This home is an oasis at the beginning or end of your day! Quiet, clean, and beautifully styled. The location can't be beat -- a quick drive/bus ride downtown, and loads of shops, restaurants, bars, and parks within walking distance. Mel's duplex was a perfect home base for Portland. (A note on kids: We traveled with my almost-4 year old, which I worried about after I received the check-in information. But, the house is so well organized and not a lot of clutter, so we didn't have any trouble keeping him away from anything precious. I would have qualms about bringing a younger child, though.)