Columbia Gorge Hotel and Spa

The Columbia Gorge Hotel and Spa is the grand old lady of Hood River, and it is the most atmospheric place to stay in the area. Lumber magnate and philanthropist Simon Benson built it in 1921, after buying the earlier Wah Gwin Gwin hotel and its grounds, and it opened as the Hotel Benson on June 21 of that year. Portland architect Morris Whitehouse designed it, and Italian stonemasons who had worked on the Columbia River Highway built its stone walls and bridges. The timbered look of the interior beams is actually plaster, a detail the hotel shares with pride. It sits on a cliff above the river just west of downtown, beside a waterfall on the property, and the setting alone is enough to explain why presidents and film stars stayed here in its early years. Today the hotel is privately owned and operated as a boutique property with around 40 guest rooms, an award-winning restaurant called Simon's Cliffhouse, the Valentino Lounge, an outdoor terrace and meeting space for small events. Rooms have recently been renovated, and the style leans toward old-world comfort, with views of the gardens, the river or the Washington bluffs depending on the room. The spa adds massage and treatment options, and weddings and celebrations make the terrace a lively place on summer weekends. Quiet mid-week stays feel entirely different, with the sound of the falls and the Gorge wind in the trees.

The location is secluded rather than central. You are a few minutes by car from downtown Hood River, the waterfront and the railroad depot, and close to the Historic Columbia River Highway, which makes the hotel a good base for couples and for visitors who value character over walkability. If you want to walk to breweries and shops, a downtown hotel is easier, but if you want a romantic setting with a memorable breakfast, this is the place.

Book early for summer weekends and for the autumn harvest season, when the Gorge is busiest. Ask about room types, since views, bed sizes and bathrooms vary in an older building, and check parking, pet and event policies when you reserve. Dinner at the Cliffhouse is worth planning ahead for, and the lounge is a pleasant place for a drink if you are not staying.

Pair a stay with the Mount Hood Railroad, a Fruit Loop afternoon and a sunset walk on the grounds. Note that historic buildings have quirks, such as stairs and limited elevator access to some areas, so mention mobility needs when you book.

The hotel suits anniversaries, small weddings, quiet getaways and travellers who like their lodging to have a story. Families are welcome, but the atmosphere is calm and adult oriented, so energetic children may prefer a motel-style option with a pool. If you plan a morning on the water or a hike, remember that breakfast here is a highlight, and a leisurely start is part of the appeal.