Hood River Hotel Review: Historic Hotel in the Heart of Town

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Looking for a unique getaway in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge? Look no further than the Historic Hood River Hotel!

With its beautiful and historic architecture, comfortable rooms, and convenient location in downtown Hood River, the Hood River Hotel has everything you need for a relaxing and memorable stay.

In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the hotel’s amenities, dining options, and more to help you decide if the Historic Hood River Hotel is the right choice for your next vacation in central Oregon.

At the tail end of my road trip through Oregon, I got to experience this character for myself. This is my Hood River Hotel review.

In This Post...

The History Behind the Historic Hood River Hotel

The Historic Hood River Hotel has a rich history dating back to its construction in 1912. The building was designed by architect A.E. Doyle, who is known for his work on several iconic buildings in the Pacific Northwest. The hotel was originally called the Mount Hood Hotel and was built to serve as a grand destination for tourists travelling to Hood River by train.

Over the years, the hotel has played an important role in the community, serving as a social hub and a popular spot for events and gatherings.

The building has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years to maintain its historic charm while also providing modern amenities for guests. Today, the Historic Hood River Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains a beloved landmark in the town of Hood River, Oregon.

Hood River Hotel Rooms

The Historic Hood River Hotel offers a variety of room options to suit different preferences and needs. The rooms are individually decorated with antique furnishings, offering a unique and charming ambience.

The available room options include:

Historic Queen, King, and Double: Cozy and comfortable rooms with a Queen, King, or Double sized bed and a shared bath.
Historic Railroad Suite: a spacious and elegant stay with a king-sized bed, separate living room, fully equipped kitchenette, and views of the historic downtown area. It’s a perfect choice for guests who want to experience the hotel’s rich history in style.
Columbia River Suite: Ideal for families or groups, these suites feature a separate bedroom with a king or queen-size bed, a living area with a sofa bed, a private bath, and additional amenities such as a mini-fridge and microwave.
Rooftop Garden Suite: The Rooftop Garden Queen room at the historic Hood River Hotel offers a private entrance, classic decor, modern amenities, and a stunning rooftop garden with views of the Columbia River Gorge. It’s a unique and luxurious accommodation option for those seeking a memorable experience.
Historic Downtown Suite: a spacious and luxurious stay with a king-sized bed, separate living room, fully equipped kitchenette, and views of downtown Hood River. It’s the perfect choice for guests who want to experience the city’s charm and history in style.
pFriem Brewery Suite: a unique accommodation option that celebrates the local craft beer scene. The suite features a king-sized bed, a separate living room with a sleeper sofa, and a fully equipped kitchenette. The decor is inspired by the nearby pFriem Family Brewers, with vintage beer posters and other beer-related art adorning the walls. Guests can also enjoy a selection of pFriem beers in the suite’s mini-fridge.
Evoke Winery Suite: an elegant stay with a king-sized bed, separate living room, fully equipped kitchenette, and wine-related decor. Guests can also enjoy a selection of Evoke wines in the suite’s mini-fridge. It’s the perfect choice for wine enthusiasts who want to explore the nearby wineries in comfort and style.
Gorge Suite: A family-sized suite that sleeps up to five people. Plenty of space with a full kitchen and living room and great views of the river and downtown Hood River.
The Bunk House: This unique and affordable accommodation option offers a communal living experience. The room features a mix of single and double bunk beds, accommodating up to eight guests, with lockers provided for each bed. The room is equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, a mini-fridge, and Wi-Fi. The communal bathroom facilities are located down the hall, and guests have access to the hotel’s shared kitchen and lounge areas. The Bunk House is a great option for budget-conscious travellers or groups who are looking for a fun and social stay in Hood River.

Hood River Hotel Amenities

The Historic Hood River Hotel offers a range of amenities to ensure guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Some of the amenities available at the hotel include:

Free Wi-Fi: High-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, so you can stay connected during your stay.
Onsite restaurant: The hotel’s restaurant, Broder Øst, serves Nordic-inspired cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Lobby activities: The hotel hosts live music and other events in its cosy lobby. Be sure to check the Hood River Hotel calendar for your stay!
Meeting and event space: The hotel offers meeting and event space for business or social gatherings.
Pet-friendly rooms: The hotel offers select pet-friendly rooms for guests travelling with their furry companions.
Complimentary coffee and tea: Coffee and tea are available in the lobby throughout the day.
24-hour front desk: The hotel has a 24-hour front desk to assist guests with any needs or questions.

With these amenities and more, the Historic Hood River Hotel provides a comfortable and convenient home away from home for its guests.

Hood River Hotel Location

The Historic Hood River Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Hood River, Oregon, a charming and vibrant town situated along the Columbia River Gorge. The hotel’s location offers easy access to a range of attractions and activities in the area, including:

Water sports: The Columbia River Gorge is a popular destination for water sports such as windsurfing, kiteboarding, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Hiking and biking: The surrounding area offers a range of hiking and biking trails, including the Hood River Fruit Loop, a scenic drive featuring several orchards and farms.
Wine tasting: The Columbia River Gorge is home to a number of wineries and tasting rooms, offering a variety of wines and stunning views.
Shopping and dining: The downtown area of Hood River offers a range of shops, galleries, and restaurants, allowing visitors to explore the town and sample local cuisine.
Local attractions: The area is home to several local attractions, such as the Hood River County History Museum, the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum, and the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center.

The hotel’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the area, with many attractions within walking distance or a short drive away.

Hood River Hotel Restaurant

The restaurant attached to the Historic Hood River Hotel is called Broder Øst, which serves a unique blend of Nordic-inspired cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The Hood River Hotel restaurant’s cozy atmosphere and delicious menu have made it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

The Hood River Hotel restaurant menu at Broder Øst features a range of dishes inspired by Scandinavian and Nordic cuisine, such as:

Smørrebrød: Open-faced sandwiches served on rye bread with a variety of toppings, such as smoked salmon, pickled herring, or beet and goat cheese.
Meatballs: Classic Swedish-style meatballs served with lingonberry sauce and mashed potatoes.
Nordic Bowl: A healthy and hearty bowl featuring smoked trout, roasted beets, kale, and quinoa.
Frikadeller: Danish-style pork meatballs served with red cabbage and braised potatoes.
Lefse: A Norwegian flatbread served with butter and cinnamon sugar.
Lingonberry Spritzer: A refreshing non-alcoholic beverage made with lingonberry syrup, soda water, and fresh lime.

Broder Øst also offers a range of cocktails, beer, and wine, including a selection of Nordic-inspired cocktails such as the Aquavit Old Fashioned and the Cloudberry Margarita.

The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch and also offers a weekend brunch menu featuring a variety of sweet and savoury dishes, such as Swedish pancakes, eggs benedict, and a smoked trout omelette.

My Hood River Hotel Review Experience

I arrived early evening at the Hood River Hotel and, after a quick check-in, dropped my bags and headed out to explore the town. I got some great recommendations from the front desk staff on where to eat and grand a pint.

When I got back to the hotel I made use of the free coffee in the lobby and worked on some photo editing around the inviting fireplace. There I met a friendly group in town celebrating a wedding at the hotel. I managed to get myself an invite to the event and would have taken them up on it if I wasn’t on my way out of town the next morning.

Speaking of morning, I had a great sleep but did have to make use of the included earplugs. This was more so because I was travelling with my brother rather than the hotel’s location near the train tracks.

After an incredible feast at Broder Øst highlighted by Danish pancakes and fritters, I checked out and hit the road. Although it was a short stay, the central location and uniqueness of the Historic Hood River Hotel were perfect for my brief time in town and will happily return.

Where to Stay in Hood River Oregon – Wrapping up

The Historic Hood River Hotel is an iconic hotel located in the heart of downtown Hood River, Oregon. The hotel offers a range of comfortable and classically decorated rooms that pay homage to the history the hotel has experienced. With amenities such as free Wi-Fi, live music in the lobby, and an onsite restaurant serving Nordic-inspired cuisine, guests are sure to have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

The hotel’s central location also provides easy access to a range of outdoor activities, local attractions, shopping, and dining. Overall, the Historic Hood River Hotel is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a comfortable and memorable stay in a historic and charming setting.

If you are heading south on an Oregon road trip, be sure to check out the Campfire Hotel, the Hood River Hotel’s sister property in Bend.

Ready to book at the Historic Hood River Hotel? Search for the lowest rates!

Hood River Hotel Frequently Asked Questions

How many rooms does the Hood River Hotel have?

The Hood River Hotel has 41 guestrooms in a variety of configurations to suit different needs and preferences.

How old is the Hood River Hotel?

The Hood River Hotel was originally built in 1912 making it over 100 years old. It has undergone several renovations and updates over the years to maintain its historic charm and character while offering modern amenities and services to its guests.