T+L’s Premier Hotel Review of Cascada Thermal Springs & Hotel in Portland, Oregon

Photo credit: www.travelandleisure.com

Cascada Thermal Springs + Hotel

Located in Portland, Oregon, the Cascada Thermal Springs + Hotel stands out as the city’s largest hydrothermal spa. It features five underground pools with varying temperatures, complemented by a hammam-inspired steam room and dry sauna. The hotel offers 100 minimalist guest rooms designed with sustainably sourced timber ceilings and equipped with kitchens and laundry facilities. The main restaurant, Terra Mae, helmed by chef Megan Sky, artfully combines Portuguese and Japanese culinary influences in a beautifully appointed dining space. Guests can also unwind in The Conservatory, a tropical-inspired oasis with an inviting swimming pool, a stunning 25-foot high living wall, and exotic flora partnered with the Portland Botanical Garden. This hotel is situated in the Alberta Arts District, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere filled with independent shops, eateries, cafés, and art galleries.

In today’s hotel landscape, the term “wellness destination” is often used loosely. However, Cascada Thermal Springs + Hotel genuinely earns this title. On a rainy spring evening, I found myself lying in a softly lit room with local residents, enjoying a transformative sound bath session led by Stephanie Starnes. Combining the soothing sounds of crystal singing bowls, gongs, and her own voice, the experience transcended my previous encounters with sound healing.

Sound healing is among the diverse wellness activities offered at Cascada, which also includes yoga, breathwork, meditation, pilates, and high-intensity workouts. Nestled in a lively urban neighborhood, the hotel presents a unique retreat-like environment, allowing visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Central to this experience is the thermal springs and spa, a sprawling two-floor sanctuary featuring various pools, saunas, and treatment rooms, perfect for indulging in a comprehensive hydrotherapy experience.

“This marks our first venture into the hotel sector,” Danya Feltzin, executive vice president of SolTerra, shared during a tour of the LEED platinum-certified property. Unlike most upscale hotels concentrated downtown, Cascada occupies a neighborhood that feels authentically Portland, filled with locals, creating a companionable atmosphere. “We aimed for a hotel that would integrate with the community,” Feltzin revealed. The lobby buzzed with Portlanders engaging with friends, having meetings, or stopping by for coffee, enhancing the hotel’s connection to its surroundings.

During my stay, I connected with local business owners running nearby cafés and galleries, allowing me to appreciate Cascade’s boutique vibe. The blend of tranquility from sound healing and meditation sessions, combined with the striking design elements of the hotel, left me with a sense of calm. More than just a place to rest, Cascada’s philosophy embraces an understanding of Portland’s unique character and its community.

Here’s an overview of the experience staying at Cascada, including highlights from the hotel’s thermal springs and spa.

The Rooms

I was fortunate to have a two-bedroom suite on the fourth floor, giving me the impression of living in my own apartment—with views overlooking the Alberta Arts District, surrounded by charming local homes and independent shops. Sustainability is integral to the design, visible in the timber ceilings, cork-upholstered sofas, organic cotton-and-wool king-size mattresses, and natural plaster walls. Even the basic rooms feature kitchenettes and washer/dryers, making it an excellent option for those planning longer stays or preferring self-catering. The bathroom was impressive, featuring sleek slate-gray stonework, a deep soaking tub, and luxurious botanical-scented bathing products.

Food and Drink

Cascada plans to offer four dining outlets, but during my visit, I enjoyed two: Terra Mae, the primary restaurant, and Alberta Street Coffee, a casual café in the lobby. Dining at Terra Mae felt vibrant and bustling, akin to a weekend atmosphere despite it being midweek. The fusion menu focuses on the historical connection between Portuguese and Japanese cuisines, with standout dishes like Fisherman’s Stew featuring black cod and prawns, and creative udon offerings. Alberta Street Coffee was a perfect stop for morning coffee and delicious, health-focused meals without the use of seed oils in food preparation.

Activities and Experiences

The underground thermal springs and saunas—collectively referred to as The Sanctuary—were a highlight of my stay. What began as a one-time visit quickly turned into three, as I found the experience deeply rejuvenating. Above ground, The Conservatory offers a contrasting space with an 82-degree pool surrounded by a living botanical wall, designed in partnership with the Portland Botanical Garden. This area benefits from natural light due to specialized energy-efficient glass, creating an uplifting environment. Contrarily, The Sanctuary promotes tranquility with its no-talking policy, attracting a mix of guests from the neighborhood as much as hotel visitors. Later this year, an outdoor thermal pool area will also be introduced.

Additionally, there are well-equipped gyms, one focusing on strength and the other on cardio, both featuring TechnoGym machines.

For a true taste of Portland’s culture, a stroll down Alberta Street offers an engaging experience, showcasing 20 blocks filled with independent shops, cafés, and art spaces. A favorite stop for me was Vivienne, a charming shop dedicated to cookbooks.

The Spa

Beyond the thermal baths, The Sanctuary hosts treatment rooms for facials and massages, making it convenient for guests to transition smoothly from relaxation in the waters to personalized treatments. Massages at Cascada cater to individual preferences, incorporating methods from deep tissue to Swedish techniques, with options for enhancements like CBD and hot salt stones. Similarly, facials are tailored after discussing specific skin needs, leading to some of the best experiences I’ve encountered in relaxation therapy.

Family-friendly Offerings

Family travelers will appreciate the apartment-style accommodations, ideal for those seeking a homely experience in Portland. The kitchenettes and laundry access are significant advantages, yet it is important to note that The Conservatory and The Sanctuary are restricted to guests aged 21 and over.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Fully accessible, Cascada boasts numerous sustainability features, making it the second LEED platinum-certified hotel on the West Coast. Its initiatives include a “green” roof that nurtures biodiversity while also producing edible herbs for the restaurant. Additionally, rainwater harvesting contributes to 15% of the hotel’s yearly sanitary water needs, along with three living walls housing nearly 1,000 plants to enhance air quality and interior climate control.

Location

Staying at Cascada immerses you in one of Portland’s most vibrant neighborhoods, providing a glimpse into the city’s local life. Situated on Alberta Street, the hotel grants easy access to an abundance of independent restaurants, cafés, bars, bookstores, galleries, and boutiques. It’s easy to spend an entire weekend exploring this area without needing a vehicle, as everything is conveniently within walking distance. During my visit, even the gray and chilly weather could not overshadow the lively ambiance from the local pedestrians enjoying their community. Plus, the hotel is only a short 20-minute drive from Portland’s new international airport.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Stay

As an independent establishment, Cascada does not participate in loyalty programs. Hotel guests benefit from discounted access to the thermal baths, with rates starting from $299 per night.

Source
www.travelandleisure.com