22 April 2012
We were looking forward to our stay at Avalon but were very disappointed by
noisy corridors, thin walls, cold water, and no in-room fridge.
Avalon Hotel and Spa Guest Reviews
19 April 2012
Nice Spa hotel off the beaten path, but fine for my needs. need to update the
TVs in the rooms, no LCDs.
Otherwise and enjoyable experience.
Avalon Hotel and Spa Guest Reviews
16 April 2012
This was our first time here (we got a package deal through "LivingSocial") and
my husband and I went for an overnight get-away; we live in the nearby city of
Beaverton. We booked a couples' massage and thoroughly enjoyed that 60 minute,
deep-pressure-massage experience. We also enjoyed the whirlpool, sauna and steam
room included with any spa service. We thought the room was great because it was
clean, it had a nice layout, it had a comfortable bed, and it included a view of
the river. The continental breakfast in the morning was wonderful! Fresh
chocolate-chip scones and nut-spice bread, fresh fruit, orange juice, coffee,
yogurt, milk with cereal options and Muesili was all available. One thing we did
not enjoy was our dining experience at the Aquariva restaurant. The garlic bread
and squash soup were excellent but the main dishes we ordered (duck and
albacore) were bland-tasting and unimpressive for the price. The menu offered
little variety and the descriptions of the food were foreign - eat elsewhere in
my opinion!!! We took a walk along the paved path that borders the river and
that was a highlight of our stay.
Avalon Hotel and Spa Guest Reviews
16 April 2012
The hotel was in a lovely location! Directly across the water from, I believe,
Ross Island. Watched dragon boats, kayaks, and all other manner of flotation go
by. The paved pathway along the river was a lovely stroll. The room was
comfortable and the bathroom huge! All staff were friendly and courteous, and
the valet parking is a big bonus! The meal at Aquariva was very delicious, I had
a gnocchi with lobster and truffles! Nice atmosphere, friendly service, and
wonderful food! I did not have any spa treatments, but had full access to the
whirlpool and two saunas and gym! Wonderful visit and I hope to "escape" back to
Avalon soon!
Avalon Hotel and Spa Guest Reviews
16 April 2012
My wife and I have had the opportunity to travel a lot for both work and
pleasure. Between the two of us, we've been in 5-star hotels in Hong Kong to
sketchy roadside joints in Greenville, SC and everything in between. So it is
with a heavy heart that I can not give a full glowing recommendation to the
Avalon Hotel in our hometown of Portland, Oregon. We wanted to treat ourselves
to a nice resort close to home-- this didn't quite cut it.
With luxury hotels, the true mark of exclusivity is the small things and little
touches-- any old place can set you up with a bed, shower and TV-- it's these
minor elements then which set an upscale property apart. So I couldn't help but
notice on our first trip to the room that the receded light fixtures in the
hallway walls were all missing their frosted glass, exposing bare bulbs. A minor
thing, sure-- but that set the tone for the trip. First, the positives: The
staff was efficient and courteous and the lobby was a relaxing and impressive
space. Our room was an end cap suite at the end of the hall with a back porch
that looked onto the Willamette River. It was a peaceful setting to be sure. We
booked a couple's massage in the Avalon's fantastic spa, and it was worth every
penny-- I just may go back there to get treated again for my sports injury. And
the Aquariva Restaurant on the property is a criminally underrated jewel in a
city known for being a foodie hotspot.
As for the negatives... again, the small errors crept in: a rather noticeable
wine stain (at least I hope that was wine!) in our room's carpet, easily
cleanable with the right equipment-- why leave a stained carpet in a luxury
suite?! The room itself was surprisingly bland and the decor was a bit of a
mishmash. My sink's faucet nozzle was cross threaded and shot water out at a
45-degree angle. The 2 TVs were older and pretty worn out, so the picture
quality was dark. The gas fireplace was insanely noisy. My bedside lamps were
both missing their on/off switches. There was graffiti/tagging in the wood
paneled elevator. This may be nitpicking to some, but when you pay for a room at
a place considered one of the more upscale hotels in the city, you expect a
top-flight experience. Had we stayed in a lesser property, I'd let these sorts
of things slide; as it was, I can only recommend the Avalon for some of its
points: a great spa, a comfortable enough bed, and an excellent restaurant. If
they only paid more attention to those little elements that separate the great
hotels from the average ones, they'd have a winner on their hands-- but for now
the Avalon is just an average hotel with upscale pricing that aspires to be
something more than it is.
Avalon Hotel and Spa Guest Reviews
Mar 24, 2010
As always it was the best.....the beds are delightful, relaxing and the best
sleep in months. The staff is very accommodating, I always have a great stay.
Avalon Hotel and Spa Guest Reviews
Mar 20, 2010
My wife and I enjoyed a special anniversary when we discovered the Avalon Hotel
and Spa, just outside the downtown core on the Willamette River. Great spa with
excellent massage.
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