Hasta La Ideas

by Anna Chisholm

Recapturing the heady days of the ’60s and ’70s when groupies hit the road in hot pursuit of the latest music sensation, the Jupiter Hotel in Portland is vintage Americana incarnate. It’s an unassuming roadside motel that houses one of Oregon’s premier music venues and a hub of effervescent creativity.

The Doug Fir Lounge is Jupiter’s main attraction, a softly lit, mod space that also recalls a cowboy cabin and makes for the perfect spot to doctor hangovers with mountainous portions of banana-and-hazelnut pancakes, grandma’s meatloaf, mac and cheese and other delights. By night, the lounge morphs into a musical hothouse, hosting live rock-fueled gigs that showcase bands from around the country. Order the Cowboy Coffee cocktail if you feel yourself waning and you’ll be up until the wild wee hours with the band.

Should you make it to bed, the Dreamsuite is the hotel’s most luxurious option. The joyfully retro boudoir is a place to keep the party going by mixing martinis at your very own bar. The other 80 rooms offer their own stylish sparkle with splashes of canary yellows and earthy greens amid neutral hues and an array of wallpapered photomurals, ranging from the of glammest of glam to the outright hippie. The communal areas, however, are perhaps the most vibrant spaces, giving a chance to brush shoulders with bands still rocking their almost-famous accessibility and plenty of opportunity for bourbon-sipping midnight banter with the crowd of writers, musicians and soul-searching lone rangers seeking creative inspiration.

If you stumbled upon Jupiter Hotel by accident you’d be giving yourself a pat on the back for finding something cool and original—a buzzy hotel-come-commune where you’re bound to leave with a few new entries in your little black book and some great stories to share. While there are quiet corners to be found in this hotel, if you’re looking for a relaxing retreat this probably isn’t your place. If, however, you’re after a totally casual, party palace with retro-fabulous looks and rockabilly attitude, then welcome to paradise.

View images and book this hotel (rack rates start around $110) at Mr & Mrs Smith

Jupiter Hotel

800 East Burnside Street

Portland, OR 97214

tel. +1 866 610 3867