Boutique Retreat at The Sentinel Portland

Historical luxury at The Sentinel Portland

By Rachael Weir, Five Star Alliance

The Sentinel Portland's Reception Desk & Lobby

On a recent visit to the City of Roses, I had the opportunity to stay at The Sentinel Portland. From the moment I arrived at the luxury boutique hotel, I felt immediately welcomed by the cordial staff at the front desk and the library-like feel of the lobby with emerald green wingback chairs. As well as the desk with a vintage typewriter waiting for guests to type some thoughts, and the grand ceiling indicative of the property's storied past. 

Typewriter at The Sentinel

The Sentinel Portland is part of the Provenance Hotels group, offering signature amenities such as pillow and spiritual menus, along with partnerships with local producers for unique in-room amenities like Salt & Straw Ice Cream, Smith Tea, and Bee Local Honey. The boutique property consists of two historic properties, the Seward Hotel (The Sentinel's East Wing) and the former Portland Elks Lodge (The Sentinel's West Wing). Built in 1909, the Seward was a boutique hotel designed by an Oregon architect, and designated a National Historic Landmark in the 1980s. In 1992, it reopened as a boutique hotel after a massive renovation, and was transformed into The Sentinel Hotel in 2012. 

The Sentinel exterior and Jake's Grill

I arrived early in the morning from the train station, the front desk staff cordially checked our bags, and we were able to relax in the adjacent Starbucks reachable via a hallway just off the lobby. 

Providing a convenient location in downtown Portland, The Sentinel Portland luxury hotel is within walking distance of a variety of Portland attractions including shopping at Pioneer Square, dining in the Pearl District, the riverfront Saturday Market, and the iconic Powell's Books. 

Upon entering my Parlor Suite on the sixth floor (6026), I felt like I had an apartment in Portland. The living room area had a plush sofa with a pull-out bed, a well-stocked minibar with local snacks, a writing desk, and large flat-screen TV. 

Parlor Suite Living Room at The Sentinel

There were double doors leading to the bathroom and bedroom that could be closed for privacy, and the cozy bedroom had a gas fireplace, jazz music playing, lots of storage space, a herringbone chair for reflecting with a glass of wine by the fire, and windows providing panoramic views of the city. 

Parlor Suite Bedroom Fireplace at The Sentinel

The plush king bed was adorned with a locally-crafted Pendleton wool blanket, as well as a pillow menu and spiritual menu for customized sleep experiences. 

Parlor Suite Bedroom at The Sentinel

The large bathroom had a deep soaking tub, separate walk-in shower, and a three-tier metal stand with bathroom amenities and space for one's own toiletries. 

Parlor Suite Bathroom at The Sentinel

In addition to the well-appointed suite, one of my favorite features of the Sentinel hotel Portland was "The Room at the End of the Hall." 

The Room at the End of the Hall at The Sentinel

Equipped with a brown leather sofa, extremely large flat-screen TV, and a pantry with coffee, tea, ice water, snacks, and a selection of cold beverages like coconut water and root beer, the exclusive space was complimentary to guests staying on the sixth floor to enjoy at their leisure. 

The Lounge in the Room at the End of the Hall

The Room at the End of the Hall Amenities

Reachable via a grand historic staircase that leads down to the restaurant from the lobby, Jake's Grill at the Sentinel offers a classic setting for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Stairwell from the lobby to Jake's Grill at The Sentinel

Featuring a classic steakhouse type feel with dark woods, large windows, and green velvet drapes, Jake's Grill has an menu featuring steak and seafood in a historic setting. 

Jake's Grill at The Sentinel

For cocktails and casual dining in a creative space, Jacknife has a distinctive setting just off the lobby that showcases the building's architecture while providing guests with a warm retreat for crafted cocktails, local brews, snacks, and sandwiches. 

Check availability at The Sentinel

After staying at The Sentinel Hotel, we can say it is one of the best hotels in Portland for its signature services and amenities, historic architecture, attention to service, and ideal location in the heart of the city close to light rail and transit systems. 

In addition to The Sentinel Portland, Five Star Alliance offers a curated collection of the top luxury hotels in Portland.