breweries, boutiques, and galleries abound, hotel rooms are in shorter supply, which makes the Canopy a boon for anyone who loves the Pearl’s urban residential feel coupled with its proximity to local landmarks like Powell’s and Union Station, not to mention the easy walkability and streetcar access to downtown, the Alphabet District, and Washington Park’s natural delights.

Is there anything you'd change? Valet is temporarily suspended due to the pandemic, so parking can be a bit of a pain. The staff will help direct you to a nearby pay lot, or if you’re the disciplined sort, make sure you’ve downloaded the Parking Kitty app—the city’s very own official mobile parking app—and keep e-plugging the meter and moving your car as needed between the enforcement hours (8am to 7pm Monday through Saturday, 1pm to 7pm on Sundays).

Any other hotel features worth noting? Dogs are not only welcome here, they get a special BarkBox toy and all natural dog treats at check-in courtesy of the hotel’s Paws in the Neighborhood program, plus your room will be ready with a Just-Right dog bed and water and food bowl set. You and Fido will also get a curated guide filled with everything a cool cat (er, dog) needs to know about the area.

Bottom line: Why are we choosing Canopy? The eco-friendly aura coupled with comfortable rooms and fun artistic design elements make this a worthy choice, especially if you’re keen on the prime Pearl location.