Wondering what to do for Valentine’s Day this year? Well, we have been busy taking reservations like crazy for our “My Chocolate Valentine” special hotel package, so get it while you still can. Along with your overnight accommodation, you’ll receive gourmet chocolates from the Two Tart Bakery and a bottle of Oregon Pinot Noir upon your arrival.

Intrigued? We’re including, in this fabulous evening, a gift certificate to Cacao for a before-dinner treat. That goes along with a food and drink voucher for our romantic restaurant, Gracie’s. If you want to cuddle up in one of our fantastic comfy beds (with our extra special pillow menu) and get in the mood with a romance, you can check out a movie at the front desk. We’ve got some great old classics to choose from, as well as some modern flicks. In the morning, head back to Gracie’s for complimentary mochas. Yum.

Ciao,

Emily

I would be bucking the stereotype if I didn’t tell you about this delectable event, and that sounds like too much effort so early in the new year. So, I’ll admit I’m one of those: Hi, I’m Emily and I’m a chocoholic. You can just bet you’ll see me at the World Forestry Center’s 5^th Annual Chocolate Fest.

It’s only two slim days, so to speak, but they are days filled with dark, milk, and white deliciousness. Of course there will be vendors, presentations and demonstrations. That’s all fine and good, but my time there will be spent doing what every chocolate lover should and will be doing: tasting. And if there is anyone out there who believes that it’s all about the same, it is time to learn a lesson. A sweet, sweet lesson.

Ciao,

Emily

I always think that, after the excitement and chaos of the holidays, January can seem pretty dull. It’s a great time to travel, everyone’s gotten their ya-yas out flying in November in December, and it’s a perfect time to see Oregon.

If you have a business trip to Portland coming up, or even if you don’t, you should take advantage of the “three nights for the price of two” hotel special. You can spend a day tooling around the city one day— the world-famous Powell’s Books is just a quick stroll from the deLuxe, and there are great restaurants and boutiques in the same ‘hood—and then maybe head out for a cool hike in Forest Park the next day (it’s the country’s largest inner-city park, BTW). Spending a few days, and getting a third night free, is a great way to see a great city, if you ask me.

Have fun,

Brandon

OK, this is a great idea: I love hanging out in Portland on New Year’s Eve. But, I’m really not into driving home with all the yahoos who have lived it up a little too much.

So, this year my friends and I will be at the Hotel deLuxe. OK, I work there, so it seems like home away from home, but I think anyone would have a blast. There’s going to be a great party, a cool New Orleans-style jazz band, The Stolen Sweets, dancing, and general carrying on. If you stay the night, you get free parking, two drink tickets, midnight champagne, and of course, entrance to the big bash. And if you’ve ever been to the deLuxe, with all the old-timey glitz, you know it’s a perfect spot for it.

Have fun,
Brandon

Every year the Portland zoo goes all out and turns into a really cool light show. We Portlanders like to call it Zoolights (and so, um, does the zoo). And if you think it’s just for kids, it’s not. Even the biggest Scrooge would really be into it.

The zoo grounds are totally transformed by more than 200 lighted, moving animals (not the real ones, of course). They’re swinging around and jumping, like a great big game. Everywhere you look there’s something you didn’t expect to see. There’s music, by local choirs and high school bands, every night. The zoo stays open an hour later during the season, so plenty of time to check it out, even on a weeknight. Oh, and there are the real animals too, so get out there.

Have fun,
Brandon

I don’t know about you, but I’ve about had it with holiday shopping. Every time I think of the perfect gift for someone, and finally find it, I realize that I already gave it to them three years ago. That’s why the Rose City Collector’s Market is different (and better, if you ask me).

This year, everyone’s getting something unique from me, an actual one-of-a-kind gift. You don’t have to love antiques (even though I do) to appreciate the Collector’s Market. There is so, so much to choose from. I know my nephew will go crazy for the cool vintage Hot Wheels, my mom will love the depression era glassware, and my girlfriends will go gaga for the antique jewelry. I will love knowing that there’s no way anyone got them the same thing I did.

Happy holidays!
Emily

The Portland Art Museum has a fantastic exhibit going on: China Design Now. China is growing fast, everyone’s talking about it, and the exhibit explores the fascinating art that is being created during its rapid growth. The amazing design, architecture, paintings, and multi-media pieces give you some sense of how the Chinese themselves feel about and are reacting to the major changes going on around them.

Here’s what I’d do: Head over to Chinatown early in the day, tuck into the fabulous dim sum at Fong Chong’s (the chicken hum bao’s my favorite), walk off your lunch at the Chinese Gardens, then head over to the museum. If you go on December 1, there will be a docent to guide you through the exhibit. I might end the day with a cocktail and potstickers at Dragonfish’s fantastic happy hour, but that’s just me.

Chow,
Emily

Depending on where you live, there are the things that tell everyone that your city is in the holiday spirit. For me, I look forward every year to heading downtown at the end of November (still just a little bit full from Thanksgiving), and watching the Tree Lighting Ceremony at Pioneer Square. This is the 25th anniversary, so I’m thinking it’ll be extra special this year.

There’s such a feeling of community; everyone is all comfied up in their knit hats and scarves, kids bundled in down coats and boots. People are sipping hot cocoa and hot apple cider (thanks, Starbucks), finding a spot on the bricks, with their fuzzy blankets in tow, to settle in for a while. And, when the lights go on, wow. It’s like it’s suddenly Christmas time. It’s definitely one of those nights when the Square really does feel like Portland’s living room.

Ciao,
Emily

Last month I mentioned how great the Driftwood Room Bar at the Hotel deLuxe is, so I figured I should tell you why. First, a little history: Our hotel was originally the Mallory Hotel, built in 1912, now listed on the US National Register of Historic Places. It was the kind of place that people in the know knew about. A little off the beaten track, but special.

The deLuxe wanted to keep that vibe, and the Driftwood Room is a perfect example. Tucked away in a quiet corner, you feel like you’ve discovered something a little bit secret. It’s cozy, comfortable, and sophisticated, all at the same time. The bartenders are true mixologists, always coming up with amazing new concoctions. And the Driftwood’s bar menu is one of the best around.

Here’s what I’d have… I’d start with a Caesar, followed by Smoked Roasted Chicken Chowder, with a Tiramisu Coffee for dessert. Now, that’s the way to spend a rainy Portland evening.

Ciao,
Emily

For the record, Billy Joel and Elton John are a bit before my time. Or, should I say, they started out before my time. The thing is, they’re still going. Their best stuff, in my opinion, was in the 70s, but they’ve lasted, because they’re genuises. That’s right, genuises. I’m going out on a limb here (there’s a secret shame quotient here), so go with me.

It’s just amazing that they’re performing, together, at the Rose Quarter. The show, November 10, sounds like it’ll be one of those once-in-a-lifetime events. They both have reputations as great showmen—everyone I know who’s seen either of them says they’re sort of super-human, so stage savvy and talented that you’re sort of transported. Hey, I’m going; I know all the words to most of the songs anyway. And you know you do, too.

Ciao,
Emily