Why Canopy By Hilton Is A Smart Hotel Brand For Solo Female Travel

One of my fondest childhood memories was taking family roadtrips to cities. Where we lived in rural South Central Pennsylvania was simple and quiet, so getting up close to famous landmarks like Washington, D.C.’s Lincoln Memorial and seeing so much diversity and energy in one place was a welcome change of scenery.

I still get a thrill out of visiting urban American destinations. In contrast to the jaunts of my youth, though, I prefer doing these trips solo now. While having a companion has its time and place—typically for longer overeas vacations that require more detailed planning—I love exploring American cities indendently at my own pace. And though choosing a solid hotel proved challenging in the past, this year I’ve become loyal to a brand that may surprise you: Canopy by Hilton.

Unveiled in 2014, Canopy by Hilton is the global hospitality brand’s first lifestyle brand combining the best qualities of boutique hotels (modern design, locally-curated food and drink) and dependable hotel chains (safety, amenities like gyms) with addresses in the world’s most desirable destinations. Hilton Honors members and jetsetters alike responded favorably to the launch; currently, there are are 45 Canopy locations worldwide, with 29 in the pipeline. And compared to other higher-end properties, Canopy’s nightly rates are very competitively priced under $300.

To experience the brand’s ever-growing appeal—and learn why it’s such a smart choice for solo female travelers—I visited two Canopy properties on opposite sides of the country, Canopy by Hilton Portland Pearl District and Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront, a couple months ago.

Here’s what you can enjoy across all Canopy by Hilton hotels: a warm staff that’s eager to help with no air of stuffiness. You’ll also be welcomed with a modern and residental-feeling design; common spaces are kitted out with ample seating and tables for working, socializing, and everything in between.

The signature Just-Right accommodations are true to their name: entry-level rooms are space-saving yet savvy with their open configurations, oversized windows for maximum light, and low-slung Canopy Serta beds, while suites merge the comforts of home with the convenience of a full-service hotel. Other standard perks include water stations and glass bottles—sustainability is one of the Canopy’s key pillars—Nespresso machines in every room, and a fitness enter.

What makes every Canopy by Hilton hotel special, however, is the locally-curated food and beverage. It would have been easy for the brand to roll out the same culinary offerings across its portfolio; instead, each property gets to showcase what makes their hometowns unique and different.

At Vaux, Canopy by Hilton Portland Pearl District’s all-day restaurant and bar, the menu reflects Portland touches and global influences (think: warm pretzel with Tillamook beer cheese, sausage-topped Oregon corn polenta, pastrami sandwich with local pale ale-infused sauerkraut). The beverages, too, pay homage to the region with a strong showing from area breweries (Occidental Kolsch, Migration Straight Outta Portland) and wineries (A to Z, Lange).

Meanwhile, Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront’s two dining concepts, Salt Yard and Luna Rooftop Bar, turn out the iconic foods Maine’s biggest city is famous for—and much more. An open, industrial-feeling space that transforms from daytime cafe to evening lounge, Salt Yard serves up a tender lobster roll brightened by citrus aioli alongside lesser-known Portland sips and bites like Rwanda Bean coffee and Orchard Ridge Farm bagels. But it’s tough to top the appeal of Luna Rooftop Bar, where you’ll see locals and hotel guests savoring icy local oysters and Maine crab bruschetta with the tranquil waterfront as the backdrop. It’s a lovely place to enjoy everything that makes Portland such a beloved destination.