The Heathman Hotel in downtown Portland boasts a modern look, a notable library of signed books, and surprisingly affordable rates — though standard rooms start small

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• The Heathman is an iconic, historic hotel in Portland, merging classic architecture and postmodern works of art with updated interiors and a great downtown location.
• The hotel underwent a major renovation in 2018 leaving rooms and public spaces fresh, stylish, and airy. Especially notable is the soaring two-story library lounge with an excellent collection of signed books.
• I stayed in a King Suite after being upgraded at check-in from an entry-level Deluxe King, and found the hotel to be an excellent value given its style, personal service, and location.
• Read all Business Insider hotel reviews here.

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When I was invited to read from my new book at the Portland Book Festival recently, I chose to stay at The Heathman Hotel in the heart of Portland's cultural district. Built in 1927, the Heathman is a recently-renovated boutique hotel well-suited for art lovers.

Restored in 1984 and updated again in 2018, the Heathman is a terrific example of an older, unabashedly classic hotel that's been lightened and brightened to feel stylish and elegant, while still retaining its quintessential Portland spirit.

One of the city's last grand hotels, the Heathman has long been a hub of the city's cultural life (from the 1930s to the 1950s, its mezzanine was home to the studios of Portland radio station KOIN, the main stop for any musician passing through the city). Today, the hotel feels fresh-faced and offers genuinely personal service that isn't stuffy or "grand," but instead, spot-on for this casually trendy city.

Entry-level rooms start small but come at prices significantly lower than similarly located Portland hotels, making it an excellent deal. Standard room rates start as low as $128 during off season, but can rise to $322 during popular August and September weekends.

Although I originally booked an entry-level Deluxe King room for $146 a few weeks before my stay, I was upgraded a King Suite (which typically starts at $269) at check-in and appreciated the extra space.

Bookworms will especially love spending time in the hotel's two-story library lounge that features an impressive collection of reads, many of which have been personally signed for the hotel.

• The first impression
• The room
• On-site amenities
• What's nearby
• What others say
• What you need to know
• The bottom line
• Book The Heathman Hotel starting at $128 per night