by Anna Nordberg, Sunset Special Projects Editor

The revamped motel-turned-hotel is catching on now, and one of the shiniest examples is Portland's Hotel Modera, a makeover of an old Days Inn. The only inkling that this used to be a dumpy motel chain is the facade of cookie cutter window casings, but the resemblance ends there. Witty decor (including faux-fur bedspreads) and an ultra-cool courtyard with fire pits and a living wall of plants scream boutique hotel, in the best possible way.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Hotel Modera

The real mystery, though, is how the hotel seems to have upgraded everything but the rates. Rooms start at the bargain basement price of $119 (OK, for Portland, that's pretty incredible), with rates dipping below that if you're a AAA member, a government employee...the list goes on. 

PHOTO: Courtesy of Hotel Modera

Book it: from $119; hotelmodera.com

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