Right in the heart of Portland's lovably raffish Stark Street gay entertainment strip, the uber-funky, marginally low-frillish Ace Hotel (1022 S.W. Stark St., 503-228-2277) has major queer-hipster cachet, partly because of where it's located, and partly because of its arty vibe and affordable but striking rooms. The on-site Clyde Commons restaurant, Stumptown coffeehouse, and Kenny & Zuke's Jewish Deli add to the appeal.
The hotel is across the street from one of the city's most popular gay nightspots, Red Cap Garage/Boxxes. The Ace also has properties in Seattle, Palm Springs, and New York City.