What’s better than staying in Hood River on the Columbia Gorge? Staying in a historic Hood River Hotel is top on my list when I visit the Columbia Gorge. With this historic Hood River Hotel review, I’ll share my tips on where the locals dine, play and drink. This fully restored vintage hotel may be older than you and me, but it’s got cozy beds and a great Nordic-inspired restaurant. If only these Hood River, Oregon walls could talk.
Fully restored historic Hood River Hotel
Built in 1912, the historic Hood River Hotel was originally named Mount Hood Hotel. Located next to Mount Hood Railroad and nearby Columbia River, the vintage hotel was where residents went to catch up on news and visitors stayed for business or pleasure. The walls have seen many layers of paint and even survived a fire in room #310, yet she soldiers on. I learned from one Hood River local that the fireplace in the lobby was actually covered and was a surprise discovery, much to the delight of the owners.
Now owned by Tod Breslau, who also serves as managing partner at the Campfire Hotel in Bend and Jupiter Hotel in Portland, the historic Hood River Hotel is a history lovers dream. In fact, The Hood River Hotel holds the distinction of being on the National Register of Historic Places. Within the 42 rooms and 8 suites guests will find vintage photographs enlarged to emphasize a feeling of nostalgia. In our room, historic queen room #203, we had a black and white plaid shirted man looking directly at the camera while he playfully touched the chin of his ski companion on the snow-covered slopes of Oregon’s Mount Hood.
I love how the vintage decor matches the artwork with a splash of black and white color in the accent pillows on the queen bed and a classic candlestick retro black and white telephone on the nightstand. The rooms at the Hood River Hotel are not large and spacious, but they are clean and appointed with Beekman bath amenities at the pedestal sink in the bedroom and the eco-friendly shampoo and bath gel duo in the shower. If you are looking for a hotel with a Japanese soaking tub with water views from the bathroom, this is not the place for you.
About Historic Hood River Hotel
With city and Columbia River views, the hotel has room categories for several price points. The bunkhouse sleeps 10 and offers privacy curtains and charging ports. Due to the nature of the room configuration, the bunkhouse is not pet-friendly.
As this is a vintage hotel there are some differences from a newer hotel such as a mini-fridge with bags of ice for hotel guests on the first floor. During our visit, coffee from Pacific Rim Coffee Roasters and Stash Tea were available downstairs in the hotel lobby. There was also the option of a bucket of beer for purchase at an additional cost. No room service is offered, however beer and wine may be purchased at the front desk.
My one complaint was that I noticed the lack of in-room hair dryer after my shower. I’m told that suites are equipped with hair dryers, but historic room guests will need to pick up a hair dryer from the front desk before your shower. The rooms feature radiator steam heat and air conditioning units for the summer. Our room also included ear plugs for the nightly trains that pass through.
Dog-friendly Hood River Hotel
Having recently stayed at their sister property, the Campfire Hotel in Bend, I was pleased to see that the Hood River Hotel is also dog-friendly. Currently, the hotel charges $20 per day with a maximum two dogs. As a professional hotel reviewer, our dog was disappointed that there were no welcome treats on arrival, or a map of local dog-friendly parks and restaurants. No matter, we have some insider tips to share with you.
Downtown Hood River is very dog-friendly, with doggie waste bag posts prominently displayed at all parks, including the popular Hood River Waterfront Park. We would highly recommend the pet-friendly Kickstand Coffee & Kitchen restaurant.
Broder Øst restaurant in historic Hood River Hotel
With my Norwegian heritage I was pleased to find the Nordic-inspired Broder Øst restaurant housed within Hood River Hotel. Owned by Chad Hinman, Broder Øst is a separate entity from the historic hotel. We loved the house-made aebleskiver Danish pancakes with lingonberry jam and the baked egg skillet with asparagus, caramelized onions and chevre, accompanied with walnut toast. The Swedish breakfast board with soft-boiled egg, granola parfait, danish rye, hard and soft cheeses, smoked ham and trout is also a winner.
The restaurant inside the hotel is not dog-friendly, but there is outside dining available. Hotel rates vary seasonally. Our historic queen room rented for $169 + tax on our visit. There is an additional fee for self parking by Mt. Hood Railroad with in and out privileges.
Hood River Hotel (541) 456-7689
102 SW Oak Street, Hood River, Oregon
Historic Hood River Hotel review, YouTube video and all photography by Oregon-based travel writer Nancy D. Brown. Her stay was organized by Hood River Hotel, however all thoughts and opinions are her own.