Oregon’s Coziest Seaside Inns

Oregon [1] has only a few big resorts along the coast — instead it features many smaller inns and bed-and-breakfasts that are top spots for a cozy and comfortable stay at smaller and typically Oregon-style lodgings.

Astoria

Astoria’s Hotel Elliott [2] isn’t really an inn — in fact, when it was built in the 1920s, it was the classiest place to stay in Astoria. And with its lovingly restored rooms, rooftop sitting area, and basement bar, it still is. This historic hotel situated in Astoria’s vibrant downtown will get a coast trip off to a great start.

Hehalem Bay

After nosing in and out of coastal harbors, you may wish that you had brought your boat along. Why bother — at Nehalem’s Ripple Run Resort [3], you can settle in for the night on floating but moored boats, in a quiet spot along the Nehalem River.

Depoe Bay

The Channel House in Depoe Bay [4] offers that perfect contrast of luxury and primitive environment. Watch the surging tides colliding with the rocky shore and fishing boats negotiating the narrow harbor from the comfort of your outdoor whirlpool tub.

Newport

History and literature intersect at the Sylvia Beach Hotel in Newport [5], a one-of-a-kind historic hotel-cum-B&B where all the rooms are decorated in literary themes. The Edgar Allan Poe Room, anyone?

Heceta Head

Stay at a historic lighthouse keeper’s home at Heceta Head Lighthouse B&B [6], one of the coast’s most dramatic belvederes. The lighthouse dates from the 1890s and stands on a 1,000-foot-high, forest-clad promontory. Climb to the top of the lighthouse, then come back to the inn for tea and tales of ghosts.

Bandon

Bandon’s Sea Star Guesthouse [7] is right in Old Town, just across from the waterfront. Although there are more elegant places to stay in Bandon (for instance, any of the accommodations at the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort), this is the place that’ll make you feel like you’re part of the heartbeat of this charming town. Even budget travelers can afford the hostel rooms.

Port Orforfd

Drop into a meditative calm at Wildspring Guest Habitat [8], perched above the Pacific Ocean in Port Orford. Everything is designed to lead you to a state of serenity, whether it’s the labyrinth walk, the exquisite hot tub, the meditation alcoves, or the hammock outside your cabin.

Gold Beach

Upriver from Gold Beach, Tu Tu Tun Resort [9] is the only full-out luxury resort on the south coast, and a wonderful place to feel pampered in an Oregonian kind of way. But another good bet along the lower Rogue is the Rogue River Lodge [9], an erstwhile budget motel that’s been totally remodeled into comfy riverside suites.

Brookings

Down in Brookings there are a couple of fine B&Bs. If you want to be near the ocean, stay at the South Coast Inn [10], an elegant Bernard Maybeck–designed house; if you’d rather be up the Chetco River, near the Kalmiopsis Wilderness Area [11], surrounded by lavender gardens, the Chetco River Inn [10] is the best bet.