Tuesday, July 7, 2009

View Point Inn -- Panoramic Paradise


It is curious that I would blog about an Inn three thousand miles away from DC. But while this forum is dedicated to reviewing social venues in the DC area, I see no harm in writing some choice words about the View Point Inn, a small bed & breakfast just east of Portland, Oregon. Who knows, maybe some of my readers are planning a trip out west.

July 4th weekend was my first time visiting the Pacific Northwest, much less Portland, and fortunately for me my girlfriend booked us for an evening at the View Point Inn. As a west coast “newbie” my preconceived notions of Portland were very much limited to what you might read in tourist pamphlets—a big city with small town charm, an amalgam of coffee shops and hipster lifestyle. But what I was most impressed with is Portland’s surrounding countryside. It is its natural resources that provide Portland with its greatest appeal, and the View Point Inn captures this with comfort and class.

Located approximately 20 miles east of Dowtown Portland, on Interstate 84, the View Point Inn is a quick jaunt from the city, and easily accessible. We spent the day about half an hour east enjoying the handful of wineries overlooking Mt. Hood, and concluded our outing at the View Point Inn.

There are four rooms, three of which share a bathroom, and although I was reticent about sharing a bathroom, it is not as inconvenient as you might think. It is very private, and the facilities are everything that you would expect from an upscale Inn. I am less than knowledgeable regarding personal care, but my girlfriend assures me that their L’Occitane products are top notch. We stayed in “Le Petite Alcove” room that although small, is incredibly charming, and runs around $125 per night. The Roosevelt Suite, which overlooks the Columbia River Gorge is about $350 per night, and has its own private bathroom. The view alone is worth it.

The service at View Point is impeccable. If you need anything, all you have to do is ask, and you will be accommodated. They are thorough, but not intrusive, and incredibly cordial. Upon arrival we were given complementary beverages from their unique cocktail list. I chose the “New Fashioned” a concoction slightly altered from its “Old Fashioned” counterpart. Bourbon and Ginger with muddled lemons and cherries, it was strong and refreshing. If bourbon is not your poison, there are a plethora of other cocktails, all of which are good (we pretty much tried all of them).

In the evening, you can relax at the bar, which is a converted garage (and very tastefully done) or you can mingle on the patio or deck, all of which have vibrant panoramic views of the Columbia River. You can pick your spot for dinner. If the weather is rainy, you can eat inside. The weather was gorgeous during our stay so we chose to dine on the manicured lawn—a front row seat for a dynamic and brilliant Portland sunset.

Our meal was excellent. It is curious that they serve Wild ATLANTIC Salmon as I was looking for some left coast flavor, but it was exceptional. Pan Seared to perfection and a hearty helping, I was completely satisfied. The roasted fingerling potatoes were a wonderful complement, along with the grilled asparagus that comes with the entrée.

Small, quaint, comfortable, gorgeous, relaxing—these words do View Point minimal justice. You have to experience it to truly get it. And even if you don’t want to spring for a room, a dinner reservation is all that you need to enjoy the ambiance, service, and relaxing vistas that the View Point has to offer. Many of the patrons were there just to enjoy an evening of tranquility. It is conveniently close to the city, and based on the July 4th attendance, is one of the best-kept secrets in Portland.

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