As we prepared for our first trip to Portland, Heather & Topher's other tiny house was my first choice, but it was booked. Then their new one came available, and Heather helped me get one of the first bookings. Communication was easy and her responses to my questions were quick. While we were at the house Heather checked in on us by text to make sure all was good (it was) - just the right mix of hospitality without intrusion.

We lucked out: with its ingenious layout, abundant natural light, clever efficiencies and new fixtures, it feels much larger than its actual square footage. The selection of prints and the design of the lighting, bannister and railings for the loft express a Portland creative aesthetic.

Wine, chocolate and a selection of maps, guides and useful and engaging reading material greeted us. Kitchen was well arrayed, practical to use to cook for two, if that' your goal, although there are such good options to eat out - real world or as fancy as you like nearby.

The two Smalls are in a great part of town, a quiet street only a two-minute walk from the Mississippi district's shops, cafes, pubs, restaurants and galleries. The location makes it quick to get over the river to the city center or up to some of the other known Portland walking districts like Alberta Arts. Parking was a breeze, no small matter in Portland's more popular areas. Arguably the best laundromat experience you're likely to have is down the block, where, Portland-style, you quaff your hi-end coffees or local craft beer in the cafe, surfing the net while your duds get clean. Back at the Smalls, the wifi was fast and available all the time. Mid-may gave us some cold mornings, and the heaters made it very comfortable.

This was our first introduction to Portland; we lucked out completely; great value, location and hosts - we'd come back to the Mississipi Smalls in a trice. Highly recommended.