Greetings from Portland, Oregon. Below is an update on the area’s newest travel-related developments. We hope you will find this information useful. If you prefer not to receive future media updates on Portland, please click here.

JANUARY TOPICS

Offbeat – Former Funeral Parlor Begins New Life as a McMenamins Pub

Green – Doubletree Hotel & Executive Meeting Center Earns Green Seal of Approval

Cultural – Indie Films Showcased at Portland’s New Living Room Theaters

Funeral Parlor Begins New Life as a McMenamins’ Pub

Portland’s McMenamin brothers are known for transforming historic landmarks into quirky pubs and hotels that attract adventurous visitors looking for something beyond – far beyond – the everyday dining or lodging experience. First the imaginative brothers metamorphosed a former county poor farm into McMenamins Edgefield, a European-style inn with an on-site brewery, winery, par-three golf course, pub, restaurant, herb garden, movie theater and more. Covered floor to ceiling with fanciful paintings and whimsical tile and metal work, Edgefield was an instant hit. The brothers have since gone on to open dozens of additional pubs and lodging properties. The Dec. 12 opening of the Chapel Pub, however, might just herald the oddest addition to the McMenamins empire. The building in which the pub is located was formerly known as the Little Chapel of Chimes funeral home, mortuary and wedding site. The structure was recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. If eating lunch or dinner in a former funeral home sounds a bit spooky, the Chapel Pub’s family-friendly atmosphere will set your mind at ease. The pub has seating for 100 and will feature such McMenamins signature items as Oregon Country Beef burgers, fresh salads, seasonal specials and, of course, McMenamins handcrafted ales. The Chapel Pub is located at 430 N. Killingsworth St. in North Portland, 503.286.0372. For more information on the new pub, click here.

Media Contact: Renee Rank, Marketing Director, McMenamins Hotels, Pubs & Breweries, 503.492.5457, reneer@ed.mcmenamin.com, www.mcmenamins.com

Doubletree Hotel & Executive Meeting Center Earns Green Seal of Approval

The Doubletree Hotel & Executive Meeting Center – Lloyd Center has become the largest full-service hotel, and the only branded property on the West Coast, to achieve a Green Seal GS-33 Lodging Sustainability Certification. Earning this comprehensive standard is the Doubletree's latest step in building sustainability into its entire operation: from how to handle food waste, to which cleaning products to use, to where its eggs come from. The Doubletree is considered a "green leader” in the Portland market and will host the national conference of the Green Meeting Industry Council in February 2007. The hotel is located at 1000 N.E. Multnomah St., Portland; 503.281.6111; www.portlandlloydcenter.doubletree.com. For more information on the Doubletree Hotel & Executive Meeting Center – Lloyd Center, click here.

Media Contact: Veronica Marzilli, public relations account manager, 503.872.9616, veronica@dhxadv.com

Indie Films Showcased at Portland’s New Living Room Theaters

Did your last theater experience include sticky floors, stale popcorn and throngs of moviegoers all jostling to claim the same good seats? If so, it might be time for a change of pace. A world away from the typical multiplex experience, Portland’s new Living Room Theaters marry the comforts of home – cozy recliners, sofas and upscale food – with a dedication to celebrating independent films and filmmakers. Opened in December 2006, Living Room Theaters is located in downtown Portland at 341 S.W. 10th Ave. (just across the street from the new Ace Hotel Portland). Why Portland? The longtime filmmakers behind the venture felt that Portland’s “vibrant, growing film community” and its resident population of enthusiastic film-lovers made the city a perfect fit. In addition to its intimate setting, comfortable seating and wine and beer list, the Living Room Theaters complex boasts an eco-friendly flourish that’s right in line with Portland’s personality. It is the first and only 100 percent all-digital theater in the country. By eliminating the need for celluloid prints and traditional distribution methods, the all-digital concept offers significant environmental advantages, including a reduction in the use of chemicals like silver nitrate. Moviegoers will be equally impressed with the theaters design features: soaring windows, a dramatic sculptural cedar wall, fireplace and the “make yourself at home” arrangements of tables, chairs and sofas. Best of all, when not viewing movies, patrons can enjoy the lounge, free Wi-Fi access, and morning news broadcasts along with coffee and croissants. For more information on Living Room Theaters, click here.

Media Contact: Marc Siegel, public relations account manager, 503.295.1922, marcs@thinkhmh.com, www.livingroomtheaters.com