Starwood Luxury Collection The Nines Opens in Portland

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and Sage Hospitality today announced the opening of the Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel, unveiling a new level of style, sophistication and eco-luxury to the Pacific Northwest.

A vital part of the revitalization of downtown Portland, the Nines features 331 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites, an extensive art collection featuring rotating installations by local artists, a stylish modern steakhouse, a private floor-to-ceiling library curated by Powell's Books, an exclusive Club Floor, state-of-the-art fitness facilities and 14,000 square feet of eco-friendly meeting and event space.

The Luxury Collection® Hotels & Resorts is a glittering ensemble of more than 69 of the world's finest hotels and resorts in more than 26 countries in bustling cities and spectacular destinations around the world.

Housed in the top nine floors of the landmark Meier & Frank building, the Nines is an architectural gem that pays homage to the building's storied history while offering a new level of modern luxury in downtown Portland. Upon arrival at the hotel lobby, guests enter a soaring, seven-story atrium featuring a glass skylight that provides natural light throughout the interior.

An ideal choice for business travelers and global explorers alike, the Nines features an on-site Business Center, a Club Floor and Lounge, and a state-of-the-art fitness facility. The hotel also features 14,000 square feet of green conferencing and event space, all outfitted with the latest communications technologies. For guests looking for a private escape, The Library at the Nines offers an inviting respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, featuring a custom pool table and a floor-to-ceiling library with a collection curated by Powell's Books in Portland.

With culinary options developed by the successful Denver-based Sage Restaurant Group, the Nines features Urban Farmer, a stylish modern steakhouse with an emphasis on using ingredients from the efforts of local ranchers, farmers and fishermen.

In support of the local art community, the Nines has partnered with Art Consultant Paige Powell, long time friend of Andy Warhol, who commissioned Portland artists to create bold installations that will be featured in the public areas of the hotel. Each guestroom will feature original, indigenous artworks created by way of a partnership between the Nines and the Pacific Northwest College of Art.

Eco-consciousness has been a key element of the Nines, which anticipates LEED Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. To achieve this prestigious designation, conservation-focused plumbing, including low-flow faucets, have been put in place in order to save 500,000 gallons of water each year. All housekeeping products are "Green Seal" certified and the hotel retains 100 percent of its energy from renewable sources including wind power and carbon offsets. Throughout the building process, 24 million pounds of material was removed and 90 percent of construction waste was diverted from landfills for reuse or recycling.