What kind of traveler are you?
For some, a chain resort is preferable. One with a lovely pool where they can just park themselves there for a week.
That is SO BORING. Who wants to travel hundreds or even thousands of miles just to sit and bask in front of a pool the whole time?
For others, they like to get up at the crack of dawn and head to the attraction of their choice before most people have even cracked their eyes open. And for others…
Unique hotels in Oregon are a given. Half of the fun of a vacation is finding a cool play to stay.
Say what you will of the chain hotels like Best Western, Hilton, Marriott, and the like. They are great to lay your head at night with some semblance of comfort.
But if you really want to have the full experience of having your pants charmed off while you’re staying in Oregon, consider these incredible, snappy gems.
The Sylvia Beach Hotel
Ah, the quirky Oregon coast. It often reminds me of my eccentric great-aunt – kinda scary and kinda smelly, but damn interesting and a great storyteller.
The bookworm in you will go completely fandango in Newport, OR when you stay in any one of these ‘best-selling’ rooms on the Oregon coast. This property has a long and illustrious list of rooms named after famous authors. Choose from such notables as J.R.R. Tolkien, Virginia Woolf, F. Scott Fitzgerald and J.K. Rowling. The owners are awesome and a hot breakfast is included (with a view of the ocean).
Here you can truly unplug and curl up with a good book with the waves of the Pacific crashing in the background. There are no TVs, telephones, or WiFi in any of the rooms. So if you’re looking to work on your laptop, better find alternate accommodation! For quirky motels on the Oregon coast, you can do no better.
The Vintages
Holy Moly, do you want to rough it in style? Then come to The Vintages, where you can kick back in a super cool and shiny airstream like all of the cool kids do. This is at the heart of the Willamette Valley, not far from world-class wine tasting and rolling hills so gentle you will not even feel the kick of that Pinot Noir you just sampled.
And to combat the effects of the wine from the night before, enjoy some French Press Coffee the following morning, courtesy of Caravan Coffee. You can’t get more local and authentic than that. They have several really comfy and stylish airstreams to choose from and a couple of them will even take your pet. There’s also a dog park right next door. Woof.
The Itty Bitty Inn
Oh my gosh, are you into 1970’s nostalgia? How about Star Trek? No? Well then, how about a Polynesian tiki experience? Or just play it safe with the Oregon Trail. Any of these can be had at the Itty Bitty Inn in North Bend.
Offered exclusively for the budget-minded explorer, you can add such extras as a vintage record player or Atari 2600 to your room, or rent crabbing gear or a mountain bike to your reservation.
McMenamins Hotels
I’ve already showcased the McMenamins empire in a previous post, but I would be remiss not to include them again here. I have a special affinity for McMenamins; not only do they operate some of the quirkiest hotels in Oregon and Washington, but their breweries, distilleries, and pubs are just so inviting and cozy.
The Old Tower B&B
This Mom ‘n Pop bed and breakfast old school, so it doesn’t even have a website. You will have to make your reservations the old fashioned way, and be prepared for a wonderful stay. Circa 1870, it is located in Coos Bay and just happens to be the oldest structure in town. With a 4 minute walk to the Pacific Ocean, what’s not to love?
The owners have put their heart and soul into the place. Shabby-chic rooms are decorated with antiques and service is with a smile. The breakfast is as filling as is your entire experience at this authentic location.
Their address is 476 Newmark Ave, Coos Bay, OR 97420 and they only take reservations by phone at (541) 888-6058.
Unique Hotels in Portland
The City of Roses prides itself on being progressive, funky and weird, and we LOVE it that way. It goes without saying that it also has its fair share of unique hotels. Here is a list of Honorable Mentions for unique stays in Portland.
Ace Hotel, Portland Here is a trendy hotel in downtown Portland that is fairly easy on the pocketbook.
Jupiter Hotel Located right next to the infamous Doug Fir Lounge, this is a cool and funky play to stay.
The Society Hotel (for the budget-minded) No-frills accommodation with great coffee, and nice rooftop and hostel-style bunks in some rooms.
Caravan – A Tiny House Hotel. This one was featured in my tiny house blog post.
The Inn at Northrup Station While not everyone’s cup of tea, these rooms are brightly decorated – you’d think you were in a technicolor dream.
Have you stayed in an interesting hotel in Oregon? Please tell me about it in the comments below!
