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Inexpensive Design at Portland's Jupiter Hotel

We've got to thank Cool Hunting for featuring this Portland hotel (or motel, depending on the reviews), which might end our hunt for a good place to rest our head on our next visit up North. It may be a bit loud and no frills, but we're suckers for good, inexpensive design...
 
 

And an on-site music venue and bar (The Doug Fir Lounge) doesn't hurt, either. After all, if we're on vacation we've got to act accordingly. Here are a few things we like about this place:


  1. How to create an inexpensive room on a budget: keep things minimal, add decorative touches that don't break the bank (we're pretty sure that mirror is Ikea) and a dose of color (we love the mustard gold pillows).

  2. The bathroom gains some interest with a vintage-inspired turquoise toilet and sink and a shower curtain (an old style from Urban Outfitters, we believe) with visual appeal.

  3. Chalkboard doors for leaving a message without disturbing anybody.

  4. Rounds of wood around the bar could be perfect for covering a less than perfect facade. It also adds to the woodsy mountain lodge feel of the place

  5. A little art is added via photo murals.


Sure, it's not a spread from Elle Decor, but these are nice, cheap decorative tips that we could see working great in a young person's apartment. What do you think of the Jupiter Hotel and Doug Fir Lounge's decor?


Images: 1, kandyjaxx 2, yourfavoritemartian; 3, labelreader; 4, eyeliam; 5, Cool Hunting. All Flickr photos licensed for use under Creative Commons.

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Comments (17)

my husband and i reserved a room at the Jupiter three years ago, but bailed for another place as soon as we were shown the room. holes in the wall & a filthy ikea rug to greet us made us turn around and run for the front desk. they didnt even offer us another room.

posted by jaytee on April 24th 2009 at 8:42pm
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I agree w/ jaytee, it is a gross place. We were there when Jupiter had just opened, and yet the room was dirty and run down. We gave the Jupiter another chance a year later, and again the room was filthy and unmaintained. by then, the Doug Fir lounge had opened, and at night it was like sleeping in a dirty cardboard box in the middle of a drunken frat house.

posted by NiceWigs on April 24th 2009 at 9:52pm
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So I don't know about the hotel, but the Doug Fir is an absolutely awesome place! It's like a funky ski lodge that doesn't know what decade it came from... In a good way! I'd rather be a partier in the couryard than a guest in the rooms due to the noise... =)

posted by barbidahll on April 25th 2009 at 12:09am
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Jupiter Hotel is a dump. I can't think of one redeeming quality.

posted by retromod on April 25th 2009 at 4:40am
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The Jupiter Hotel may look interesting but don't plan on getting any sleep there. It's party central and the party takes place right outside your window! The ikea furniture and décore have not held up very well at all. I'd have to say that the place looks worn out and dingy. the edges have definately frayed.

posted by chartreuse on April 25th 2009 at 10:35am
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The Doug Fir is one of my favorite music venues in town, but there are so many other (and more quiet and cool) hotels in town that are doing reduced room pricing due to the economy. Jupiter may have the cheapest rooms but they don't have the best value.

posted by sara mc on April 25th 2009 at 10:59am
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I agree with the above comments. It is pretty affordable, but that isn't worth missing a night's sleep. Fine--go to see a band play, but don't try the food.

posted by brittanykate on April 25th 2009 at 11:49am
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thanks for all the advice! it's too bad because the pics make it look pretty cool. will definitely have to check out the doug fir, though.
-lily

posted by sflily on April 25th 2009 at 12:46pm
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Doug Fir is great---lots of bands, and also monthly etsy-type vendors selling their wares. I'm also a fan of the blackberry milkshake. The Jupiter isn't so nice up close. Across the river, roughly 20 blocks away, is the Ace...nice!

posted by krister on April 25th 2009 at 3:51pm
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As many others have commented the Jupiter is oh so yucky! i have given them 2 chances to redeem themselves and my hubby a 3rd but they just can't seem to get the clean thing right. the noise is well noisy and the decor very cute but when your 2 year old finds a stash of weed in the dresser well thats not a plus for me. the doug fir is terrific, the stump town coffee rocks and the atmosphere is just as addictive. i agree sleep at the Ace hotel and just go to the doug fir for breakfast!

posted by indiebaby on April 25th 2009 at 8:45pm
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Ditto on the Jupiter...might look good in photos or in dim lighting, but in reality is filthy. Whoever posted a story on the Jupiter should do a little research first.

posted by jscolas1 on April 25th 2009 at 9:41pm
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The entry states... "this Portland hotel (or motel, depending on the reviews)" -- That does not make sense. Something is either a hotel OR a motel. The word motel comes from the words motor and hotel. A motel allows you to drive up to your room and park your car nearby. A hotel does not. It is not a matter of class or quality.

Although, motels do tend to be cheaper because they cater to car travellers. Just because a hotel is crappy does not mean it should then be called a motel.

posted by AlexPDL on April 25th 2009 at 10:21pm
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I got stuck on the bathroom picture with the toilet seat up. It irks me. Maybe because I'm always putting the toilet seat down after boys come through my house.

I'll take the pictures as inspirational, but the reviews seem less than stellar which is unfortunate.

posted by iheartdesign on April 26th 2009 at 4:21pm
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I've stayed at the Jupiter, and while I didn't find it dirty, I didn't think the design was anywhere near as fresh and creative as that of the Ace. Yeah, it's cool that the Doug Fir is next door, but it's easy enough to walk or bike across the river from a better hotel in SW. Everything about the Ace is brilliant, from the art to the record players to the salvaged-wood furniture, and the staff is wonderful. Next time you're up this way, drink at the Doug Fir--or the Clyde Common--but stay at the Ace.

posted by inasec on April 26th 2009 at 4:43pm
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Stay at the Ace instead.
http://www.acehotel.com/portland

posted by hessilou on April 26th 2009 at 6:09pm
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the bedding does not look fresh....

posted by icedesign on April 27th 2009 at 10:56am
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I think the doug fir has held up really well despite the crowds and abuse most bars and restaurants take on a day to day basis. Its also great that they host the Crafty Wonderland shows every month. I have heard the Jupiter Hotel can be quite noisy so bring some earplugs for sure if you decide to stay there.

posted by jennyleigh on April 27th 2009 at 6:19pm
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