Built in 1860, Joslyn House B&B (706 W. Steuben, 509/493-4888, www.joslynhouse.com [1], $86–107 s or d) has seven antique-filled guest rooms with shared baths, plus an outdoor hot tub. A full breakfast is served, and kids are welcome. It is popular during the winter months for visitors eager to ski nearby Mt. Hood Meadows.
Another cozy inn with a long history is Inn of the White Salmon (172 W Jewett Blvd., 509/493-2335 or 800/972-5226, www.innofthewhitesalmon.com [2], $90 s or $106–135 d) in White Salmon [3]. This homey hideaway features charming decor, wireless Internet, a fireplace, hot tub, and delicious gourmet breakfasts. Most rooms have private baths, but if you’re looking for a bargain ask about the eight-bed hostel room ($25 per person).
For a break from the norm, the Columbia River Gorge Hostel (Humboldt and Cedar Streets, 509/493-3363, www.bingenschool.com [4]) might be just your style. This restored 1938 schoolhouse offers 48 hostel beds ($19 pp) and six private rooms ($49 d). This place is a big hit with visiting windsurfers and rock climbers—so much so that windsurfing rentals and lessons are offered on-site and one of the Inn’s amenities is a private climbing wall. A weight room, indoor basketball court, and kitchen area are among the hostel amenities. The Inn is home to memorabilia from the old school days. Reservations are recommended in midsummer.
Links:
[1] http://www.joslynhouse.com
[2] http://www.innofthewhitesalmon.com
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/washington/columbia-gorge-and-wine-country/the-columbia-gorge/white-salmon-and-bingen
[4] http://www.bingenschool.com