Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 /
Alice
1895 Richardsonian Romanesque historical landmark building
Are you a connoisseur of fine wine? Does your passion run deep for this product of the vine? Even if you fall in a different area of the wine lover’s spectrum you are going to love Hotel Vintage Plaza. It is Portland’s premier wine hotel. Every evening between 5 and 6 is wine hour at Vintage Plaza when guests can indulge in some of Oregon’s finest offerings. Every other Wednesday provides wine sessions where guest winemakers from the Northwest speak, educate, and share their knowledge of this complex and ever evolving drink with hotel guests.
Vintage Plaza is attentive to details and has provided many unexpected touches. Work desks in guest rooms are outfitted with ergonomic desk chairs. You will also find organic and earth-friendly Aveda bath products along with animal print bath robes – a fun and unconventional departure from the traditional white terry robe. The hotel also offers in-room spa options such as massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. Vintage Plaza is pet friendly, but should you leave your furry companion home, you’ll find a temporary replacement nestled on your guest room bed in the form of a stuffed teddy bear. In addition to these fine details, the hotel has partnered with Pazzo Ristorante which combines the seasonal bounty of the Pacific Northwest with the cuisine of Northern Italy. Or for a relaxed breakfast, lunch, or espresso on the go, stop in at Pazzoria Bakery and Cafe.
Located in what was one time the Imperial Hotel, the 1895 Richardsonian Romanesque building is a historical landmark. The Vintage Plaza provides wonderful comfort and impeccable service from their staff including assistance for the visually impaired to help them get from place to place within the hotel. But, unfortunately, due to the buildings historicity, they are unable to reconfigure bathrooms to provide roll-in showers for those who have mobility issues, but do have a number of spacious ADA guest rooms with bathtubs.
The lobby's wine display
Teddy bear nestled in pillows.
Guest Room
HOTEL VINTAGE PLAZA
422 SW Broadway
Portland, OR 97205
www.vintageplaza.com
Reservations
800-263-2305
hotel 503-228-1212
fax 503-228-3598
Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 /
Alice
In the heart of downtown Portland, style and comfort along with superb service greets you at Hotel Lucia (pronounced Lu-see-a). Lucia’s owner is an art enthusiast. In particular, he is a northwest artists enthusiast and he has used Hotel Lucia as a showcase to share his private collection of works by artists Gregory Grenon, Michael Brophy, and pulitzer prize winning photo journalist David Hume Kennerly, to name only a few. At every turn guests are met up with more art. It’s in the lobby, guestrooms, gym & weight room, computer room, corridors, stairs, and elevators. Even a run for ice becomes a truly enriching experience at Hotel Lucia.
In addition to their fine art collection, other amenities make for a very special stay. These include a pillow menu (soft, medium, firm, extra firm, U-neck, body), luxury linens, plush robes, and Aveda bath products. You can also enjoy 24 hour room service featuring Thai/American cuisine from the famous Typhoon Restaurant.
400 SW Broadway
Portland, OR 97205
(503) 225-1717 - Toll Free: 877-225-1717
www.hotellucia.com
Tuesday, October 13th, 2009 /
Alice
Perhaps you have visited Portland’s restaurant guide whereslulu.com. There you will find reviews on Portland area restaurants, bars, coffee houses and shops. Their reviews critique not only food and service but also how well the built environment serves persons with disabilities. And they’re not talking chain restaurants. Rather, they search out special and intimate neighborhood spots.
Co-founder Toshio Meronek tells me they also have a guide to San Francisco. Please visit them at http://san-francisco.whereslulu.com/.
Thursday, October 01st, 2009 /
Alice
A great website to find restaurant, bar, coffee house and shop reviews can be found at www.whereslulu.com. Not only do they critique the food and service of area restaurants, but they also critique how well the built environment of the facility serves persons with disabilities. Their mission statement is as follows:
“We want to increase visibility in the disability community and establish higher standards of accessibility for businesses and public places in general. We believe strongly that diversity and equality are integral to a healthy, happy society. We aim to eliminate the stress and frustrations of trying to find accessible, fun venues so you can relax and connect with other people into the same things as you.”
If you are interested in trying a new restaurant please check out www.whereslulu.com. They also want to hear from you and find out what places you have discovered in the Portland area that served you well.
Thursday, October 01st, 2009 /
Alice
Play structure in shape of a giant mastadon rib cage.
Playtime contributes greatly to a child’s physical, mental, emotional and social growth. Until recent years children with disabilities have missed out on this very important aspect of development due to inaccessable parks and playgrounds. Since guidelines for bringing playgrounds into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) were issued in the year 2000, playgrounds have become more than swings and slides. Newly built and altered playgrounds are now accessible to children with disabilities. Playground features are designed to promote imaginative, inclusive and interactive play.
An excellent example can be found at Ibach Park in Tualatin, Oregon. The park includes accessible paths, baseball diamond, tennis courts and a play area that highlights Tualatin’s rich historical past. The prehistoric area features a giant mastadon rib cage where children dig in sand to unearth archeological finds. This area is accessible from a transfer platform to allow the disabled child to play in the sand pit. From the opposite side a child can access from level ground covered with a wheelchair accessible synthetic safety surface. Children can also play with the water feature that is activated by touch sensor. Once activated, a slow trickle of water winds downhill encouraging children to build dams and direct water flow. Children can let imaginations carry them down the Tualatin River in the role of Native Americans as they travel by canoe that can accommodate wheelchair users.
These universally designed playgrounds and parks are being built across the country, allowing children with disabilities to participate in play experiences that are so important to their development. If you have visited these parks please share them with others. I welcome you to post your finds on my MAP-ME interactive map.
