The Woodlark Hotel, once home to the Cornelius Hotel (1908), is housed in a pair of historic buildings. Designed by noted Portland architect John Virginius Bennes, the Woodlark is styled in the rare Pacific Northwest 20th century Baroque revival style.
Back in its heyday, the building boasted a dramatic coffered lobby ceiling, a French mansard roof, expansive gathering spaces, exterior hand masonry and terracotta and was lovingly referred to as the “House of Welcome” in the 1920’s.
You can still view this historic moniker via its iconic sign. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Woodlark fuses history, luxury and hospitality.
Rooms
The moment I walk into my Superior King corner bedroom, I’m greeted with a pine green palette, white walls, pretty green floral patterned wallpaper and modern brass light fixtures. There’s plenty of natural daylight streaming from the large windows, thoughtfully complemented by both sheer and blackout curtains.
A brass clothing rack extends from the ceiling while a useful table with drawer sits beneath for daily essentials.
I like the use of brass towel racks and towel hooks in the bathroom, dimmer lighting, and the in-room airco/heating system that includes a dehumidifier setting.
Room types range from double bedrooms all the way up to the Woodlark Suite, with sweeping city views, large soaking tub and vaulted ceilings. The beds are very comfy and provided me with some sound shut-eye.
Amenities
From free high-speed wifi to USB ports in the room, the Woodlark Hotel offers quality Bowen Island, BC-crafted Sangre de Fruta toiletries in the bathroom, a 24-hour fitness centre, an in-room safe, Bluetooth speaker and a garment steamer for nights on the town.
Dining
Onsite is Bullard Tavern, a destination restaurant that offers local, seasonal items for lunch, happy hour, dinner, drinks and brunch.
[Entrance to Bullard Tavern]
The 40-seat Abigail Hall has a luxurious interior and is housed in the Cornelius Hotel’s original Ladies Reception Hall (dating to 1907). It once served as suffrage leader aka the ‘pioneer Woman Suffragist of the great Northwest’ Abigail Scott Duniway’s headquarters.
[Abigail Hall]
No suffering to be had in the present day though as guests can select from an array of cocktails as well as mulled wine, Irish coffee, mocktails and a happy hour menu. Breakfast will soon be served here as well.
Additionally, greet the afternoon in style with Abigail’s high tea service ($38 per person), featuring a selection of teas by local tea purveyor Smith Tea.
The lobby coffee bar, Good Coffee, is the spot for seasonal lattes, the standards (Americano, Cappuccino, cold-brewed coffee, espresso), teas, and a selection of fresh-baked goods to kick-start your day.
[Portland Art Museum]
In the Hood
Boutique property Woodlark Hotel is right in the heart of the downtown and Pearl Districts, within walking distance of the Portland Art Museum, Powell’s City of Books, several restaurants, shops and cafés and about a 20-minute drive from Portland International Airport.
The Woodlark Hotel is located at 813 SW Alder Street in Portland. I was a guest of Hotel DeLuxe via Travel Portland. Opinions, as always, are my own.
