BonvoyTraveler

  Portland Sign!      My best-friend was getting married in Palm Springs and I was playing the role of best-man.  Instead of flying down as I usually do I thought it might be fun to take a road trip down stopping in some spots along the way that I had not visited in awhile or in some cases at all and it was easier to bring the dog this way and a lots of items for the wedding and for a month long journey.  Leaving Seattle on a Saturday I made my way the easy three hour drive down to Portland Oregon.         Typically I stay at the Nines, one of my favorite city hotels in the United States, but this time I opted for the Courtyard Portland City Center.  With a good central location with easy access to the water, downtown and the Pearl and right next to the main food truck area, the hotel's proximity to most of the spots I would be seeing during my 16 hour stopover was perfect.       The hotel is very functional and no frills.  There was a very low rate which included valet parking bu

      Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Room View        I just returned from a quick trip to Vancouver where I stayed at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre after having been to see family in Victoria.  On this stay I used a Suite Upgrade to guarantee a Suite.  The hotel has completed much needed renovations with the exception of the still dated gym.  I always prefer the South Tower which houses the Club Lounge, main lobby, and many of the suites.  The Club Lounge itself is a magnificent split level lounge with stunning views and an outdoor patio a good food selection for breakfast and dinner, and helpful staff.  The renovated rooms have a pleasant and neutral decor with beautiful views.    The North Tower was only built in 2001 and remains one of Vancouver's tallest buildings, but despite this relatively young age the rooms in this tower have now been recently renovated very nicely.  Though not as large as the suites in the South Tower, some of the rooms on the upper floor of the Nor