WOW!! So many wonderful things to say about Jewell's Landing, where do I begin?
If one has never stayed on a floating home (which is not the same as a houseboat, which has a motor ;-), it is a MUST DO when in Portland. The only place to stay is Jewell's Landing! The moorage has friendly people and lots of great dogs! The vibe is so unique, laid back, full of nature and interesting array of floating homes. We saw baby ducks, geese, birds, a loon and even a large sea lion swimming.
Upon arriving, one will appreciate the dock carts that help you bring your belongings from the parking lot to the entrance of a magical place. Plus, the wide concrete docks make it easy to get around and are stable on the water. Look for the delightful, vintage hand carved sign above the entrance that says “Jewel’s Landing”.
The entrance opens right into the large gourmet kitchen filled with wonderful appliances, spices, specialty dishes and accouterments. Extra bonus: large five burner gas stove, wine fridge, Kitchen Aid mixer and Vitamix. So many memories created in the kitchen cooking delicious meals, which many of the ingredients came from the local Vancouver Farmer’s Market. The floating home has at least 6 different kinds of herbs to use. I made a blackberry gin martini one night and added sprigs of tarragon. The kitchen has all the tools for martini making and wine drinking.
A big long table available for dinner, game playing and many conversations is in the middle of the room. It had a delightful welcome basket provided by the host. An amazing amenity with fruit, chocolate, wine and much more. We spent many nights on comfy leather sofas watching our own TV, due to the great smart TV provided. The fans over each sofa were perfect during hot days.
The best part is just a few steps away through French doors on the patio float, which faces the North Portland Channel. The float has a comforting hot tub, a firepit flanked by two large custom sofas, BBQ, 2 kayaks, 2 lounge chairs and outdoor table. We spent many hours relaxing and playing on the float and the river. I brought my own standup board, which I was able to use practically every day! Houses are close together but the sides have plants and sides to provide a very private space.
The upstairs is amazing with two separate bedrooms. The King room has an impressive view of the channel (river). It is delightful to wake up with the water and the little birds. The center of the upstairs is a terrific TV room, with comfy sofas, a huge TV with blackout curtains. Great little workspace with keyboard if you want to use it. The full bath upstairs has a good size shower, washer/dryer and the nice ‘soft close lid on the toilet’. Plenty of supplies always available, including disposable cups, sanitizer, TP and paper towels. The beds were the best, very comfortable, soft sheets and lots of pillows make for very sweet nights of sleep. Each bedroom had one bathrobe too!
Look closely throughout the floating home for some interesting and unique items that add character and charm to Jewell’s Landing. Can you find the old man in the sea on the patio float? Look for the chart that is framed with a hand drawing of the local Island Café, a floating restaurant a few blocks away.
Finally, the best feature of the floating home is a responsive, caring and attentive host, who responded so quickly to questions. Hosts can make or break an Airbnb experience. The hosts offered great tips, ideas for our adventure on the water and a perfect welcoming. They made a magical place for people to visit and create lasting memories. We can hardly wait to return again and again and again!