Jupiter Hotel

Mr & Mrs Smith have just returned from a review trip to this Portland boutique motel, and just as soon as they’ve unpacked their distressed denim and vintage finds, a full account of their stay in the US will be with you. In the meantime, just to whet your wanderlust, here’s a quick postcard from Jupiter Hotel…

Motels may have originated as roadside stopovers for the travel-weary but Jupiter, in a rock-fuelled rebellion, has bucked that idea and become a destination in itself. With live gigs almost every night, and off-beat film showings on the others, the buzzing Doug Fir Lounge is the main attraction. The bar pulls in music-lovers from all over Portland, and Jupiter Hotel, with its crisp, modern decor and dedicated staff, happily tends to those who come from further afield.

At the heart of the hotel is the communal courtyard, which, with its breezy bamboo, leafy Japanese maples and black and white hanging lanterns, is a great place to exchange groupie-gossip with the other guests. The bedrooms are designed to be easy on a sleepy eye, with minimalist and neutral furniture. However, shots of colour are injected by the wallpapered photomurals and the bright blankets in canary yellow or forest green that top the large beds.

Although from the outside the motel may not scream, or even subtly whisper, 'stylish Smith escape', once you get inside, the uniqueness of Jupiter becomes clear. It will never be the most luxurious of getaways, but if you love your music with a slice of style on the side, then Jupiter Hotel could be just what you are looking for.