One of the most adventurous experiences is traveling alone. Many women are taking the initiative to plan a vacation for themselves. Considerations include safety, ease of access and comfort. For women who like exciting weather and trendy cities, the Pacific Northwest offers fresh air, vibrant downtowns and natural settings.
Portland, Oregon, is situated on the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. Downtown Portland offers tax-free shopping along with art galleries and trendy restaurants. Attractions include Pioneer Square, Pioneer Place Shopping Pavilion and the Portland Art Museum. The MAX Light Rail takes visitors to Nob Hill, the Hoyt Arboretum and the Japanese Rose Gardens.
Listed as one of the world's top 500 hotels, Hotel Monaco Portland gives easy access to the downtown area and city transportation. Dating from 1912, the hotel's decor incorporates Anglo-Chinois style with original work by Northwest artists. The on-site fitness center has exercise equipment for cardiovascular, balance, strength and yoga. The hotel is designated eco-friendly, offering shade-grown fair-trade coffee and energy-conservation practices. The guest rooms provide cotton sheets, comforters, and a selection of pillows.
Hotel Monaco Portland
506 S.W. Washington at Fifth Avenue
Portland, OR 97204
503-222-0001
monaco-portland.com
Seattle, Washington, located on Puget Sound, gives visitors a choice of activities. Downtown shopping includes department stores such as Nordstrom and Westlake Mall. Nearby Pike
Place Market combines shops, fresh seafood and music. The Seattle Art Museum provides a time-line of art, from Pacific Northwest tribes to modern and contemporary. Throughout the city is the aroma of freshly brewed espresso.
The downtown Sheraton is only steps away from Seattle activities, with views of Mount Rainier, the Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound. Hotel guests can use the fitness center and the indoor swimming pool, lap pool and Jacuzzi, all on the 35th floor with views of Seattle and surrounding areas. A business center and Internet access are available. Guest rooms offer beds made with 300-thread-count linen sheets, down comforters and feather or hypoallergenic pillows. A desk and ergonomic chair in front of a window, with a LCD flat panel television and cable television are among the amenities.
Sheraton Hotel and Resort
1400 6th Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98101
206-621-9000
sheraton.com
Many visitors travel from Seattle to Victoria on the Victoria Clipper, a sleek catamaran. During the three-hour ride from Puget Sound to the Strait of Juan de Fuca, passengers may see whales before arriving at Victoria's Inner Harbor, on Vancouver Island. Victoria offers a quaint downtown area packed with restaurants, shops and cultural activities. Attractions include the Royal British Columbia Museum, Parliament Buildings and the Pacific Undersea Gardens.
Visitors arriving at Victoria's Inner Harbor will immediately see the castlelike Fairmont Empress Hotel, located on the waterfront. The Empress is a famous landmark known for afternoon tea, served according to British custom with sandwiches, pastries and fresh fruit. The Victorian-era architecture holds restaurants, a spa, a fitness area, a heated indoor pool and whirlpool. Guest rooms include sitting areas, bathrobes, cable television and down-filled comforters.
The Fairmont Empress Hotel
721 Government Street
Victoria, British Columbia
Canada
V8W1W5
250-384-8111
fairmont.com/empress
