Portland hotel has 'Shades of Grey' tieMention of Portland's Heathman Hotel pops up 18 times in the erotic bestseller "Fifty Shades of Grey," as Anastasia Steele and her billionaire beau Christian Grey meet in elevator No. 3 and have dinner in a private dining room. Chris Erickson, the hotel's general manager, says he has no plans for tours but welcomes tourists who have been dropping in to look around. Bigger spenders looking to re-create Steele's birthday party can opt for the Heathman's $2,750 "Charlie Tango No Limits" package, including wine, dinner and a helicopter ride over the city for six. Rooms are extra. www.heathmanhotel.com.
SEATTLE TIMES
Costa offers credits with some cruisesBook a select Costa cruise and receive shipboard credits of up to $300 per cabin. Deal applies to 45 European departures through October. Book an inside cabin and receive $50 a person; an oceanview stateroom, $100 a person; and a balcony cabin, $150. Credit is valid on extras not included in the cruise price, such as shore excursions and spa services. Rates vary by itinerary and cabin category. For example, an inside cabin on Costa Serena's seven-night cruise departing Civitavecchia near Rome on Nov. 12 starts at $449 per person double. Book by Aug. 31. Info: 1-800-462-6782; www.costacruise.com.
WASHINGTON POST
